Montana Rose Read Online Free

stove grates, adding wood, and pulling the kettle to the front of the range.
    “I’m not finished with those plans, Wisteria. This is just a bump in the road. I love ranching, and one day, someway, somehow, I’ll have another chance. But for now —” She took in the inviting room. “—this is home. Because of you, I was welcomed. Your touch was everywhere.” She raised her chin. “However, I must warn you. The quilt is now mine. All mine. It’s not just a loan, is it?”
    Wisteria laughed. “It’s yours. But tell me, are your bags at the train station? Ben will be free later this afternoon and we can get them. He and that shadow of his are out doing house calls.”
    “Our precious Robin.” Rose felt her heart warm. “She’s still following Ben everywhere?”
    “Yes. Still not letting him out of her sight, sitting quiet as a mouse while he’s with a patient.”
    Rose shook her head. “There’s no doubt she’ll follow in his footsteps and be a doctor, too.”
    “Well, if not in Ben’s footsteps, she’ll follow her aunt Aries. If she’s not out ‘helping’ Ben, she’s out ‘helping’ Aries doctor. Poor mite, she hasn’t a chance with two doctors in the family.”
    “Four years old. It doesn’t seem right that her daddy isn’t here to see her grow up. Though with the way Lee was turning out, it’s for the best. You and Ben adopted her.”
    Wisteria smiled. “She was Ben’s from the very beginning. And I quit thinking of myself as her aunt the first time she called me Mom. Actually, it was Momm, her own special way of saying the word.”
    “Well, you are the only mother she knows.”
    They fell silent, remembering.
    Then Rose said, “To answer your question, no, I don’t have any more bags. I was lucky enough to get a ride here, along with my bags.”
    “The stationmaster?”
    “Nope, a good-looking man took pity on me.” Rose loved the expression her teasing brought to Wisteria’s face. “Good looking, arrogant, and not at all happy to be roped into assisting me. Brought me to the door, plopped the bags down, and took off.”
    “Did he tell you his name?”
    “Jesse Rivers.”
    “Ahhh.” Wisteria nodded. “He’s not one of the more sociable people in Wise River. Wait until you meet his younger brother.”
    “I’ve already had that pleasure. I didn’t actually meet him, but I was the recipient of a very disagreeable look. I don’t think he and his brother get along.”
    “Tory doesn’t get along with anyone. He is continually angry. I shouldn’t be passing along gossip, but some things you need to know. Word is both he and Jesse were mistreated by their father. It was common knowledge the man used his fists on both of the boys. Jesse ran away years ago. I doubt he would have returned, but his stepmother wrote him she was dying and would be leaving Tory alone. Since he came back, Jesse has done wonders with the ranch. But I think he’s having problems with Tory. Getting him to go to school is only one of many.”
    “Poor boy. Knowing this, I’ll certainly have more understanding and patience with him.” She smiled. “His handsome brother, too.”
    “Rose. You’re incorrigible. Now, tell me, are you excited?”
    “No. Scared to death. You know I’ve never taught before.”
    “Sure, but I also know you were always the best student. In fact, our last year of school, you spent most of the day helping the teacher teach.”
    “Oh, Wisteria.” Rose took a bite of the flavorful bread. “I wish I had paid more attention to her lesson plans and class scheduling. I have a vague idea of how it’s done, but to teach eight grades at one time runs shivers up my spine. Then throw in a couple unruly boys and whispering, giggly girls and . . .”
    “You’ll do just fine. Along with those shivers, a steel rod runs up your back. Once you make your mind up to something, you don’t let anything, or anyone, stand in your way. Believe me, you are more self-reliant and better