Chapter Three
PRIDE SWELLED IN LIAM’Schest as he looked at the empty lot with a prospective investor at his side.
It was happening. He’d worked slowly and deliberately this time, finding solid investors for both the land purchase and the building to come later. If all went as planned, his hotel would be built in the new year.
“It’s a good location,” Weston Gardiner, the town’s banker, said. “The man’s ready to sell this lot?”
“As soon as possible,” Liam replied.
Gardiner nodded. He was a large man, intimidating to approach especially when he knew what had happened with Liam’s plans the first time around. But Liam had learned a long time ago that people could only tell you yes if you actually asked them. While Gardiner had said no on behalf of the bank, given that Liam had nothing to offer as collateral, he offered to consider a personal investment in Liam’s business.
And now Gardiner was on the verge of saying yes.
“All right. I’ll look over the plans and let you know in a few days.” Gardiner held out his hand and Liam shook it.
Liam lingered at the site for a while after Gardiner left to return to the bank, basking in the knowledge that his plans—his dream—might actually work this time. And it would happen without running to someone like Dutch Rodgers, the shadowy fellow from Denver who’d put Liam’s sister Deirdre in suchdanger. No, this time, his project would have only the most upstanding of investors. He’d already wrangled commitments from a nearby rancher and a representative of the railroad he’d happened upon visiting the Crest Stone Hotel up on the hill. Gardiner’s contribution would set him up nicely to move forward. Liam might only need to find one or two more men in order to purchase the land.
“It looks wonderful,” a feminine voice said from behind him. Liam turned to find his sister Deirdre behind him, wrapped in a coat against the December chill.
“Thank you. I’m pleased with how quickly it’s coming together.” Liam rubbed his hands together. Despite the gloves he wore, the cold made his fingers numb.
Deirdre laid a hand on his arm and smiled as she watched the men working. “I knew you could do it.”
Her words warmed his frozen body. Deirdre had every right to remain angry with him after Dutch Rodgers’ men had run off with her over the summer, and yet she wasn’t. “I haven’t done it yet, but thank you. That means everything coming from you.”
“I’m off to help at the livery. Jeremiah and Roman have their hands full, and Clara is resting since the baby is due to arrive any day now.” Deirdre smiled at that last part. Liam wasn’t certain who was more excited for Roman and Clara Carlisle’s baby—the child’s parents or Liam’s sister. “I’ll see you for supper tonight?”
“Yes—”
“Mr. Hannan! Mr. Hannan!”
Liam looked up to see Danny Cook running toward them. Deirdre paused as Liam crinkled his brow. What in the world could cause the boy so much excitement?
“I hoped you’d be here,” Danny said, out of breath as he careened to a stop. “There’s a lady waiting for you at the office.”
“All right,” Liam said, still not entirely certain why that would cause Danny to race to find him.
Deirdre gave him a pointed look.
He returned it and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. As if he had the time to court anyone among the whole three ladies available in town. It made him think of that advertisement he’d written and shoved into his desk drawer. “Likely just someone interested in land.”
“No, sir,” Danny said with an assured shake of his head. “Mr. Gilbert asked if he could help her, and she said that only you could be of any assistance.”
Liam ignored the amused look Deirdre was aiming in his direction. “That’s fine,” he said to Danny. After seeing Deirdre off and promising to arrive precisely at six-thirty for supper, he fell into step next to Danny.
