Tearing her gaze from Mr. Coulter's, she forced herself to face her father head on. "I need time to think about it." Her voice quavered but didn't break.
His eyes flashed, but he didn’t say anything. Just took a step back and motioned for Mr. Coulter to enter his room. “We need to talk.”
Mr. Coulter turned to give her a final look as he obeyed her father’s command. His eyes appeared almost pleading. For her to say yes? That didn’t make sense at all.
Why could he possibly want to be saddled with a wife? And a baby?
Backing into her room, she closed the door and leaned against it. What now? Did she agree to marry him? This stranger she’d only met yesterday? Though hadn’t she already thought about how trustworthy he’d proven himself in that short time?
What was her other option?
To run away and figure out how to fend for herself. She wouldn’t have the benefit of money to find a place to live before she looked for work. But surely, she could find something that offered both. Room and board as part of payment. Would she still be able to care for Ruby while she worked?
Mr. Coulter had said she could make her home wherever she chose. Had he meant that? If he would give her even a little money, or if by marrying him, her father would give her a little, she’d have a significant advantage in her new life on her own.
A memory surfaced, the one of him kneeling in front of Ruby the night before. Talking to her and letting her hold his finger. That sight had melted her heart. A man who would be that tender with a babe could surely be trusted to keep his word, couldn’t he?
Maybe one had nothing to do with the other. But at least agreeing to her father’s madness would buy her a little time. Time to figure out her next step.
CHAPTER5
Dread pooled in Sampson’s gut as he stepped across the threshold, following Jedidiah’s short, wiry frame into his hotel room.
Yet, he would have to talk to this man. Spend time with him. Willingly submit himself to whatever Jedidiah wanted to discuss or do.
No. Notwillingly. That was never how it worked with this man.
No one disobeyed Jedidiah’s orders without risking life or limb. Sampson couldn’t put Miss Hampton’s safety in jeopardy, even if she was the scoundrel's daughter. Nor could he break Jedidiah’s trust, which he’d worked so hard to build. His family’s mine and ranch depended on staying in this man’s good graces.
He’d never thought the cost would be as high as marrying a woman he didn’t even know and taking on a child that wasn’t his—or hers, come to think of it. But he’d pay whatever price he had to pay to fix his mistakes.
Since he had no choice but to play along, he might as well find a pleasant expression.
A small part of him wondered if Jedidiah really thought he'd done something to compromise his daughter. Probably not. More likely, forcing the marriage simply suited the man’s plans. He’d done far worse to get what he wanted.
And not once had Sampson seen even a hint of remorse on his face. Only a ruthless pursuit of his own interests.
The older man crossed to the window, casting his features into shadow as he turned back to Sampson. "Did you bring all the powder?"
Of course that would be his first concern. Not the daughter he apparently hadn’t seen in some time. Sampson kept his voice steady. "It's safe in the wagon, stored at the livery."
Jedidiah's gaze narrowed. "We don't want to leave it there for long. It'd be a shame if it blew and wasted the whole supply."
Sampson only nodded, doing his best not to think of the kind livery owner who lived in a room in the back. And all those horses. And the goat Miss Hampton needed for little Ruby's food.
"We should be ready to set out in a couple days." Jedidiah's voice cut through his thoughts. The older man fixed him with a penetrating stare. "That will give you time to get your new wife settled so we can focus on work."
Again, Sampson could only nod. Clearly, he had no choice but to go through with the marriage. At least he could make sure Miss Hampton and Ruby got to a place safe from all this trouble. "Do you want to be there for the ceremony?"
A glint of something akin to amusement flashed in Jedidiah's eyes. "Of course. It’s my right to give my only daughter away." His bushy gray brows rose. "I only hope you’ll be the husband she deserves."
Sampson clenched his jaw, forcing a grin to play along. "I'll do my best by her."
"We'll see about that." Jedidiah turned back to the window. "Go on now. Find that deputy for the vows. I'll be along soon enough."
“Yes, sir.” He slipped from the room, careful not to show how badly he wanted to get away from the man.
In the hallway, he paused outside Miss Hampton’s door. He needed to speak with her. He’d rather not have her father listening in, though. He was pretty sure the man must have heard them talking earlier, which was why he’d not been surprised at the sight of his daughter.
