IT'LL LIGHT UP YOUR

Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines

 On July 4, 2019, Prairie Rose Publications will be releasing a new anthology, "Hot Western Nights".
This 'spicy' collections will help heat up your summer reading or keep you warm as the nights get colder.

Amazon

I have a story included: 'Duty'. Below is an excerpt: Both Dan and Miranda have made commitments that keep them going on the path life set out for them. Problem is, they may want to start a new one together, but with their 'Duty' can this ever happen?

Riding toward the ranch house, as evening approached, Dan took in the corals, barn and bunkhouse. Everything appeared in even better shape than it seemed when he looked it over before riding down. Like a small town with a road through the middle, with gates at each end. But it was quiet, too quiet. For a second time today Dan called out, as he closed the gate behind him, "Hello?"
He heard a door open at the side of the house. Turning that way, he saw someone step out. The sun broke through and Dan was greeted by a vision in a worn gingham dress. Her hair draped across her shoulders and down her back. Her stance showed no apparent fear.
She was tall, but not overly so. She stood quietly. So taken by the her unexpected appearance, Dan failed to see the rifle barrel sticking out the window.
"Yes, may I help you?" came Miranda's rich voice as she spoke to Dan.
"Pardon ma'am, I was riding through and wondered if I might water my horse and pick up some supplies before moving on? I'll pay for the supplies if you have them to spare?" Dan asked, as he shook the water from his hat.
"Of course," Miranda answered. "It's getting late. You plan on traveling much farther?"
"No ma'am, just heading to the next town."
"That'd be quite a ride. Next town is Hobbstown, and it's a half day's ride from here," Miranda added, taking in the man's appearance. What she saw was not unpleasing. He appeared to be a man who was comfortable on a horse, sitting tall but relaxed in the saddle. His hair showed beneath his brown hat, a bit long, but clean for someone who'd been riding. She couldn't tell if he wore a gun, the rain wet slicker hiding the rest of him.
"Didn't realize it was quite that far, but I've slept out beneath the stars before," Dan replied. "Appreciate you letting me water the horse," Dan continued as he rode Partner toward the water trough, dismounting in one swift motion.
"Now that's a woman for a man, Partner," Dan said, patting the horse's neck as it dipped its head toward the water. "Not for us though."
Dan's head shot up as he heard a man's voice say, "Miss Miranda, you want I should keep this rifle on his back?"





Doris Gardner-McCraw -
Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History
Member of National League of American Pen Women,
Western Writers of America,
Women Writing the West,
Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners

Angela Raines - author: Where Love & History Meet
For a list of Angela Raines Books: Here 
Photo and Poem: Click Here 
Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here


Comments

  1. Elizabeth ClementsJuly 2, 2019 at 2:08 AM

    I'm reading this in the week hours of July 2nd, so only two more days and then I can order the boxed set. You have me intrigued with your short excerpt, Doris. I look forward to reading the rest very soon.....I see a lazy afternoon on the lounge in the gazebo, reading Hot Western Nights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renaissance WomenJuly 2, 2019 at 7:14 AM

      I'll be fun. I've been working, so it will be my nightime reading. (Smile)

      Delete

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