At around noon, they arrived in Sweetwater, Texas. It was their second-to-last stop. It had been a wild ride, but Dakota was ready for it to be over. They searched far and wide for Maxwell Barnes but once again had to resort to asking. Once this was over, there were going to be a whole bunch of towns they could never visit again.
This time, Dakota went with Blade to ask. The saloon smelled of tobacco and stale whiskey. A few locals lounged at the tables. Nobody paid any attention to them. The barkeeper was a young man, probably in his early twenties. Dakota hoped that he had the information they needed.
Blade walked up to the bar and greeted the man. Dakota followed his example.
“We’re looking for Maxwell Barnes,” he said. “Was hoping you knew where we could find him.”
The barkeeper was way too friendly, but Dakota and Blade listened as he told them a very detailed story about the last time he had seen Maxwell. It took a while, but when they left the saloon, they knew where Maxwell was. Well, they didn’t know for sure, but they had a good idea. Maxwell had told the barkeeper that he was going out of town for a while to visit a friend. Blade and Dakota suspected that the friend was Austin.
“I guess we’re heading to Houston,” Dakota stated as they mounted their horses.
Blade nodded. “Our last stop.” He adjusted his hat and then turned to her. “Do you want to stay here tonight?”
Dakota didn’t have to think about it. “Yes,” she replied immediately.
Blade laughed at her enthusiasm. “Might as well get a good night’s sleep before starting the last leg of our adventure.”
Dakota was glad that it was coming to an end, but she was also scared. She had no idea what came next.
They checked into the only inn in town, hoping that it wouldn’t be part brothel like last time.
Dakota didn’t really care but was happy to see a family with children there instead of working women. The building itself didn’t look structurally sound and resembled a barn more than a house.
This time, their room had two single beds. Dakota felt slightly disappointed by that fact.
They were both tired and had no intention of drinking any alcohol, unlike the last time they had stayed at an inn.
Instead, they ate dinner in the dining room and then went to bed early.
The next morning, they set off early.
Regardless of what happened next, it would be over soon.
Chapter 30
Millie stood on the porch, clutching the hem of her dress as she waited. The sun was beginning to set, spilling gold across the horizon. All around her were signs of new life. She longed for a new life. She used to think it was impossible, but lately she had started to think that just maybe it wasn’t such a ridiculous notion.
She hadn’t gone out in years. She was either at home or in her garden. That was it, and she used to think it was for the best. The idea of going into town, where she would be surrounded by people, terrified her. She was still scared and wasn’t sure what to expect, but as Jace’s buggy rolled up, something fluttered in her chest. Hope.
Jace tipped his hat at her. “Evening, Millie.”
She smiled softly, feeling her cheeks warm as she gave him a quick wave.
“I cooked. It might not be as good as your food, but I haven’t died from it yet,” Jace joked, causing her to laugh silently.
He reached a hand down toward her from the seat of the buggy. Millie didn’t touch people, but Jace wasn’t just anyone. Jace was different. Hesitantly, she extended her arm and slid her hand into his. His palm was rough and warm. He felt safe. Millie allowed him to help her up. She sat down beside him, their hands staying interlocked for a second longer before he pulled away and took the reins.
Jace spoke as they rode. Millie listened contentedly. She had gotten used to the fact that he simply couldn’t keep quiet. He told her stories about patients, which he made clear wasn’t actually allowed, but he continued anyway. He spoke about Dr. Masterson and how he burned the food and had to throw it away and start over.
Millie didn’t say anything, but she laughed a lot.
Jace kept glancing at her, and Millie couldn’t help but hope it was because he thought she was pretty and not because he was worried about her. She didn’t mind him worrying about her; she just didn’t want it to be the only thing he felt for her.
Millie had expected to feel nervous leaving the house, but instead, she felt safe. It was strange but very welcome.
Jace’s cabin was tucked between pine trees, and she could see the river running beyond it. The wood looked weathered, but it was neat and felt welcoming. Jace tied the horses to a hitching post and held his hand out to her again. This time, she took it immediately, and he helped her down.
Once she was steady, he let go, and she missed the warmth of his touch. It was so strange, but instead of feeling anxious about it, she welcomed it. Millie wasn’t sure what it was about Jace, but she felt comfortable being around him. The only other person who had ever made her feel safe like that was Blade.
