Read Sarah's Surrender for Free Online

this.”
    â€œWhat will we do if they don’t have a room?”
    Jack shrugged. “I don’t know. Buy a tent, I reckon.”
    Sarah glanced at him to see if he was teasing, but his serious expression remained. She’d never camped out in a tent and would hate to do so among all these strangers.
    Jack helped her down the steps. “If we should get separated, meet me at the Hotel El Reno. I’m sure there are plenty of folks who could point the way, but let’s try hard to stay together.”
    Sarah smiled. “That sounds like a good plan.”
    As she allowed Jack to pull her through the crowds lining the front of the various stores and places of business, she wondered how she had thought she could have managed this on her own. There were some females among the horde of men but not many. And most of the men they passed turned her way, some with cheerful nods but others with lewd stares that made her want to hide behind Jack.
    Someone bumped her, and she lost hold of Jack’s arm and was knocked along with the people heading away from him. She stumbled but managed to grab hold of a post and held on. She thought she heard Jack calling her and looked back the way she’d come.
    Suddenly Jack’s head appeared above the others’. His frantic gaze searched one way and then the other. She raised one hand and waved, willing him to see her—and then he did. He held up his palm, indicating for her to stay where she was, so she took time to study the town. It wasn’t much different than Guthrie. Mostly made up of one- and two-story wood, stone, or brick buildings. The wide streets allowed wagons to travel both directions easily.
    â€œWell, howdy, ma’am. You’re about the prettiest thing I’ve seen in ages.”
    Sarah spun around to find a gap-toothed old man two feet away. Standing at the very edge of the boardwalk, there was no place for her to go other than to step into the street. But a wagon pulled by two massive horses headed her way.
    The man tipped his hat. “M’name’s Elmer Doolittle, ma’am.”
    Sarah offered a smile, unsure what the man wanted. Was he just being friendly?
    â€œHey there, move along.” Jack pushed his way past two tall men who frowned at him.
    The old man’s smile dipped. “You know this purty lady?”
    Jack shot a worried look at her. “You all right?”
    â€œI’m fine. This nice man was keeping me company.”
    â€œThen I’m in your debt, sir.” Jack offered his hand. “I’m Jack Jensen, and this is Sarah Worley, my sister.”
    Mr. Doolittle smiled and shook it. “You oughtn’t go off an leave a gal so purty all by herself.”
    â€œHe didn’t leave me. We got separated by accident.”
    â€œEasy enough to do with so many folks around.” Elmer bounced his head, his pale blue eyes gleaming.
    â€œYou ready?” Jack asked her.
    â€œYes. Have a nice day, Mr. Doolittle.”
    He waved and shuffled off. Sarah watched him weave into the flow of people, hoping he didn’t get knocked down. Then she turned her attention to Jack. “I’m sorry. One moment I had hold of you, and the next, I didn’t.”
    â€œThat’s all right. I imagine once people get registered, most of them will leave town like we plan on doing and return the first day of the lottery.”
    Sarah latched onto Jack’s arm again. “Why did you tell him I’m your sister?”
    â€œBecause in my mind you are. It doesn’t matter that we have different parents.” Jack’s blue eyes held a smile.
    â€œThat’s good, because I look up to you like I would a brother, if I had one.”
    â€œJust consider me yours.” His ears turned red as he quickly looked away. “I mean, your brother.”
    Sarah bit back a smile. She knew what he meant. Jack was forty—almost double her age. While she loved him for the kind, caring