Pony Express Courtship by Rhonda Gibson Page B

reaction? Well, she wasn’t about to disappoint him. “I won’t have Benjamin sitting out there in the cold alone while the rest of us sleep.” She turned on the seat to face him. “I can’t believe even you would do that to an eight-year-old boy.”
    â€œWell, that’s nice to know. And I didn’t say the boy would be alone.” Seth pushed up from the seat and went to stand by the porch rail.
    Rebecca felt heat fill her cheeks. She’d misjudged him. “Oh, good. I’m glad you are going to be with him.”
    â€œI didn’t say that, either.” Seth watched her over the top of his cup.
    â€œThen who will be with him?” Rebecca was beginning to feel exasperated with him.
    â€œJacob. They are taking the last hour of the morning,” Seth answered. “Before you ask, I’m taking the midnight shift with Noah. If danger strikes, it will probably be then.”
    So he would be with Noah. Rebecca had to admit that knowing this made her feel a little better. “Look, I don’t mean to be a pain, Mr. Armstrong, but these are my children. I have a right to know that they are safe. Or at least as safe as you can make them.”
    He nodded. “I agree you do have that right. But you have to trust me to keep them as safe as I possibly can.”
    Did she trust him? No, why should she? Rebecca told herself she didn’t really know the man at all. Still, Mr. Bromley trusted him, so what other choice did she have? She’d have to try to trust Seth Armstrong to watch after her boys. How did a mother release that kind of trust to a stranger? She reminded herself that to keep her family together, she’d have to try.
    * * *
    Seth watched the emotions war across her delicate features. He knew what he asked wasn’t easy for her. She’d irritated him as well as made him feel empathy for her all in the past few minutes.
    He tossed the remainder of his coffee off the porch. “Look, Rebecca. Over the next few days the boys and I are going to finish the barn and work with the horses—”
    â€œThat’s another thing,” she interrupted. “I don’t think Benjamin is old enough to work with the horses.”
    Exasperation filled him. Why couldn’t she just accept that he knew what he was doing? “Benjamin is eight years old. By the time I was six, I was riding and caring for my own horse. He’s more than old enough.”
    Rebecca studied his face. “Why do you want him to ride a horse?” Suspicion filled her voice. “He’s too small and you know it. Why, his feet barely reach the stirrups.”
    â€œBecause he may need to do so. Being a Pony Express station makes this farm vulnerable to all kinds of enemies. Benjamin is small, he can ride fast and get help should we need it.” Seth took off his hat and rested it on the railing.
    â€œIt’s dangerous.”
    He nodded. “Yes, you’re right, it is. But it’s also why we train them the proper way to act and treat horses. If you don’t trust me, then at least trust Jacob. He’s in charge of Benjamin’s learning.” Seth had seen how she relied on her oldest son. The boy seemed dependable and for that Seth was grateful.
    â€œAll right, but please don’t put them in unnecessary danger.” Rebecca stood and pulled her shawl closer around her slender body.
    Seth handed her his coffee mug. “I better get some shut-eye. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.” He paused to look at her. “Do you need anything from town?”
    â€œI don’t believe so. Why?” She stopped in front of the closed door.
    Seth hurried to help her open it. “We need saddles and bridles for the horses. The ones we had burned in the fire.”
    She turned to face him. “Do you need me to go with you?”
    Her eyes searched his face.
    â€œNo. I just figured if you needed anything you might like to go.”