Free A Headstrong Woman by Michelle Maness Page A

dust…”
    Alexandria tuned out the pastor’s words. They were words too familiar and heard too often; she could quote them by heart. What she wanted was for someone to tell her what she was to do now. How was she to raise her daughter? How was she to be both Mom and Dad now? Who would intervene when Lilly threw a tantrum? Would she even be allowed to try? In ways Lilly had become her whole life, the thought of losing her now was nearly unbearable.
    If she was allowed to keep Lilly, where would they live? On the ranch? She knew nothing of ranching, though admittedly she was a quick study. Her head swirled with these questions and more until she pressed a hand to her temple to try and steady her world. Her mother’s arm slipped around her waist and Alexandria leaned into her and welcomed her comfort.
    As soon as the service was over, Alexandria turned toward the buggy she had arrived in. She had no wish to be rude but was not up to greeting anyone at moment. Before she reached the wagon, one familiar face cut off her path.
    “Alexandria, I’m so sorry. I rushed back from Jasper as soon as I heard,” Lane Wilson offered his condolences.
    Alexandria managed a smile for her old school chum.
    “Thanks, Lane.”
    “Are you okay; do you need anything?” his brown eyes searched her face.
    “I think I’m okay,” she tried to reassure him.
    “You let me know if you need anything. I’ll let you go home to rest, Alexandria.”
    “Thanks, Lane,” Alexandria resumed her path to the buggy and climbed up into the back seat to leave room for the others. Lilly came running and strained to climb in and Alexandria helped her up and into her lap. Lilly was finally letting her mother out of her sight but not far and not for long. It took a few minutes for the others to untangle themselves from the crowd and join Alexandria. As her mother and mother-in-law discussed what to reheat for lunch Alexandria let her tired muscles relax as she sank into the seat behind her. She had refused going to lay down the night before; she had not wanted to be alone. As a result she had dosed on and off but truly slept little.
    They arrived at the ranch and everyone except Alexandria and Lilly alighted quickly. Alexandria was amazed at how weak she felt when she began collecting Lilly and herself to climb down. She was aware of conversation around her, the male and female voices blending together into one sound but not of the words being spoken. Lilly was lifted down and scurried toward the house as Alexandria accepted the proffered hand to step down. As soon as her feet met the ground she felt her legs turn to mush and found the ground rising rapidly to meet her. Two strong hands grabbed her by the elbows and steadied her. She blinked up at Mr. Stewart in confusion; the man seemed to be everywhere.
    “I know you’ve barely slept in the past two days, have you ever eaten anything?” he demanded of her.
    Alexandria frowned at him; she was trying to register his question.
    “Never mind, that’s what I thought. I’m not off to a great start here,” he muttered.
    Alexandria couldn’t for the life of her figure out what the man was going on about. He kept one of her elbows firmly in hand as he escorted her in after the others.
    “Excuse me, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Cannon, but she just nearly collapsed; I think she needs food and bed in that order,” Jonathon interrupted the ladies discussion about who was heating what dish.
    Both women rushed to her side and seated her at the table.
    “Thank you, Mr. Stewart, won’t you stay for lunch? You have been such a huge help here the last few days and my son wrote of you and your friendship to him often,” Dorothy invited.
    “Thank you, Mrs. Morris, I would like that,” he nodded his agreement and moved to the table.
    “I was hoping you could show us around tomorrow so we could see the state of things around here,” Clay addressed him as he indicated the seat beside him.
    “That would be no problem,