Jace studied the flickering lights of Golden Valley. He knew the town as well as he knew the trail to Chet’s ranch. The livery stable was at one end. Stores along Main Street. Homes drifting up into the hills. The townspeople had forbidden a saloon. There was one in the mining camp, its clientele as rugged and hard as the mountains surrounding the place.
Dianne stirred. “Lights. Is it Golden Valley?”
“That’s it.”
“Praise God for giving us safe travel.”
He didn’t say anything, but didn’t he deserve a little credit?
“And thank you for your part in it.”
Had she read his mind? Of course, she hadn’t. Why did he even think that? Worse, why did he allow a tiny bit of pleasure in the idea? Must be because he was tired. The journey had been long and full of danger. But now they were almost to the end of the trail.
He flicked the reins, and they continued. They had to navigate one last steep and dangerous curve and then a narrow road before they reached the safe streets.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
He couldn’t miss the quiet determination in her soft words.But he chose to misinterpret her question. “Yes, it’s Golden Valley.”
She nudged him with her elbow. Not enough to hurt but enough to warn him she wasn’t fooled. “If you wished on the star, what would you wish for?”
Wishes? He’d given up on them after what he’d done, but he wouldn’t be telling her that. “That we’d reach town safely.”
Cold stung his shoulder as she lifted her head to look around and then at him. “You said we’re almost there.”
“And we are. But not until I deliver you to”—shoot, she couldn’t go to the ranch tonight—“safekeeping, will I be done.”
“And you’ll be shed of me and Eddie.” Words softly spoken but carrying a wagonload of disappointment.
For several minutes, the sharp corner demanded all his attention. The drop-off was to his side, so she didn’t realize the peril it presented. Not until he navigated the turn was he able to respond.
“I’m not eager to be shed of you.” The truth of those words surprised him. And sent jabs of resistance through him. His plan did not allow him to become attached to a woman and her son. Nope. He was going to live a solitary life in the woods like…well, like the trapper they’d seen at the last stop. He might even attach a foxtail to his hat.
The trail dropped steeply and leveled off. Then, they approached the first building in town.
Cold gripped his warm side as she sat up, studying each building they passed.
“It’s small.” Why should he apologize for that? She’d come of her own free will. However, that wasn’t entirely true. She had limited options and had expected a home with Chet. Well, the home was still there for her. If she was too stubborn to accept that, then she’d have to figure out something else. But not until morning. She needed a place for tonight.
They drew abreast of a simple dwelling with a white cross over the door, and he pulled to a halt.
“Why are we stopping?”
Eddie stirred at her demanding tone but didn’t wake up.
“This is the preacher’s house and his wife’s. You can stay here for the night.”
She stiffened. “And then what?”
“They have a house for people like you?—”
“And what is that? People who have been abandoned? Rejected?”
“No need to sound so bitter. But let me finish. They let widows and orphans live there for as long as they need.”
Her shoulders rose and fell. Air rushed from her lungs. “Abandoned. Rejected.” She rumbled her lips. “And dearly disappointed.”
The latter word was meant for him, but he wasn’t going to respond.
