Montana Brides by Emma West

Author:Emma West
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Emma West

6

Marianne

Both Jake and the reverend said they loved her cooking. It was wonderful to actually have food. And bread that wasn’t molded. Even she stopped herself from yanking another slice off their plates to eat.

Jake was boiling over with jealousy. She wondered if he knew it himself yet. Yesterday, he hadn’t wanted anything to do with her. Today, he offered her his arm when he noticed Jones did. When she accepted Jake’s, his smile made her stumble. It lit up his face. Tingles raced up and down her body, when she placed her hand on his arm. It was probably from leaping up from the table too soon.

“Did you come to Montana for the prospect of gold?” Marianne asked. Did he hope to find his fortune? Towns were booming despite the Indians.

“Not exactly. I came because I knew a blacksmith would be needed.” His arm closest to her shook slightly. “And for a fresh start. For a while, I worked at Fort Owen; then I came here and the mountains, the people, it feels like home.”

“I know what you mean. It’s beautiful here.” She wanted this to be her and her sisters’ home.

“Yeah, and I didn’t get along with General Custer while I was at the military base. He undervalued the Cheyenne and Sioux, and his pride became his downfall. He and his men were outnumbered, and yet, he still believed he would win.”

“It was a tragedy.” She shivered.

“One avoided if Custer and others treated the natives with dignity and caring.” He motioned to the general store, “Let’s talk about more pleasant things, like what you’d like to make for supper tonight.”

She laughed and his smile broadened. My, he is handsome when he smiles. Unsure of how much money to spend, she roamed the shelves. Flour and sugar, she’d gotten yesterday. Grabbing salt and pepper, she placed them on the counter. Yesterday, she used the last of the salt from the saltbox. Crimson bolt of fabric caught her eye, but it was too expensive. Still, she let her hand glide over the soft fabric. Gloves in this would be sinful. Or maybe even a cloak or skirt. She added matches to the mounting pile.

When she was finished, she bit her lip. Would this cost too much money? She’d no idea how much Jake made or if he was in debt from the drinking. And didn’t he mention the ad that brought her here was based on a bet? Did he have debts?

Jake leaned against the counter, his hat pulled down shading his eyes from the afternoon sun pouring in the window. “You all right?”

“Fine.” She picked lint on her skirt. “Um…if this is too much, I can put some back.”

His smile sent a quiver through her.

“I’ve enough to cover this and more if you like.”

“Let’s start with this stuff. It’ll be enough for several meals.”

He glanced at her purchases and back at her. “Really? Looks like enough for a meal minus the salt and pepper.”

“Well, I’ll have you know I can stretch food like you wouldn’t believe.

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