At first, Pearl tried to relax Courtney by telling stories about her children. The older woman’s tactic had worked for a little while, but then Courtney became restless again. She wanted to go outside and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. She wanted to walk as she tried to burn off her frustrations. But mainly, she wanted to be with Denton. She knew she shouldn’t have trusted him so easily, but once he admitted to believing in her innocence, she couldn’t help but forgive him for what he’d put her through since they met. But more than that, she thought about theiralmostkiss. How things had led up to that point, she didn’t know, but now she wanted to bring back that mood and have him look into her eyes and see the desire flaming in his green orbs.
Pearl had been trying to teach Courtney how to crochet for the last twenty minutes as they sat next to each other on the sofa, but the older woman wasn’t successful in her endeavors. Because this was the first time Courtney had ever crocheted, she found the sport quite confusing. Holding her fingers just right as the yarn weaved around one finger to the next made her hand cramp.
As a young girl, Courtney had learned how to pass her time painting. Her parents made certain Courtney had the best art teachers, which soon became her favorite thing to do when her parents weren’t having her help them entertain the neighbors or their town. Now, more than anything, she wished she had her canvas, paints, and brushes. Letting her mind create pictures to paint would surely calm her and think of more pleasant things than catching a killer.
Pearl had been quiet for a few moments as she whipped her crochet needles so fast that the blanket she was making nearly came to life right before Courtney’s eyes. That was a talent she would never possess.
“Miss Mills?” Pearl asked, glancing up for a moment to look at Courtney.
“Yes?” She lowered her tangled yarned hands to her lap.
“Denton mentioned that you are wealthy.”
“My parents are, and I will get some of my father’s money when I turn twenty-five.”
“How many more years until that happens?”
“I’m twenty-three already, so I won’t have to wait too long.”
Peal smiled, still watching her fingers spin the needles as she created the blanket. “I’ve never known anyone rich.” She glanced up at Courtney again. “And then Denton talks about his friend, Terrance Greenwood, and now I know about two people with a lot of money.”
Courtney sighed and tried to smile. “Money isn’t that wonderful. The love you and your husband have is worth more money than any of the Greenwood children have.”
Pearl stopped her crocheting. “Your parents weren’t in love?”
Courtney shrugged. “They were, but they loved money more, which is why when their friend, Albert Greenwood, mentioned marrying again, my parents couldn’t wait to sell me to the highest bidder.” Clenching her jaw, she didn’t want to say anymore. She was still upset at her parents for what they tried to do and going against their only daughter's wishes.
“Then, can I assume you are relieved that you didn’t have a wedding yesterday?”
Courtney frowned. “I am relieved, but then if Albert hadn’t been killed, I wouldn’t be running for my life right now.”
“Denton will find his man – or woman. He’s one of the best bounty hunters I know.”
Seeing Pearl’s appreciation shining in her eyes softened Courtney’s heart. “Tell me about him. He doesn’t like to talk about himself much.”
Nodding, Pearl chuckled. “That’s for certain.” She resumed her crocheting. “He comes from a close-knit family, but he is the only one out of his siblings who isn’t married.”
“Why not?”
“I suppose it’s because of his career. He never stays in one place for very long since he’s busy chasing outlaws. But I know he’d make a good father. He absolutely dotes on his nieces, Joanna and Emily.”
Hearing those names was a fresh reminder of how Denton had purposely lied to her. Then again, they were his nieces, so that hadn’t been a lie... just everything else. However, if roles were reversed and she’d been looking for a murder suspect, she would have lied to get some answers. She must believe that he was telling her the truth now.
Men’s voices echoed from the other room, and she recognized Denton’s deep baritone immediately. Courtney sucked in a quick breath and straightened her shoulders. Mother had always told her that slouching was for ill-mannered girls, and Courtney definitely couldn’t be considered in that category.
As soon as Denton looked her way, he smiled. Her heart flipped crazily, and she wished it wouldn’t. She had enough on her mind with Albert’s murder, and she didn’t need anything to complicate her emotions.
Clark moved to his wife and kissed her cheek. “Have ya been gettin’ to know Miss Mills better?”
Pearl smiled wide. “Indeed, I have.”
Denton glanced at the tangled yarn in between Courtney’s fingers and nodded. “What are you making?”
Courtney rolled her eyes. “A mess.” She untangled the yarn and set that and the crochet needle aside. “But I’ve had all the fun I’ll be having with this today.” She stood. “If you don’t mind, I would like to take a walk outside.”
“I think that’s a great idea.” He offered his elbow. “Do you mind if I join you?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
