His wide grin made her glad she’d agreed. Mr. Kessler was a comely man, and she knew he owned a large ranch. He’d make a decent husband, she supposed, but not for her.
Garrett Corbett helped himself to a couple of buns and smiled. “Good day, Miss O’Neil.”
She nodded, and realized this was just the chance she’d been waiting for. Mark was at the far end of the line, and she might not catch Garrett alone again. “Might I have a few moments of your time?”
His brows lifted, and he glanced over his shoulder. “Me?”
“Aye. You.”
He took a bite of his bun. “Sure, as long as you don’t mind if I eat. We’ll be getting back to work soon.”
“That’s fine.” She followed him off the porch to a shade tree next to the boardinghouse.
He leaned against the tree and stared at her. “What can I do for you?”
Now that she had his attention, she wasn’t sure what to say. She couldn’t tell him what had happened between her and his brother. He wouldn’t understand why she wanted the change in her work hours, but what did that matter. “I think it’s best if I only work in the office when you and your brother are out of town.”
His expression remained passive, surprising her. He didn’t seem the least bit taken off-guard. Had Mark told him what happened?
“That will mean fewer hours for you. Will that be a problem?”
She’d calculated how much money she’d lose, and aye, ’twould be a problem, but she had no choice. She wouldn’t work with Mark in the office. She couldn’t.
Garrett’s lips twisted to the side. “My brother giving you trouble?”
Shannon shrugged. “I’ve had to clean and dust and rearrange things over and over to keep busy. You’re wasting your money having me work so many hours when you don’t need me.”
“Shouldn’t that be our choice? Maybe we want someone in the office more than just when we’re out of town.”
“Then you’ll need to hire someone else.”
He quirked a brow. “You’re serious?”
“Aye.”
He heaved a sigh and set his plate on a nearby fence post. “What did my brother do?”
Shannon’s lips trembled. What could she say? “’Tisn’t important. Can we work it out that I’m in the office on the days you’re gone, or not?”
Garrett ran his hand over his chin, obviously not wanting to comply, but finally he nodded his head. “I reckon it would work. I could let you know at the beginning of each week what our plans are, and you could come down after we leave. We can leave notes to each other, if need be.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your flexibility.”
He nodded and stared down at her, his eyes so much like his brother’s that it made her heart ache. “I was hopin’ things would work out between you two.”
She turned away, not wanting him to see how much she wished the same.
“I’ll have a talk with him.”
“No!” Shannon turned back and touched his arm, then jerked her hand away. “He made his feelings clear. ’tis best we both honor them.”
He stared at her for a long moment, then nodded.
She turned away, hurrying toward the rear of the boardinghouse. She’d miss seeing Mark most days, but ’twas for the best. Her job was safe. She’d just have to pinch her pennies tighter.
CHAPTER 23
Leah finished sweeping the boardinghouse porch. She watched Dan lift up one of Rachel’s heavy rocking chairs as if it were a five-pound bag of sugar and carry it to the middle of the porch, where he set it down.
“That the right spot?”
Leah smiled. “Perfect.”
Dan nodded, a twinkle in his dark eyes, and fetched the other three rockers one at a time. Leah loved working on a project like this with him. Though they weren’t yet married, she felt joined to him in a way she never had with another man. It was as if they were already partners. She leaned on the broom, imagining the days ahead when she would cook in the Howard home while Dan sipped coffee and read the town newspaper.
Dan brushed his hands together. “That’s it. You done with your work now? Care to take a walk?”
She nodded, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. A walk with Dan meant stolen kisses. Her heart skipped like a schoolgirl’s. “Just let me run this back inside.”
She hurried to the kitchen and placed the broom in its spot. The whole room smelled of savory scents that made her mouth water. Rachel leaned over the dry sink with her arm halfway down in a large pot she was washing.
“Sure smells wonderful in here. What’s for supper?”
Rachel glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Ham and beans.”
“Mmm…I can’t wait. Dan asked me to take a walk with him, but if you need help, I can stay.”
Rachel shook her head. “No, you two go on, but if you see my daughter, chase her home so she can get cleaned up.”
“All right, I can do that.”
Outside, Dan took her hand, and they passed the new store, heading down Bluebonnet Lane toward the river on the edge of town. “Too bad we didn’t finish today.”
Leah studied the new structure. “You probably would have if it wasn’t for building that second story.”
Dan nodded. “Yeah, we ran into a few problems that slowed us down. Several men have volunteered to work on it Monday, so maybe they’ll finish up then.”
“I can’t wait to have the store open again.”
Dan chuckled. “Ladies need to do their shopping.”
“Oh no. It’s not that.” She feared he’d misconstrued her meaning and would think her a wastrel. “I don’t shop all that much, but I do love walking through the store when I get bored and looking at all the lovely things. Not that I won’t work hard once we’re married.”
Oh, now he’d think her lazy. He didn’t realize she’d had hours on end with nothing to do since coming to town, and walking through the store occasionally had helped occupy her time.
Dan patted her hand. “I’m not worried. We won’t be rich by any means, but you should be able to buy most things you need—or want—at the store.”
“I don’t need much. Being the oldest of eleven children, I never had a lot to call my own.”
Dan wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Well, I want you to get what you need. I have some money saved, and you don’t need to do without anymore.”
She leaned into him, enjoying having someone who cared about her. Someone to spoil her a little bit. She’d had so few treasures in her life—not that she needed many—that it would be delightful to buy some more soft, store-bought undergarments like the set she’d gotten in Denison and not have to use flour sacks any longer.
At the river’s edge, they paused and watched the water. The gentle ripple of water splashing on the banks was calming after the busyness of the day. She’d helped Rachel and Shannon bake and fix a large portion of the food for the workers. Since Mrs. Foster had no kitchen, she’d hired Rachel to feed the men, although every woman whose husband was working had also brought food. The feast reminded Leah of the church potlucks back home, after Sunday service.
Thinking of home reminded her of Sue Anne. Had her good friend gone west as a mail-order bride and married her rancher as she’d planned? She’d received only one letter from her, telling of her engagement, but Sue Anne was an only child, and her father might have stopped her from leaving town if he’d found out about her plans. Knowing how happy she was having found her own love, Leah wished the same for her friend.
Dan turned to face her. “Just eight more days, and we’ll be married.”
Her insides swirled with giddiness. Had she ever been this happy before? “I can’t wait.”
“Me neither.” He leaned down, capturing her lips, and pulled her close. He was so big, so powerful, but with her, he was gentle and loving. She’d never known such delight, and when he finally pulled away, both of them were breathing hard.
Her lips were damp and felt puffy, but her
heart was racing. She would spend the rest of her life loving this man and enjoying every minute.
Dan lifted his hat and ran his hand through his hair. “I reckon I should get you back before I do something we’d both regret.”
Leah knew just what he meant. She longed to love him more. To show him the depth of her love, but she wasn’t free to do that as thoroughly as she wished until after their wedding ceremony. She sighed and nodded her head. Heading back was probably a wise idea.
He took her hand, and they walked to town again. “I reckon we need to clean out Ma’s room.”
His voice cracked a bit at the mention of his mother. “I can do that after we’re married, Dan. Don’t worry about it now.”
He squeezed her hand. “Thanks. I’d appreciate that. Don’t know if I could do it.”
“I know. I truly wished I’d gotten to know your mother better.”
He wrapped his arm around her. “She liked you, you know.”
She dashed a glance up at him. “Indeed?”
“Yep. She wanted me to ask to court you, but I didn’t need her prompting, because I’ve had my eye on you since you first arrived in town. I figured Luke would pick you, what with you being so pretty and all.”
She ducked her head, but was pleasantly delighted that he found her pretty. She wouldn’t admit that he hadn’t caught her eye back then, but she’d been focused only on winning the marshal’s heart. She’d have willingly married a man she didn’t love back then and would have missed out on the blessing God had for her in Dan.
But there was still one thing she needed to tell him. Something that might make him change his mind about marrying her. A fist of fear squeezed her heart. Could she marry Dan and then tell him she didn’t want children? If she told him now, he might call off the wedding. And how could she survive without him?
She argued with herself all the way back to town. Tell him. Don’t tell him until after the wedding. Tell him.
“Looks like someone has arrived in town.”
She glanced up and saw a heavily loaded wagon stopped right in front of the boardinghouse. A woman stood on the porch, hands on her hips, starring at the town. Leah’s heart hammered, and she grabbed hold of Dan’s arm. “What is she doing here?”
“Who?”
“That woman we saw Mark Corbett with in Denison.”
“I have no idea, but it can’t be anything good.” Leah quickened her steps. “I have to get back. Shannon will need me.”
As they neared the boardinghouse, she realized another woman and several children had also arrived. The wagon looked loaded down with furniture, household goods, and a great number of crates. The other woman stared toward the new store with her hand resting against her cheek.
“I had so hoped the building would be finished when we arrived.”
Ah, so this must be the Fosters’ niece. Leah strode up to her and held out her hand. “Welcome to Lookout.”
The pretty woman with dark brown hair and blue eyes smiled. “Thank you. I’m Christine Morgan. I’ve come to run the store.” She glanced behind her. “Come here, children.”
A boy of medium height who looked to be twelve or thirteen came from around the back of the wagon. He eyed Leah with a steely blue gaze that made her want to scurry behind Dan. A girl of about nine shuffled along beside him, carrying a porcelain-faced doll dressed in a frilly blue dress.
Mrs. Morgan smiled. “These are my children, Billy and Tessa.”
Leah nodded. “A pleasure to meet you. I’m Leah Bennett, and this is my fiancé, Dan Howard. Dan runs the livery, and I’m currently living at the boardinghouse.”
“But not for long.” Dan waggled his brows, then turned serious. “I can help you carry whatever you need into the boardinghouse and then store your wagon inside my livery. It will be safe there.”
Mrs. Morgan splayed her hand across her chest. “Oh, I can’t tell you how much of a relief that would be. Pretty much all I own is on that wagon.” She glanced toward the building again. “I know I’m early, but I sure wish the store had been ready. I’m anxious to get settled.”
“I imagine you are. Come on into the boardinghouse, and I’ll introduce you to the proprietor, Mrs. Davis. You’ll be quite comfortable here.”
“And Rachel’s a darn good cook,” Dan offered.
“That’s good news. I’m starved!” Billy rubbed his belly and headed toward the front door.
“Not so quick, young man. Grab your satchel and Tessa’s.” Mrs. Morgan stared at her son, as if not sure he’d obey.
The boy scowled but returned to the back of the wagon and fetched two bags. Leah hadn’t seen Annabelle, but she now stepped out from behind the wagon, carrying two large handbags. She looked at Leah and frowned. Maybe the woman didn’t recognize her. What could she be doing in a small town like Lookout? She had a feeling that nothing good would come of it, and that her being here would only bring Shannon more heartache. That Mark Corbett was a scoundrel to lead her friend on and then drop her once she’d fallen in love with him.
Leah strode toward the front door and opened it. She should introduce herself to the other woman, but her heart just wasn’t in it. She left the door open and called for Rachel.
“In the kitchen,” she cried out.
Leah stopped in the doorway of the kitchen, her stomach gurgling at the delicious scents. Rachel was placing cornbread onto a platter. “Some guests have arrived.”
“This late? I hope I have enough food. How many are there?” Rachel dusted her hands and removed her apron. Smoothing down her hair, she hurried toward the front door.
“There are four of them. Two women and two children.”
“It’s good we’re not filled up, then.”
The quartet stood in the parlor with Dan behind them, holding several bags. He winked at Leah, sending delicious tingles radiating through her body. Her intended was a fine-looking man, and he was all hers.
“Welcome, everyone.” Rachel smiled and relieved Mrs. Morgan of one of her bags. “I’m Rachel Davis, owner of this boardinghouse. How can I help you?”
“I’m Christine Morgan, and these are my children.” She glanced at the other new arrival. “Miss Smith caught a ride with us, but I believe she’s staying here, too, if you have enough room.”
“Yes, there’s room for all of you.” Rachel explained the rate and that meals were included, then headed for the stairs. “If y’all will just follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms, where you can freshen up. Supper is ready to be served, so come on back down as soon as you can.”
Leah watched them trounce up the stairs with Dan at the end of the line. He winked at her again, then followed the others. “I’ll start setting out the meal, if that’s all right, Rachel.”
The boardinghouse owner looked down from the second floor and smiled. “Thank you. That would be wonderful.”
Leah waited a moment, suspecting Rachel would show Miss Smith to the only available room on the second floor, and then the Morgan family up to the third floor. She started up the steps and waited until the others headed up the rear stairs, then made a mad dash for Shannon’s door. Knocking hard, she didn’t wait but opened the door and peered inside.
Shannon was halfway across the room, heading toward her. “What’s wrong?
Leah waved for Shannon to hurry over to her. “Come downstairs with me. New guests have arrived, and Rachel is seeing them to their rooms. Supper is nearly ready and I told her I’d help, and there’s something I’ve got to tell you.”
Shannon followed her out the door, obviously curious. “And what would that be?”
Leah lifted her skirt and hurried down the stairs. “Wait till we get to the kitchen.”
They hustled down the hall, skirts swishing, and entered the empty room. Shannon glanced at the stove.
“I told Rachel I’d dish up supper. Could you finish putting the cornbread on that platter?” Leah pulled one of the soup tureens from a cabinet and started ladling beans into it while Shannon atten
ded to her job, casting curious glances her way.
They placed the food on the buffet in the dining room. Then Leah grabbed Shannon’s hand, pulled her through the kitchen, and out the back door. Shannon’s green eyes widened as Leah turned to face her. She leaned in close. “That woman is here.”
Shannon blinked. “What woman?”
“The one Mark was talking to in Denison.”
Gasping, Shannon clutched her chest. “Why?”
“I don’t know. I just wanted you to be prepared and not surprised when you saw her.”
Shannon straightened her back and hiked up her chin. “Why should I care if she’s here? Mark wants nothing to do with me, so she can have him.”
Leah’s heart ached for her friend’s pain. It made her own happiness less enjoyable. She placed a hand on Shannon’s shoulder. “It matters, and we both know it.”
Shaking her head, Shannon stared off in the distance. “Nay, it doesn’t. I must move past my feelings for him. It does me no good to hang on to them.”
Leah clenched her fist. “Oh, those Corbetts. If I were a man, I’d knock them both for a loop.”
Shannon’s mouth turned up in a melancholy smile. “If you were a man, you wouldn’t have an issue with them.”
Leah blew out a frustrated breath. How could Shannon be so gracious? “Well, I suppose we should finish setting out the food.”
Shannon nodded and followed her back inside. Leah opened a lid on a large pot and found a mess of greens with ham chunks. She dished them into another tureen while Shannon carried an assortment of jellies and a bowl of butter to the table.
Leah’s mind raced. Why had that woman come to Lookout?
Whatever the reason was, she had a feeling it would only mean trouble for her friend.
CHAPTER 24
Mark stared at the ledger, but his eyes couldn’t seem to focus on the numbers. Nothing had seemed right since he’d told Shannon he’d never marry. The pain in her eyes that night haunted his dreams the few hours that he’d managed to fall asleep. He missed her. Missed seeing her in the office, sitting in his chair. Missed watching her whirl around, dusting cabinets and leaving her soft scent lingering in the air.
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