Free Pioneer Love: Damaged Hearts Head West: Mail Order Bride 5 Bundle by Indiana Wake

think. Now they were going maybe it would soon be time for her to go home. But not before Anna came back, she had a few more days when she could catch up with her old friend.
    Ryan came as well to see his extended family and friends off and the two of them bid everyone a safe journey. Now, only she and Mr. Montgomery remained from the wedding guests.
    That night at dinner, Mr. Montgomery, Jolene and Ryan sat together enjoying a meal. Mr. Montgomery and Ryan had been in a deep discussion about sheep and the wool business for most of the dinner. Jolene was lost in thought and didn't realize that the two men had finished their discussion.
    "Miss Jolene,” Ryan said jolting her from her thoughts. “I never knew you had such a hidden talent. You should've mentioned it earlier, I really enjoy music."
    Jolene looked up from her plate and into Ryan's eyes. He was gazing at her with such intensity and Jolene felt her cheeks redden. Slightly uncomfortable with his stare, she looked away. "I enjoy music as well,” she replied. “I’m just not that comfortable talking about it."
    Ryan frowned at her awkward reply and wondering what it was about. Before he could investigate further, Mr. Montgomery said, "She's a musical genius. She can not only play the piano but the harp and the violin too. She would often play for Jonathan though he could be a hard taskmaster." He gushed, pride showing in his eyes.
    Ryan looked at Jolene with his eyebrows raised, clearly impressed. "I must hear you play sometime. You are very talented from the little I heard today and I'd love to hear more."
    Jolene grew more uncomfortable by the minute. She had escaped home and did not want to hear about it here. While here she wanted to forget her old life, if only for a little while. "Yes, thank you,” she said standing. “I will play for you some other time. If you'd excuse me, I forgot there was something I needed to do." And with that she quickly vacated the room, leaving Ryan confused about her behavior.

Chapter 5

     
    The next morning, Anna and Ian returned from their short trip. Jolene rushed to hug her best friend as she stepped inside the house. Laughing, Anna hugged her and turned towards her father and after hugging him, she greeted Ryan. They all went to the private living room for family members only and sat down to talk and catch up. Mr. Montgomery would be leaving the next day so Anna wanted to spend as much time as she could with him.
    This left Jolene with an entire day to herself. She helped around the kitchen, but there wasn't much to do since all the guests had left and the paying boarders hadn't yet arrived. So she found herself wandering with nothing much to do. At last she craved fresh air and went out to the stables. The weather had been good this last month or so she had been told. There was none of the famous snow which Jolene had rather looked rather to if she were honest. There might even have been a chance of them getting cut off. Now how exciting would that have been?
    Walking past the stalls she came to the horse that was Anna’s. Quickly she fed him an apple and then taking a brush she began brushing Lighter's coat. Lighter, was Anna's very own horse, a gift from Ian. He was a fine beast and Jolene had found herself instantly drawn towards this gentle creature. After a good brush and some apples, Jolene saddled him up with the help of a stableboy and was just climbing on when Ryan walked in.
    She settled herself on Lighter securely and was turning him around to walk out the gate when Ryan came and stood in front of her. She pulled on the reins, stopping Lighter and glared at Ryan. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Lighter, could've stomped on you or trampled you or something."
    Ryan grinned up at her, unfazed by her anger. "Lighter's very perceptive,” he said tipping back his hat so she could see his eyes. “He'd never stomp or trample or anything of the sort. Are you off for a ride?"
    Still glaring at him, Jolene