Chapter 9 - The Choice Walker Couldn’t Take Back
That night Josephine kissed him.
There was no speech.
No permission asked in words.
Walker sat beside her beneath the wagon while Sam slept.
Josephine looked at him.
Touched the cut on his cheek.
Then kissed him.
Slowly.
Walker froze for half a heartbeat.
Then kissed her back.
When they separated, Josephine whispered, “That was a mistake.”
“Yes.”
She looked hurt.
Walker smiled.
“Because now I'll want another.”
She laughed.
He kissed her again.
Across camp, Dusty quietly collected two dollars from Perry.
Ellis whispered, “You bet on them?”
Dusty answered, “I believe in planning.”
But happiness lasted only until morning.
A scout arrived from another outfit.
Caldwell was four days away.
Silas had men waiting on the road.
Walker had to choose.
Protect his cattle.
Or protect Josephine.
He divided the outfit.
Dusty would take the herd north.
Walker would escort Josephine by a longer western route.
Josephine refused.
“These cattle are everything you own.”
Walker looked at her.
“No.”
She understood.
And for the first time since Amos died, Josephine allowed herself to imagine a future with another man.
May you like
That frightened her more than Silas Mercer ever had.
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