Free Forever and Always by Leigh Greenwood Page A

had a father, but he died several years ago.”
    â€œDo you miss him?”
    â€œVery much.”
    â€œI—”
    â€œKitty! What are you doing here?”
    â€œI’m talking to this man.”
    A boy a few years older, maybe about ten, and several inches taller had pushed his way through the undergrowth with the energy typical of a child who spent most of his life outside. He was a handsome young man, but unlike the little girl he appeared to be unconcerned with his looks or the condition of his clothes. His hair looked like he’d come through a bush backward, and his clothes were snagged and dirty at the knees. He approached Logan.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with your face? It’s puffed up like bread dough.”
    Kitty turned on the boy like an avenging angel. “That’s a mean thing to say, Peter Blaine. If I was to tell your papa, he’d tan the hide right off you.”
    Before Peter could reply, a blond girl a few years older than Kitty and looking remarkably like Peter burst into the clearing. “Here you are,” she exclaimed, out of breath. “It’s not fair for both of you to leave without telling me where you were going.”
    â€œI wasn’t going anywhere,” Peter said. “I was looking for Kitty. She’s talking to this man.” He indicated Logan.
    â€œOh.” She reacted like she hadn’t been aware of Logan until Peter pointed him out. “Who are you? What’s wrong with your face?”
    â€œMy name is Logan Holstock, and I’m resting in the shade.”
    â€œHe’s sick,” Kitty informed her.
    â€œI’m feeling much better,” Logan insisted.
    The girl didn’t look convinced. “You don’t look like it. We can take you to the doctor.”
    â€œI already told him,” Kitty said. “He says he doesn’t need a doctor. I’m Kitty Spencer,” she told him. “Peter and Esther are my cousins. We’ll take care of you until you feel better.”
    The sincerity in the girl’s voice touched Logan. “I’m feeling much better now, but thanks for the offer.”
    â€œYou don’t look a lot better,” Peter challenged.
    â€œDon’t pay any attention to Peter,” Kitty said. “Aunt Naomi says Uncle Colby is letting him grow up as wild as a longhorn steer.”
    Since Logan had never seen a longhorn steer, he wasn’t exactly sure how wild that might be. It was clear, however, that all three children felt free to speak their minds.
    â€œI have to be going,” Logan said. “And I imagine your mothers are wondering where you three might be.”
    â€œMama says somebody always knows where we are,” Kitty said. “She says that’s what comes of being related to half the people in town.”
    Logan couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have such a large family. It had always been just him and his father. His uncle only caused trouble, and Bridgette preferred to spend her time with her friends. It made him wonder if he and his brothers would have been like these three children if their parents hadn’t died. But finding them now wouldn’t be the same. They would have jobs, families, and responsibilities. Life had been good to him, but he was realizing he’d missed far more than he’d ever guessed. And now it was too late to do anything about it.
    â€œYou’re very fortunate to have so many people who love you,” Logan said.
    â€œMrs. Oliver called Peter a hellion.” Esther giggled then turned to her brother. “If you tell Mama I said that, I’ll tell her what you said about Preacher Simpson.”
    â€œI’m no snitch,” Peter said, incensed his sister would accuse him of such treachery. “Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked Logan.
    â€œYes, I’m sure.”
    â€œThen we gotta be going. Kitty is only six. She can’t stay out playing as long as