Even Sam had a book.
Louise had not brought anything to read, not realizing there would be times she wished for something to while away the hours.
Peace noticed her sitting with nothing to do. “Ma’am, I have a supply of books. You’re welcome to borrow one. Just send it back with Dutch when you’re done.” He opened a cupboard to reveal several dozen titles. “Invitation is open to everyone.”
Louise eagerly went to select one. Having done so, she turned and plowed into Nate as he reached for a book.
He grunted as the air whooshed from his lungs.
“I’m so sorry. It seems I’m always causing you a problem.” For some silly reason, the words caught in her throat and wobbled.
He clasped her shoulders and looked into her face as if searching every corner of her mind. “You are not a problem to me.”
She told herself they were only words, perhaps for the benefit of those who couldn’t help overhearing. Despite her arguments to the contrary, she believed him. For the moment, she’d allow herself to be comforted by his admission.
She nodded, the book clutched to her chest.
He reached past her to get the title he’d chosen and they returned to the table to sit side by side.
She read the words and turned the pages, but couldn’t have said what the story entailed. Her thoughts wouldn’t settle. It was merely worry, she told herself, about getting to Eden Valley Ranch before the baby came. Concern for the safety of the little life she carried. But in a moment of honesty, she admitted that her predominant thought centered on Nate. Why was he being so nice to her? Treating her as if he really cared, when they both knew he was only doing this out of a sense of obligation to the Porters. Or at least that was the explanation she had given herself. He’d given none. Would he if she asked?
She turned another page. She’d soon bring another Porter into the world. She and Missy were this little one’s only relatives. She’d do her best to raise the child, but she’d never had two parents and it was something she’d always dreamed of giving her child.
She swiped at her eyes. She would not cry. Hadn’t she decided to trust when it was hard? God, I’m trying to trust, trying to believe You will see me through the many decisions and problems I will encounter.
She looked around the room, trying to find a diversion from her thoughts and emotions. Peace and Dutch played checkers with Miss Rolfe’s avid attention.
“You win again,” Dutch said and stretched.
Peace put the game pieces away. “Folks, it’s time to bed down. There’s bedding in this cupboard.” He opened the doors, revealing stacks of woolen blankets but no pillows or mattresses.
I can do this. I’m young and strong and brave.
And heavy with child. And weary to the bone from bouncing and jolting.
“Hey, Dutch,” Nate said. “Do you have buffalo robes in the stagecoach?”
“Surely do. You’ll be needing them tomorrow if the temperature continues to drop.”
“But they aren’t being used tonight, are they?”
“Nope.”
“Why not bring them in and let Louise—Mrs. Hawkins—sleep on them?”
Even as everyone turned to look at her, Louise hoped she was the only one to notice the way he hesitated over calling her Mrs. Hawkins.
“That’s an excellent idea,” Missy said as the others murmured agreement.
Louise shook her head. “That’s not necessary.”
But already Nate and Sam had left and returned with their arms loaded.
As Nate spread the furs on the side of the room where Peace indicated the women would sleep, Louise went to him. “This isn’t necessary,” she whispered. “I don’t expect special treatment.”
“It is necessary. I want to get you to Eden Valley safely.”
Of course, it was all about him and his promise to get her there. He would take care of her to make sure she wasn’t the cause for any delays in the trip.
“I don’t plan to be a bother.” She managed to keep her voice to a whisper despite the anger coiling inside her. Anger at herself even more than at him. Both of them had understood the terms of their agreement. A pretend marriage. Escape from Vic. Refuge at Eden Valley Ranch. That was all.