Free A Cousin's Promise by Wanda E. Brunstetter

replayed some of the things that had been said during her visit with Wayne. Every time she saw Ada, it became more obvious that the woman didn’t care for her. And every time she saw Wayne, he seemed to withdraw from her all the more. Even so, Loraine’s heart longed to be his wife.
    How could he have suggested that I not come over to see him anymore? she fretted. I was so sure if he had a few days to think things over he’d have changed his mind about his decision not to marry me.
    Tears stung the backs of her eyes, and she blinked multiple times in order to keep them from spilling onto her cheeks. I still think that at least part of Wayne’s rejection has something to do with his mother’s dislike of me. If I could only think of something to do that would make Ada accept me, maybe Wayne would change his mind. Oh, I wish I knew what to do.
    More tears came as Loraine passed the one-room schoolhouse where Jolene used to teach. Dorene Lehman, Timothy’s thirty-year-old unmarried sister, taught there now, but it was just until the school board could find a permanent teacher. Dorene was planning to move to a small town in Montana soon.
    My cousin was well liked at this place, Loraine thought as she slowed her horse and studied the two-story wooden structure where she, too, had gone to school. The scholars must miss Jolene terribly. Jolene’s probably missing them a lot, as well.
    Loraine gripped the reins a little tighter. I, too, miss Jolene, and also Katie. We four cousins were always so close. In times past, I could go to any of them for comfort when I was upset about something. Now Katie and Jolene are gone, and Ella’s so busy trying to comfort her mother and take care of things at their home that I feel guilty for bothering her with my problems. Wayne’s pushed me away, and Mom doesn’t understand me at all. I feel almost friendless right now.
    Beep! Beep! Loraine startled when she realized that her buggy had drifted into the wrong lane, and she gasped when she saw that a car was coming straight at her!

CHAPTER 11
    Loraine jerked on the reins. The horse pulled out of the way just in time to avoid hitting the car coming toward her. “Thank You, Lord,” she murmured. “That was too close for my comfort.”
    She gave Trixie the freedom to trot, and by the time they were halfway to work, the horse had worked up a sweat. Suddenly, a siren blared behind her, and she nearly jumped out of her seat. Thinking that a rescue vehicle must be coming down the road, she guided her horse and buggy to the side of the road. The next thing she knew, a police car had pulled in behind her. She gulped when a uniformed officer got out of the car and headed her way.
    “Is there a problem?” Loraine asked when the policeman stepped up to her buggy.
    “Someone called in a report about a horse and buggy that had nearly hit them on this stretch of road.” He squinted over the top of his metal-framed glasses. “Since your horse and buggy is the only one I’ve seen on this stretch of road, I figured it had to be you.”
    Loraine hated to admit that she hadn’t been concentrating on the road, but she didn’t want to lie to the man, either. “I ... uh ... yes, it was me.”
    “Have you been drinking?”
    “No, of course not! I was in deep thought about my fiancé having just lost his leg in an accident he and I were involved in several days ago, and I didn’t realize my horse had wandered into oncoming traffic.”
    His forehead wrinkled. “I should give you a ticket for reckless driving, but since I can see how distraught you seem to be, I’ll let you off with a warning. However, I caution you to be more careful from now on.”
    “Yes. Yes, I will.”
    The officer glanced at Trixie and squinted. “I see your horse is pretty well lathered up, which tells me you must have been running it too fast. I really should call a vet to come check on the animal.” His bushy eyebrows pulled together as he slowly shook his head.