“Would you like to take a stroll down by the river? The sun is warm today, and we could look for more stones for your geology lesson.” He looked positively hopeful that she’d say yes.
Marian nodded, grateful that he seemed to find her penchant for teaching something to be indulged. Worries were so easy to come by these days. If she didn’t stop picking apart everything he said and did, this would all be over before it went any farther.
She gathered her coat and gloves, and then took the hand he offered.
“The window glass should arrive from Grand Platte next week,” Cole said as he led her out the door. They began to stroll up the road toward the river.
“Oh, good. I miss the extra light from that window.”
“I wish I could’ve found the man who threw that rock,” Cole said darkly.
Marian glanced up at him, squinting in the late-afternoon sunlight. His face was drawn into a serious expression. “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.”
“Yes.” He seemed to force a smile then, and she had the distinct feeling he wasn’t wanting to trouble her.
“Tell me what occupied your day.” She pushed away the anxiety his words had caused and waited to hear what adventures he’d had. “How many terrible outlaws did you catch today?”
Cole laughed. “None, unfortunately.” He went on to tell her about a prisoner he and the sheriff had handed over to the federal marshal and how he’d found the shiny stone he’d given her. And then about how he’d chased trouble away from Mrs. Shomburg’s. “That reminds me. The drunken fellow’s name was Hardison. Mrs. Shomburg said he was a widower with a young son. I assume that’s the same man who shouted at you in the street a while back?”
Marian’s heart ached. After her one meeting with Zachary’s father, she’d had a terrible feeling about his life at home. “Yes. The boy’s name is Zachary. He’s a sweet child, and very diligent with his schoolwork.” When Cole nodded, she furrowed her brow in worry. “I don’t like hearing that his father is a drunkard.”
“Will you keep an eye on him?” Cole asked. “Let me know if anything seems amiss.”
He didn’t tell her what to look for, but Marian had an idea, and she shuddered inside at the thought of anyone being cruel to little Zachary. “I’ll speak with Jillian Weatherspoon, too. She lives nearby and has taken a liking to the boy. She’s been the one bringing him to and from school. I doubt his father has any idea most days. He made it clear that he certainly doesn’t approve of schooling.”
“Such men shouldn’t have the privilege of raising children,” Cole said, that dark edge returning to his voice.
“I agree, but there are many of us who are concerned about him now. I hope that will help.”
Cole let his arm drop to take her hand as they reached the river. “Let’s see if we can find any more treasures.”
Marian smiled at his boyish joy. Together, they hunted the riverbank for the better part of an hour, and when the sun reached the point on the horizon that indicated it was time to return home, their pockets were filled with various specimens of rocks and fossils.
“It might be best if we leave these at the schoolhouse,” Marian said, and then she laughed. “My mother wouldn’t be surprised if I brought them home, though.”
“Were you a collector as a child?” Cole asked.
“Oh, yes. I brought home all sorts of things I found. Some were more acceptable than others.” Marian grinned at the memories as they walked back into town.
“I once brought home a bird’s nest. With the eggs still inside,” Cole said. “I thought my mother would banish me from the house.”
Marian glanced up him, and the image of Cole as a little boy with tousled hair and dirty hands was easy to picture. “Did she have you put it back?”
“Immediately,” he said with a smile. “My mother is very tender-hearted.”
“I should like to meet her.” The words slipped out before Marian realized what she was saying. Her cheeks warmed and she ducked her head as they approached the schoolhouse.
Cole paused, not answering, and all of Marian’s fears roared back to life in her mind. Shehadn’timagined him tossing aside the idea of marriage. This was simply further proof that she was casting her heart toward something that would never happen.
Did shewantit to happen?
Just as a tiny voice inside saidyes, Cole paused.
“Stay here.” The urgency in his voice made her look up. Just ahead was the schoolhouse.
And the door was wide open.
