“Your father was a good man. He’s gone. I know it in my heart. Just like I know that Adam is coming back someday.”
“Then why haven’t you moved on? You’re still wearing a wedding ring.”
She clutched her hand to her chest, protectively covering the ring in an unconscious gesture. “Move on to what? To whom? I already married the love of my life. I wear your father’s wedding ring because I’ll always be married to him.” She glanced at her clenched hands and dropped her arms to her sides. “That’s why I want more for you than a loveless marriage of convenience. Tell me this. Can you love her? Can she love you? You deserve those things. Marriage is tough enough when two people love each other.”
He knew his own feelings. He could love her—he feared he was already falling in love with her. He merely wanted to give her time to adjust to all the changes. Maybe in a few years, she’d develop an affection for him.
“She’s recently widowed. I can’t ask her to love me this soon after losing her husband. Maybe in a few years.”
“That’s a very big risk you’re taking, young man.”
For the first time since last evening, doubts invaded his thoughts. His mother was mourning a man who’d been absent from their lives for nearly a decade. Was he selfish to even crave Anna’s regard? He’d made his offer, and he wasn’t going to retract it. He wanted a wife, a family. They got along well. Why ask for more?
His mother heaved a sigh. “If this is what you want, then I’ll support you. After watching Marigold and Seth fall in love, I’m filled with romantic hope.”
Russ pressed a kiss against the papery skin of her cheek. “Thank you.”
“Why do you have all these books at home?” She balanced yet another teetering stack. “Don’t you have an office for that?”
“I need more hours in the day. The business is growing fast.”
“Then have Simon organize your paperwork.”
“Simon will be back in school soon.”
She haphazardly shoved a sheaf of papers together.
“Wait,” Russ protested. “Those items don’t belong together.”
“Fine.” She threw up her hands. “I was only trying to help.”
“And I appreciate your assistance. It may not look like it, but I have a system.”
“A very chaotic system.” His mother rubbed her fingertips together. “I’ll start dinner if you won’t let me help with the paperwork. Just remember, you only have a few hours until your fiancée arrives. If you want to make a good impression, then I suggest you clean up. You’ll scare her off if she thinks she’s marrying an eccentric hoarder.”
“I’m not a hoarder,” Russ grumbled.
“On second thought, leave everything as it is. Perhaps she’ll change her mind about you. Then you won’t be attached forever to another Darby sister.”
Russ grew serious. “I understand you have reservations, but I won’t have you speaking about her that way. This is my decision, and that’s final. If you can’t respect that, then perhaps it’s best you don’t stay for dinner.”
His mother’s eyes widened, and he caught a hint of admiration in her stunned expression. “Well said, my boy. Well said.” She grasped his hand and gave a comforting squeeze. “You have my apologies. But you can’t blame me for being skeptical considering your last encounter with the Darby family.”
“For the last time, Anna is nothing like her sister. You’ll see for yourself when you meet her.”
“We’ll be dining on tins of peaches if I don’t start cooking.” She pointed to a spot in the corner. “Don’t forget to dust the baseboards.”
Baseboards? Since when did people dust baseboards? Russ shrugged. He had other things to worry about, like figuring out where he was going to stash all these books and papers.
Exactly four hours following their minor tiff, Russ and his mother led Anna into the sparkling dining room. Mouthwatering aromas wafted from the kitchen, and his mother’s best china decorated the table.
Anna paused on the threshold. “Are you expecting more people?”
“Just you, dear,” his mother said from the doorway. “It’s not every day one of my sons proposes. It’s a special occasion.”
Anna blushed. “Your son has been very kind to me since my arrival in Cowboy Creek, Mrs. Halloway.”
“Call me Evelyn,” she said. “I didn’t get to spend much time with your family in Philadelphia.”
“I’m afraid my father wasn’t much for entertaining.”
Evelyn pursed her lips. “How is your sister?”
Russ loudly cleared his throat. “Shouldn’t you be checking on dinner?”
“I’m sorry, darling.” Evelyn blinked. “I thought you were over the fact that she jilted you for another man, then expected you to take the blame for her actions. My mistake. You won’t hear another word out of me.”
“Take the blame?” Anna turned to Russ, clearly bewildered. “I thought you jilted Charlotte. She is rather a handful, after all.”
“That’s an understatement,” his mother said beneath her breath.
Russ glared at his mother before taking Anna’s hand. “You probably don’t remember because you were very young. Your father wanted Charlotte to marry me, but she was in love with someone else. We thought we might blunt your father’s wrath if I took the blame.”
Anna appeared stunned. “I had no idea. I thought she eloped with her husband because she was heartbroken. That’s what she told me.” She sank onto a chair. “I believed her.”
His mother had the grace to appear abashed. “I’m sorry, dear. I thought you knew.”
Russ clenched his teeth and tilted his head. “Do I smell something burning, Mother?”
“Oh, yes, I’d best check on dinner.”
As she disappeared into the kitchen, Russ knelt before Anna. “I’m sorry about my mother. She’s very protective of my brothers and me, but she owes you an apology for speaking about your sister that way.”
“Your mother doesn’t owe me anything. I think there was a part of me that knew the truth all along. I admired Charlotte. I looked up to her. She was so beautiful, and everyone loved her. I wanted to be like her. I couldn’t admit she had faults.”
“It’s natural you admired your sister. That’s how it should be. Don’t let this color your regard.”
“She treated you poorly, yet you’re defending her. Why?”
“She did the best she could. We’re both older and wiser. I’m happy for your sister. I’m happy she found someone to love, someone who loved her back with equal fervor.”
“Are you certain she’s loved?”
“Aren’t you?”
“I don’t know,” Anna said. “I haven’t spoken with her since she eloped.”
“Not once?”
“No. Father shunned her. Then, after he died, I don’t know...everything happened so fast. I was married, and there wasn’t time.”
Charlotte had always been selfish and self-centered, thinking only of herself and her own needs. Apparently, nothing had changed. She had never reached out to her younger sister.
Yet Anna dearly loved her, and he had to respect that love. “Perhaps you should write to her.”
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I don’t know where she lives.”
“I can make some inquiries if you’d like. I still have mutual friends in Philadelphia.”
“No!” Anna paled. “That won’t be necessary. I can find her myself.”
Nothing was going to plan. His mother had insulted Anna while inadvertently revealing the truth about Charlotte, and Anna was indicating that she didn’t want his help finding her sister. Understandable, considering their past connection.
He stood and reached for her hand. “I want to show you something.”
At the touch of her fingers on his palm, pleasure fl
ared through him.
“What is it?”
“It’s a surprise.” He led her through the first floor of the house, pointing out the different rooms in an informal tour, waving at his mother as they passed through the kitchen and out the rear door. He pointed toward the side of the house. “I planted a rosebush.”
“For me?” she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
“Yes. For you.” Even before he’d proposed, a part of him had been preparing, he realized now. He held up his thumb. “Even pricked my finger on a thorn.”
“Thank you,” she said. The beautiful green of her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and his chest swelled. “That’s the most wonderful thing anyone has ever done for me.”
He’d plant a thousand rosebushes and suffer a thousand sharp thorns to see that look again. “You can plant whatever like. Especially pumpkins. I want plenty of pumpkins.”
A single tear caught the last ray of light from the setting sun and sparkled a path down her cheek before catching on her chin. “I’m going to plant the most beautiful garden you’ve ever seen. I promise.”
“Can you be happy here, Anna?” Can you love me? With the pad of his thumb, he wiped the moisture from her face.
“Yes.” She pressed her hand over his, and warmth radiated between them. “What about you? Are you ready for an instant family?”
“Yes.”
He leaned forward, aching to kiss her, but uncertain how to proceed.
The screen door banged open, and Anna turned toward the sound. His mother shielded her eyes with her hand. “There you are. Dinner is ready.”
The moment broken, he pulled away. “We’ll be right in,” Russ called.
Anna offered him a shy smile. “I can’t wait to plant more rosebushes.”
“And I can’t wait until my mother moves back with Seth.”
Holding his forearm for balance, Anna rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Be nice. I want her to like me.”
Tossing a last look over her shoulder, she skipped toward the house.
Russ’s heart lightened. He must be doing something right. He hadn’t seen her this happy since he’d known her in Philadelphia. He’d missed this side of her, and wanted to see more. Seeing her joyful smile was worth risking his heart.
She needed him, and for now, that was enough. Maybe later, she’d even come to want him, too.
Chapter Twelve
Filled with anticipation, Anna stepped into Dr. Mason’s workroom. Marlys had arranged for her to meet Touches the Clouds that morning. Thankfully, Friday was her day off. Russ had insisted she quit immediately, but she’d ignored his order. She still didn’t trust the future, and the more money she saved, the better off she’d be if something happened.
Dr. Mason showed her into the workroom. “Excellent timing. He’s just arrived.”
The doctor made the introductions, and Anna sat down across from Touches the Clouds. He was a small man, shorter than she was, with straight dark hair he kept in a long braid that dusted his belt. He wore faded denim pants and a threadbare chambray shirt topped with a beaded vest. When he shook her hand, his grip was light, and his fingers bent with rheumatism.
“The lady doctor says that you are interested in seeds,” he said in a deep baritone, his diction precise. “I am pleased to meet a fellow student of the earth.”
She blinked, covering her surprise. “Yes.”
“You did not expect my excellent English. I was taught in a school back east.”
Heat flushed her cheeks. “You’re the first, um, Indian that I’ve ever met.”
“I am the first Shawnee Indian that you have ever met,” he corrected with a gentle smile. “Tribe is very important. I am called Touches the Clouds.” He grinned. “My mother expected a taller son.”
She liked him instantly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Touches the Clouds.”
“What questions do you have for me?”
“I’m interested in the indigenous plant life of the area. What seeds do you harvest each year? How do you store them?”
Touches the Clouds proved knowledgeable, and she soon lost track of time discussing various plants and seed types. Fearful she’d forget something, Anna hastily jotted down notes. Her pencil flew over the pages until her hand soon ached.
At least an hour had passed when the bell over the door chimed.
Dr. Mason peered into the room. “Russ Halloway is here.”
“Russ?” Anna’s hand fluttered to her collar. “I wasn’t expecting him.”
“He’s here to speak with Touches the Clouds.”
“Oh.” Anna half stood. “How silly of me. I thought... Never mind.”
“Don’t get up on my account.” Russ stepped into the room and tucked his hat under his arm before greeting the Shawnee. “Dr. Mason said you might have some information that could help me.”
Anna sidled nearer the door. “I should be going. You two obviously have business.”
“Stay,” Russ said. “I was hoping you’d do me a favor. I need someone to take notes for me. The Shawnee have been having some trouble, and I’m investigating the matter. Simon says my handwriting is atrocious.”
The idea of spending time with him left her feeling slightly breathless. “I’d be happy to help.” She turned to a clean sheet of paper.
How silly of her, considering they’d be spending every day together once they were married. She’d best get control of her emotions, or she’d be hyperventilating like a schoolgirl.
Russ sat down and stretched out his legs. “I hear someone has been trying to buy your land.”
“Trying to steal my land,” Touches the Cloud answered, his tone flat. “He offered us a quarter of what the land was worth.”
“Who?”
“A man named Maroni.”
Anna glanced between the two men. She’d heard that name before, when Russ was speaking with Daniel.
“Let me guess,” Russ said. “When you refused to sell, he tried to convince you that your land was worthless.”
“He said the land would flood when the coal mining came. He lied. The land will not flood.”
“Flood, you say? That’s interesting. The dam broke over at James Solomon’s place. He lost half his herd, and his feed crop rotted at the roots before the water receded. Sheriff Getman looked at the damage, and declared the breach an accident.”
“That was no accident,” Touches the Clouds said.
Russ sat up. His gaze intense, he leaned forward and planted his hands on his knees. “Are you certain?”
“There was no reason for the dam to break. There were no heavy rains. No beavers. Whatever happened was caused by man. Your sheriff did not inspect the dam properly.”
“The sheriff isn’t known for his thoroughness.” Russ made a sound of frustration. “The damage was done weeks ago. Any evidence of foul play has long since washed away. In any case, I’ll take a look for myself.”
Anna glanced up and flexed the fingers of her writing hand. “What do you think happened?”
“I think someone is trying to buy land cheaply from the settlers, including the Shawnee, in order to charge Mitchell Coal & Mining Company a high price for the easements.” He stood and leaned over her shoulder. “Can I borrow some paper?”
He touched her shoulder, and her pulse quickened. “Let me tear off a sheet.”
She handed over the paper and pencil, and he sketched a map, then laid the paper on Dr. Mason’s work table. “The Solomon property is here.” He pointed. “And the Shawnee land is to the north. If Jason’s coal mine sits in the middle, then these are the best places to build a road.”
“Who owns that land?” Anna asked.
“My brother Seth, and he’s not selling. Jason already knows that.”
Understanding dawned on her. “Which means whoever tried t
o buy the Shawnee land wants to block the road.”
“I’ve seen this scheme before,” Russ said. “He’ll charge the mining company to use the easement, and make a tidy profit.”
“Isn’t Jason concerned?”
“He’s not happy.”
“Then we should speak with him. As soon as possible.”
“My thoughts exactly. I don’t care about his bottom line, but I do care about the people of this town. Whoever is buying that land is doing it on the sly and taking advantage of the ranchers. I should speak with Artie Henriksen. If the sale of his place hasn’t been finalized, perhaps he can ask for more money.”
Touches the Clouds pressed a hand against his chest. “Thank you. Your help is much appreciated by the Shawnee.”
Russ extended his arm and the two briefly clasped hands. “If there’s anything else I can do for you, let me know.”
Touches the Clouds nodded and turned to Anna. “I look forward to your visit this afternoon.”
“Visit?” Russ quirked an eyebrow.
“Touches the Clouds has invited me to tour the Shawnee land. I’m interested in their growing techniques and the seeds they’ve cultivated over the years. The land is owned by the tribe, and the seed collection is held communally. It’s quite fascinating. I can’t wait to see the varieties.”
“I’ll be happy to accompany you.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m sure I can find my way on my own.” Although she had no idea how. She couldn’t afford to borrow a wagon from the livery. She’d simply have to walk.
Touches the Clouds crossed his arms over his beaded vest. “It is not safe for you to travel alone. It is best you bring your man.”
“You can’t argue with that.” Russ puffed his chest. “You’d best bring your man.”
The Shawnee stood and touched his forehead. “I will see you this afternoon. I will introduce you to my children, and we will share the evening meal.”
“You don’t have to do that...”
Her words fell on empty space. Touches the Clouds stepped out the door with his long, purposeful strides.
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