True Heart's Desire

by Caroline Fyffe

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Rhett rolled out of his bedroll laid out in the middle of what would someday be the dining room of his restaurant and went to the dark window. A high mountain chill was in the air. Sunrise had yet to appear over their mountains. His mountains? That was a strange thought. Would this place ever feel like home?

  From his blanket not far away, Dallas raised his head questioningly, but didn’t get up.

  Smiling to himself, Rhett pulled an undershirt over his naked chest, added his boots, and headed to the back door. The squeak of the outhouse door made him cringe. He’d oil all the hinges today, take care of that offending sound sooner than later.

  The crisp morning air chilled him to the bone as he glanced around. Eden was quiet. Just before sunup was one of his favorite times of day. The time when he and Shawn would discuss their day’s plan over a cup of hot coffee and an egg sandwich. They’d slug down several mugs of thick brew, letting the strong coffee slam their minds awake. Worn-out from the emotions that he’d expended last night, the guilt that usually held Rhett prisoner wasn’t anywhere to be felt, and that was a blessing.

  He rubbed a hand over his face and turned a half circle.

  Dallas, finally deciding to get up, came out the back door, padded to the outhouse, and lifted his leg, bringing a smile to Rhett’s lips. Smart dog.

  A buggy appeared far off in the road that led to the Five Sisters Ranch. He stepped away from the outhouse and moved toward his back door. Lavinia usually arrived early, but he’d be surprised if five thirty had passed. As the conveyance got closer, he recognized her, sitting straight in the passenger’s seat, while Moses held the lines. Usually, she drove herself.

  The buggy stopped at the hotel. He heard the murmur of conversation but couldn’t hear their words. She went to the front door and let herself in with a key. The buggy turned around and headed back to the ranch.

  Why so early? Saturdays weren’t that busy. Since his food shelf was barer than a bear’s lair, he decided he’d head over to the café sometime around six, when they unlocked the door and turned the sign. He’d give Lavinia a little time to get things going. He hadn’t eaten there for three days, and he was hungry. Until his lumber arrived, he was at a standstill.

  He scraped his palm along the side of his jaw again, deciding to take the early opportunity to go to the bathhouse for a wash and shave. He was overdue, and he’d not like to offend Miss Brinkman, or any of her customers, when he ventured in.

  A little of his sadness eased. One day at a time. Take the good with the bad. He’d heat the water himself if the proprietor of the bathhouse was still asleep upstairs.

  “Come on, Dallas.” Dallas appeared at his side as he started off.

  Rhett found he was looking forward to a long soak in a hot tub followed by a hearty breakfast at the café. Someday soon, others would be thinking the same thing about his place. At least he hoped so.

  Almost there, he turned and absorbed one last glimpse of the mountains, the emerging sun making the wispy clouds blush. He thought of the campsite he’d found in the hills. Maybe he should buy a horse so he could get out of town when he needed to feel some space around him. The thought of another expense he didn’t need wasn’t smart, though, not while he was working to get his place off the ground. He picked up his stride, stepped up on the porch, and pulled open the door to a silent room. He’d have to have a good, hot fire going before anything else.

  Just like everything in life, nothing of value came easy. A favorite saying of his pa’s. What did his father think of his oldest son now? Rhett shoved the question out of his mind. There was nothing to be done for the past. But he could plan for the future. As soon as the lumber arrived, he’d attack the building. Finish it straight away, and then get it stocked. The thought of actually cooking a meal for a roomful of patrons made his mouth dry up. There too he needed some practice.

  How difficult could it be to bake some bread and fry a chicken?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  At the café window table, Lavinia, a damp cloth in her hands, polished a small vase. Later, she’d collect what wildflowers she could find above the town when she went out on her midmorning break. Karen had told her that by summer, the plateau above the hotel would be covered in rock roses, daisies, and others whose names she didn’t know.

  She lifted the small cut-glass vase, something she’d bought for all the tables the first week she’d taken over the restaurant. She buffed away dust and smudges caused by sticky fingers. The vases were sweet, and not inexpensive, but she’d felt extravagant back then, only recently beginning to realize the windfall of funds their father had left them. As a matter of fact, she remembered with a smile, all her sisters had made a special purchase at that time.

  Mavis had wanted a pretty, and unexpected and impractical, stained glass window of a bird in flight. Maverick had carefully installed the colorful piece of art in the loft of the livery, giving the large barn a touch of beauty. The sight greeted incoming customers.

  Belle had ordered a handmade cutting saddle from a leather master in Wyoming. The one she rode now was much too large, because the finished product had yet to be delivered. As well, she had rebuilt the old tannery, more for Mr. Little than herself.

  Emma, in her quest to upgrade the Toggery and bring some elegance to Eden, had had the place remodeled, building an extension and remodeling the dressing room, where Elizabeth could take measurements with ease. The men who entered the shop expecting to find the same masculine fare came out with a shock on their faces, followed by a smile.

  Progress was coming to Eden. She, like her sisters, had decided to celebrate and purchased fifteen small cut-glass vases that gave her much pleasure each and every day. Whenever flowers were available, she’d gladly hike the trail, enjoying the walk. She’d be sad when all the blossoms were finished for the year.

  Their baby sister, Katie, having acquired the lumber mill, hadn’t known what to buy. There were only so many ways to sort and store wood and boards, so instead of changing anything at the mill, she’d focused her attention on the swinging footbridge that crossed the river just west of her establishment. She’d beautified the area on the mill side and had a small plaque made that sat at the top of a short, round pole. It read “Dedicated to John Brinkman from His Five Daughters. Thank You for Loving Us from Afar.” A white iron bench under a tall tree finished the area.

  So much change already for the small town.

  Finished, Lavinia set the vase on the table. Her eyes still ached from the tears she’d shed last night when she should’ve been sleeping. Such a tragedy. Lara, her heart whispered. What was to become of their friendship? Frustrated with her lack of sleep, Lavinia had rolled out of bed at three, gone downstairs and made some tea and toast, and waited for morning to arrive. She’d been tempted to go to Lara’s room, try again to talk things out. Instead, she’d dressed early and ventured in the darkness to the bunkhouse and asked if anyone could please hitch the buggy for her.

  All the men were adamant that she couldn’t drive to town alone in the darkness. Now, Karen had arrived and was in the kitchen with their cook.

  Across the street, Mr. Laughlin came around his building and stood at his front door taking in the street. He looked different. His crisp-looking shirt was neatly tucked in. He’d shaved and she’d guess he’d bathed as well. In the morning breeze, his shiny hair gently whispered across his brow.

  When he turned and looked at the hotel, she quickly stepped back from the window. This is silly. I love to look out on the town. Am I going to change my whole routine just because of one man?

  Yes.

  “He looks mighty nice today.”

  Startled, she turned. Karen stood behind her with a playful smile, as well as a hotel guest waiting by the entry stand who hadn’t been there a moment ago.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said. She plastered on a smile and glided over to the hostess stand. “Take any table that you’d like. I’ll be right back with co
ffee.”

  The unknown man nodded and went into the dining room.

  “Woolgathering?” Karen asked. “Or daydreaming?” She gave an affectionate laugh. “They are different, you know.”

  “You’re a tease.” Lavinia started for the kitchen with Karen on her heels. “I was polishing the vases, as I do every day.” To change the subject, she glanced back at the kitchen door that had closed them off from the dining room. “Who was that man? When did he arrive?”

  “You’ll not believe me even if I tell you.”

  Karen hadn’t had her quota of spoken words yet this morning, and Lavinia knew there was no way to hush her up until she had. She played along. “You’re correct. I can’t guess. Why don’t you tell me since you’re dying to, by the look on your face.”

  “Jeremy Gannon. Eden’s new doctor. He arrived yesterday, late. I was just locking up when he appeared. Seemed he had a medical emergency that delayed him seven days. Now he’s here and eager to get to work.”

  What? After her fiasco with Mr. Laughlin, she’d forgotten all about the new doctor. But she shouldn’t have. They’d been limping along without one since last year. His arrival was good news indeed.

  “Well, that is a surprise. But why did he stay in the hotel last night? His office and the living quarters above it have been ready for ages. Maybe he’s rich and planning to rent a house in town.”

  “He said he’s going to use the apartment above his office, but first he wants to clean and spruce the place up a little, paint maybe. Things like that.”

  “What! The town council already did that. The place looks perfect.”

  Karen laughed heartily. “He’ll be the judge of that, as you will find out for yourself soon enough. Now, you better get that coffee out there before he comes looking. And get prepared for a busy day. After you and your sisters headed out to the ranch last night, an extra stagecoach came in. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a chartered stage. Besides the doctor upstairs, five rooms were taken. I’ve already passed on the news to the cook, and that’s why he’s moving like lightning.”

  Lavinia glanced over, only now noticing the man hadn’t said one word to her this morning. “You should have sent a message out to the ranch. Are we ready?”

  “For breakfast—yes. But today will be a whirlwind. We may think about hiring on.”

  Lavinia felt her brows rise. “I could probably get Nicole for the day. Should I?”

  Karen’s face lit up. “That’s a grand idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of her already. Before the hordes descend from upstairs, I’ll write a note and run across the street and leave it in the sheriff’s office. Clint will get her here if she’s available.”

  A brisk knocking sounded on the kitchen door.

  Karen’s eyes went wide. “Too late!”

  The new doctor pushed the door open. He was tall and rangy, and looked to be in his early thirties. Thick, dark blond hair, nicely combed (so unlike Rhett’s the first time they met!), though on the long side. A serious tilt to his eyebrows made Lavinia take note. He wasn’t a man who was used to being kept waiting.

  “May I get a cup of coffee myself?” he said sharply. “Would that be improper of me to ask?”

  Irritated at his rudeness, Lavinia grasped the coffeepot and advanced, making the doctor step back. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Doctor,” she replied. “I’ll fill your cup straightaway.”

  A surprising thought made Lavinia smile. If this doctor had shown up a week ago, she might never have made it to Belle’s wedding. She was glad her hero had been Rhett.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  Feeling like a new man with a new purpose, and leaving Dallas on the hotel porch, Rhett eagerly stepped across the threshold, his hunger a pressing need. Inside, Lavinia marched from the kitchen with a stranger on her heels. Seeing a new face was good news. One he should be applauding. His plans for Eden were going to play out exactly as Shawn had thought.

  The man took a seat at a corner table, and Lavinia turned his cup over. Rhett seated himself at the window table that had a perfect view of his own place. In his mind’s eye, the broken-down Hungry Lizard took shape.

  “Karen tells me you’re the new doctor,” he overheard Lavinia say. “Welcome to Eden.”

  She sounded strained and not her normal, happy self. He wondered why.

  “Thank you,” the man replied stiffly. “I’m sorry for my delay. It couldn’t be helped.”

  The man took his napkin off the table and set the blue cloth in his lap. Rhett did the same.

  Finished pouring, Lavinia said, “You’re here now, and that’s what’s important—I guess . . .”

  He felt a small smile tug his lips, and he looked down at the table, already familiar with Lavinia’s tone. She wasn’t pleased . . .

  “What do you think of your office and living quarters?” Lavinia asked. “You’ve been there, I presume.”

  “Yes.” He gulped down almost his whole cup of coffee before going on. “I have a few adjustments I’ll make to the office and examination room in the next few days. Bring it up to standard.”

  Lavinia’s rigid back looked almost painful as she refilled his cup. Rhett wiped his hand over his mouth to hide his amusement.

  “The town council took a good many days doing that already, Doctor,” she said. “What in particular do you find lacking?”

  “There is no reflection on the town,” he replied gruffly. “I like things just so. And taking the time to get things right doesn’t bother me in the least. Now, may I order my breakfast?”

  Rhett turned to the window, noting a few people about. The door to the hotel opened, and more strangers came inside. A small family clambered down the stairs, and the children rushed to a booth along the wall. Lavinia looked over her shoulder at him, a small smile changing her expression.

  The new doctor gave her his order, and she came hastily to Rhett’s table, turned his cup without asking, and filled it with coffee. She looked vexed.

  “Good morning,” he said. “I see your doctor has finally arrived. You might have him take a look at your eye, to be sure nothing was left behind. Do you ever have any more pain?”

  She flushed. Was she thinking of her scanty state of dress as he’d aided her into her gown? Her lying on her bed waiting for his help? If she wasn’t, he surely was. Especially the soft swell of her breasts at the top of her corset. Her skin had looked as soft as a baby bunny’s fur, and tempted his touch. He took a deep breath.

  “No, no pain,” she replied in a low voice. “But thank you for asking. What would you like to eat?”

  More patrons had arrived and were filling the tables.

  “A tall stack of flapjacks, three eggs, and an extra side of potatoes and toast?” He glanced around. Seemed most of the hotel’s guests had decided to descend at once. “That is, if you think you won’t run short of supplies. My gosh, Lavinia, I’ve never seen such a crowd in here. Will you be able to handle it?”

  “I assure you, we can.” She glanced to the other tables. “I’ll be with you all right away. Who would like coffee?”

  All the adults, and several youths, nodded and raised their hands.

  Inhaling, she smiled. He gave her credit for not crumbling under pressure. If the tables were turned, he didn’t know if he’d handle the situation with such poise, but it was a skill he’d have to learn.

  It wouldn’t be long now until he made Shawn’s dream a reality. I need to get my place up and running. Perhaps this will turn out better than I hoped. But only if I learn the things I need to, like how to cook! He watched Lavinia disappear into the kitchen with the coffeepot. Would she be willing to lend a hand to her competition? He’d take a chance and ask.

  After all, hadn’t he helped her in her time of need?

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  At the end of the morning rush, Lavinia noticed the ranch buckboard roll to a stop in front of the hotel. A stone-faced Lara sat beside Trevor. Her gaze was trained forward, as if to avoid cat
ching anyone’s eye.

  A deep, dark hurt pushed up in Lavinia. No matter the reasons Lara had had, she was still their dearest and oldest friend. How would Lavinia feel if that were Katie or Emma out there, nursing a broken heart?

  Trevor set the wagon brake, stepped down, and then assisted Lara to the ground. The breeze kicked up dust and skittered leaves around her feet. She clutched the shawl around her shoulders, a garment the sisters had given her for her birthday. The two said a few words, he nodded and smiled, and she nodded back. Reaching into the back of the buckboard, Trevor lifted out her travel case, set it down, and then lifted out a small trunk. Stacking the two, he again picked them up and they started for the hotel. Unable to stop her emotions, Lavinia spun, feeling her eyes fill, and bumped into Karen.

  “What’s the rush?” Karen asked, catching Lavinia by the arms and steadying her before she fell.

  “I, well . . .”

  Trevor and Lara entered.

  Karen’s face lit up, but when she saw their expressions and the trunk Trevor held, she cut a questioning glance to Lavinia.

  A quiet tension filled the room.

  Lara looked about for the clerk. Finally she said, “Karen, can you please check me in?”

  Karen took a startled step back. “Uh, yes, right away,” she said, going to the far side of the entry where a narrow counter took up half the wall. She hurried behind, took a ledger from beneath the counter, and opened to the page marked with a burgundy ribbon, the fabric faded with age. “Just sign in and I’ll get the key.” Turning, she went to the wall where a board held only three keys from their twenty-five rooms. The hotel was almost filled to maximum capacity, and because of it, they’d already had the best morning of business Lavinia could remember since coming to Eden.

  Feeling Trevor’s gaze, Lavinia looked up to find him watching. His gaze was neither condemning nor sympathetic, but she could see the questions in his eyes.

  Unable to stay in the room another second, Lavinia reached around and untied her apron, lifting the garment over her head. She balled the fabric in her fist and turned. “I’m going out for a few minutes. I’ll be back in plenty of time to prepare for lunch.” She went to the hooks where she’d hung her straw hat.