THE RAILS TO LOVE
Romance Collection

My Soul Waits

Opening Scene

Ten miles north of Laramie, WY, 1875

“Pa, you can’t be serious.” Rosemary Denton’s mouth dropped open as she stared at her father. “Philadelphia? Why would you want to send me halfway across the country to spend time with relatives I can barely remember?”

Daniel Denton folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t pull that innocent act with me, young lady. I ain’t blind. I’ve seen the way you and Wade Renfroe flirt with each other when you think nobody’s watchin’.”

Heat rushed up her neck. “Pa–”

He narrowed his eyes. “Renfroe is on of my top hands and I can’t do without him right now. But if it weren’t for spring round-up and brandin’, I’d send Renfroe packin’.” Pa huffed—that same noise he always made when he grabbed a problem by the horns.

Rosemary’s stomach tightened. “So you want to send me packin’ instead? Pa, how could you? We—we haven’t done anything wrong.” Was it wrong to let Wade steal a kiss? A whirlwind of panic spiraled through her and she tried to force her thoughts into a logical, practical reason to make Pa change his mind. But her brain froze and she stumbled.

Pa waved his thick finger at her. “If I thought anything wrong had already happened, I’d knock Renfroe’s jaw back so far he could scratch the back of his neck with his front teeth.” He planted his hands on his hips. “I ain’t gonna let a roughneck cowboy come sniffin’ around here after you. As long as I’m your pa, Renfroe ain’t got no more chance of wooin’ you that a stump-tailed bull at fly time.”

Her face flamed and she had to pull her gaze away from Pa, lest he read her thoughts. She had to admit Wade’s roguish grin charmed her, but his reckless manners and wild ways did frighten her a little. Perhaps that was part of the thrill. Wasn’t love supposed to be thrilling?

“But, Pa, Philadelphia? I haven’t seen Aunt Florence and Uncle Quentin since I was six years old. I have nothin’ in common with my cousins. Every year, all they talk about in their Christmas letter is their fancy ball gowns and attendin’ debutante cotillions and how some society matron is hostin’ a tea party. What do I know or care about ball gowns and tea parties? I’ve grown up on this ranch. I can ride and shoot and do ranch chores alongside my brothers, but I’d have no more idea how to act at a parlor social than a steer knows how to–”

Pa’s dark glare halted her words. “Now you see? That’s just what I mean. I won’t abide watchin’ my daughter grow up without a lick o’ ladylike polish. Your ma, God rest her soul, woulda known what to do with you. The good Lord knows I don’t. But your aunt Florence will. And your cousins … what’s their names … will help you learn all those things ladies are supposed to know.”

Rosemary suppressed a shudder. “Gloria and Penelope. In the letter we received from them last year, Penelope went on and on about her ‘comin’ out,’ whatever that is, and about the plays and concerts they attended, and Philadelphia’s social register.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “Pa, I’d sooner track mavericks through a briar patch on foot than sit at a fancy table with my snooty cousins, tryin’ to figure out which fork to use.”

“You’ll learn.” Pa rubbed his hand over his stubbled chin.

“And what about those balls? I can keep up with the best square dance caller in Wyoming, and I can reel and two-step, but I’d be a laughingstock at one of those high-falutin’ cotillions where the women get all gussied up in silks and satin.” She hated the way her voice took on a high-pitched whine of desperation, but the sinking feeling in her gut told her she was losing this argument.

One look at Pa’s hard-set jaw confirmed her fear. “I’m ridin’ into town tomorrow to wire your uncle and purchase your train ticket. You’d best start packin’.” Pa snatched his hat from the cattle horns mounted on the wall and jammed it on his head. He stopped in the doorway and stood like an impassable mountain. “And if I catch you anywhere near Wade Renfroe between now and when you leave, I’ll hogtie you like a calf at brandin’ time and you won’t see the outside o’ your room ’till it’s time to take you to the train station.” He harrumphed and stomped out the door.