High Country Bride

No, that wouldn’t be right at all. He squeezed his eyes shut for just a moment, trying to listen to common sense, or maybe to that voice from heaven giving him a little direction. Just one word came to mind. “Stay.”

Chapter Five

Had she heard him right? Joanna’s fingers slipped from the halter. Dancer stared at her, patiently swishing his tail, as if there was no explanation in his mind to her behavior.

In truth, she couldn’t explain why Aiden’s kind request turned her to stone. Or why the feeling was worse than the fear gathered up inside her like a hive of angry bees. Being alone in this wide world was not a comfort. But neither was accepting a good man’s charity. All she had to remember was the look of horror and hurt on his handsome face to know the right thing to do. “I’d best take the children and move along. You don’t truly want me here.”

“No,” he agreed. “You’re right about that. But you owe me, Joanna. I expect us to be squared up before you head off. I don’t think I’ll get what you owe me otherwise.”

“You’re worried that I won’t keep my word?” Her throat felt tight, her eyes hot.

“Absolutely. You might be the kind of woman who means to keep her promises, but there’s no saying what will happen to you once you’re off this land. Hardships come along, as both of us well know.”

Kindness rang in his voice like the toll of a church bell. Like salvation on Sunday morning. “Yes,” she said quietly. “There is no telling what’s up ahead of any of us.”

“You might get in a worse situation. Or can’t find a job, like you haven’t found one in these parts. Then where will I be?” Aiden came close, close enough so that she could see the goodness in the man. Down deep and all the way to his soul.

Oh, she could see what he was up to, finding a way to keep her here without her pride getting in the way. Making it seem as if it was her duty to stay. When the truth was this had to be costing him something terrible.

She swallowed hard against the pride building in her throat. “So this is about money.”

“It is.” The softness in his eyes—and the sadness—said something different.

So did the twist of her soul. She was awestruck by this man’s generosity. She was touched by the chance he was offering her. “What will it take for me to pay back what I owe you?”

“I’d expect meals cooked or at least made up ahead. Maybe some cleaning and laundry. Heaven knows the garden needs someone interested enough to tend to it every morning.”

“Heaven knows,” she agreed, understanding a deeper meaning. He was offering a hand to a drowning woman. She thought of the hot dusty miles, the crack in Dancer’s left front hoof, the weeks—maybe months—on the road and how hard that would be on the children. She would have to travel until she found work. Who knew how long or how far away that would be? Times were hard in Montana, true, but the drought had stretched beyond the territory’s borders.

“At harvest’s end, you and I will talk. If we can find you a paying job for a few hours a week, which I think I can do, then you ought to be set to move on then, wherever you have a mind to.” His jaw tensed, betraying him.

This wasn’t easy for him. Nor was it for her. She took a ragged breath. The gelding lipped her bonnet brim, and she rubbed her hand along his warm, sleek neck. How could she say no? She’d be able to work off what she owed Aiden. She’d have a real roof over the children’s heads and a stable for the horses. The crack in Dancer’s hoof might have time to grow out. She might have the chance to work for cash in her pocket. Money for good meals and new shoes for the little ones. A little savings to put by for a trip.

He was offering her so much. But saying nothing about himself, about how hard this would be for him. That meant staying was not the right answer, either. Yet it was best for her children. She thought of James and the unspoken sadness in his eyes at having to leave another house. She thought of Daisy, too little to understand, but needing security and comfort all the same. Joanna thought of how hard she had wished for just one chance to improve her life. This was certainly a chance she had to take.

Then she studied the man in front of her. His eyes were dark and bleak. His presence like stone, cold and remote.

“How can I say yes?” she said into the silence that had grown between them. “My being here upsets you.”

“I know.” His hands curled into fists. “But I have my sense of duty.”

“You pity me. That’s not reason enough.” Everything within her longed to stay. To repay him for his kindness at giving them lodging and supper. To have the chance to provide better for her children. But at what cost to him? “I saw you in the kitchen after we left you. I’ve never seen that kind of emotion.”