A Lady's Choice Read Online Free

Alex.”
    He tilted his head and stared into her eyes. “So, you’re a baseball fan.”
    â€œYes, but today’s game is the best I’ve seen in a long time.” She swallowed hard. “I’m glad I came.”
    His smile deepened. “I’m glad as well.”
    Ellen turned back to Sarah. “I hope we see you and your pretty mama at church tomorrow. You know it’s dinner on the ground, and I have a feelin’ that the men will get up another game in the afternoon.”
    Sarah reached out and grasped Ellen’s hand. “Uncle Charlie and Aunt Clara are coming by to get us tomorrow. I’ll make sure I see you, Ellen.”
    Alex reached for the two chairs. “I hope I’ll see you too.”
    â€œMaybe so.” Sarah glanced around for her aunt and uncle, but they weren’t in sight. “I’d better find Uncle Charlie and Aunt Clara now. They’re going to take Mama and me home as soon as the last customer is gone from the store. It’s been a wonderful afternoon, and thank you again, Ellen.”
    Sarah walked away, her heart beating so hard she could almost see it pumping through her dress. What was the matter with her? Earlier she’d been angry with Alex Taylor, and then she’d melted like a silly schoolgirl when he flashed his crooked smile her way.
    Against her will, she turned and looked in the direction of the Taylors. A wagon, driven by a young boy of perhaps sixteen, pulled to a stop next to them. Alex set the chairs in the back and then picked up Ellen as if she was as light as a feather and set her in one of the chairs. He climbed onto the driver’s seat beside the boy and slapped him on the back.
    She’d heard people speak of hero worship before, but she’d never seen it until the boy looked into Alex’s face. It made her feel good to know that Alex was the recipient of such obvious respect. They exchanged a few words before the boy picked up the reins and flicked them across the team of horses. He guided the pair into the road headed in her direction. Alex looked down at her when they passed, smiled, and tipped his cap the way he had earlier.
    Sarah watched the wagon lumber down the road and thought back to how different she felt now than she had earlier. Suddenly she didn’t feel as alone as she had before. Maybe her mother had been right after all. Her reason for their coming here was for Sarah to meet the people she’d known all her life. She’d insisted there were good people in this community, and they would be the ones to offer Sarah help and support when she couldn’t any longer.
    Sarah hoped that Ellen and Alex Taylor would be two of them.

    Alex leaned against the front porch post and stared into the night. Owls hooted in the trees near the barn, and the eerie sound drifted through the still air. Fireflies blinked across the front yard, and a hound bayed in the distance. It felt so good to be surrounded by the familiar night sights and sounds he’d known all his life.
    Coming home always filled him with contentment, but tonight there was something else that filled his thoughts. He pictured a lovely young girl with beautiful blue eyes and long blond hair.
    The screen door banged behind him, and Ellen stepped onto the front porch. “Well, I got the pies baked for tomorrow, the bread risin’, and the supper dishes washed. I’m about ready to turn in, but I wanted to say good night first.”
    â€œGreat supper, Ellen. I can’t wait to see what you cook up for tomorrow.”
    â€œI’ll need you to bring in a ham from the smokehouse first thing in the mornin’. I want to fry up some of it for the dinner.”
    â€œWill do.”
    Ellen stepped closer. “What did you think of my new friend today?”
    â€œShe seemed nice.”
    â€œNice, huh? Boy, you can’t fool your sister. I saw how your eyes popped outta your head when you talked to