SEVEN
There was no way Blazecould work with Colt today, even though that was the only thing that would take her mind off her woes. Last night’s declaration from him had been what she’d dreamed about since she first realized she was in love with him ten years ago. Yet, it didn’t matter. In the end, he had chosen his unsettled life over sharing a life with her.
Everyone was in the barn today, even George. Having the house to herself only made her feel lonelier. She hadn’t slept well last night, and George’s strained coughing wasn’t the thing that had kept her up this time. Although she thought she’d gotten over the feeling of being rejected by her mail-order groom, she knew she must try again. Colt wouldn’t stay in Last Chance forever, so she must find a man to help her family keep the shop going once George passed. And by the sounds of his incessant coughs at night, she wondered if his life was dwindling quickly.
Today she decided to dress like a woman, especially since she wouldn’t be working in the shop. Unlike yesterday, she kept her hair long, not bothering to style it at all. However, she found a sunflower-colored blouse and black skirt that she had always enjoyed wearing for special occasions.
She found a book to read, so she curled up on the couch and opened the book. After thirty minutes, she realized she hadn’t turned the page yet. Her mind just wouldn’t focus. Instead, she really should figure out what to do with her life.
Perhaps Pastor Collins would be able to give her some suggestions. Or maybe her friend, Heather James, would be of some assistance. After all, Heather was one of the women who kicked off the first advertisement for husbands after the blizzard that killed so many men.
A loud knock on the front door startled Blaze. She placed her book on the side table before moving off the couch. She reached the door and opened it. A man who appeared to be in his late twenties stood in front of her, holding a bowler hat to his chest. His light brown hair was slicked back on his head, and he was clean-shaven.
“Good morning,” the man said. “I’m looking for Mrs. Blaze Murphy.”
“I’m Mrs. Murphy.”
His smile stretched as his gaze moved from the top of her head, down to her brown boots, then lifting again to meet her gaze. His green eyes twinkled.
“I’m Kent Dalton... the man who was supposed to arrive yesterday to meet you.”
Blaze sucked in a surprised breath. “Oh, my...” She placed a hand on her upper chest. “I thought you had changed your mind.”
“I apologize for that. I had actually missed the stagecoach and had to take the next one coming to Last Chance. Forgive me for worrying you, Miss Murphy.”
Relief flooded over her, and for a moment, she wanted to cry. Instead, she smiled and was determined to look her best.
“Would you like to come inside?” She stepped back and motioned with her hand. “Do you have any trunks?”
He nodded. “I do.”
He turned and reached down to lift the single trunk near his feet. As he carried it into the house, she did a quick assessment of his physical attributes. So far, he appeared to be a strong man. But of course, she’d have to study his hands to make sure he had told her the truth about working at the shop. Dirt under his fingernails, as well as calloused hands, would let her know he hadn’t lied.
“I must admit,” she said warily, “that I was contemplating trying to find another mail-order groom this morning.”
He frowned, and sorrow shown in his green eyes. “Again, I’m very sorry for the mix-up. I hadn’t quite made it to the stagecoach before it left yesterday. All I could do was wait for the next one.”
“I’m just very happy that you are here now.” She motioned toward the stairs. “Let me show you to your room.”
She was grateful she hadn’t decided to work in the barn today as she led the way. She would have looked differently when Mr. Dalton arrived, and he may have changed his mind about marrying her then. Now that she knew Colt’s true feelings about settling down, she didn’t want to pass up this chance to marry a man who was interested in a lifetime commitment.
Blaze hadn’t quite decided whether she was upset with Colt or not. After all, she knew he wasn’t the marrying kind, and yet she still proceeded to kiss him passionately – two separate occasions. She was definitely a foolish woman. But at least she’d be a foolish woman who was married.
She opened the door to the spare bedroom. “This is where you’ll be staying.”
“Until we’re married?” he asked as he walked past her.
Her face heated without warning. Heavens, she was sure her face was as red as a turnip. She couldn’t bring herself to think of their wedding night. Not yet. “Uh, yes.”
Thankfully, he didn’t look at her as he set his trunk on the floor at the end of the bed. Indeed, thinking about sharing the same bed with that man made her stomach twist. Although he was good-looking and strong, she feared she would be thinking of Colt the whole time. She needed to get that man out of her head once and for all.
When Mr. Dalton turned back and looked at her, he smiled. “Do you own this house?”
“No. My aunt and her husband own it.”
“That’s fine. I hope you don’t mind if I want to build us a place of our own.”
“That’s all right with me.”
