Come celebrate the holidays in 1895 Sweetwater Springs, Montana, as ten Western Romance authors join New York Times Bestselling author DEBRA HOLLAND in telling short stories of love and laughter, heartbreak and healing, and most of all, Christmas joy. This short story collection takes place after Painted Montana Sky, but the anthology can be read as a stand-alone book.
OTHER AUTHORs: Debra Holland, E. Ayers, MJ Frederick, Paty Jager, Jill Marie Landis, Linda McLaughlin,Trish Milburn, Bev Pettersen, Tori Scott, Cynthia Woolf
From Wishes On A Star
Disappointed by the lack of activity in the saloon, Richelle pushed harder on the pedals and set a good pace on the dirt street. The handlebars jiggled as she rode over a section of paving bricks and she tightened her grip. Careful to watch for pedestrians, she enjoyed the air tugging her long curls over her shoulders and the resistance against her leg muscles. Her hair style was one more act of rebellion, but binding it up after she finished a ride made more sense than having to perform the task twice.
As she rode, a sense of freedom filled her. The free will to make her own choices was what she missed most during this visit with her cousin’s family. At home, her schedule was her own, but here she had to submit to her aunt's authority. For a selfish moment, she wished the street were longer. But at the end of the block, she pressed on the coaster brakes, careful to avoid running into anyone coming around the corner.
Before her, a tall man dressed in indigo denim pants and a heavy coat led a gorgeous gray stallion along the train platform. The animal jerked his head at the lead and took dancing steps to the side.
At home on the family's Dry Creek ranch, Richelle's father and brothers rounded up and broke wild mustangs. Over the years, she'd seen many horses but something about the proud arch of the horse's neck and the broadness of its chest caught her attention.
The cowboy ran a soothing hand over the stallion's shoulders.
She saw how the animal's steps slowed into a smooth cadence. For a moment, Richelle wondered who the stranger was. She'd certainly not seen a man quite like this—so confident, yet rough and tumble—during her supervised outings around Sweetwater Springs.
"There you are." Lettie shuffled to a stop and nudged Richelle's side. "Were you trying to ditch me?" Her hand rested on her chest as she pulled short breaths into her lungs.
As if that were even a possibility. A laugh escaped. "I was just exercising. Later, when we return, I’ll demonstrate for you some easy gymnastics before supper."
"Allow me to catch my breath." Lettie panted.
Richelle's attention remained riveted on the horse as the man guided it down a ramp placed over the platform steps. Now, there was a potential beau for her cousin. Confident, skilled, and handsome in a rugged way. She shrugged. "Told you to leave the corset at home."
"Richelle! You did not." Lettie grabbed her arm and shook.
"Who will ever know?" She turned and patted her cousin's shoulder. "This voluminous cape covers everything."
"Everything except your scandalous cycling costume." Lettie leaned close and whispered, "Really, don't you care about being stared at?"
Richelle waved a dismissive hand. "Times are changing, and I'm just the one to help this town get ready."
