Free High Mountain Drifter by Jillian Hart Page A

surveying the churchyard. Shep gathered the horses and tethered them. Three other men spread out, eyes peeled for any sign of Ernest.
    "Verbena, don't look so troubled." Aumaleigh fell into stride beside her as they headed toward the walkway. "They volunteered for the job. I didn't have to ask them. It's their decision to put themselves in harm's way for you girls. What, you don't think I couldn't see it on your face?"
    "I'm just surprised you could tell. I was hoping it didn't show." The back of her neck tingled, as it had been all morning. "He's never far from me."
    "Neither is that bounty hunter Milo brought in." Aumaleigh gestured to the far edge of the lawn.
    There, across the block, stood a tall, shadowed figure of a man. Feet braced, powerful legs straight, a rifle slung against his steely shoulder. The force of his dark gaze radiated all the way across the block.
    "I haven't met him yet," Aumaleigh said. "He put his things in the bunkhouse and rode back out. When I was serving supper in the dining room, he came into the kitchen to ask Josslyn to pack him a meal and a jug of coffee. I didn't get a chance to talk to him. I missed him at breakfast too. He certainly looks like a man able to do the job."
    No kidding. Her feet stopped moving, she stood there, watching the man, heart pounding. Her sisters were chattering, leaning together, walking up ahead toward the front steps. Deputy Wade Wetherby tipped his hat in Rose's direction, and she blushed prettily.
    "What's wrong?" Aumaleigh asked, stopping with her. She glanced around with concern. "Do you see something?"
    "No, I just need to speak to Mr. Reed for a moment." She caught hold of her aunt's gloved hand and squeezed gently. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Go on ahead, keep an eye on my sisters. You know they are prone to trouble."
    "And so are you, little one." Aumaleigh's voice warmed with love. "I'll go with you."
    "I need to speak with him alone. Please." She didn't want her aunt to hear what she had to say to the rugged bounty hunter. No, that was her business, and hers alone. "You can keep an eye on me until I reach him, if that will make you feel better. He'll see me safely back to the church steps. I promise."
    "Well, it's against my better judgment." Aumaleigh bit her bottom lip, glancing from Burton to Kellan to Zane. "You're right, you're safe. I'm going to keep you in my sight, though."
    "Fine. I won't be long." She let go of her aunt's hand and whirled away, hurrying across the spongy grass with her cane, rubbing rain drops off her cheek and chin. The wind picked up, driving it at an angle. She headed straight across the lawn, straight at Zane who stood unflinching, a dark silhouette in the autumn light, watching her come.
    "Verbena!" Another man's voice called out from behind her, snagging her attention. "Why, you look lovelier than ever today in spring green. May I escort you in, my fair lady?"
    Lawrence Latimer. Verbena skidded to a halt. He wore his Sunday best today, a large fitting wool coat that looked ten years old--in good shape, but still, sadly out of fashion. His handlebar mustache looked as if he'd waxed it to make the ends curl perfectly. He arched his brows, a hopeful suitor.
    Ugh. She really didn't want poor Lawrence. But he looked so lonely standing there all by himself, a little man out of his element in rugged Montana Territory.
    "Sorry, I need to speak to the bounty hunter. Excuse me." She offered him an apologetic smile as she continued on her way.
    "I could help," Lawrence called out, but thankfully didn't follow her.
    Interesting how Zane's chiseled, serious mouth held a smirk. She came to a breathless stop in front of him, and he arched a brow.
    "Your suitor?" he asked.
    "Not mine." She shook her head vehemently. "No more suitors. Remember?"
    "Right. He looks persistent. He's still standing there, keeping an eye on you." Zane shifted the rifle to his other shoulder. "I could discourage him if you want."
    "It might hurt his feelings."