Free Risk & Triumph: COWBOY ROMANCE (Western Pregnancy Forbidden Gold Rush) by Karen Alston Page B

late for dinner because I’m expecting the big announcement.” Nora started to leave and Ollie grabbed her an embrace. They kissed goodbye even though they walked together. They didn’t want anyone to catch them in a compromising position. Ollie slipped his hand below her shirt and Nora pulled away.
    “I can’t take your pulling away much longer Nora but I guess the choice isn’t mine. The next days will be busy as we load up the wagons. I’m not sure of how exactly we’re travelling but I know Polk has a wagon sitting in our barn that I think he’s giving us. I’ll be at the reins of that one with some of the children and probably you sitting next to me.”
    “It will be delightful if it works out that way. We’ll at least be able to talk,” Nora said as they started to walk.
    “Maybe steel a kiss or too while no one’s watching.”
    “Oliver Callaway, you have a one track mind.”
    ****
    Nora straightened the pleats on her dress as she entered the farmhouse. She grabbed her apron because it was time to help with dinner.
    “Stew smells delicious Mom,” Nora called out to her mother who was reading with the kids. “I’ll ladle in the dumplings and set the table. You deserve a moment to relax and put your feet up.” Nora was still glowing from seeing Ollie when her Mother came into the kitchen.
    “The kids are busy with their books and telling stories. I told them today about a big change that our family will be undertaking. We are crossing the mountains to California.” Clara Grippon stopped and waited for her daughter’s reaction, which never came.
    “I knew the Gold Rush was on your minds and that something was in the works.” Nora smiled. “I’m 18-years old and not much gets by me.”
    “I know you saw Oliver Callaway today; did he know as well?
    Nora became nervous, although she had nothing to worry about because her Mother thought they were just friends. “I’m sure his parents will tell him tonight. The Gold Rush sounds exciting and risky and I’m sure Ollie will approve of the plan.”
    “Who knows Nora, maybe Oliver will find a wife in California and you’ll find a husband.”
    “Wouldn’t that be great Mother? We’ll see what California has in store for us. Crossing the mountains might be treacherous so I’m glad we’re not travelling alone.”
    “We’re going with the Callaways and we’ll have a chuck wagon that Oliver will ride if he thinks he can handle it. The Mercers and Wild families will add another half dozen wagons. They’ll have their own chuck wagon and may take a different route over the pass.”
    “It’ll be nice to know folks when we get to California. We won’t even have a place to stay at first, have you thought of that.”
    “Yes Nora, of course. Several members of our family have gone before us and we’ve received reports of fortunes made. They told us to come along and not worry about the details.”
    “What family members would those be?” Nora asked. Uprooting an entire family based on the word of others seemed chancy.
    “Your Aunt Cathy from Pennsylvania and friends of hers to be exact.
    “I wasn’t aware I had an Aunt Cathy,” Nora asked
    “She’s not officially an aunt but acted like a family member. I guess you could say it’s like the situation between you and Oliver. Over time, he has become as a brother.
    Nora shook her head, as she wasn’t in the mood to discuss the nature of her relationship with Ollie. “Better call in Father and the little ones.” Nora was nervous that her parents and the Galloways were taking things too lightly.
    ****
    Ollie found similar action taking place in the Galloway home as it was at the Grippons. His Mother was busy with his four siblings and dinner was kept warm on the stove. Pork and beans were on the menu again, which was fine with Ollie but it had been dinner for three nights in a row. He knew this was because his mother was trying to clear out the pantry. A recently butchered hog meant plenty of