A Rancher of Convenience by Regina Scott

Author:Regina Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-08-29T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

They made it to Burnet that afternoon, after stopping several times to eat or take their comfort. Based on Hank’s dismal description of the place, Nancy wasn’t sure what to expect. She was pleasantly surprised to find the wide, dusty streets lined with trees and braced by neat two-story buildings, many with upper balconies. At the end of Main Street, she could see the square white block of the county courthouse, carriages and wagons crowded in front.

Hank threaded the team through the wagons and riders thronging the streets, found a nice hotel that catered to cattlemen and their wives and set her up in a room for the night.

“You’re probably tired from the trip,” he said as he set her carpetbag down beside the iron bedstead. “I can talk to the sheriff and come back for you later.”

He was not getting away from her so easily. Nancy linked her arm with his and smiled up at him. “But Mr. Snowden, you promised to show me Burnet.”

He chuckled. “I guess I did. All right. Come along.”

They left the hotel together. She had to admit it was nice strolling the stone pavement under the sweep of the balconies along Main Street. The shop windows were bright with calico and cakes, the air redolent with barber soap and cinnamon. The gentlemen all tipped their hats and smiled at her. A few ladies regarded her growing frame with arch looks, but she ignored them. Her mother had always encouraged expecting ladies to do more than recline on their beds until it was time for the birth. She didn’t intend to hide from the world simply because she was increasing.

But she couldn’t help pausing in front of one of the display windows. Inside was the dearest set of baby bonnets, pinks and blues and yellows with satin ties and silk flowers.

“You’re not fixing to put one of those on Ben?” Hank asked, and she nearly giggled at the look on his face.

“Babies don’t generally wear Stetsons,” she told him.

“Why not?” he asked. “Let’s see if they have one.” He took her hand and pulled her inside.

The clerk was happy to direct them to an area that held a number of ready-made pieces for a baby’s layette. Nancy smiled as she fingered a fine cotton gown edged in lace.

Hank lifted one of the long shirts. “Will he really be this small?”

“Very likely,” Nancy told him. “At least at first. But he’ll grow fast.”

Hank set down the garment. “Never knew a baby would need so much stuff. I make do with a couple shirts and denim.”

“Babies tend to spit and spill,” Nancy explained. “Ben will need at least a dozen gowns and twice that many diapers.”

He shoved back his hat. “Well, what do you know? Why don’t you pick out a few things while I go talk to the sheriff?”

There he went again, trying to leave her out. Nancy straightened, careful to keep her look and tone pleasant. “I’m making most of what Ben needs.

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