“Your brother mentioned me?” She pulled her hand away, especially when the warmth from his palm had begun to spread up her arm, making her feel extremely uncomfortable.
“He did.” He held up the telegram. “In fact, he just sent this to me in hope of me finding you and bringing you back with me when I return to Oregon.”
She gasped in surprise. “I cannot believe my luck. I only sent your brother a telegram last evening.”
He nodded. “As you mentioned before, we were destined to be introduced.”
It eased her mind that this man was so kind and willing to assist his brother. If Timothy were half as kind and charming, she’d consider herself lucky to be his wife. “May I ask what you’re doing in town if you live in Oregon?”
“I’m actually in town to meet a man about obtaining more property for my business. In fact...” He offered his arm. “If you would like to take a stroll with me outside, I’d love to tell you all about it.”
Her heartbeat flipped crazily, and when she hooked her hand around his elbow, her pulse increased. It appeared their friendship was getting off to a great start. After all, if he approved of her marrying his older brother, then Timothy would have to accept her, too.
FOUR
DENTON’S PLAN WAS WORKINGout splendidly. Or, he should say, Clark’s plan was working out. During Denton’s visit with his cousin last night, Clark had a brilliant idea – for Denton to pretend to be the prospective groom’s brother. Clark gave Denton examples of what he could do, which was why he’d paid the hotel boy to call out his name in the lobby at that exact time Courtney Mills would hear it. So far, things were going perfectly.
He wasn’t surprised to see Courtney Mills presenting herself as a widow. After all, she would have been one if she’d married Albert Greenwood. Yet, what surprised Denton was that she was so lovely. She had the most mesmerizing eyes he’d ever seen – gray with a touch of blue. Her skin looked so smooth, and her heart-shaped lips practically begged to have a man kiss her passionately. From what he’d learned from her parents, Courtney Mills was a pure woman. They had made sure she was untouched before she married.
Because she wasinnocentin that regard, he wouldn’t be the man to show her lips what a passionate kiss was all about. Besides, he couldn’t allow her beauty to sway him from his goal. He was here to question her about Mr. Greenwood, discreetly, of course, and try to figure out if she really had murdered her fiancé. Eventually, he’d tell her who he really was, but for now, it was best that she thought of him as her soon-to-be brother-in-law.
As he walked her outside, he stood a little taller and prouder. Not often did he get to escort such a pretty lady down the street.
“Tell me about your business, Mr. Graham,” she said sweetly.
“Timothy and I set up livery stables. We travel from town to town, looking for places in desperate need of these stables. Once we find a location, we scout out the nearby horse ranches to purchase the animals who will be housed in the liveries.”
“How very interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of men in your profession.”
“There aren’t many, and I hope to keep it that way. After starting my first livery, I had gotten the idea and then traveled to see family in other states, only to realize the need for more businesses like mine. Timothy was happy to help me.”
Although it was a complete lie, it wasn’t farfetched. This had been Denton’s dream since he was a young man. But when working with the law had become his career, he put his dreams aside. He still hoped that one of these days, he could make his dreams a reality.
“And the man you’re meeting is someone who will run the livery for you?” she asked.
“Actually, the man I will meet will sell me some horses. I’ve already gotten everything else in the works.”
