The following snippet is taken from
Clara
Prairie Roses Collection, Book 25
by Zina Abbott
“But I’m still thirsty!” A few drops of water dripped down Danny’s chin as he clung to the bag and tried to wrest it from Clara’s grasp.
“No! I will not allow you to be selfish. Do you want your sister to die? She’s got heat sickness and needs water, too. Now, let go of the bag, or I’ll tell Will you are not allowed to have any more of his water.” She glanced at Will, knowing he watched the scene, but she could read nothing from his expression. Maybe he thinks I am being wicked and mean to Danny.
“Not fair.” Pouting as he dropped his head, Danny released the bag. “You’re going to drink it all yourself.”
“No, I’m not.” Clara shook her head. “Believe me, Danny. I’m thirsty, too, but I’ll not take even one sip. It wouldn’t be fair for me to drink when Anna and Aunt Pearl don’t have water. I’ll give Grace some, and then I’ll return the waterskin to Will. Whether or not he allows you more water depends on how well you behave.”
“But, I’m tired, and I’m thirsty, and I want something to eat.” His gaze on the ground, Danny sighed. “Will you carry me, Clara?” He raised his gaze and lifted his arms.
“I’m tired, too, Danny, and you’re too big for me to carry.” Clara softened her voice. “I’ll return as soon as I can so we can walk together.”
“Tell you what, Danny. You climb up and ride on my back until we get to that clump of dead brush the Engleharts’ wagon is just now passing.” Tucking the ox goad under his armpit, Will pointed to a cluster of brown in the distance. He interlaced his fingers and held them out toward Danny.
Her mouth and throat dried from the heat, Clara swallowed air. She studied Will’s face. She had felt drawn to him all those months ago, when they first met along the banks of the South Platte River. However, the more she learned about him—came to know the real heart and soul of William Clayton, the more she felt she could not ask for a better man with whom to connect her life—to marry and with whom to build a family. However, Pearl and Michael remained convinced she was too young to make such an important decision.
Clara is currently available for purchase as an ebook or at no additional cost with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. To find the book description and purchase options, please
Today, Saturday, April 29, 2023, is the final day I am offering this book on a Kindle Countdown sale for 99ȼ to readers in the United States and the United Kingdom. The book is also available in Kindle Unlimited and paperback. To find the book descriptions for Pearl and the purchase options, please CLICK HERE
The above snippet was taken from the chapter describing the wagon train crossing the Forty Mile Desert. If you wish to know more about this desert, please read my Forty Mile Desert blog post. CLICK HERE
My next book to be published will be Sabrina, Book 19 in the Rescue Me (Mail-order Brides) series. To find the book description and pre-order link,please
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