Adam walked down the hallway to the kitchen where Stephen and Annie were already at the table having breakfast.
“Good morning,” he greeted gaily as he walked into the kitchen.
Annie, as usual, had already set his place at the table. He pulled out the chair beside his brother’s at the head of the table. Annie offered him a bright smile from her position opposite him.
“How is my nephew or niece doing today?” he inquired from his sister-in-law.
There was a lovely glow around her face. Petite Annie with dark brown hair and big honey brown eyes, an oval face, and a ready smile was the best thing that had happened to his brother.
Annie was sweet, loving, and very caring. Small as she was, she was a bundle of energy. And when riled, it was best if one stayed out of her way.
Annie giggled. She rubbed a hand across her protruding stomach.
“Whoever is in here is doing just fine.”
Adam returned her smile. “That’s good to hear.” He turned to his brother. “What do you plan on doing today?”
Stephen shrugged. “I’m still getting the cows ready for the cattle drive with Jeb’s ranch.”
Adam admired his older brother a lot. He was glad at what he had achieved over the years since their parents’ death. Stephen had been sixteen and he, fourteen when their parents died on the journey to Montana.
Stephen had stepped up as his older brother to take care of him, even though the Stanfords had taken the position of their foster parents.
While his older brother had worked at the ranch after completing his education, Adam had worked at the stables and with the sheriff. Although they looked alike with black hair, gray eyes, and the same facial features and height, they wanted different things in life.
Stephen wanted a simple life as a rancher, while Adam preferred an exciting life of going after criminals.
“When is the drive?” Adam questioned and took a spoonful of his apple pie.
“In a few weeks,” Stephen responded in his usual quiet manner.
Adam nodded and continued his meal in silence, not contributing to the conversation at the table.
His mind drifted to Olivia again. He wished that he didn’t have to tell her the bad news. Olivia had been through a lot. She deserved to be happy always.
An image of her shy smile came to his mind, and he couldn’t help the grin that plastered across his face. He had enjoyed conversing with her and had gotten to know her some more. She had been fascinated as he spoke about the town. He had realized then that she didn’t know anything about towns. Her life with the Indians had been simple and basic; she had had no desire to seek white people.
And now, she would have more reason not to want to be with them because of what they did to her Indian family.
It was so unfair. Olivia didn’t deserve for the only family she had ever known since her parents’ death to be thrust away from her like that.
But she can have a new family with you.
Adam was startled at the sudden thought that crossed his mind. He was getting carried away with his emotions. Just because he found Olivia to be a very beautiful and interesting woman didn’t mean he should start thinking of courting her.
For one, she was a Christian who took her religion strongly. She would bore the socks off him, talking about God. And he wouldn’t want to hurt her feelings.
“Adam!”
Jerking, Adam looked at Annie, who had shouted his name. He read amusement in her eyes and wondered what was funny.
“What?” he asked, looking from her to his brother, who was silently laughing.
“We’ve been trying to get your attention for some minutes,” she answered, laughing softly.
“We’ve noticed how distracted you have been lately,” Stephen stated with a twinkle in his eyes. “Does it have anything to do with a certain Olivia Foster?”
Adam’s face reddened, and he lowered his gaze to his food. He should never have told Stephen and Annie about Olivia. They would rib him until there was nothing left of him. But he had needed someone to talk to after they noticed his absentmindedness at dinner the day he rescued her.
