The Watchmaker and the Widow by Linnea Alexis

Author:Linnea Alexis [Alexis, Linnea]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Montana Sky Publishing
Published: 2018-07-23T04:00:00+00:00

During the hour that followed, Deacon did something unexpected. Something he avoided doing. He talked about himself. And doing so seemed as natural as breathing. When Molly asked about his family, his work, what he liked to do for fun, he answered willingly instead of holding back. Her interest seemed genuine. Being in her company warmed his heart.

Seated across the kitchen table from her was the most contented he’d been in months. He wondered what sitting across the table and sharing meals with her on a daily basis would be like. He hung on her every word, every gesture, memorizing everything about her. When he’d leave for San Francisco, he didn’t want to forget one detail. Her large blue eyes and wispy blonde hair that was as soft as a summer breeze.

Each time she took a deep breath, his own hitched. He longed to reach across the table and hold her hand. He longed to touch her—all over. But her daughter was only a few feet away, within earshot. And where was her father?

Since he’d shared a half-bottle of Molly’s homebrewed wine, he shouldn’t be here when her father came home. “I should go back to the ranch to relieve Helen and check on my grandmother. She may need something.”

“So soon? You just got here.”

He smiled and checked his pocket watch. “On the contrary. I’ve been here over an hour.” “I had no idea. Time sure flew by.”

“It did, didn’t it? Will I see you tomorrow?” he asked. “You mentioned helping your father. I was hoping …You know, Molly, you never gave me an answer about taking your place. I’ve never been inside a mine before and it would be beneficial to see where the materials I work with are found. Do you think your father would allow me to help you? I’m not afraid of hard work.”

“I’ll ask,” she answered tentatively. “But he prefers keeping his prospecting to himself. This is a small town. Word tends to get around fast.”

“I completely understand.” He resisted the urge to pursue the subject. Instead, he stood and slipped on his jacket and reached for his hat.

She stood and brushed her hands on her skirt. “Thank you again for seeing Eva and me home.”

“You are very welcome.” As he headed toward the door, he hesitated, then turned to face her. “Molly, I had a wonderful time this evening.” He played with the brim of his hat. “If it’s acceptable with you, I’d like to call on you again sometime soon.” While waiting for her answer, he sucked in a deep breath. What if she turned him down? Why was he so nervous? They’d just spent a comfortable evening together. Suddenly, he was behaving like an awkward schoolboy, asking the prettiest girl to dance.

“I’d like that very much,” she answered softly.

Relieved, he blew out the breath he’d trapped in his lungs, and broke into a wide grin.

At the door, he turned and reached for her hand.

She closed the space between them.

His heartbeat thundered in his ears as his fingers grazed her cheeks.

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