Author: tuantr

PART 1 The receptionist almost tossed the application into the stack without looking up. It was Monday morning at Argent Holdings, and Monday mornings brought…

“Running from a husband?” “No, ma’am. Never had one.” That earned a small pause. “What business do you have in Dust Hollow?” “I’m a nurse.”…

“Where are my clothes?” “Frozen solid when I found you. Cut them off to keep you alive. Your dignity’s intact, if that’s what you’re asking.”…

Nora stared at it. “Use it,” he said. The words were not tender, but neither were they cruel. She wrapped the blanket around herself, grateful…

“Why Wyoming?” Mara set down her spoon. She could have softened it. She could have said distance, opportunity, fresh start. Instead, the exhaustion of the…

Matthew felt the room change. Abby’s prayer, Ruth’s letter, the open barn door, this woman’s bruised cheek beneath melting ice—every piece seemed to slide into…

“Then why introduce yourself?” “Because the boardinghouse is full of cattle buyers, the livery charges for stalls, and this storm will turn the north road…

“What do we do?” “Keep moving. Don’t run. Don’t separate.” They finished the line in tense silence. Clara felt the cat like a hand between…

Rebecca looked over her shoulder. “Are you?” His eyes dropped to Lily. “No.” “Then I know enough for today.” The answer seemed to confuse him….