She stared at them and sighed. “I don’t have a warm pair of boots.” She looked away, her cheeks heating. It was bad enough he’d paid her rent for her. Even though it was a blessing, to tell him she couldn’t afford boots and new stockings was too much.
“It’s all right. We don’t have to walk him long,” he said. “But he does need to take care of business and get some exercise.”
“I could always return to the office while you walk him,” she suggested.
“All right.” He went to the coat rack, donned his hat and coat, and pulled on his gloves. “Do you at least have a scarf?” he asked.
“I’m afraid I forgot it this morning,” she told him, her cheeks heating all over again.
He gave her a curt nod and looked at the sisters. “Can Phoebe borrow a scarf from one of you ladies?”
“You can have mine, dear,” Margaret offered. She hurried to the coat rack, grabbed a scarf, and wrapped it around Phoebe’s neck. “There, it even matches your coat!”
Phoebe gave her a crooked smile. She knew it was Josie’s scarf. Not that it mattered. She’d seen the sisters put on each other’s scarves, hats, and gloves before, each one borrowing from another. Well, except for maybe the hat George had used as a chew toy.
“Thank you, Margaret. It’s very kind of you.” Phoebe touched the scarf, smiled, and turned to Braxton.
“I’ll fetch George’s leash.” He disappeared into the back. When he returned, they headed out.
The park was beautiful with all the snow, and Phoebe followed one of the many trails stamped out by passing feet throughout the day. “It’s not so bad,” she said, trailing behind Braxton and George.
Braxton stopped and waited for her to catch up. “No, it’s not, but you’ll let me know if your feet get too cold.”
“Yes, thank you.” She gave him a shy smile as he started off again.
George trotted happily beside him, clearly pleased to be out. People made comments as they passed. Some tipped their hats, while others kept their eyes fixed on George. Phoebe had to admit he was a beautiful dog and a fine conversation piece.
“Would you like some chestnuts?” Braxton offered.
“Chestnuts?” Phoebe looked around and spotted a man with a cart selling roasted chestnuts. Her eyes lit up. “That would be wonderful, thank you!”
He bought them a bag and handed it to her with a light smile. “I take it you like chestnuts?”
She caught his amused tone and nodded. “I always have. They were a real treat growing up. When Mother could…” She cut herself off, embarrassed.
“Afford them,” he finished.
“Yes.” She looked away and popped one in her mouth. It was wonderful. “Thank you for buying some.”
“Are you hungry?” he asked as she took two more.
“Is it that obvious?” She popped them both into her mouth and chewed. She was famished.
“Consider this a snack. As soon as we’re done walking George, we’ll return him and get some lunch. Besides, I think we’ve done all we can for today. The sisters can’t possibly mess things up at this point.”
She almost choked on her chestnut. “No, I suppose not.” She covered her mouth and giggled. “But they do have a way of tearing apart what’s already been fixed, don’t they?”
He laughed. “They mean well, but it’s obvious Miss O’Malley is who makes everything work. She must be very organized to work for them. When is she due back? Have they told you?”
“All I know is sometime after Christmas. She’s to see the brides wed, and there are six of them. Who knows how long that’s going to take? I imagine some married right away, while others are waiting until Christmas Eve or even Christmas. I haven’t bothered to ask for many details.”
He smiled and nodded. “Getting married on Christmas,” he said, more to himself than to her. “I suppose that would make it special.”
“Yes, very,” she agreed.
She wanted to reach for more chestnuts but didn’t want him to think she planned to eat the whole bag, though it was true.
They walked George a while longer, and Braxton took him off leash for a time, throwing snowballs for him. George jumped into a snowdrift and began to dig, then happily trotted over with a stick. They played fetch for a few moments before Phoebe began to get too cold, and Braxton quickly ushered her back to the office.
