“Zach—sorry, in my mind I have known you as Zach for several weeks.”
“Zach is fine.”
She continued. “I had no idea things were still so hard. But at least I am here to help with Kat and your pa.” She grinned. “And maybe Gil from time to time.”
“I don’t like to take advantage of your misfortune. Soon enough, this Dakota farmer will be courting you by mail.”
Amelia nodded, though her expression was tight, as if the skin on her face had shrunk. “In the meantime, I might as well keep busy.” She stepped back. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will retire to my bedroom.” She crossed the floor in even steps and climbed the stairs.
He watched until the door clicked closed behind her.
Why did he get the feeling he’d said something wrong?
Amelia checked on Poppy,who slept on the bed Amelia had prepared for her on the floor. She smiled at the way the baby sprawled out, a corner of a blanket clutched in her fingers. Thankfully, she was a happy, contented child. Amazing to realize after the circumstances of her birth and the subsequent death of her mother.
Amelia’s smile faded as she acknowledged this sweet ray of sunshine was the only good thing to come of Callie’s life.
Nor did it return as she prepared for bed. What did Zach mean by "he didn’t have time for courting?” Did he not understand that she’d put aside any expectation of that when she came here to marry him?
Only it wasn’t him. She had to remind herself of that continually. Who would perpetrate such a cruel joke? Sobel? For what purpose other than to torment them both?
Or perhaps Sobel hoped to divert Zach from his ranching to courting and tending a wife.
Neither was going to happen. If Sobel had been the author of those letters, he’d be sorely disappointed by how things turned out.
She sat on the edge of the bed. Somehow, what she knew of Sobel, even with the few minutes of contact she’d had, she couldn’t see him writing the letters she’d received. That man didn’t appear to have a kind, gentle bone in his body and would be incapable of penning such wooing words. Besides, how would he know all those things about Zach and Zach’s family? Was Gil being pumped for information in exchange for a bottle of whiskey?
It seemed possible but unlikely even so.
But someone had written to her. Someone had made her fall in love with a man who was unaware of her existence. Her heart twisted. What a cruel turn of events.
Tomorrow, she must ask Zach if he’d thought of anyone who would do such a thing.
The smellof coffee jerked Amelia from her sleep the next morning. She checked to make sure Poppy was safe. The baby sat in the middle of her tangled blankets and smiled at her.
“Mama. Mama.”
“Hi, sweetie.” She’d taught Poppy to call her mama since Callie died.
She’d overslept, thus putting to naught her noble plans of being the first up and having coffee and breakfast ready when Zach appeared. Now she’d have to hurry to make up for it.
She dressed herself and Poppy, then rushed down to the kitchen. She stared at the man before the stove. He looked better than when she’d last seen him.
“Morning, ma’am.”
“Gil, you look mighty fine this morning. And the food smells delicious.” No one else was in the room. “Are we the only ones up?”
“The men are out doing chores.”
So much for being an early riser.
“Ain’t seen hide nor hair of Kathy yet.” Gil’s chuckle rasped. “She don’t ’xactly like mornings.” He smiled at Poppy. “Don’t believe I’ve met this young lady.”
Amelia introduced them.
Gil patted Poppy on the head. “She’s gonna be a looker when she grows up. Like her mama.” The weatherworn cowboy shot Amelia a shy smile.
Had the letters informed her of the man’s age? Seems he must be older than Zach by a decade or so, but his way of life had marred his features.
