The Heart's Frontier by Lori Copeland

that. At least he’d only have to make do with streams and rivers until they got the herd safely to Hays. That was just three days away.
    He glanced ahead, toward the boardinghouse, and almost lost his grip on the reins. In the shade of the porch the Switzers were all in a row. What were they doing just sitting there? Four pairs of eyes fixed on him as he rode up the street.
    “Mr. Switzer?”
    “Good morning, Mr. Carson.” Jonas rose from his chair and stepped to the edge of the railing. “Your sleep was good, I hope?”
    Luke didn’t answer at first. The man didn’t even sound surprised to see him. It kind of spooked him, the way they sat there, as though they had been waiting for him. From the look on Emma’s face, she wasn’t thrilled at his arrival. Not surprised, but not happy about it either.
    Well, she’d change her attitude in a minute.
    “I did, thanks.” He dismounted and lashed Bo’s reins over the post. “I have some good news for you folks. Jesse found your wagon this morning.”
    The women jumped out of their chairs and ran to the edge of the porch.
    “My hutch is still there, yes?” Mrs. Switzer’s eyes pleaded for him to agree.
    “Yes, ma’am. I didn’t see it myself, so I don’t know what shape it’s in, but Jesse said it was there.” He glanced at Emma. Her rosy cheeks shone with health after a good night’s sleep. “Said a chest was in there too.”
    Hope flared in her round eyes. She raised clasped hands beneath her chin. “Are our belongings inside?”
    She must have something important packed in that chest. He would have loved to assure her that the contents were safe, to see a smile break out. Instead, he had to shake his head. “I don’t know, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up. Jesse mentioned some empty crates were scattered around.” He looked away from her disappointed expression and spoke to Jonas. “He also said the wagon is mired down in a river about a half mile beyond where my herd camped for the night. Looked like the thieves looted whatever they could and deserted the heavy stuff.”
    “ Ja , that makes sense.” The round straw hat bobbed up and down with a nod. He turned to address his family. “This is why the Lord did not give an answer earlier. He knew we did not yet have all the information we needed. We will get our wagon, and then our destination will be made clear.”
    “We’ll go to Troyer,” Rebecca said.
    Jonas cocked his head but didn’t commit. “Perhaps.”
    A wide smile brightened the girl’s face, and she clapped her hands. Mrs. Switzer regarded her son with a scowl but remained silent. Luke couldn’t stop his eyes from straying to Emma. Her expression remained impassive, her lovely lips parted enough for him to glimpse a set of even white teeth. He found himself wondering what her hair looked like when she brushed it out at night.
    With a jerk he realized he hadn’t delivered all the news. He looked at Jonas. “I don’t think that wagon is going anywhere unless you’re planning on pulling it yourself. Your oxen are gone, along with all your provisions, probably.”
    Jonas seemed unconcerned. “We will buy more oxen.”
    Luke glanced down the lonely street. “Gorham’s a pretty small settlement. There is a livery stable behind the blacksmith’s shop, though. If you’re lucky you might get ahold of a couple of mules.”
    He shook his head. “I use oxen for my farm. The Lord knows my need. He will provide.”
    The man seemed awfully confident. The chance of someone having a pair of oxen to sell in tiny little Gorham was slim, but Luke didn’t want to argue. Besides, he didn’t have time. “I expect you’re right. Well, I’ll leave you to it, then.” He nodded toward Mrs. Switzer and Rebecca, and touched a finger to his hat brim when his gaze slid to Emma. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure.”
    He started to turn away, but Jonas stepped in front of him. “The Lord will bless you for the help you have given already.” A