“I didn’t mean to offend you,” he said gently. “It’s just something I noticed. I’m sorry if I’ve kept you late at the office this week. I should’ve sent you home earlier so you could enjoy your supper.”
She nodded. “You’ve been getting home late too. Does your boarding house serve promptly at six?”
“It does. I suppose we’ve been doing more than our fair share of work for the girls, haven’t we?”
Phoebe laughed. “Girls?”
“All right,” he said with a grin. “But it sounds better than sayingthe old gals. You have to admit they’re adorable, even if they are absent-minded.”
“They are that and then some. But like you said, they mean well, and they all have big hearts. I’m sure Miss O’Malley will be happy to return.” She ran a finger along the table’s smooth surface.
After a moment, Theresa returned with menus. “I’m so sorry it took me so long,” she said. “I had to help our cook with something. Mr. Jones, would you like your usual?”
Phoebe eyed him. Good grief, how often did he eat here?
“No, I think I’ll try something different today. Thank you for asking.” He opened the menu and began to read.
“I’ll be back in a few moments.” Theresa hurried off again.
Phoebe glanced after her, then studied the menu. “Is the beef stew good?”
“Excellent. It’s what I usually get. But I think I’ll try the fried chicken lunch today.”
Her mouth watered. “That sounds good too. I’ll have that.”
She set the menu down and watched him. Braxton was handsome and capable, gentle and steady. Qualities she admired far more than she cared to admit. But what good would that do her? He wasn’t looking for someone like her.
She stared at the table again as Theresa returned for their orders. Phoebe let Braxton order for them and thanked him as soon as the waitress left.
He watched her a moment, then smiled. “Say, would you like to help me do a little Christmas shopping while I’m still here?”
Her head snapped up. “Christmas shopping?” Goodness, she’d nearly forgotten Christmas. But then, she had no shopping to do as she had no one to buy for. Unless she counted the sisters… and Braxton.
“Yeah. I figure if I do it here, it’ll make things more special for my family. Especially Ma. She likes pretty things, and there isn’t much of a selection back home.”
“How big is the nearest town?”
“Mustang Gulch has just under four hundred folks.”
“Mustang Gulch,” she repeated with a wide smile. “It sounds… very Texan.”
Braxton burst out laughing. “Is that so? Well, I don’t know about that.” He gave her a warm smile. “Do you like small towns?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never lived in one. But I think it would be nicer than a big place like Chicago. Peaceful. Quiet.” She met his gaze, and her heart skipped. “Is it?”
“Very. And at least the railroad’s there if you want to visit a big city.”
She swallowed and tried to imagine living so far from everything she’d ever known. Phoebe searched her memory for everything he’d told her about the ranch. They went to town for supplies and church, but was there anything else?
“Is there a meeting hall in your town?” she asked.
“There is.”
“Do they hold dances there?”
He smiled. “They do. You like to dance?”
A blush crept into her cheeks as Theresa set their meals before them. “Will there be anything else?”
