She took in a breath, filling her chest fully, then let out a long stream of worry.
“We’ll get through this.” The corners of his eyes crinkled. It wasn’t a smile exactly, but it eased the weight on her chest.
She nodded. “Good.”
Together, they took the two steps up to the hotel door, and he opened it to allow her entrance. The space inside somehow felt massive and small at the same time. The ceiling in this first area wasn’t nearly as tall as their cabin in the valley. But the stairs ahead rose up and up. Greenery and red bows wrapped around the posts.
Christmas. She’d been trying not to remember the holiday. Mama had always made their home festive for that day. Without her here, there seemed no point in celebrating. And taking care of Ruby required all Grace’s energy.
On her left stood a closed door, but the area on their right was open. An office of sorts. The man sitting at a desk looked up. Recognition lit his eyes and he stood. “Mr. Coulter. You’re back.”
Mr. Coulter nodded. "Yep. Do you have a room for Miss Hampton here?"
The clerk’s face fell. "Sorry, we're all full up. The only room left is the one I held for you."
Mr. Coulter didn't hesitate. "Then give that room to Miss Hampton. I'll find another place to stay."
The clerk began to protest. "But sir?—"
"It's fine. Please see that Miss Hampton is comfortable." Mr. Coulter's tone brooked no argument.
The man nodded and reached under the desk, producing a brass key. "Of course. Room one, top of the stairs and to your left, miss."
Grace accepted the key with a murmured thanks. She hated feeling like an unwanted complication in these men's lives. She followed Mr. Coulter up the narrow staircase, the wooden steps creaking under their feet.
At the top, he led her down the hall to the first door on the left, marked with a tarnished number one. "Your father is across the way in room two. I’m not sure if he’s there now or not.” He spoke in barely more than a whisper. “If not, we can go search for him when I’m back from the livery.”
She nodded but didn’t try to speak. Her tongue felt thick and heavy, her mouth dry as cotton.
He eased Ruby's basket down inside the room, then backed out. "I'll return shortly." He held her gaze for an extra beat, then turned and retreated down the hallway.
Something in his expression though…
She took in a long breath, then let it flow out. She wasn’t alone in this. He’d helped so much already. And that parting look had said he wouldn’t leave her until she was ready for him to.
She turned to take in the space that would be her lodging—a small, tidy room with a narrow cot, washstand, chest of drawers, and chair. She and Ruby could manage well here.
She moved to the bed and sank down on the edge. The mattress crinkled, far thinner than the down tick she used at home. What had they stuffed it with, paper?
She stared at the closed door, pulse thrumming in her ears. Only a few feet and two wooden doors separated her from her father. She'd traveled so many miles to get here, and yet she dreaded crossing that final threshold. Cowardice, plain and simple.
But Mr. Coulter had offered to help, so she could simply take him up on his offer and wait till he returned.
* * *
She’d run out of things to do.
Ruby still slept, and Grace had paced the room so many times she'd probably worn the last bit of finish off the wood floor. How long could it take to park the wagon and unharness the horses?
She walked to the window to look out at the street again. Maybe if she stared long enough, Mr. Coulter would appear.
She only had to stand there a moment before he stepped around the building on the end.
His broad shoulders filled the space as he strode down the street, his long legs eating up the distance with purposeful steps. The strength and confidence he exuded seemed to wrap around her like a warm blanket, promising protection and security.
When he disappeared from view under the awning, she turned to face the door, heart pounding as she waited for his knock.
The scuff of his boots on the stairs came first. He seemed to be trying to walk quietly, but that was no easy task. When the steps stopped, a soft knock sounded on the door.
