“Yes, it has been an exhausting day, and I’m sure my father is more than ready to return home from the hotel. He was good enough to stay there and work this evening so I could come here. I think Mother has been particularly taxing since my uncle’s visit, and Father was happy to distance himself.”
“Was it that bad?”
Susanna washed and rinsed the first plate, then handed it to Owen. “It was, but you don’t want to hear about that. Tell me how things are going with Gary.”
Owen frowned, and Susanna couldn’t help herself.
“That bad?”
“You don’t want to hear about it.”
“But I do. I’ve seen a real change in him. One that I didn’t expect at all.”
Owen nodded. “He just doesn’t seem to understand instructions. They’re simple enough, but something about it eludes him. He makes mistakes—the same ones over and over. I can’t seem to get through to him.”
“He had trouble in school that way too.” Susanna shook her head. “It’s like something is missing in his ability to reason. I feel sorry for him because he honestly seems to want this to work out this time. I’ve never seen him more dedicated.”
“I’ll keep doing what I can to help him, but if he can’t do the work, I’ll have to turn him over to someone else.”
They had the dishes done in short order and found that LeRoy and Lia were still busy with the boys. Owen told them he and Susanna were leaving and would see them later, then took Susanna’s arm.
“I’ll see you home.”
“Thank you,” she said, reaching for her two quilt squares. “These are what I made tonight. I’m so pleased with them.”
“And to think, from these two will come a mighty quilt.” He grinned. “I look forward to seeing the finished product.”
“Well, it will take a while, I’m sure.”
They walked down Main Street, mindful of some of the celebrating going on. The saloons were alive with music and revelry.
“The boys are letting out their aggressions,” Owen said, shaking his head. “It never fails that Saturday brings out the wild in everyone—railroaders, miners, and cowboys.”
“Even you?” she asked with a teasing tone in her voice.
“The wild in me is long gone. I’m pretty quiet and boring. I hope that doesn’t disappoint you.”
“Not at all.” Susanna turned to see his face in the fading light. “I’ll take quiet and boring.”
Her attention was diverted as a man came flying out of asaloon and into the street. He landed on his backside and rolled end over end. Another man stood in the doorway of the drinking establishment. He was a big man with a dirty apron covering equally dirty clothes. He tossed a hat toward the man on the street.
“And stay out until you can keep your opinions to yourself.” The barkeep glanced toward Owen and Susanna before heading back inside.
When the man on the ground finally managed to get to his feet, Susanna was stunned to see it was her brother.
“Gary! What in the world is going on?”
He shook the dirt off his clothes and picked up his straw hat. “Nothing. We were just having some fun.”
“It doesn’t look like fun.”
“It wasn’t anything. See, I’m not even drunk.”
“Well, thank God for that. I’d hate to have to deal with you if so.”
Gary frowned and looked at Owen. “Why are you with him?”
Susanna bristled. “Not that it’s any of your business, especially given the circumstances, but Owen is walking me back to the hotel after my quilting party.”
