She gave him a smirk. “Hah, I see you brought your dry humor with you to Last Chance.”
He squared his shoulders, puffing out his chest. “Mydryhumor and my good looks are the only things that get me through life. I’d be nothing without them.”
She cocked her head. “Don’t forget that oversized ego of yours.”
Laughing, he bumped his arm against hers. “And I see you haven’t lost your fun teasing nature.”
“Never.” She grinned.
As he studied her, he wondered if she had gotten married. Then again, if she had, her husband would be helping her and Lisa with the shop. “Blaze? Why didn’t you get married?”
When she glanced at him this time, there was no laughter in her expression. “I did, Colt. My husband died in the blizzard that killed most of the men in Last Chance. Not long after that, Aunt Lisa and your father came out here to help me.”
His chest tightened. “Oh, Blaze. I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “That’s all right. I barely knew my husband, anyway. We hadn’t been married long before he died.”
He smiled at her, hoping it would brighten up her face. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll find another man soon.”
“Actually,” she turned her gaze back to the road as she slowed the horses down, “I will be getting married in a few weeks.”
Once more, shock washed over him. “You are?”
“Because this town needs more men, and...” She exhaled deeply. “The shop needs some help.” Her throat jumped with a hard swallow. “A month ago, I found a mail-order groom. He’ll be coming to Last Chance later this month.”
Colt didn’t like how his chest continued to tighten. Blaze was his friend, and he didn’t like the idea of her marrying a man she didn’t love. Perhaps he’d be able to help her with that. After all, that was what friends did.
Blaze slowed the team of horses as they approached a barn. A large sign was nailed to the entrance –Masterson’s Wainwright.The barn appeared spacious enough to park at least three wagons inside that needed repair and all the necessary tools to work on the rigs. Colt was proud of his father for the accomplishment of owning such a fine shop, and yet... now, the man was sick and expecting his wife and her family to run the place. That didn’t set well with Colt.
Once Blaze had stopped the horses, he jumped down and turned to assist her. She stared at him with confusion written on her face.
“What are you doing?”
He laughed. “Being a gentleman.”
Smiling, she patted his arm. “I knew there was a gentleman in there somewhere, but I was afraid you’d lost that over the years.”
She took his hand and climbed down, keeping her gaze locked with his. Heavens, he liked seeing her hazel eyes sparkle when she smiled.
He shrugged. “I haven’t completely lost it.”
Why hadn’t he noticed how pretty she was ten years ago? Then again, he’d always thought of her as a cute tomboy. Why would he think anything else? Her hair had always been pulled back in a ponytail. Rarely had he seen her in a dress, and even though she wore one now, he could see it didn’t fit her personality.
Back home in Colorado, Blaze had done everything a boy could do. There were a few things she did better than boys her age. She’d been very competitive, and Colt enjoyed her frequent challenges. It had made him try harder to do things, which helped keep his mind off his deceased mother. Blaze had been exactly what he had needed ten years ago.
Of course, he was sure that she didn’t go around wrestling with her brothers as she had with Colt back in the day. He suspected she’d feel all soft and womanly in his arms, just as when she’d fallen against him when the older woman pushed into her on the boardwalk.
Why did I think that?He shook his head slowly as he moved his gaze back to his father’s shop. He shouldn’t be thinking such thoughts about Blaze. She was his friend and nothing more.
And yet... He glanced at her again. She looked different somehow. Her dark auburn hair seemed to shine more, bringing out her red streaks a little better. Her eyes appeared more green than brown. She actually lookedverypretty right now.
What is wrong with me?He shook away the strange thoughts filling his head and took his first step toward the barn. Taking a deep breath, he prepared to see his father again. Hopefully, they would be able to talk easier with one another instead of arguing the whole time.
“You can do this,” she said softly, touching his arm.
He looked at her. “You were always able to help me through the frustration I held for my father.”
She smiled brightly. “And I’ll be here now. Don’t worry. Things will be different this time around. I promise.”
