True Heart's Desire by Caroline Fyffe

Author:Caroline Fyffe [Fyffe, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781503902800
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Published: 2018-06-18T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Rhett rolled out of his bedroll laid out in the middle of what would someday be the dining room of his restaurant and went to the dark window. A high mountain chill was in the air. Sunrise had yet to appear over their mountains. His mountains? That was a strange thought. Would this place ever feel like home?

From his blanket not far away, Dallas raised his head questioningly, but didn’t get up.

Smiling to himself, Rhett pulled an undershirt over his naked chest, added his boots, and headed to the back door. The squeak of the outhouse door made him cringe. He’d oil all the hinges today, take care of that offending sound sooner than later.

The crisp morning air chilled him to the bone as he glanced around. Eden was quiet. Just before sunup was one of his favorite times of day. The time when he and Shawn would discuss their day’s plan over a cup of hot coffee and an egg sandwich. They’d slug down several mugs of thick brew, letting the strong coffee slam their minds awake. Worn-out from the emotions that he’d expended last night, the guilt that usually held Rhett prisoner wasn’t anywhere to be felt, and that was a blessing.

He rubbed a hand over his face and turned a half circle.

Dallas, finally deciding to get up, came out the back door, padded to the outhouse, and lifted his leg, bringing a smile to Rhett’s lips. Smart dog.

A buggy appeared far off in the road that led to the Five Sisters Ranch. He stepped away from the outhouse and moved toward his back door. Lavinia usually arrived early, but he’d be surprised if five thirty had passed. As the conveyance got closer, he recognized her, sitting straight in the passenger’s seat, while Moses held the lines. Usually, she drove herself.

The buggy stopped at the hotel. He heard the murmur of conversation but couldn’t hear their words. She went to the front door and let herself in with a key. The buggy turned around and headed back to the ranch.

Why so early? Saturdays weren’t that busy. Since his food shelf was barer than a bear’s lair, he decided he’d head over to the café sometime around six, when they unlocked the door and turned the sign. He’d give Lavinia a little time to get things going. He hadn’t eaten there for three days, and he was hungry. Until his lumber arrived, he was at a standstill.

He scraped his palm along the side of his jaw again, deciding to take the early opportunity to go to the bathhouse for a wash and shave. He was overdue, and he’d not like to offend Miss Brinkman, or any of her customers, when he ventured in.

A little of his sadness eased. One day at a time. Take the good with the bad. He’d heat the water himself if the proprietor of the bathhouse was still asleep upstairs.

“Come on, Dallas.” Dallas appeared at his side as he started off.

Rhett found he was looking forward to a long soak in a hot tub followed by a hearty breakfast at the café.

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