They rode in silence, still a little wary of each other but enjoying each other’s company nevertheless.
Twenty-one
Sharisse held the baby in her arms, rocking it gently. How this infant fascinated her with its full head of black hair and tiny, perfect features. He had been born the night they returned from the mountains, as if Willow had waited until her husband was home.
Billy Wolf had been no help during the delivery, however. Sharisse heard him confess to Lucas that he had slept through the birth. He wasn’t awakened until he heard the baby cry.
That was amazing in itself. And that Willow was up and about the very next day was equally amazing. Willow disproved everything Sharisse had ever heard about having babies. She made it seem so normal. And the baby boy was strong and healthy, a delight just to watch.
Sharisse had ignored her own work these last three days to spend time with Willow and her baby. Lucas didn’t seem to mind if his meals were late or his clothes weren’t washed. He seemed tolerantly amused, in fact, that Sharisse wanted only to talk about the baby.
Lucas was very busy, breaking in the new mares. It was a blessing, because he was exhausted by evening, and so far he had made no amorous advances. But how long would that last?
The problem was she didn’t know what to expect from Lucas. At first she had worried because he was so attentive and desirous. Now she worried because he wasn’t making advances. They were still sleeping alone in the house, yet he didn’t suggest they share the same bed. Was he just exhausted? If only she could ask him, but she could hardly broach the subject!
To worry her further, she hadn’t heard from Stephanie. Oh, what a little communication wouldn’t have done for her peace of mind!
Lucas had gone to town for supplies that morning, but he still wasn’t back and it was the middle of the afternoon. She was beginning to fret when she heard the buggy approaching. She reached the front door just as Lucas pulled the buggy to a stop.
“What are you doing with this?” she called to him.
“Taking you to town. I thought you might like to dine at the hotel.”
What a delightful idea. Oh, she had a suspicion as to why he suggested it, and she couldn’t blame him. It was her cooking.
He jumped down from the buggy, flashing her a wide smile as he handed her two wrapped parcels. “These are for you, but not for now,” he told her. “For tonight, dress yourself in your fanciest city gown. There’s someone in town I want you to meet.”
“And who is this someone?”
“A friend of mine from back East—St. Louis actually. He just arrived today.”
“But,” she said uneasily, “you’ve already told me my simplest dress is too fancy for around here. I don’t want to look overdressed, Lucas.”
“You won’t.”
“Is it your intention to show me off?”
“What’s wrong with that?” He grinned. “It’s not every man who can claim he’s got the best looking woman around for a fiancée.”
“Lucas, be serious!”
“I am serious, beautiful.”
“I’ve asked you not to call me that.”
“Are you going to stand here and argue, or are you going to get ready? I thought you’d enjoy an evening in town. It’s a weeknight, so the place won’t be crowded. And Emery Buskett is a city man himself, so he’ll be utterly charmed by you.”
“Did you tell him I was from St. Louis, like you’ve told everyone else? Good Lord, Lucas, am I supposed to talk confidently about a town I’ve never even been to?”
“Now don’t go panicking before you have to.” He was grinning again. “As a matter of fact, he doesn’t know a thing about you. We had other things to talk about today.”
“That’s why you’re so late?”
“Good Lord, Sharisse, you sound like a wife already,” he complained.
“I do not!” she gasped indignantly. But she knew he was only teasing her.
“Actually, it was a surprise to see Emery,” he explained. “I didn’t know he was coming.”
