Love Finds You in Groom, Texas Read Online Free

problem. He made his way to the edge of the fenced portion of the yard and gazed out over O’Farrell’s Honor, the ranch his father had worked so hard to build.
    Hundreds of acres of the nicest ranch land in Carson County beckoned him. Off in the distance, a half dozen workhorses grazed. His favorite, a mare he’d named Frances, stamped her foot, as if willing him to come and dress her for a ride out into the pasture. No time for that right now, though the idea of riding off into the sunset did hold some appeal, in light of his earlier conversation with Cody. And besides, with Frances due to deliver in the next couple of weeks, she needed the rest.
    Jake tipped his hat and wiped the sweat from his hair. As he did, the majestic sunset captivated him, the reds, oranges, and yellows all melding together. He squinted and glanced to his right, making out John and Ruth’s place. His brother Joseph had taken up residence in the home just beyond it with his wife. And behind both of those, Jeremiah had constructed a home for his wife and their children. Of course, the newest addition to the ranch sat to the left of the others—Jedediah and Pauline had lived there for only four months, since their Christmas wedding.
    Jake stood for a moment, the quiet stillness wrapping him in a warm embrace. The 7:55 train to Dallas was due to pass by at any moment. Most evenings he stood here until it passed and then created stories in his head of what life would be like in a big city like Dallas or Houston or even New York. Maybe one day he would climb aboard one of the passenger cars and find out for himself. He would travel to places unseen and see how other folks lived.
    Maybe. Right now, however, something else sounded far more appealing. Jake had a hankerin’ to head back inside the house and swallow down a big piece of his Mama’s homemade blackberry pie.

Chapter Three

    The famed Fort Worth and Denver City Railway Company (FW&DC) has merged forces with Rock Island and Santa Fe, providing a rail network throughout the Texas Panhandle. The lines come together in the town of Amarillo. In that opportunistic place, folks can experience the very best the Panhandle has to offer—culture, a rich social life, and plenty of commerce and trade. Perhaps you’re not interested in living so close to town. You prefer ranching or farming. Well, look no farther! When you choose a piece of land in the Panhandle, nearby rail lines provide easy access to markets. Talk about having the best of both worlds! I guess you could say the Texas Panhandle is perched on the “track” for success! — “Tex” Morgan, reporting for the Panhandle Primer
     
    After dozing off in the uncomfortable train seat, Anne awoke to a screeching sound, followed by a scream from Kate. Something jerked her forward, nearly causing her to tumble onto the floor. The piercing sound of the train’s brakes reached a deafening level then subsided. The noise was quickly followed by a thick round of black soot filling the air.
    Anne took a moment to get her bearings once the train stopped moving. At once the smell of soot nearly choked her. She began to cough then reached for her hankie and covered her nose until the odor dissipated. Finally convinced that the worst had passed, she stretched every aching muscle in her body.
    “Why did we stop, Anne?” Kate looked her way, clearly frightened.
    “I don’t know, honey.” She slipped her left arm around her sister and pulled her into a comforting embrace. “I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough. Go back to sleep if you can.”
    Kate nuzzled against her and dozed off again in no time.
    To her right, Emily stirred awake. “I was having the most marvelous dream. We were under attack and a handsome cowboy rescued us.” The youngster yawned and extended her arms in a lengthy stretch. “Why did we stop? Are we in Dallas already?”
    “No, sweetie. We’re not to arrive in Dallas until tomorrow afternoon. This is probably just a