Charlie considered that a moment. “As I said, on occasion I think that would be just fine, but let’s just do a half hour lunch for now.”
The door opened to admit a young cowboy, and Charlie turned his attention to him. “Welcome to Cheyenne Savings and Loan. How may I help you today?”
“Name’s Bruce Cadot. Came to discuss a loan.” The man took off his hat and gave Charlie a nod. “Put in my application last week.”
“We don’t review applications until Friday,” Jefferson said, coming forward.
Charlie smiled. “That’s all right, Jefferson. I like to do things my own way. Why don’t you step into my office, Mr. Cadot, and we’ll see what we can do.”
“Yes, sir.”
Charlie held out his hand to the man. “The name is Charles Decker.”
“He’s quite a looker,” Melody said as she shared tea with Marybeth Vogel.
“Who? The new banker?”
“Yes. Who else would I be talking about?”
“I thought perhaps you were speaking of Jefferson. Since you’re of a mind to find a husband, I thought maybe there was something there that had caught your attention.”
“Not really. I suppose Jefferson could be a possibility. He compliments me often and always wants to discuss any variety of topics. Still, I just don’t feel any connection to him. He ... well, frankly, he bores me, and there’s something about him that doesn’t quite seem sincere. I imagine him as the kind of guy who spends a lot of time in front of the mirror.”
Marybeth nodded. “You said that your father has a gift of discernment where people are concerned. No doubt he could figure out if Jefferson is sincere. We’ll keep thinking about it. What about the banker?”
“Mr. Decker could be a possibility, I suppose. Obviously, I don’t know him well enough to judge his character.”
Melody took a sip of her tea and pondered the man. He did seem amiable and pleasant. He was handsome, and shewas very drawn to his blue eyes. Was that enough on which to base the start of a romance?
“This entire matter is so unexpected. I truly thought Da would let me stay, given you and Edward offered to let me live on your property. He’s determined, however, to see me married. I suppose it has something to do with the old traditions and his desire to have some sort of hand in my courtship. Da has never been overbearing about it, though.”
“My father always believed that when I found a good man, I would know if he was the right one.”
“I don’t know if Da believes that or not, but I know he wants to be a part of the choosing, and I won’t dishonor him. His ability to figure out a man’s character has always been impressive to me, and if he wants to filter through the men who are interested in me, then I support him. I feel better knowing they’ve passed Da’s scrutiny.”
“But he will let you have the final decision, won’t he?” Marybeth looked more than a little worried.
“I believe he will. Da is a bit of a romantic at heart,” Melody assured. “He’d never impose a husband on me.”
Marybeth’s expression relaxed. She poured Melody more tea, then added some to her own cup. “No matter what, I think your father has your best interests in mind. I’m sure it’s worrisome to him to think of leaving you behind in a town known for its wild and reckless ways.”
“But he knows from experience that sounder heads will prevail once the railroad continues west. We’ve seen that over and over in building the UP. Da’s seen it elsewhere as well. Some of the smaller towns disappear altogether, but that won’t happen to Cheyenne. Da says the Union Pacific will see to that.”
“Edward says the same thing. He feels confident that Cheyenne will thrive.”
“Oh goodness, just look at the time. It’s gotten the best of me once again. I need to head home and see to supper. I haven’t even thought about what to make.”
“Why don’t you and your father have supper here tonight? I’ve made a large pot of chicken and dumplings and have an apple pie for dessert. I know Edward would love to have the chance to play a game of checkers with him.”
“Da’s been hurting in a bad way. I think that fall was harder on him than he lets on. The doctor says very little about it, but I don’t see Da getting any better. At least not as quickly as he used to.”
Marybeth was undeterred. “Go home, then, and check on him. Ask if he’d like to come, and if not, why don’t you come back with a large bowl and a plate, and I’ll send some food home with you?”
“Thanks, Marybeth. That would be wonderful. It would be great not to have to worry about cooking. Maybe I’ll have a chance to check on the garden plot. Those of us in the tent community had a bit of the land plowed up for planting. It’s really too early for anything to be growing, but I like to check just the same.”
“We’ve had our garden plowed as well.” Marybeth put her teacup aside. “We made it quite large, and I’m excited to get it planted with all sorts of wonderful vegetables. Edward even talked about us buying some chickens. I think I’d like that a lot. You can’t beat having your own eggs.”
“Someday, Marybeth. Someday.” Melody finished her tea and got to her feet. “I’m going to have it all someday. My own house. My own garden and even the chickens.” Shelaughed and grabbed her shawl. “I’ll be back shortly and let you know what Da says.”
