While she didn’t believe Russ was a cruel man, he didn’t love her either. She’d already been in one loveless marriage. She couldn’t bear to be in another. Especially since she suspected she could very easily fall in love with Russ. At least with Edward, her initial goodwill for him had soon withered and died.
She wouldn’t be getting over Russ that easily.
“Are you certain you won’t reconsider?” Russ asked her.
His guilt over jilting Charlotte had obviously caught up to him, and he was trying to make amends. He needn’t bother. If Charlotte wasn’t good enough for him, Anna had no delusions about her limited charms.
“I’m happy being alone,” Anna said. “You don’t have to look out for me.”
Perhaps he felt some sort of obligation for her, she thought. But obligation was a poor foundation for marriage.
“I’m not asking you to love me, Anna. We’re both alone. There’s no reason we can’t be friends.”
There were reasons, of course. But those reasons were too personal, too raw to share.
She rose to her feet. “I should be going. I have three more rooms to clean before lunch, and you shouldn’t be seen here, even if you do know the owners.”
He followed her, standing only inches away. “I’ll walk you to the Gardners’ this evening.”
“I’d like that.”
“There doesn’t have to be any awkwardness. We’ll pretend this never happened, all right? I shouldn’t have pressed you.”
“You’re a good man, Russ,” she said, looking up into his eyes, her voice no more than a whisper. “You’re a good man, and you deserve everything you ever wanted in life.”
“We both do.” He walked to the door, where he turned and gave her a small smile. “Don’t work too hard. I’ll be by around seven.”
“I’ll be ready.”
Keeping her head held high, she forced her legs to take measured steps to the next room. She stepped inside and closed the door, then leaned back against the wood paneling with a quiet sob.
The sweeping sadness sucked the breath from her lungs. She’d done the right thing.
She’d never have to worry about the truth of her first marriage ruining her happiness. She didn’t have to worry about falling in love with someone who only thought of her as a friend. She didn’t have to worry about being a disappointment to anyone but herself.
It was more important than ever that she earn enough money to move on. She couldn’t stay. Not now. She couldn’t stay knowing that she’d once had everything she’d ever wanted within her grasp, only to watch it be torn away.
* * *
Leah and Daniel’s delightful eight-month-old, Evie, perched on Russ’s lap. The beautiful cherub stuck a fist in her mouth and drooled. Russ grinned and bounced her on his knee. She squealed and cooed, delighted with the game.
Daniel stood near the fireplace, his elbow perched on the mantel. “I heard Jason Mitchell is buying up more ranches.”
The owner of the Gardner Stockyards was slightly shorter than Russ and solidly built. He had brown hair highlighted from time spent in the sun and perceptive green eyes. He and Will were friends, and together with Noah Burgess, the three war buddies had founded the town. They’d thrived, and they’d invested their profits back into Cowboy Creek, building it from a cow town into a thriving community.
“It’s not just Jason,” Russ said. “I did some digging. According to the register of deeds, there’s a man named Maroni who’s buying up land, as well. Jason is apparently fit to be tied. For his mining business to succeed, he can’t afford to purchase easements for roads and bridges.”
“And Maroni is trying to buy up the land between his parcels?”
“Looks that way, but he hasn’t been successful just yet.”
“Have you met him?” Daniel asked. “This Maroni fellow?”
“Not yet. According to Simon, someone came around the office to see me, but I wasn’t in. He’s never come back. At first, I thought it might be him, but the clerk didn’t have a description. A woman filed the deeds for him.” Russ carefully considered his next words. “I thought Maroni was trying to defraud the ranchers, but now I see he’s just trying to make more money off the coal mines. Either way, I think we should check into this Maroni fellow’s background.”
Daniel drummed his fingers on the mantel. “If he’s trying to buy the land Jason wants, let the Mitchell Coal & Mining Company incur the expense. It’s no sweat off your brow if the coal mine has to pay more.”
“There’s still a slim chance he’s using unscrupulous methods to obtain the land cheaply. After the dam failed, James Solomon sold his land below market value. What if he was sabotaged?”
“Sabotaged?” Daniel straightened. “That’s another matter. I didn’t spend half of last year dispatching the Murdoch gang only to have the town overrun by another outlaw.”
“Near as I can tell, the world has never run short of outlaws.”
Daniel muttered his agreement. “How do we find out what happened?”
“I think we should have someone other than the sheriff look at the dam. The sabotage might be hard to spot. Is there anyone who was part of the original construction living around here?”
“Gideon and Pippa are in town. With his connection to the railroad, he should know someone. I’ll ask him for an inspection.”
“Good,” Russ said emphatically. “And the sooner the better.”
“From the tone of your voice, this sounds almost personal, if you don’t mind my saying.”
Russ had never told another living soul about what his father had done, not even Will. He trusted the founders of Cowboy Creek—they were good men—but what had happened to his family remained within the family.
“Nothing personal,” Russ said. “Just business. You brought me here to take care of the interests of the townspeople, and that’s what I’m doing.”
From across the room, he caught Anna gazing at the baby he held. He read the expression in her eyes. She looked as though Evie was the most precious thing in the world. His chest tightened. She couldn’t have children, yet he sensed she wanted them. There’d been sorrow in her eyes when she’d told him her story this morning. Sorrow and something more. Defeat.
He wanted to tell her that adoption was an excellent option. Just look at his brother. There were plenty of children in the world who needed good homes.
When she’d swayed on her feet in the hotel, his protectiveness toward her had taken hold, and the words had tumbled out. He didn’t regret them. He only regretted the awkwardness he’d created between them.
Leah stood. “If you two insist on talking about business, I’m going to get Anna’s opinion on a new recipe.”
“We can speak about something else,” Daniel said. “We didn’t mean to exclude you ladies.”
“You two obviously have a lot to talk about,” Anna said, though her gaze never met his as she spoke. “We ladies have plenty to keep us busy.”
Leah gestured. “I can take Evie.”
“That’s all right,” Daniel pecked her on the cheek. “We’ll be fine with Evie.”
Russ watched them exit, his heart heavy. Ever since he’d called for her this evening, he’d sensed a change in their relationship, a hesitation on Anna’s part, a tension between them.
“Are you listening?” Daniel asked.
Russ started. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.”
“You haven’t been present all evening.” Daniel glanced in the direction of the kitchen where the two women had gone, then back to Russ. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but if you need to talk about something, I can assure you I’ll keep your confidence.”
Russ looked down at Evie and fluffed the hair on the top of the child’s head. “You enjoy being a father, don’t you?”
“More than anything.
” Daniel’s grin stretched from ear to ear. “It’s a kind of love I never understood before. A kind of love I never expected to feel.”
Leah had been pregnant when the two married, but Daniel appeared to love the child as though she was his own. The baby was beautiful. A delightful sprite with wide, curious eyes.
“I asked Anna to marry me,” Russ said.
“What did she say?”
“No.”
“I see.”
“No questions? No curiosity?”
“Would you rather I asked a lot of questions?”
“Not particularly.”
“I didn’t think so.”
Noises sounded from the kitchen followed by a burst of feminine laughter.
“The women are getting along well,” Russ said.
The Gardner house was simple and elegant, with personal touches that gave the home warmth. Exactly the sort of house he’d always wanted and much different from how he currently lived. His bachelor residence was a shambles. Some of the rooms were empty, and others were overflowing with papers. His mother had cleaned a few spaces and bought a few pieces of furniture and some rugs, but she’d quickly abandoned the effort when she’d seen the dining room he used as a study.
Watching Daniel and Leah together had him craving more than the arrangement he’d made with Susannah. The two were obviously in love, and for the first time since his engagement to Charlotte, he yearned for something more than simple affection and mutual respect. Watching the Gardners together, he didn’t want to settle.
Anna was mourning the loss of her husband, and she didn’t have room for him in her heart. Perhaps things had turned out for the best. He’d rather be alone than live in a cold, loveless marriage. The decision might cost him a chance at running for mayor, but he’d sort out the difficulties later. There was no reason a single man couldn’t run for office. Times were changing, and it was up to Cowboy Creek to change along with them.
Daniel refilled his glass with water from a pitcher. “She’s a recent widow, isn’t she? Leah had been recently widowed when we met.”
“Was it difficult, competing with a dead man?”
Daniel stared into his glass. “Their marriage wasn’t as happy as it could have been.” He cleared his throat. “You know that Leah is the town midwife?”
“Yes.”
“Occasionally Dr. Mason asks her opinion about a case when a pregnancy is involved.”
Russ wasn’t quite certain what this had to do with the conversation. “I’m not sure I follow.”
“I don’t know. Just a feeling I had. It’s probably nothing.”
Russ sensed there was much more to the story, but Leah appeared in the doorway then, with Anna close on her heels. Leah radiated joy, and though Anna was a beauty, fatigue clung to the corners of her mouth and lines showed around her eyes. Perhaps Leah could talk to her about slowing down instead of working. She should be resting instead of cleaning rooms at the hotel. Her illness was liable to return if she didn’t give herself time to recover.
Nothing, though, detracted from her natural elegance. Anna had swept her wavy, golden-brown hair into a knot on top of her head. Tendrils framed her face and highlighted her brilliant green eyes. Once again he marveled at the changes to her appearance. She’d been a girl before, but now a woman stood in front of him.
He couldn’t help but wonder about her late husband. He recalled Daniel telling him that Leah’s first marriage had been unfortunate. For the first time, Russ thought perhaps he’d been reading Anna all wrong. Perhaps her marriage to her first husband hadn’t been as happy as he’d thought.
Daniel cleared his throat, and Russ shot to his feet, his thoughts put on hold. It was time for the gentlemen to accompany the ladies to dinner.
Anna gave him a shy smile, and after passing the baby to their hostess, he took her hand, escorting her to her seat.
Dinner passed quickly. Daniel and Leah kept up a steady stream of light conversation, and for that Russ was grateful.
He couldn’t help but note the difference between the Canfield and Gardner households. While they were both full of love and warmth, a pervading sense of chaos surrounded Tomasina, while nary a hair would dare go out of place in Leah’s presence. Russ craved something in between. Order with chaos around the edges.
The baby had long since gone to bed when Leah carried in a tray of coffee. “There’s dessert, too.”
Daniel rubbed his stomach. “Nothing for me just yet.”
Leah anchored the top of the coffeepot and poured a steaming waterfall of rich liquid into a delicate rose-patterned china cup. “How are you liking Cowboy Creek, Anna? I admit I was a little taken aback when I first arrived. I was expecting something less rustic. The addition of the dress shop and the opera house have already smoothed many of the rough edges.” She indicated the chocolate cake. “Perhaps we’ll be adding a bakery soon.”
“Cowboy Creek is delightful. I’m going to miss the cakes Miss Frazier bakes.”
Leah righted the coffeepot. “Are you planning on leaving?”
Anna’s cup rattled in the saucer. “No. Yes. I mean, um, I don’t know yet. Things are uncertain.”
Russ’s gaze sharpened. She hadn’t spoken of leaving before. Why would she leave? Where would she go? Had his proposal instigated the idea?
“Speaking of Miss Frazier,” Leah began, smoothing over the awkward pause, “I think Preston Wells has set his cap for her.”
“He isn’t the only one,” Russ added. “She’s quite the baker. Did she study the craft, or is she simply a natural talent?”
Leah scooped sugar into her cup. “I’m not certain, really. She’s not as forthcoming as some of the other brides.”
“I met Sadie,” Anna said as she added a dollop of cream to her coffee. “She seemed quite friendly.”
“I heard she’s been seen out and about with that photographer, Walter,” Leah said. “I haven’t had a chance to meet the newest brides. I’ve been shirking my duties. Did you have a chance to get to know any of them on the train?”
“Not really, no. I wasn’t feeling well, you see...” A wash of color dusted her cheeks. “I mostly kept to myself.”
Anna was visibly uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation, and Russ ached for her. “Leah, have you met Molly? She seems nice enough. I think perhaps she was hoping Seth might come up to scratch before Marigold entered the picture.”
“Molly is a doll,” Leah offered with a bit more enthusiasm than the comment required. “I know she’s going to find love and start a family soon enough. Buck Hanley was seen ordering flowers for her recently.”
The three of them descended into awkward silence once more, and Russ wanted nothing more than to kick himself. Anna had been reluctant to attend the dinner, and they kept dropping minefields into the conversation.
Anna rested her cup and saucer on the table. “Do you garden, Leah?”
Russ almost heaved a sigh of relief at the change of conversation.
“I grow a small kitchen garden,” Leah said. “Although I’ve been having trouble with my sage. There’s some sort of rust on the leaves. Do you have any ideas?”
“I’d have to take a look. The problem could be any number of things. Sometimes it’s overwatering, and sometimes it can be just the opposite, not enough water. There could be an infestation or a mold problem. I haven’t had an opportunity to study the predominant scourges in Kansas.”
“Well, it sounds as though I’ve asked the right person. I’d be grateful if you’d take a look and give me your advice.”
For the first time that evening, Anna appeared at ease and enthusiastic. “I’d be happy to assist. There’s no time like the present.”
Why hadn’t he thought to bring up gardening?
“The evening is quite pleasant,” Leah replied. “I’m sure we’d all enjoy a turn
in the garden after our coffee.”
Anna lifted her cup and turned pale. The saucer rattled to the table, and she placed two fingers against her lips. Recalling the incident at the hotel, Russ grasped her chilled fingers.
“Are you all right?” he asked. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t feel well. Perhaps some fresh air.”
She stood and swayed. Her eyelids fluttered, and she collapsed in his arms.
Chapter Eleven
Anna woke in an unfamiliar room, a cold compress pressed over her eyes. She blinked rapidly and struggled to rise but was held back by a hand pressed gently against her shoulder.
“Don’t get up just yet,” Leah ordered quietly. “Rest a few more minutes.”
Anna was exhausted and disoriented, unsure how much time had passed, though she recalled she was having dinner at the Gardner house. “What happened?”
Leah had a natural elegance and ease about her that Anna found calming. She glanced around the pristine room—the curtains were draped at perfect angles, and the gray flocked wallpaper was sophisticated without being overwhelming. Leah did everything to perfection, even decorating her lovely home. Compared to her, Anna felt dowdy and disheveled and disorganized.
“You fainted,” Leah said easily, as though women fainting in her parlor was a common occurrence. “Russ caught you just in time and carried you here.”
Anna felt heat infuse her cheeks. “That’s impossible. I don’t faint.”
With efficient movements, Leah rinsed out the rag in the ewer set by the bed, then dabbed the cool cloth against Anna’s brow. “Did Russ tell you that I serve as the town midwife?”
“He mentioned something.”
Russ had mumbled the words without meeting her eyes. Anna hadn’t given his reaction much thought. Men were often reluctant to speak about topics that centered around children and women’s bodies.
“There’s something else I need to tell you,” Leah said.
Anna propped herself up on one elbow. “What is it?”
What could possibly be worse than fainting before a virtual stranger?
“You’re pregnant.”
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