Nathan’s Montana Bride (Sweet Historical Mail Order Bride Romance) (Montana Ranchers Brides series) by Maya Stirling Page B

are one great rider," she said.
    Emma's face lit up and her smile was as wide as could be.
    Abby tidied Emma's blonde curls. "How about we get the buckboard and you can show me a bit more of the ranch. Mmm?"
    Emma's eyes widened. "Really?"
    "Really. You know more about this place than I do. That's for sure," Abby said.
    They made their way to the buckboard. Once they were settled in, Abby flicked the reins and the horse moved on.
    Emma told Abby that they should go and see the herd first. She wanted Abby to see how many cattle her father really owned.
    They followed the trail across the flat landscape. Emma held onto Abby with a tight grip as the buckboard bounced along the rough track. Emma pointed the way.  
    In the distance the mountains rose up high. The air was fresh this morning and the light was bright in the blue sky.
    Pretty soon they came over a rise and Abby pulled the buckboard to a halt.
    Down in the valley she saw a huge herd of cattle. Men on horseback rode around the herd, moving and controlling the animals. The sounds of the men came up from the valley. They were hollering and whooping. These were men at work, enjoying every moment of their labor. The rumble of the cattle as they moved filled the air.
    Emma looked at Abby. "Whatcha think?"
    Abby sighed. "I think it looks amazing. Those cattle look so big."
    "They are big. And scary," said Emma.
    Abby rubbed Emma's hair away from her face. "You just promise me you keep well away from those cattle. They're not horses. They're not friendly. Promise me?"
    Emma nodded quickly. "I promise mama," she said, and Abby felt that now familiar clutch of emotion at the use of the word. She wondered when she would get used to it.  
    "I wonder where your father is," Abby said scanning the men down with herd. She couldn't see him.
    "I'm right here," said a voice from behind her. Abby whirled and saw Nathan astride a horse looking down at her.
    "Papa!" screamed Emma. "We were wondering where you were," she said.
    Nathan drew his horse closer to the buckboard. Abby noticed he was dressed in jeans, plain shirt and red neckerchief. His shining boots were jammed into the stirrups. His feet twisted as he moved the horse into position.
    "I was wondering the same," he said fixing Abby with a questioning look.
    "I thought it would be good to see more of the ranch," she said defensively.
    "I could have given you a tour myself," he stated more directly than Abby would have expected. "I try not to bring Emma out here too often. Those animals are ornery and have a mind of their own."
    "Are you saying it's not safe to be here?" Abby asked accusingly.
    Nathan frowned and looked down at the herd. "I know them better than anyone. It's just best that Emma doesn't get too close to them. It's a rule I have," he said.
    "Uh Huh? Maybe you should give me a list of your rules so I don't break any more of them," she said.
    Emma looked at them both and furrowed her brows. Nathan saw the confusion on Emma's face.
    "Mrs. Wardle's got something special for you Emma," he said.
    Emma's face lit up. "Cookies?"
    Nathan nodded and smiled. He looked at Abby. "You follow me back to the ranch house. I'll go slow. This track is bumpy. It's lucky you didn't break the axle of the buckboard," he said looking down at the wheels.
    Abby bristled at his criticism of her decision, but kept her lips tight shut. Emma looked like the only thing she could think of was cookies.
    Nathan leaned down and took the reins of the buckboard. Controlling his horse with one hand he started to pull on the reins of the buckboard, turning it around on the track.  
    Abby started to pull the reins away from him. "I think I can manage," she said firmly.
    Nathan looked at her and there was a crease of a smile at the edges if his mouth. He let go the reins. "If you say so, Abby," he said.
    For a moment their eyes locked and a message was exchanged between them. Was this how it was going to be from now on, Abby thought to herself.
    She hoped