Although he doesn’t think that I’ve noticed the pistol strapped to his hip or the knife on his leg, Grant didn’t come this prepared if he wasn’t anticipating trouble. He pulls the wagon up to the livery, tying Bolt and Star securely to their hitching post beforereaching over to lift me down. His height is almost as great as the seat I’m sitting on.
“I can climb down, Grant.”
“Why, you have me?”
That small effort has me smiling up at him as he leads us to the bank. To say I’m shocked at how he’s greeted is an understatement.
“Mr. Hayes, it’s a pleasure. What can we do for you this morning?”
“I need to add my wife’s name to my accounts.”
“No problem, let me get the paperwork. Can you sign your name, Miss?”
“Yes.”
“Good, good makes everything easier. Congratulations on your new vows and I wish you both many happy years together.”
He hands me a steel-nib ink pen and I look up at Grant.
“Go ahead Little Mouse.”
I manage to print my first name clearly, but I hesitate with my last, since I just learned Grant’s last name is Hayes. He leans down, whispering in my ear,
“Do you need help with my last name?”
When I shake my head yes, he gently takes my hand in his, quickly filling in the last letters for me.
I hand the pen back to the solicitor, trying to hide my shaking as I’m worried I just embarrassed Grant. His large hand wrapsaround my waist, gently pulling me next to him and I feel my body relax instantly.
“That should do it, Mr. Hayes. Is there anything else I can do for you today?”
“I would like to inquire about my sister’s jewelry, something I should have asked you about sooner. Did she sell them to you?”
“No, I am sorry. Old man Harvey may know more.”
“Thank you for your help. If it is not too much trouble, could you get these two letters on the next carriage heading north? Also, before I forget, I wanted to inform you that we will be making several large purchases at the mercantile this morning.”
“Thank you in advance for the notification about the purchases. I will approve them right away. And I will include your letters in our own mail sack. We appreciate your business, Mr. Hayes.”
Grant tips his hat at the man before maneuvering me in front of him as he opens the door. “Are you hungry?”
“Starved, but I’ve never eaten at the inn or any establishment like that before. Am I dressed appropriately?”
“You’re beautiful. Stop fidgeting.”
“Easier said than done, when all you have to do is look at someone and they slink away in terror. I’m like prey; ready to be consumed.”
“Good thing you have me as a protector then, Little Mouse.”
I take my hat off as we enter the front parlor, and I know my eyes are huge as I look around, amazed. The main serving room has multiple sitting areas, and two young girls in matching outfitsare moving from table to table, refilling coffee and passing out food. One of them motions for us to come on in.
“Sit wherever you’d like. I’ll be back with a menu and biscuits in a minute.”
Grant leads us to a table in the back. He pulls the chair out for me, making sure I’m comfortable, before sitting across from me where he can watch the door. Before I can say a word, the young lady is back with two cups of coffee and a tray of biscuits.
“Here you go to get you started. I’ll leave these menus with you and be back shortly to get your order.”
“How did she know you wanted biscuits?”
