Rocky Mountain Dreams & Family on the Range by Danica Favorite (summer beach reads txt) 📕

chest. “This afternoon I need a shave and a trim. Can you do that?”

Numbly, she nodded past the ache that was already spreading through her.

“Good.” He paused as though he’d say something more, and his gaze lingered on her face, but she couldn’t bear to feel his pity for her.

The alone woman, as he’d said.

She watched as he walked away, his body casting a long, confident shadow against her beloved lands. How many times had she watched him leave? Drive off to fight battles unknown. To rescue those in distress. And never once had she asked him to stay so she wouldn’t be alone. It hadn’t been her place either, and yet...

This time she was determined to walk first.

Mary rode hard into Burns shortly after hanging the wash. Josie remained with Rose. As for Lou, she planned to cut his hair this evening, but for now she wanted to see about renting rooms somewhere. An idea had blossomed after he left, but she wasn’t sure how financially practical opening a bakery might be.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s plan prevails.

The verse resonated within as she hitched up her horse and hurried into the general store.

She found the owner bent beside an old shelf, dusting it.

“Joseph.”

“Miss Mary.” He stood and shared his ready smile. “Did you bring any winterfat? The ladies wiped me clean within the week.”

She shook her head. “I am actually curious to know if you’ve heard of a storeroom for rent. And if you’ve advice on how to go about getting some.”

“Well, now...” He scratched his chin. “I can’t say I’ve heard a thing about that. Maybe the best one you should be talking to is a solicitor? I bought this place years ago and don’t reckon I remember which is the best way to go about finding any places for rent.”

Mary pasted a smile to her lips though her heart had sunk to her knees. “Very well. I shall try someone else.”

“Are you planning on opening a goods store?”

The too-casual question amused her. “Never fear, I shall only bring my herbs to you.”

“I don’t care either way.” He shrugged, and Mary bit back a smile at the untruth.

She left him and walked the streets of Burns. There were, in fact, several rooms within buildings for sale. But which one would best suit her needs? She peered within dusty windows while pondering the situation.

“Yoo-hoo, Mary!”

Turning, Mary looked for the source of the female calling to her. Across the road a young woman dressed in a frilly garment scooted over, clutching her dress in one hand and a parasol in the other.

Amy. Gracie’s friend. She waited as the girl dashed over.

“How nice to see you again.” Amy’s smile spread wide and fresh.

“And you.” Mary inclined her head. “Your dress is lovely.”

“Why, thank you. I’m attending a wedding. A Monday wedding, which is rather romantic. This gentleman returned from the war and my friend Sally had waited ever so long for him, but he’d been hurt, you see, and had to recuperate. Well, they’re finally marrying and it’s the biggest to-do.”

“That is very romantic,” Mary acknowledged, feeling her own heart wither beneath the girl’s innocent, starry outlook. “Young love—”

“Oh, they’re not young.” Freckles trotted across Amy’s features with bold perkiness. Rather like their wearer’s voice. “She’s been waiting years, ever since school days, and it took his going to war for him to realize that she was the woman for him. It helped that she nursed him back to health, as well.”

There seemed to be an underlying message in Amy’s eyes, and Mary shifted uncomfortably. “I suppose such a thing could bring about a certain closeness.”

“It most certainly can.” Amy’s grin stretched as she swooped her parasol to point at Mary. “I must be off, but wanted to run over and say hello. Also, I had a bit of news about that murderer.”

“You did?”

“Yep.” She leaned forward conspiratorially. “Turns out that good-looking stranger has been released. The police have a new suspect. I don’t know why or how it all came about.” She straightened. “Well, then, care to join me at the wedding?”

“No, thank you.” Her mind churned.

“Boy, it’s sweltering out here.” Up popped the parasol. A vigorous wave and then Amy was off in a different direction.

Mary watched her, feeling a strange intermingling of bewilderment and laughter. When Gracie returned, she probably ought to join her on one of her outings with Amy. She rather liked the girl.

A quick glance in both directions proved the road to be empty. She crossed and moments later knocked on a local deputy’s door.

“Hullo?” The elderly man poked his head out. The scent of Colgate shaving cream wafted out and reminded Mary that she needed to get home and help Lou before dusk.

Shrugging off the thought, she straightened her shoulders and gave him a serious look. “Sir, is it true that a murderer has been released from your custody?”

“I highly doubt that.” The door widened to reveal his bent structure.

Frowning, she held his gaze. “I’ve been told the man originally arrested for assault, the man I pointed out to you, is no longer under suspicion.”

“Don’t know how you heard those details but it’s true. Mr. Langdon is no longer considered a suspect. We have a man who came forward and confessed. Is that all you needed today?”

Dumbly, she nodded. She turned and walked down the road, back to her horse, mulling over the deputy’s words. It seemed rather convenient that a man confessed. Too convenient. And incredibly bothersome.

Did Mr. Langdon know she’d pointed him out as a suspect? She could only guess he did, and of course he knew she worked at Lou’s ranch.... A shudder swept through her despite the summer warmth.

Suddenly she had an urge to hurry home, to check on Josie and share with Lou what she’d learned. But perhaps he knew. He was a man who, for all his smiles and carefree words, kept secrets.

She reached her horse and mounted quickly. Casting a