
“What about building into the slope?” Silas blinked. “For a root cellar?” “For a cabin.” The men nearby laughed before…

That night, the children slept inside the tank with both blankets over them and dry grass beneath. The thermometer Boone…

“Then they will be using a word they know well.” Jed’s face hardened, but Abigail turned back to the wall…

“No,” he said softly. “You know what you hope.” Eleanor’s sheepdog, Birch, growled low beside her skirt. Silas gathered his…

Cal noticed. “You all right?” “Yes.” “You sure?” “No,” she admitted. “That’s the more believable answer.” Solomon began walking. Behind…

“What if he sends me back?” I whispered. Pike shrugged. “Then that will be his disappointment, not mine.” That night,…

“Then you should have come yesterday.” One of Wyatt’s men coughed to hide a laugh. Silas’s smile did not change….

“Mr. Price?” she asked. “Depends who’s asking.” “Lydia Harlan. Amos Harlan sent word about a housekeeper.” His expression changed, but…

Nora flushed. “I mean the horse—” “Horse has carried elk quarters bigger than you.” The words were blunt, not kind,…

Nora hated him a little for that too. “Did you hear me?” “I did.” “I said I’m heavy.” He tilted…

Jonah removed his hat. “Most of them.” “Most?” He looked at Caleb, then away. “I can explain.” “I spent twenty-three…

“Then why?” “Because your sleeve is still bleeding, your enemies are smiling, and you are either desperate or honest enough…

“Maggie,” he said, softer now, “do you want a doctor?” Tears gathered in her eyes. She looked at Caleb’s coat,…

“You pointed a loaded rifle at Gideon Slate and you’ve never fired one?” “I didn’t know it was loaded.” Caleb…

After service, Reverend Pike found Clara near the door. “You have somewhere to go today?” he asked gently. “Yes,” Clara…

“Why come, then?” Mara’s mouth curved without humor. “Because concern can become a locked room if a woman stays too…

Caleb glanced down. “Why what?” “Why pay twenty dollars?” His jaw tightened. Rain ran from his beard. “Because Bell didn’t…

“I mean a partner. A woman who sees the human being before the fortune.” He looked at the watch…

The silence that followed was different. Hungry. Evelyn looked at him slowly. Something in her body went cold before…

He set her down carefully and stepped back. “Be more careful.” “Is that an order or concern?” His expression closed….