CHAPTER27
"Are you sure you haven't seen them?" Jericho braced his hands on his hips as he scanned the livery in Missoula Mills for any sign that Dinah or Naomi had been here.
Clip shook his head. "I've had a few women pass through here of late, but none that look like you say. An' I know I've not had a chestnut gelding with four white socks here in weeks."
Of course the man would remember animals better than people. But surely he would recall if he'd seen a woman in the family way within the last day.
Jericho did his best to keep his frustration from showing as he nodded to the livery owner. "Thanks. If you do see them, will you get word to me at the hotel?"
"Will do." Clip's mouth curved in a grin. "How's that girl pup you took with you?"
Jericho almost found a smile himself. "Good. More energy than we know what to do with."
When he stepped back outside the livery, Lillian, Sean, and Gil waited on their horses with hopeful expressions. Maybe Jericho shouldn't have brought them all, getting the children's hopes up. But he'd wanted to prove to Dinah that he was willing to change. Allowing not just one of his brothers to come to town, but also the children, would be solid evidence to back his words.
He'd been sure they’d find her here in Missoula Mills.
He shook his head as he took Pinto's reins from Gil. "They didn't stop at the livery. Let's go to the hotel where we stayed. I'm sure they would have gone there."
He walked while the others rode—he'd had more than enough time in the saddle this morning and yesterday afternoon since they left the ranch. Had they missed the sisters on the road? Maybe Dinah and Naomi camped away from the main route, and his little group had ridden right past them without knowing.
That was probably what happened. The sisters would ride into town any time now.
He would double check at the hotel, then stop in at the trading post to check on his order—and maybe add something special for the woman he hoped to marry. And her sister and the coming niece or nephew. He could do for Naomi what he was never able to for his own sister when she was expecting.
But meeting the disappointed gazes of his niece and nephew after leaving the hotel pecked at his certainty. "They'll ride into town any minute. Don't worry." He nudged Sean's arm. "We'll stop at the trading post and get some penny candy, then find a place to eat real food."
Sean perked up, straightening in his saddle. But Lillian nibbled her lip, her eyes rimming red again.
Jericho’s gut tightened. He was no match for all these tears. Dinah always knew just the right word, or gave a hug that made Lillian beam. But his words dried up when she started crying. And his hugs felt awkward. He couldn't even offerthatnow while they rode horseback.
He’d have to settle for a simple encouragement. "We'll find her, Lilly. Don't worry." Lucy had never liked her daughter's name shortened, but Dinah had called her by the nickname and Lillian seemed to appreciate it. Maybe him doing the same would remind her of Dinah.
His niece turned those red eyes to him. "What if they met someone bad on the way? What if he hurt them? Did something unscrup'lus?"
His gut clenched tighter, twisting as his mind conjured all the things that could happen to two women alone. Maybe he should ride out and look for them. He'd already taken a room at the hotel. He could get Gil and the children settled there, then search the Mullan Road until he found Dinah and Naomi.
But he couldn't leave his family in this town without him. Gil didn't know which establishments to avoid after sunset and which to steer clear of atanytime. Gil’s innocence was Jericho's fault, but he couldn't feel too badly about it yet. Part of him was wishing he'd left them all back at the ranch so he could focus on finding the women, who might even now be… He couldn't let himself dwell on the dangers.
Why had he let them leave alone? He was such a selfish bull-headed lout, thinking he had to stay and protect his brothers and the children instead of at least seeing Dinah and Naomi to town.
Jericho decided they’d stop in at the trading post. Maybe get food to eat on the trail, then start back until they found Dinah and Naomi.
Entering the shop filled with so many new things distracted even Lillian, and he let his brother and the children wander the rows while he spoke to Higgins about his order. The only other customers were two men who stood near the cookstove in the middle, tin cups in hand as they talked.
Higgins met him at the counter, wiping a sleeve across his brow. "Sorry, Jericho. We don't have your order yet. I don't expect it for another month, at least."
Jericho nodded. "That's all right. Thought I'd place another while we're here. Also, you haven't seen two women come through here, have you? They're sisters, both blonde. One is in the family way. They might have been together, or maybe not."
The man's forehead wrinkled.
Jericho added. "It would have been within the last day."
The shop owner shook his head, his expression clearing. "I know I haven't seen any new gals today or yesterday." He raised a brow. "If I see 'em, should I mention you asked after 'em?"
Before Jericho could nod, a voice spoke up behind him.
"That sounds like those two I passed on the trail yesterday."
