page_147

< previous page | page_147 | next page >

Page 147

| Feeling frustration and even a trace of shame for causing Ashton such a fretful time on his first night at the sheep station, Sasha sighed and shook her head dispiritedly. "None of this is right," she said, letting her blankets tumble from her arms. She sat down before the fire, cupping her chin in her hands as she leaned her elbows into her legs. "I'm ruining it for us, Ashton. Absolutely ruining it." |

| Taken aback by Sasha's sudden change of heart, Ashton stared at her for a moment, then went and sat down beside her. "I think we both are a bit to blame, sweet darlin'," he murmured. "I'm sure it's because we are feeling the strain of the trip." |

| She smiled wanly. "And perhaps because we are uneasy about the future?" she murmured. "Though I am eager for the challenge, so much depends on us, Ashton, to make sure that our dream does not fall into disaster." |

| "Do not fret so, Sasha," Ashton said, leaning to place another log on the fire. "As you have discovered, everything has been well planned out. The only thing that we need fear now is mother nature and wild dingoes." He leaned closer to her, daring to slip an arm around her waist. "Now I can't do much about mother nature, but as for the dingoes, we'll do all we can to keep them at bay. The kelpie is well trained." |

| "But the kelpie is only one dog," Sasha murmured. "From the sound of the howling in the distance, I would say there are many dingoes." |

| "Remember the fence, sweet darlin'," Ashton said. He drew her closer and tipped her chin up with a forefinger. "And remember that worrying can make you old too soon." He lowered a kiss to |

< previous page | page_147 | next page >