“Nope,” Daniel said decisively, mounting Spark. “She leaves tomorrow.”
“If that’s what you think is best,” Jimmy shrugged, “I think you should reconsider, though.”
“I won’t be late, again,” Daniel promised. At a click of his tongue, Spark began slowly trotting down the dirt trail.
Daniel knew it was just as Ruth had unknowingly said earlier, one of the codes of the west was when you make a promise you keep it. His father had made a promise to Ruth, and he had made a promise to God. Was Ruth God’s answer to him? He was not ready to have a woman at the ranch.
He had Elizabeth, but she was more of a grandmother to him. She helped look after Matthew, which was beyond her stated her duties, as much as she could. Even though Elizabeth would never admit it, sometimes he could see she was getting tired. He wouldn’t be surprised if she came and asked for extra help.
He thought of Ruth again. Of all the women in the world, why did God have to bringthisone? She was strong enough to stand up to him, yet she looked like a delicate flower.
***
Daniel spent most of the day working at the clinic, with Ruth plaguing his thoughts at every turn. Why could he not stop thinking about her? What kind of person would walk into a man’s home and act as if they owned the place? He shook his head, bemused. On top of all that, she insulted his care of Matthew.
Daniel was surprised that Alistair was not at the clinic when he arrived. He may have come in earlier and left, but for the most part, he lived at the clinic. Not that Daniel minded. It was as Jimmy always said about Alistair: he was a lone man who never married, never went to the saloon, and made most folks feel uncomfortable. He was just one odd stick.
After one quick drink of firewater at the Old Gem Saloon, Daniel headed back to the ranch. He hoped Ruth decided to leave, but at the same time, a part of him didn’t want her to leave.
He wondered whether Jimmy was right about extra help for Elizabeth. It didn’t make sense to hire another housekeeper—money was a bit tight at the moment, and no one was buying horses. Not yet anyway. Everyone knew that if they wanted one of the finest horses in the country, they would find plenty at the Grant ranch.
Daniel handed Spark over to Jimmy as promised and he made his way to the house. Fervent chattering came from the kitchen and silenced the moment his first boot step sounded inside.
Removing his hat, he rolled his eyes, “Don’t stop gossiping on my account.”
Elizabeth came bounding to the parlor grinning, “You’re home early.”
“The clinic wasn’t very busy today and I don’t think Alistair even came in.” Daniel raked his hand through his hair, thinking he needed a haircut.
“Why did you not tell me about our new friend?” Elizabeth gushed, and her eyes brightened as Ruth joined them in the parlor, with Matthew in her arms.
Daniel had not seen Elizabeth this happy since before his father got sick.
“What new friend?” Daniel frowned and sat on one of the armchairs in the parlor.
“Ruth, of course,” Elizabeth continued. “I’ve shown her everything there is to know about making formula and Matthew has—”
“She’s not a guest,” Daniel’s frown deepened, and noticed how uncomfortable Ruth became. “She’s staying for the night and leaving tomorrow.”
“Well, I just assumed, because you’re home early and …”
“You assumed?” Daniel studied Elizabeth’s face. “You think that I’ve got myself a mail order bride?”
He saw Ruth turn a deep shade of red.
“Well, didn’t you?” Elizabeth looked surprised, and immediately wished she had kept quiet as Daniel’s face darkened to a scowl.
“No!” Daniel declared. “I don’t know what gave you that idea, but Miss McKinley leaves tomorrow. That’s final!”
“Oh, I’m sorry then,” Elizabeth looked disappointed. “I was just happy to have some company, that’s all.” She turned away toward the kitchen and said, quietly as she departed, “I think it would be good for you, and Matthew, too.”
“It’s alright,” Ruth said with a smile and looked at Matthew. “We have had a good day and Matthew is clean and ready for his meal. After his bottle, he will have a good night’s sleep.”
“Thank you,” Daniel said and studied Ruth curiously. This was the first time his son had not been crying when he arrived home. It was good to see Matthew take to someone else because he usually didn’t go to anyone except Elizabeth. Sometimes Matthew didn’t even want his father.
“I trust the room is to your liking?” Daniel said, looking at Ruth. He had noticed the way she looked at Matthew and how he responded to her.
“Yes, thank you,” Ruth said trying to keep Matthew’s fingers away from her hair, which he tended to tangle.
