The Lone Cowboy of River Bend (The Men of Fir Mountain, Book 3) by lori connelly

Author:lori connelly
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-08-11T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

“He was called out to Myrtle Point.” For the first time Claire’s expression became somber.

“More missing cattle?”

“That’s what the telegram said.”

“He went alone?”

“No, he took Sam with him.”

A tense silence followed. His jaw clenched, Nate picked up his coffee cup and stared down into it. A moment passed before he spoke again.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude.” He looked at Hannah then glanced around the crowded restaurant. “I don’t feel comfortable explaining here. I’ll tell you about it later.”

“You don’t owe me an explanation.”

“I’d like to give you one anyway.”

“All right.”

Jemma started to fuss a little. She was finished with her meal and getting tired. Hannah got up and knelt by her side, speaking to the child in a hushed, comforting tone.

“Time for us to go?” Nate asked.

“Sorry, but yes.”

“Don’t apologize.” He stood. “I’ll go settle the check.”

Both women got to their feet when he walked away. As she helped Jemma into her coat, Hannah got the feeling someone was watching her. Subtly, she glanced around. No one appeared to be looking at her.

“Is something wrong?”

“This may sound odd.” Hannah shifted her gaze to the young woman beside her. “But I feel like someone is staring at me.”

Claire’s friendly expression became a polite mask. Her gaze slid away, scanning the room. Seconds later, barely moving her lips, she offered Hannah a possible answer.

“Don’t look but there are some chattering magpies seated by the window. Lizzie Jane and her cacklers likely wonder who you are and why you’re with Nate.”

Hannah straightened, holding Jemma’s hand. “Why?”

“I suspect she’s still stirring up old gossip and spreading a little new as well.”

“Nate told me about that.” She matched Claire’s whisper, shrugging into her coat.

“He did?” The other woman seemed surprised.

“Only about himself.” Hannah smoothed her daughter’s hat back on. “Though he mentioned rumors about Ben once.”

“I’m impressed.”

“You are?”

“Nate doesn’t share personal things often.”

“He doesn’t?”

“I only know the gossip bothers him because Matt told me.”

Then why did he tell me? Mute, Hannah stared at the other woman. Nate returned a few seconds later and the opportunity to respond was lost. Together, they left the restaurant.

Nate went to fetch the wagon while she and Claire waited on the sidewalk with Jemma, firming up their plans for a visit. Two women walked by them, offering subdued greetings as they passed without pause. It reminded Hannah too much of what had happened in Ashwood.

To keep Jemma from hearing, she kept her voice low. “Are they gossipers?”

“The younger one is Mercy Ellis.” Claire leaned close. “She has some friends who spread words faster than telegraph wire but I don’t think she joins in. In fact, I get the impression their behavior embarrasses her. The other woman is her sister, Faith.”

“Nate’s Faith?”

“He told you about her?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting.” Curiosity gleamed in Claire’s chocolate-colored eyes as Nate pulled up in the wagon. “I look forward to us having a nice long visit.”

“Do you want a ride home?” Nate addressed Claire, climbing down.

“No thanks. I rode Storm in.”

“Go ahead and saddle up. We’ll wait.

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