Free Mistletoe Mayhem: Clean Historical Western Cowboy Romance Novel (Dawson Chronicles Book 1) by Linda Bridey Page B

you.  Only you can.  But I agree with Lacey.  You’ll never know if you don’t give it a whirl,” Joe said.
    Devon sighed and then smiled sweetly at Lacey.  “Will you tell Teddy for me?”
    Lacey laughed.  “Absolutely not.  Nice try.”
    The sunroom door opened and five-year-old Hunter hollered, “Nana, will you come read my story to me?”
    Lacey stood up.  “I certainly will.”  She kissed Devon’s cheek.  “You’ll find the words.  Goodnight, honey.”
    “Goodnight, Mama.”
     
    Chapter Six
     
                  Tap, tap, tap.
                  Rolling over towards her window, Snow Song looked out it and started when she saw someone standing outside.  Looking closer, she recognized Joey and let out an exasperated breath.  She quickly got out of bed and went to the window, opening it a little.
                  “Go away!” she whispered.  “You’re gonna get me in trouble.”
                  “Can’t we just talk about this?  I miss you so much.  Mama and Daddy haven’t told anyone about us, not even my family,” he said.
                  “Shh!  My parents are going to hear you,” she said.
                  “Please, Snow Song.  It’s only been a week and I’m already going crazy without you.  I love you.  Just come talk to me a little,” he pleaded.  “Please?”
                  Snow Song missed him, too, and she gave in to him.  “Ok.  I’ll meet you out at the rock ledge.”
                  He smiled and ran away.  Snow Song closed the window and moved silently from her room out to the parlor, quickly donning her coat.  Just as she was about to open the door, she heard someone clear their throat behind her.  She jumped and turned around to face her father.
                  Raven Dwyer was just as big as his father, Black Fox, and most of the time he was just as genial and kind.  “Where are you off to, daughter?” he asked in Lakota, watching her closely.
                  “For a walk.  I cannot sleep,” she responded in kind. 
                  “Might this be because someone was knocking on your window?”
                  Dang it, Joey!   There was no sense in denying it because Raven would know that she was lying.  “Yes.  A friend needs to talk to me.”
                  “Would this friend happen to be a boy?”  Raven saw anger flash in her eyes and he was reminded of his cousin Minx when she went on the offense.
                  “Would you be worried about it if I was a boy?  I do not recall you worrying about Dusty when he did not come home until late at night.  I do not remember you stopping him from leaving the house.  I am going to talk to my friend and the only way you will stop me is to tie me up,” she said.
                  Raven smiled inside even as his irritation grew.  Another fierce bravette.  I guess it’s the Great Spirit’s way of keeping Uncle He Who Run’s spirit alive in our family.  Why did I have to get two such daughters to raise, though?  She’s almost as bad as Hailey.   “You do not think I will?  You are my daughter and I will protect you as any good father would.  I do not know this friend.  How do I know that you will be safe?”
                  “It’s just Joey,” she blurted in English.
                  Raven’s eyes narrowed.  “Joey?  Why is Joey coming to see you?”
                  Snow Song desperately tried to keep her voice normal.  “He’s upset about something.”
                  “Is there an emergency?” Raven asked, concern in his expression.
                  “No.  Well, it’s an emergency to him, but you know how he is,” Snow Song said, smiling.  “I think he might be a little drunk, too.  I’ll bet him and Skip were up to no