The Christmas Journey Read Online Free

she’d wielded earlier. “Here, take this. Never know what kind of varmints you’ll meet up with—and I don’t mean just the four-legged kind.”
    Ry slipped his unjustly-maligned derringer back inside his coat. The double-barreled pocket pistol was more formidable than it appeared. “Don’t you need that rifle yourself?” He wasn’t about to compound his first blunder by riding off with her best means of protection.
    But she shrugged off his concern. “I’ve got another one.” A nod toward the far wall indicated a second rifle.
    He studied her a moment, noting her earnest expression, the tightly concealed concern lurking in her eyes. It appeared she was making a peace offering and it would be rude to brush it aside.
    He took the weapon. “Thanks. I’ll return it when I bring the horse back.”
    She nodded. “Once you leave Quinlinn in the morning, it’ll be an easy half day’s ride to Foxberry.”
    “I’ll be fine.”
    “I don’t imagine you’ve had lunch yet.” She fiddled with a straw she’d plucked from the pitchfork. “If you were of a mind to remedy that before you head out, you could head over to the boardinghouse. Just tell my sister I—”
    Ry held up a hand. “Thanks, but I’ll just purchase a few supplies from the mercantile and head out.” The itch to be on his way had returned with a vengeance. He’d wasted too much time already.
    He mounted the horse, gathered the reins and turned to say a quick goodbye. Then paused.
    She’d shoved her hands in her overall pockets and stood watching him. For just a moment, despite her outspokenness, Ry sensed something wistful, something almost vulnerable about the unorthodox female. He had the strangest urge to climb back down and lift some of the weight from her shoulders.
    Which was strange. She wasn’t at all the sort of girl he was usually attracted to.
    Then she straightened and her eyes narrowed. “You take good care of Scout, you hear. I raised him from a colt and I’d take it poorly if you let something happen to him.”
    So much for his instincts. There was nothing vulnerable about this woman. If he offered to help her she’d no doubt throw the offer back in his teeth. And Belle, who actually wanted his help, was waiting in Foxberry.
    “Don’t worry.” He tipped his hat. “I’ll treat him as if he were my own prize thoroughbred. See you in about a week or so.” With that, he set the horse in motion.
     
    Jo felt another stab of jealousy as Mr. Lassiter turned to go. What must it be like to just pick up and head out anywhere, anytime you took a notion to? Someday she’d find out.
    Or so she prayed every night.
    She rubbed the side of her face. I truly am trying to be patient, Lord. But I’m twenty-three and not getting any younger.
    With a sigh, she let it go and watched Mr. Lassiter ride the short distance to Danvers’ Mercantile. One thing she could say for the man, he sat a horse well. Seemed to have a knack for appearing both relaxed and in command at the same time.
    Seemed he’d do all right with Scout, after all.
    At least he wouldn’t have the weather to worry about.November was one of those changeable months in these parts. You could have mild weather one day and frost the next. This was one of the sunnier days.
    Jo watched him step past the table of pumpkins and gourds Mr. Danvers had set up out front and enter the mercantile. With a shake of the head, she decided she’d wasted enough time worrying about the stranger, and turned back to the livery. Then frowned.
    Otis’s and Clete’s horses were hitched in front of the saloon. Now, why in blue blazes were they still hanging around town?
    She retrieved the second rifle and carefully loaded it. They probably wouldn’t be back to bother her, but it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared. Especially if those polecats were getting liquored up.
    Jo sat at her worktable where she had a clear view of the street, and picked up a harness that needed mending. From here she could