Defiant Heart by Tracey Bateman Page B

asked Hank. Fannie couldn’t understand her worried tone. It was enough for her that the man had shown up just when they needed him. Whatever happened from here on out, at least they had a chance to get away before Arnold could make it back to Hawkins and spread the word that they’d gone.
    â€œNow don’t worry, sweetheart,” Hank said, slipping his arm around Toni’s shoulders while keeping his gun fixed on Arnold with his other hand. “I’m just going to have me a little talk with Arnold here. Once we reach an understanding, I’ll catch up to you and say good-bye.”
    Fannie watched, deeply relieved that Hank had shown up and taken the question of what to do with Arnold out of her hands. Now all she could think of was getting away from the area before someone discovered Tom. She tugged on Toni’s arm. “If you’re coming with me, let’s go. I’m not waiting one more second. We’ve lost more time than I intended by sleeping too long.”
    Toni’s brow puckered. “Hank?”
    He nodded toward the barn door. “You go like Fannie says.”
    The blacksmith’s face gentled considerably as he looked at her. Fannie’s breath cooled as she sucked it in. That man was in love with Toni. Well, that could only help them out. Maybe allowing the prostitute to come along would prove to be a blessing instead of a curse after all.
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    By noon, the town of Hawkins, Kansas, was largely forgotten as the travelers turned their attention westward, onward. Back to the routine of the trail. Even the six men who had tied one on at the saloon the night before seemed in good spirits, and there didn’t appear to be any tension between the married men and their wives. Not that Blake would have blamed the women for being angry, but he couldn’t help but be relieved not to have to mediate between feuding marriedcouples. Especially when his own nerves were taut as he kept one eye on the wagon train and one fixed firmly on the horizon behind the train. By now, with no sign of the little scrap of a young woman, Blake was almost sure she’d given up and would try her luck with the next wagon train, which would most likely be coming through during the next month or so.
    Only the barest amount of regret pinched at him as he firmly pushed aside the image of startling ocean blue eyes and riotous red curls. Besides, after that breakfast this morning, he’d practically made up his mind to redouble his efforts in Edna’s direction. True, he wasn’t in love with her, but he enjoyed her conversation, when he understood what she was talking about. She read poetry and such and enjoyed discussing it with him. But he supposed a man could put up with that nonsense for a woman who could cook like Mrs. Cooper. And he needed a wife. If he didn’t speak up soon, he’d lose his chance. There were ten other men in the wagon train alone on the lookout for a wife before they reached Oregon.
    â€œHere they come.” Sam’s voice broke through Blake’s musings. He looked in the direction the scout pointed, and a grin tugged at his lips. All thought of Edna fled as, even across the plains, Fannie’s red hair blazed like a roaring prairie fire.
    His heart gave a leap. “Looks like you were right. She’s not one to take no for an answer, is she?” Blake pulled his horse to a halt. “I think I’ll ride out and greet them.”
    â€œWhat are you going to do?”
    A shrug lifted Blake’s shoulders. “I guess we’ll find out in a few minutes.”
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    â€œSomeone’s coming out to meet us.”
    Kip’s announcement was unnecessary. Fannie had been expecting the wagon master’s confrontation ever since they’d gotten close enough to the train to be spotted, and her gaze had remained fixed in that direction. She braced herself now. Determination squared her shoulders.
    â€œTake it easy,