Free The Cowboy's City Girl by Linda Ford Page A

seemed reluctant to leave. She wished he didn’t have to go, knowing the minute she closed the door and he walked away she would have to confront the enormity of what she had agreed to do. Care for an injured woman, run a ranch house and now see to a young child.
    â€œWill your ma mind having Dolly here?” she whispered.
    â€œShe’ll love it.” His gaze sought the child and a smile softened his features. “I bid you good night.” He closed the door and his footsteps sounded as he crossed the floor to his own room.
    Mindful of the sleeping child, she turned the lamp low and quietly prepared for bed. She’d prayed for a chance to prove herself capable and earn her independence. She smiled to herself. God certainly meant to answer that prayer.
    She sobered. So long as she didn’t fail.
    Rather than get her own Bible out and risk disturbing Dolly, she took the one on the bedside table and opened it to a bookmark. Surprisingly it was the book of Ruth. She read the verses with fresh eyes. Like Ruth she had come to a strange country with unfamiliar customs. Like Ruth, she would do her best to fit in. Though she did not expect to find a man like Boaz, who would care about her needs. Not that her needs meant a thing in comparison to Dolly’s. Lord, help us comfort her and make her feel safe.
    She crawled in beside Dolly. The child sighed and snuggled close.
    A strange, long ache tugged at Beatrice’s arms.
    * * *
    Beatrice woke the next morning to something tickling her nose and someone giggling. It took but seconds to remember where she was and realize the giggle came from Dolly and the tickling from the kitten who was perched under Beatrice’s chin.
    â€œGood morning to you both,” she said and turned to meet the dark brown intense gaze of a little girl who had grown suddenly sober.
    â€œHe didn’t find them, did he?” Dolly whispered.
    Beatrice shifted the kitten to the bed so she could pull Dolly closer. “He found the wagon. Your mama and papa are dead. Were they sick a long time?”
    Dolly nodded and answered in another whisper. “Mama said I had to be quiet so Papa could get better. I tried to be quiet.”
    Beatrice closed her eyes against the pain that accompanied the realization that Dolly thought she was responsible in any way for her papa’s death. How was she to make the child understand it wasn’t her fault? God, please guide my words . She had not even finished praying when she heard Levi and Maisie talking and understood he was helping her from her room.
    She sprang from the bed. “I have to hurry. Can you find something to wear? Levi brought your clothes.” She pulled on a dress and quickly brushed her hair into place, then tied it at the back of her neck. There was no time to fuss with it what with breakfast to prepare, and who knew what else?
    Dolly found a dark green shapeless dress that she eased over her head. Holding Smokey, she stood at the door, her eyes wide.
    Despite the need to hurry, Beatrice knelt at the child’s side. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you that you are going to live here until your aunt Martha comes to get you.”
    â€œWith you?” Another whisper.
    â€œYes, and with Levi and his mama. She’s hurt her leg so can’t move around much so we have to help her.”
    â€œI’ll be very quiet.”
    Beatrice thought if Dolly got any quieter she would become mute.
    â€œLevi’s cousin Charlie might be here, too.” She wasn’t sure of Charlie’s plans. Nor did she know when Big Sam would return and decided it was best to not mention him at the moment. “We all want you to feel happy and safe.” She was certain she could speak for the others. After all, who wouldn’t want that for a child? “Okay? Are you ready?”
    Dolly nodded, but Beatrice noticed that poor little Smokey was getting squeezed extra tight. She rubbed the kitten’s