Spring Surprises — C.J. Petit

It hadn't been a bad winter, but the townsfolk of Idaho City were anxious for spring to arrive. Like everyone else, Joe would appreciate the warmer weather and longer days. But he and Sheriff Fulmer both dreaded the influx of gold hunters and the trouble they would bring. They needed more good men, but after losing two deputies, not a single acceptable candidate had applied.As Joe rode toward Centreville on a frigid February morning, he knew the possibility of an ambush was almost nil, but he still searched the landscape. Now more than ever before, he couldn't afford to be surprised. In five or six weeks, he and Faith would welcome their first child into the world.Yet even as Duke carried him away from Idaho City, he couldn't imagine the many surprises spring held in store.