Free [Song of Alaska 02] - Morning's Refrain by Tracie Peterson Page B

that?”
    Evie stopped and turned. “Dalton, it’s clear that you are, at the very least, fascinated with Miss Robbins. And it’s further evident to me that she’s more than a little taken with you. If you are interested in her, you need to fight for her instead of just handing her over to Yuri.”
    “Who said I was handing her over to him?”
    His sister smiled. “You need to make sure that Yuri knows you are interested. He’s done nothing but bait a reaction from you. It’s time you took a stand. If she means nothing, then let it drop.”
    Dalton shook his head. “I don’t know what I feel. I like her looks, and she’s nice to talk to.” He knew there was something more, but he wasn’t yet ready to say what that was.
    Evie smoothed the skirt of her gown. “You don’t have to be ready to propose marriage in order to challenge Yuri’s comments.
    Simply let him know that you are interested in Phoebe, as well, and that you don’t intend to stand idly by while he tries to win her over for himself.” She gently patted Dalton’s arm. “Look, finding the right person to spend your life with is so important. My own miseries are proof of that. Please don’t let the chance for true love pass you by.”
    Her voice was so intense, so full of emotion, that Dalton couldn’t help but put his arm around Evie. “I’m sorry that you didn’t have a chance for love. You are one of the most beautiful, special women I know. Your heart is pure gold.”
    She smiled up at him. “I have missed the romance, but not love itself. I have you and the rest of the family. I might never have known that, and my life would be much poorer.”
    “Haven’t you ever heard from . . . him?” Dalton asked hesitantly. “I mean, in all these years, hasn’t your husband ever sent you a single letter? Any word at all?”
    “No,” Evie admitted. “Our sister Jeannette sometimes writes me about him.” She tilted her head. “I’m so sorry there have been so many secrets between you and me. Jeannette is a rather disastrous person. She has never been happy—even as a child. I find her annoying and ridiculous in most everything she says and does.” She shrugged. “But she does keep me informed about things. She loves to gossip, and it seems to serve her purpose to write to me. I write her back from time to time, but never in detail and not very often.”
    Dalton dropped his hold. “Our family is so disjointed—so strange.” He walked a little ways farther and stared out at the fading sunlight on the water.
    Evie reached for him. “Let’s get back to the party. You need to make your intentions known to Yuri.”
    Dalton allowed her to pull him along, but he still wasn’t convinced. “What do I say?”
    She laughed. “Well, the next time he comments on what a great couple they’d make, tell him you don’t think so. Tell him you think you and Phoebe make a better pair.”
    Once they were back amongst the festivities, Dalton didn’t have long to wait to say just that. Yuri was determined to goad him. It was as if he knew how his friend felt and couldn’t resist adding to his misery.
    “I danced again with Phoebe. I think she’s just about the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
    “I agree.”
    This seemed to amuse Yuri. He turned to face Dalton. “I knew it. I knew you liked her, too.”
    “Of course I do. She’s not only pretty; she’s charming and smart.”
    Yuri moved in closer. “She looks better with me.”
    “That’s your opinion.” Dalton shrugged. “So now what? We both like the same girl. Do we take it outside and let our fists decide?”
    Yuri laughed out loud. “You couldn’t whip me. Besides, where’s the fun in that? I say we make a bet on who can win her. After all, you’re the rich man now. Surely you can afford to spare a little for a friendly wager.”
    “Since when do you gamble? My mother would never let me hear the end of it if I did such a thing,” Dalton countered. “Your mother would