Salvation's Secrets (The Loflin Legacy Prequel) by Catherine Wolffe Page A

these
parts have ever seen. There’s a rodeo, a barbecue, a bake sale, and
an auction.” Claudette paused to catch her breath. “We raise money
for the orphaned Indian children.” Her smile broke briefly as she
remembered whom she was addressing. “There are so many in need,”
Claudette finished rather lamely.
    Celia had gently removed her hand from the
woman’s clutches and glanced across the table at Seth. She was
reminded painfully of another round-up celebration many years
before where she’d danced every dance with Seth. “We’ll see how
things go.” Celia punctuated the statement with a thin-lined smile.
“I won’t have much time. My father is ill and I came back to see
what I can do.”
    “Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry.” Claudette’s
simple enthusiasm overrode her sense of decorum and with eyes as
wide as saucers, she leaned in unwittingly pushing for more
information. “Is it serious?”
    Glancing once more toward Seth, Celia saw
his face grow dark. “Yes.” He was watching her with anger, concern,
or maybe a mixture of both. If only she could answer and be done
with it.
    She glanced hesitantly at Broken Horse. “My
father, Lone Eagle, is…is gravely ill…” her voice trailed off. She
had to leave. “Will you excuse me? I think we’d best be going.”
Celia stood and glanced toward her cousin. “It will be dark before
we arrive.”
    Seth was already by her side blocking her
way. “I’m truly sorry to hear about Lone Eagle. He’s always been a
good friend. Is there anything I can do?”
    The sincerity in his words took the air from
her lungs. Or maybe it was the heat emanating from his body so
close to hers which disturbed her sense of balance. “Yes…I mean,
no.” Her eyes burned with irritation and Celia fought to regain her
composure. It was imperative to her pride she exhibit a poised,
cultured young lady to the thoroughly infuriating Mr. Loflin at
that moment. “Thank you, Mr. Loflin. I appreciate your concern, and
will convey it to my Father, but there’s nothing the white man can
do.” Celia quickly sidestepped him and took Broken Horse’s arm.
    “It was good to see you again, Dark Wolf,”
Broken Horse smiled as he called Seth by his Comanche name. “Come
to our camp and we will smoke the pipe. Lone Eagle will be pleased
to see you again.”
    “Thank you, Broken Horse.”
    Seth’s eyes flicked over her. Celia had
enough and headed for the door. Was he remembering when he’d come
to their camp all those years before? Celia quickened her pace. The
sooner they left Tyler, the better .
    “I’ll do my best to get out to your camp as
soon as I can,” Seth said behind Celia as she exited the hotel.
“We’re in the spring branding, and I’ll be getting back to it as
soon as I deliver Claudette to her door.” Celia glanced back in
time to catch Seth cut Claudette a wry grin.
    “Now, Seth, you know you’ll be staying for
supper.” Claudette leaned into Seth and smiled coyly as she batted
her lashes for him.
    Irritated and nauseated all at once, Celia
rolled her eyes and turned away.
    “I’ll meet you at the horses, Celia,” Broken
Horse spoke low before smiling warmly for their companions and
turning away.
    Claudette reached out and gave Celia’s arm a
gentle squeeze. “Think about the dance, won’t you? It’ll be such
fun.” With that, she turned and waved before heading for the livery
and Seth’s four-in-hand.
    There she went, mused Celia, all she could
never be.
    “It was a pleasure to meet you, Celia.”
Seth’s mouth twitched with the statement.
    Celia merely turned and followed Broken
Horse toward their horses in the opposite direction.
    From behind, she could hear his soft,
throaty chuckle. Blinking back angry tears, she walked blindly
toward the horses. If she hadn’t been a lady, she would’ve gone
back and cheerfully explained where she wanted to see Mr. Loflin
next time – in purgatory.
    Broken Horse was waiting for her. “Are you
all