Free The Officer and the Traveler by Rose Gordon Page A

he did. Besides just being a fair distance from the Cherokees wasn’t the only reason a man would take a horse. If he got caught, he’d need a horse to make a quick escape. Even with a horse it wasn’t entirely possible to flee. Those men—and women—were extremely skilled with their weapons. “Just because he rode a horse doesn’t mean he was an officer,” Gray pointed out.
    General Ridgely pursed his lips. “Are you saying that anyone else at this fort has access to the horses other than the officers?”
    “ It’s possible that the horse was stolen,” Gray said evasively.  
    “ And who in the hell is stupid enough to steal a horse?”  
    “ The same kind of man who is stupid enough to accost an Indian chief’s daughter.”  
    Grumbling, General Ridgely walked off.
    Gray considered going after him to argue his case more, but now wasn’t the time. The man clearly had no interest in listening to reason.
    In the distance, he saw Wes as he commanded his men and Gray’s in drills, one of which was highly unusual. It almost looked as if they were all marching, then turning to form two lines that faced one another. Then they each lifted their swords, forming a tunnel. Gray groaned. That had to be the work of one person: General Davis.
    There was no use in denying it, whether Michaela wanted it or not, she was about to have a very highfalutin wedding.
    He shook his head and walked toward his room. Tonight he’d move upstairs to a private room he’d only have to share with one person: his wife. His pulse picked up at the thought. His father-in-law might not be a person he aspired to get to know better, but his wife might be.
    “ Halt there, Captain Montgomery.”  
    Gray stilled and turned around to see Colonel Lewis behind him. He released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding when he noticed that General Davis wasn’t with him. “Yes, sir?”
    The colonel scratched his jaw. “I was wondering about something you said last night.”
    Unease settled in Gray’s stomach. “Yes, sir?”
    “ What makes you certain?”  
    “ That I didn’t rape that girl?” Gray asked flatly.  
    “ No. Even I know that.” He waved a hand through the air. “How do you surmise that she’s pregnant?”  
    Gray forced a shrug. “Instinct I suppose.”
    “ Instinct?”  
    “ The way her arms crossed with her hands over her stomach.”  
    “ Hmmm.” He nodded once then slapped Gray on the shoulder. “I’m not sure I believe that, but all right. Rest up. You wouldn’t want to actually sleep on your wedding night, would you?”  
    ***
    If the clock could move any slower, Michaela would truly be surprised. Though the timepiece mounted on the Ridgely’s mantle said only five hours had passed, it had felt like an eternity to Michaela.
    “ Perhaps some tea will calm your nerves,” Aunt Lucille offered, lowering a pot of water onto the fire. “I was a ball of jitters on my wedding day, too. It’ll be better tomorrow.”  
    “ Yes, I’m sure it will,” Michaela murmured offhandedly. There was no way that tomorrow could possibly be better. Only worse. She shot another glance at the clock. In ten minutes it would be time for lunch and with any luck, Gray would join Wes and Jack, the smitten officers, and come join her for lunch. Perhaps then they could talk.  
    Unfortunately, lunchtime only confirmed what she already knew: Gray was anything but smitten with her. Wes arrived first, followed a few minutes later by Jack. Both immediately went to their wives for a hug and kiss, which they gladly gave.
    Michaela’s heart constricted. At least Ella had made a good match. If nothing else, she could forever be thankful for that.
    “ What has both of you fellows looking like you’ve just been to war against the redcoats?” Aunt Lucille asked. When they both furrowed their brows, she flicked her wrist. “Never mind. That might have been a little before your time.”  
    “ Well,” Jack drawled, accepting a