A Valentine's Choice: A Montana Sky Series Holiday Novella (The Montana Sky Series) by Debra Holland

stroked the fur then slipped the muff over one of her hands.
    Samantha turned to Harry, ticking off her fingers as she talked. “Stop in town at the Camerons to warm up, heat the bricks again, and take along any medicine or instructions Dr. Cameron might want to give you.”
    Mrs. Toffels bustled out from the side door of the house, her arms around a giant basket. “There are quart jars of chicken soup and beef stew in the crate. In here, you’ll find my Saskatoon preserves, a basket of eggs, several loaves of bread and butter, my elderberry cordial, and molasses cookies.
    Harry inhaled a sharp breath, and then swallowed hard as if moved. “Much obliged, ma’am. On behalf of my wife and her family, I thank you.” He glanced at Mrs. Thompson. “I thank you both.” He shook his head. “I don’t know how we can ever repay you.”
    “Nonsense, Harry.” Samantha smiled at him. “Sally is one of us now, and we take care of our own. There will be plenty of opportunities for turn and turn about.”
    Alana moved to Bridget, extending her arms.
    Bridget hugged her sister, holding her tight for an extra moment, her eyes stinging.
    Alana clung to her, clearly just asreluctant to part. But she was the one to break away, kissing Bridget’s cheek and murmuring, “ Go dtí le chéile againn arís.” She climbed into the sleigh.
    Bridget tucked the bearskin around Alana. Her throat clogged on repeating the words of farewell, so she thought them instead. Until we meet again. Then she, too, kissed her sister’s cheek, and straightened.
    From the corner of her eye, Bridget caught a movement and turned to see James heading their way, carrying a gunnysack. He had blood on his hands. “I thought Alana might want some extra meat to take with her, so I set snares for some rabbits. They’re dressed out. Haven’t had time to skin them. In this cold, they’ll keep just fine.”
    “How kind, James!” Bridget exclaimed. “Ye must have been up before dawn to have caught these.” His thoughtfulness helped ease the heaviness in her chest. She wouldn’t have her sister by her side, but she was surrounded by good people—new friends. Her gaze lingered on James, and heat rose to her cheeks. Perhaps, a special new friend.
    Although Alana appeared grateful and thanked James, Bridget noted no light in her eyes, as she’d seen before when her sister looked at Timkin.
    Perhaps she truly isn’t interested in James.
    But Bridget wasn’t so sure about James, who’d just given Alana a dimpled smile.
    Harry climbed into the front seat, gathered the reins, and released the brake.
    Her throat tight, Bridget waved good-bye. Shading her eyes with her hand, she watched the sleigh until the vehicle dwindled to a speck, and then passed out of sight. She inhaled a bracing breath, determined not to cry. Her new acquaintances didn’t deserve a moping newcomer in their midst. She plastered on a smile and turned to Samantha. “Would ye mind if I spent some time in the barn becoming acquainted with yer horses?” Shrugging, she gave a self-depreciating laugh. “I’m horse mad, ye see.”
    Samantha’s eyes twinkled. “So am I. I’m going to check on Sally and see if she wants the broth Mrs. Toffels made. You go meet the horses. I promise you, there will be some that surprise you.”
    Again, James’s smile showed his dimples. “I’ll join you after I’ve washed up, so I can show you around.”
    Her spirits lifted, and Bridget wondered if the rise was due to the idea of horses, especially surprise horses, or James’s company. Probably both.
    Bridget moved toward the barn, careful of her footing on the icy spots. She pushed open one of the great doors and stepped inside, pulling it shut behind her.
    For a moment she closed her eyes, just taking in the scent of horses, hay, leather, and manure. Behind her lids, tears pricked her eyes, and she inhaled a deep breath, feeling a blissful sense of homecoming.
    A horse nickered, and she heard the stomp