Free Dream Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Series #1) by Verna Clay Page A

Mrs.
Hackstetter. Sarah was next to Jackson and the twins flanked Newt at the
opposite end of the table. Curley said a quick prayer and conversation buzzed.
Sage politely made small talk with his guests. He glanced at Sarah. Her face
looked puffy, like she'd been crying again, and she was rubbing the back of her
neck. Hell, he felt like crap. She glanced up and met his gaze and quickly
looked back down.
    After
supper, while Curley passed around plates of hot apple pie topped with homemade
vanilla ice cream, Sage asked for everyone's attention.
    "I
thought this would be a good time to discuss and answer questions about our Annual
Covered Wagon Three-Day Trail Blaze sponsored by the Lazy M Ranch and Triple T
Ranch. Some of you will be leaving at the end of the week, but we had some last
minute cancellations if you change your mind. The wagon train consists of six
replicas of covered wagons, otherwise known as prairie schooners, three
buckboards, and one chuck wagon. So far, we have a total of twenty 'dudes' and
'dudettes' registered." He made quote marks with his fingers and everyone
chuckled. "The wagon train will have a wagon master, which is yours truly;
a cook, Curley; and about twelve cowboys either driving the wagons or riding alongside.
Newt, Beaner, Ned, and Skipper from the Lazy M are working the train. The rest
of the cowboys are from the Triple T, including Jackson." He paused, but
before he could continue his spiel, Mrs. Hackstetter said, "I'd like to
sign up. Who should I see?"
    Sage
glanced at Mr. Hackstetter. The man looked like he'd swallowed his tongue. The
shit-eatin' grin on Jackson's face confirmed the fact that he was attracted to
Mrs. Hackstetter. He heard Jacob exclaim, "Right on, Mom!"
    Inwardly,
Sage sighed, but outwardly he said enthusiastically, "You can sign up with
Newt after supper." He wondered if Mr. Hackstetter would be staying too.
    Continuing
his discourse, he glanced around the group. "I hope y'all realize this
trek is as authentic as we can make it. You'll even be wearing period
costumes."
    Mindy
and Mandy squealed and one of them said, "We want to be saloon
girls!" The other one vigorously nodded. Sage rubbed his temples. The more
the night wore on, the less he felt like smiling. He forced a smile at the girls.
"I think that can be arranged, ladies. Costumes will be delivered the day
before we leave. At that time, role playing will also be assigned. Are there
any questions?"
    "How
many days will we be traveling?" asked Mrs. Hackstetter.
    "Three
days; the wagons leave Triple T around eight on Thursday morning and arrive at
my ranch Saturday night. Just so everyone's clear, you will definitely get a taste of pioneer life. So, having said that, if you're not ready to leave
modern conveniences, including a bathroom, this may not be the adventure for
you."
    The
group chuckled and glanced nervously at each other.
    * * *
    After
getting her ankle wrap off the day after moving to the dorm, Sarah had been
anxious to experience ranch life. She'd been given a tour of the Lazy M by
Beaner with an overview of its operations. Cows were more complicated than
she'd imagined. Later, she'd watched Jacob practice roping, and that same
afternoon, Julie had demonstrated trick riding. In the evening, Curley had
revealed secrets to preparing savory beans, fluffy cornbread, mouth watering
bread pudding, and perfect lemonade. After supper, while the guests lay
sprawled on couches and recliners in the great room, Newt had regaled them with
stories of the Old West. Copious notes filled Sarah's journal. She had some
good stuff.
    Now,
two days after her emancipation from convalescence, Sarah looked into the eyes
of the horse in front of her and told herself, You can do this.
    "Miz.
Carter, this is our oldest and most gentle gelding. He wouldn't hurt a fly.
He's used to inexperienced riders, so you don't need to be scared," Newt
tried to reassure her.
    Sarah
followed his instructions and put her foot in the stirrup while