Sweet Americana Sweethearts: Sandra's Journey

Today is Sandra's Launch Day!

I am so excited. I can't wait for you to meet her.

And Wyatt?

I think you're going to like him.

A story of journeys. A woman looking for a lost love. A man looking to start a new life. See how their paths converge on the California trail.

A sweet historical romance sprinkled with hope and faith.

Sandra is heartbroken. She used to be the one in her family full of hope and with a gift for healing. But she hasn’t heard from the man she thought she would marry in over a year, and her life has taken a dark turn. Nothing matters. Until her father decides to take his family west to California and her journey begins.

Lieutenant Wyatt Morgan is on his last duty for the army. For six months, he and his troop are to escort the wagon train to California. Once he gets to the new country, he’s going to put away the past, settle down, and dig for gold.

Neither is prepared for what they will find on their Journey along the California Trail.

EXCERPT

He studied her, the sadness in her eyes, her desire to hide, but he wasn’t going to let her hide from him. He grinned and walked over to her. “May I have this dance?”

Startled, she looked at him. Reluctantly, she took his hand and stood. “I guess so.”

He grinned. Not the most enthusiastic response, but he’d take it. “And how was your first day on the trail?”

“Long.” She gave him a slight smile.

“Better get used to it. Along the way, we’ll see some interesting sights.”

“I thought you hadn’t been before?”

“No, it’s my first time, too, but I’ve listened to Adams and the scouts. Your sister looks to be having a good time.”

Sandra turned her head. “Yes, Holly always has a good time. I wish I was more like her.”

“Ah, then you wouldn’t be who you are. I see a mysterious woman before me. Maybe a little sad. I hope to remedy that.”

Even in the low light of the campfire, he could see she had blushed.

“I get the feeling you’re not used to compliments. I hope to remedy that, too.” He stopped and waited for the musicians to start up again.

“You sound like a doctor.” She allowed a slight smile.

“There you go. I saw a smile. You can just call me Dr. Remedy.” He laughed and took her hand. “What do you think it will be? A waltz, a quadrille, country dance?”

“I’m not a good dancer.”

He shrugged. “Don’t worry, I’m not either. And we can dance along the edge out of the light if that makes you more comfortable.”

She nodded.

The music started up in a slow waltz.

Wyatt put her hand on his shoulder, then his on her back. Holding her other hand, he started the simple steps of the waltz. “You dance beautifully.”

She smiled. A pleasant smile that she’d hid from him.

He swung her around. “Sandra Hale, what are your dreams?”

She cocked her head. “You’re an interesting man, Corporal.”

“Call me Wyatt. You didn’t answer my question.” He swung her around. “Or don’t you have dreams?”

“I’m not sure what they are. Not anymore.”

Wyatt felt for her. She’d been hurt by someone, he’d bet a month’s pay on that. “I only have six more months in the army, and I’ll be free to go after my dreams.”

“All right, Wyatt. What are your dreams?”

He enjoyed the way she said his name and intended to make her say it often. “One to get out of the army. It’s been home for a lot of years, but I’m ready to live my own life on my terms. I don’t have any family. So, the next dream is to get a family. Start with a pretty gal I can’t resist and let nature take its course. As for what I will do? I’m not sure. Maybe get some land, learn to farm or ranch.”

She blushed again. “I find you most forward in your conversation. Besides, don’t you think a woman would want to know what you do?”

Wyatt waltzed her around the dance floor and considered her words. “I suppose she would. She’ll have to trust me first. I’ll be good to her. Make her laugh. Take care of her.”

Sandra laughed. “Like I said, you are most forward in your conversation. But I think your lady will want to know how you’re going to take care of her.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes.” He stared into her eyes. “I’ll be honest, I don’t know anything but army life, but I can learn. And I will. For the right woman, I can do anything.”

They’d slowed to a stop. She was breathing fast. Her eyes on him.

A young boy ran past them and pushed Wyatt into her, breaking the moment.

Wyatt led her to the edge of the dance area. “Sorry. We’ll catch the next dance. So, Sandra Hale, what are your dreams? What is it you want to see and do when you get to California?”

She shrugged. “I’m not sure.”

She was holding something from him. Such a mystery.

She looked at him as if she were worried. “You know what you want to do.”

He held her closer. “Not really. I’m willing to let life play itself out and see what happens. I don’t have to have everything mapped out. You still haven’t said what your plans might be?”

She sighed and looked away from him, but not before he saw her eyes moisten with tears. “I don’t know. I truly don’t know.”

With his thumb, he dried a tear that had escaped down her cheek. “I think you do know. I think you’re afraid to reach out. Afraid to be hurt.”

She stiffened, and her eyes hardened. “I’m tired.”

He led her back to the log that she’d been sitting on. “We can sit out the next dance.”

Sandra slumped as if in defeat. “I’m afraid to dream. So far, they’ve always been shattered.”

“Ah, disappointment is a hard beast to slay. But it’s a lot like riding a horse. If you get bucked off, the best thing to do is get back on. That’s how you have to live. When life throws you down, get back up and determine in your spirit that you’re going to enjoy life. And live it.”

She stared at him. “That’s easy to say if you’ve never been hurt so deep that you can barely breathe.”

He looked her in the eye, and then he took a strand of wayward hair and tucked it behind her ear. “I’ve had my share of hard times. Grew up poor. My family died in a fire. I joined the army. I’ve seen men killed in front of me.” He looked down at his hands. “I’ve had to kill men, but I’ve never given up. It’s not in my nature.” He tapped the tip of her nose. “I don’t believe you were meant to give up either.”

She sat still not moving or indicating she’d heard him.

He stood and pulled her up. “Let’s dance one more. I think we need to. Kind of an affirmation to go on. To go after our dreams.”

She stood and had a real smile on her face. “I’d like that.”

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