Free Sarah's Surrender by Vickie; McDonough Page A

escort her to breakfast, he’d been surprised to find Nannette up so early and ready to leave. He’d hoped to enjoy a quiet breakfast with Sarah—longed to see if he could convince her that she needed him in her life. But Nannette had quickly lassoed his plans, hog-tying them into a boring conversation. She explained her long absence from the room she and Sarah shared the night before was because she’d been transcribing her father’s notes so that he could send in his report of the day’s activities.
    Was that true? As he’d turned to leave Sarah last night, he’d caught a glimpse of Nannette’s shocked expression at witnessing him kissing Sarah. He had no desire to hurt Nannette, but neither was he interested in a relationship with her, and it was important that she knew that Sarah had already stolen his heart. He hadn’t flirted with Nannette or offered any encouragement of a relationship with her, but evidently she wasn’t one to give up easily. In fact, she seemed even more determined to win his affections.
    He guided the women to a cleaner path on the street, avoiding a pile of manure. Breakfast certainly hadn’t gone as he’d planned, but dining with two beautiful women had made him the envy of some in the room. Nannette’s pretty features turned many men’s heads, but he only had eyes for a quiet, dark-haired beauty. He loved the way Sarah’s black eyes sparked when she teased him or came up with a sudden idea. Her dark brown hair was lighter than the black hair most full-blooded Indians had, and not a single freckle marred her perfect skin. He slapped his hand against the stair railing. What a chump he was—being sweet on a woman who’d rejected him.
    He tried to think of something—anything—other than his feelings for Sarah. It wasn’t easy when she walked beside him. At least the weather was cooler this morning, although it wouldn’t last long under the warm Oklahoma sun. Last night there’d been a brief downpour, but it would only make the day more humid.
    He looked over the crowd already gathered around the lottery tent. “Jack was smart to head up to the site early.”
    Sarah nodded. “I suppose if one was at the front of the crowd, the heat later in the day might not be as sweltering as it was in the midst of so many people.”
    Luke noticed Jack waving his arm. “There he is, over on the left in front of that doctor’s office.”
    â€œWhy is he so far from the tent? I was hoping we’d be up close today.” Disappointment laced Sarah’s voice.
    â€œYou won’t be able to see a thing from there.” Nannette flounced her head, lips curled.
    â€œHold your horses, ladies. Jack must have a good reason for choosing that spot.”
    They climbed the steps to the boardwalk and squeezed through the crowd to get to Jack. His broad smile alerted Luke that he’d been successful in his mission.
    â€œMorning, ladies.” Jack tipped his hat then bowed, holding his hand out toward a vacant spot on the bench.
    Sarah gasped. “What a wonderful idea. And the roof overhead will block the afternoon sun. I’m sorry I questioned your choice.”
    Nannette scowled at a man as she squeezed past him. “I’d still rather be up closer. You can probably hear from this spot, but I doubt you’ll see much.”
    â€œThere ain’t all that much to see. Just men pulling envelopes from the bins.” Luke grinned. “Have a seat, ladies, before someone else snags such a prime spot.”
    Sarah smiled at him, gathering her skirts and claiming the place at the end of the bench. Nannette was left to squeeze in between Sarah and a well-dressed man, who looked pleased with the situation.
    â€œThis is nice. Thank you, Jack, for getting out so early and having the foresight to find a perfect observation spot like this. We can even see over the heads of the crowd to the