Read A Grand Teton Sleigh Ride: Four Generations of Wyoming Ranchers Celebrate Love at Christmas for Free Online

a wide selection of men here,” Eunice observed, “although I’m not sure how many of them are suitable.”
    Mary glanced toward the closed door to Rosemary’s room. “Her father and I have considered sending her East in the spring. It’s been rather difficult for her here. She misses our family and friends. There are more opportunities for her, and yes, more suitable men.”
    “That’s probably true enough.”
    “Well, we can’t worry about it now. We need to weather through the winter, and in the meantime, we have Christmas to look forward to.” Mary beamed, but then her smile faded. “Oh, Belle, this year with Christmas coming, it must be especially difficult for you.”
    Belle nodded. She’d pulled herself along, focusing on learning how to deal with the winter stretching ahead of her, questioning her decision to stay, and missing Melanie with an ache only the bereaved could understand. She glanced down at her black dress.
    “I miss them, very much.”
    “And you have no one else?” Ivana leaned forward, squeezing Belle’s hand.
    “No. Ham … Ham has a brother over the pass. But he’s not my family. Melanie and I lost our mother a long time ago.” She didn’t add more about her lack of family, and the others didn’t ask further.
    “Humph.” Mary frowned. “I’ve heard of that Abel Quinn. As lazy an incompetent as Hamilton Quinn was industrious and capable.”
    “He and Ham had some bad blood between them a few years ago. Ham told him never to come back, asking for money again.” The man was lazy, given to much drinking and cards, and both Melanie and Ham barely spoke of him during the time Belle had lived with them. Even after his brother had perished, Abel hadn’t come to the funeral. What kind of a man would act in such a way, not paying his respects to his own brother?
    “That’s the kind of man I want Rosemary to stay away from the most.” Mary shook her head and tsked.
    Rosemary’s bedroom door clicked as it opened, and Rosemary reemerged, her shoulders squared and her head held high.
    “Belle, Mother, Ivana, and Eunice, I apologize for my outburst a few moments ago.” Rosemary settled back onto her vacant chair and picked up her needlework. “I’m not sure what came over me.”
    “I know you’ve been lonely for your friends.” Mary’s knitting needles clicked as she worked them. “Your pa and I have discussed it.”
    “I do have a friend here, though.” Rosemary smiled at Belle. “Thank you, Belle, for being my friend. If Zebulon Covington prefers you, there’s not much I can do about that.”
    “Oh, Rosemary.” Belle set down her work and crossed the parlor. “I’m glad you’re my friend. Don’t worry about Zebulon. I’m not sure that anything will come of it. In fact, he told me he doesn’t see the need for a wife.” She hugged the young woman, who responded in kind. She dared not mention that Mr. Covington said he would teach her how to ski on Sunday afternoon, if the weather held.

    After church meeting on Sunday, Belle ate some leftover stew and bread and tried not to watch the clock until the hands read three o’clock, the agreed-upon time for skiing. Somehow, the subject had come up during the small gathering, and the Olsens said they’d like to join Belle and Zebulon for an afternoon excursion.
    “More than likely, they’ll enjoy the diversion of seeing me slide around on my hindquarters,” Belle murmured to herself as she tied on her bonnet over top a woolen scarf. But ever since the conversation during the ladies’ gathering at the Smythe place, she found herself looking forward more and more to skiing with Zebulon. Perhaps Ivana and her husband and small child coming along to ski would be a diversion for her as well. She missed playing with little ones, and the Skinners had had an energetic band of children.
    She fastened her coat, topped it with Ham’s overcoat, the warmest combination she could think of, then watched until Zebulon, along with