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  At the rodeo he’d been able to mask his disability. Last night she’d seen the true nature of his injury. She’d offered to help him. And though her intentions were kind, it rankled the way she’d rushed to his side, acting as if he was a man who needed assistance crossing a room.

  Will scowled. He refused to be treated as an invalid. If she considered him less of a man because of his injury, he’d accept the consequences. Living in ignorance of her judgment only exacerbated the problem. He’d chosen to assess the damage immediately.

  Since their last few encounters had been stressful, he wanted a meeting on neutral ground. There was no possible way for this encounter to end in injury. Especially with Ava chaperoning.

  Tomasina devoured her eggs and polished off his bacon. They’d almost drained their coffee when Mrs. Foster met them in the dining room with Ava.

  The housekeeper handed over the bundle. “You need a pram. Booker & Son has a catalog.”

  “Excellent idea,” Will said. “I’ll order two.”

  Tomasina tilted her head. “Two?”

  “A gift for Mrs. Gardner. A friend of mine who’s expecting a child.”

  He cradled Ava against his chest and held his cane in the opposite hand. As they set off for the boardinghouse, he glanced at Tomasina askance. She didn’t offer to take the baby or spread her arms as though waiting to catch him if he stumbled. An excellent sign.

  She wore her usual placket-pocket shirt and dungarees, her hat fastened beneath her chin.

  He inhaled the fresh spring air and admired the recently graded street. All signs of the most recent cattle drive had been cleared away.

  Will quirked an eyebrow. “No guns this morning?”

  “Ava will protect us.” Tomasina grasped the boardwalk pillar he’d hidden behind when the cattle had spooked and swung around. “Who is Hannah? You said we were taking Ava to visit her.”

  “Hannah Taggart arrived on the first bride train. There were four ladies in all. Leah Gardner married Daniel. Prudence works at the newspaper. And Hannah came with her father, the preacher. She chose to stay at the boardinghouse rather than move to the vicarage.” He tucked the blanket beneath Ava’s chin then said, “She’s offered to watch the baby today. She usually watches Ava at the hotel, but she sent a note saying she’s catching up on her sewing. Apparently, she’d rather watch Ava at the boardinghouse where her supplies are handy.”

  “What brave ladies. That must have taken a lot of courage to come to Cowboy Creek.”

  He lifted a brow and gave her a droll look. “I didn’t expect that reaction from you. I thought you valued independence, Miss Stone.”

  “I value survival, Mr. Canfield.” Tomasina playfully skirted around the glass front window of the hotel. “We’ve done well so far. No stampedes. No falling glass. No charging bulls. I think we’ve broken our plague of trouble.”

  “I’m cautiously optimistic.”

  The day was perfect for a stroll along the boardwalk. Wispy clouds stretched across the sky, and sunlight danced off the hills in the distance. Horace and Gus were in their usual spot, sitting on a bench in front of Booker & Son, their constant prattle littered with town gossip.

  Will paused before them and made the introductions.

  Old Horace peered around him. “It’s been awfully quiet at the jail.”

  “Don’t worry,” Will said. “We’ve hired plenty of extra security.”

  “We’ll keep an eye out, as well. If we see any of them Murdochs, we’ll send up the alarm.”

  “I’m sure Quincy appreciates your vigilance.”

  Old Horace elbowed Gus. “I think Zeb is faking. He’s not as sick as we think. He don’t want nobody thinking he can talk.”

  “Either way, we’ll keep an eye on him.”

  As they continued on, Tomasina glanced over her shoulder. “What a pair. I bet they know the comings and goings of everyone in town.”

  “The town wouldn’t be the same without them.”

  He cast her a glance out of the corner of his eye. “You were right about our string of bad occurrences. We’ve gone three whole blocks and nothing has happened. Not a single runaway bull or inebriated drover. I think we might survive this day without even a flesh wound.”

  “Speaking of flesh wounds, how is your arm?”

  “Sore,” he said, grimacing slightly. “I let Simon change the bandages today.”

  “I’m sure you were very brave through your ordeal.”

  “He’s better suited as a porter than a doctor.”

  Tomasina held out her arms. “Let me carry her for a spell. We’ll look like a proper family.”

  He passed the baby over then casually slipped his free hand into his pocket. “You promised to tell me stories about your father.”

  “Not yet. The memories are too choppy. If I wade in too soon, I’ll drown in them.”

  “Then we’ll wait for calmer winds.”

  She smiled at him over the baby’s head. “Storms never last forever. Aren’t the preachers always telling us that ‘this too shall pass’?”

  Tomasina was a natural with the infant. She’d probably consider those maternal qualities as a weakness, but he considered her caring a strength. If a perfect stranger could become attached to the child, what had happened to her mother? The question raised his concerns for the child’s future once more. He’d been putting off the inevitable, but the time was fast approaching to make a decision about her future.

  “Are you brooding about the past again?” Tomasina asked. “You’ve got that wrinkle between your eyes again.”

  He rubbed the spot with his finger. “I wasn’t aware I was frowning.”

  “Not frowning so much. You have a way of looking focused sometimes.”

  Will supposed there was no harm in sharing his growing concerns. “The more time passes without word from Ava’s mother, the less likely she is to return for her daughter.”

  “Is that very important? Having her return?” Tomasina covered Ava’s tiny ears. “I mean, if her mama doesn’t want her, maybe that’s not the best place for her.”

  “You’re right, of course. Except I can’t shake a feeling. A feeling that her mother should be with her.”

  “Feeling or not, there’s only so much you can do if she doesn’t make an appearance.”

  They’d arrived at the neat clapboard building. It wasn’t a fancy structure but was two stories with an abundance of windows and two sets of stairs, one leading to a balcony that covered the front of the whole upstairs and a set on the side leading to a second floor entrance. The building was freshly painted, and someone had planted fledgling rose bushes on either side of the entrance.

  Aunt Mae ushered them into the parlor, and they waited another fifteen minutes. As he checked his watch for the second time, Hannah Taggart appeared in the entry. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her fawn-colored hair was pulled back from her face. Though not as flamboyantly beautiful as Pippa, she shouldn’t have any trouble finding a husband.

  Yet as far as he could tell, she seldom left the boardinghouse. He rarely saw her except when she cared for Ava, and he certainly hadn’t seen her out with any of the gentlemen in Cowboy Creek. Though he respected her right to make her own choices, the ladies had come here seeking husbands. He’d expected more of an effort.

  Hannah smoothed her hair and brushed at her skirts. “You’re early. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  Actually they were right on time. Come to think of it, this wasn’t the first time the young woman had gotten the time wrong. “I sent you a note. I thought we agreed on eight thirty?”

  Two dots of color appeared on her cheeks. “I must have written down the time wrong.”

  “If you’re busy, I can have Mrs. Foster watch Ava instead. I’m sure she won’t mind. The hotel doesn’t ha
ve many guests this week.”

  “No, no. I’m ready now.” Ava fussed, and the preacher’s daughter took her from Tomasina. The child quieted immediately. “Sorry to make you wait.”

  “Not at all,” he assured her. “Ava has taken a shine to Miss Stone.”

  Hannah blanched. “Really? That’s, um, that’s wonderful.”

  “She’s a baby.” Tomasina rolled her eyes. “She wants to be fed and loved. I’m no one special to her.”

  “You’re the favorite, Hannah,” Will assured her. The girl appeared nervous and out of sorts. Did she think her job was in jeopardy? “Ava favors you most.”

  A broad smile spread across Hannah’s face. “She is an absolute darling. I’m pleased I can help.”

  There was something different about Hannah today. Will looked between the two women, searching for the source of the change. Perhaps it was Hannah’s style of dress. She tended to favor layers of ruffles and voluminous flounces.

  Maybe because they’d caught her unaware, today she wore a simple calico shirtwaist with little adornment. While he wasn’t exactly an aficionado of fashion, he appreciated the less fussy look.

  Hannah was an accomplished seamstress and had tentatively indicated she wanted to open a dress shop in town. At the time he’d been somewhat reluctant to encourage her in the endeavor. He kept picturing the women of Cowboy Creek traipsing around town like walking Christmas trees and stacks of animated doilies.

  Yet she’d made Leah’s wedding dress and tailored Leah’s other dresses for her increasing figure. There was obviously more talent in Miss Taggart than he’d given her credit for at first blush. If she wanted to open a dress shop, he’d speak with Leah to ensure she was satisfied with the work before investing. Either way, he made a mental note to pursue the issue.

  “Have you ladies had the pleasure of meeting?” he asked. “Hannah, this is Tomasina Stone. Miss Stone, this is Hannah Taggart.”

  The two women exchanged a greeting. “We saw each other at the mercantile the other day,” Tomasina said. “While I was purchasing more clothing.”

  “Hannah is considering opening a dress shop,” he offered.

  “I sure hope she does,” Tomasina chimed in. “There’s not much of a selection here in town.”

  The baby fussed and Hannah cooed softly. “Cowboy Creek needs a dress shop. And a milliner, as well.”

  Will reached for his pocket watch, flipped open the lid and checked the time once more. “Let’s speak about your shop when you drop off Ava this evening. I might be able to help you.”

  “I’d like that. Also, I had a favor to ask.” Hannah tugged her lower lip between her teeth. “The other ladies have mentioned the noise when Ava fusses. The walls are like paper here. I wondered if I could bring my sewing supplies to the hotel?”

  “I have a better plan.” He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of such an obvious solution before. “Why don’t I arrange a room at the hotel? You can stay there. Just until we find a new home for Ava.”

  “That arrangement would be lovely.” Hannah’s face lit up then darkened once more. “I don’t know if my father would approve.”

  “How come you aren’t living with your pa now?” Tomasina asked, crossing her arms. “He’s the reverend, isn’t he? Why stay at the boardinghouse? That parsonage looks big enough for the both of you.”

  Though bluntly stated, Will was curious about the answer himself.

  The shy woman absently pleated the folds of Ava’s blanket between her fingers. “My dad will have to get used to me being gone eventually. I came as one of the brides.”

  “You picked a fellow yet?” Tomasina asked.

  Will made a strangled noise. “Miss Stone. That’s private.”

  Although, truth be told, he was just as curious about that answer, too. As a gentleman, he was bound to respect her privacy.

  “I’m not badgering her,” Tomasina declared. “I’m just asking a question.”

  “It’s all right,” Hannah replied softly. “I haven’t found a fellow yet.”

  The way her eyes grew misty snagged Will’s attention. There was a hint of unrequited love in that longing gaze. Had she fallen for someone who didn’t return her attention? He couldn’t think of who that might be. Daniel was the only gentleman who’d taken a bride thus far. Will didn’t see how Hannah could develop feelings for a man she’d only met once or twice. That was a stretch by any standards.

  That led to another obvious question. Was there a gentleman in her past? Was she pining over a lost love? Although how she’d managed to conduct an affair of the heart beneath Reverend Taggart’s watchful eye was beyond him. Either way, there was something telling about that wistful look in her eye. He shoved a hand through his hair and sighed. Of late he’d realized that women were creatures beyond his understanding.

  When he found the time to question Leah about Hannah’s skills as a seamstress, he’d ask if she had any insight into the younger woman’s romantic life. He wasn’t above dropping a few hints in the right direction if need be.

  None of which solved his most pressing issue. “Why don’t I speak with your father? I can assure him of the propriety.”

  Tomasina planted her hands on her hips. “Why don’t you stay with me? There’s no place safer. This fellow over here says I can keep my guns. Any fella gets out of hand, we’ll shoot him. Your pa can’t argue with you on that account.”

  “I’ll, uh, I’ll ask him. I’m not sure what he’ll say.”

  “Well, I guess we won’t know until we ask, will we?”

  “Don’t browbeat the poor girl,” Will admonished. “Hannah, if you’d like to stay with Tomasina at the hotel for a couple of weeks and help out with Ava, I’d be eternally grateful. If your father doesn’t agree, we’ll find another solution.”

  “Ava and I get on well together, and I like having something to do all day.” Hannah nuzzled the top of Ava’s head. “Until I have my own dress shop, that is.” Ava groped at her chin with an open mouth. “As long as my father knows I’m well chaperoned, I’m sure he’ll see the value of such a plan.”

  “Who knows,” Will said. “Little Ava’s parents may come for her tonight, and this whole conversation will be for naught.”

  Hannah’s expression turned guarded. “Perhaps.”

  “Either way, why don’t you think about what you’ll need for your dress shop? There are several empty buildings at your disposal. If Cowboy Creek needs a new seamstress, we’ll give the town one.”

  “Th-thank you.”

  “By the way, the town business leaders are holding a dance this Friday evening to celebrate the town’s founding.” And to give the prospective brides a chance to meet more eligible bachelors. An opportunity Hannah sorely needed. “Everyone is invited. I hope to see you and the reverend at the event.”

  “I’ll let him know.” She smiled shyly. “He’s eager to meet more people.”

  “The event is formal. If you don’t have anything suitable to wear, I can make arrangements at Booker & Son. I owe you a great deal for your help with Ava.”

  “No need, though I thank you kindly for the offer. I have the perfect dress for the occasion. It’s one of my own designs.”

  Excellent. Another chance to see if she was the right choice for seamstress of Cowboy Creek. There was no use opening a shop if no one patronized the business.

  After a few more pleasantries, Will and Tomasina set off for the hotel once more.

  She bumped his shoulder with her own. “You still have that worried look.”

  “I’m not worried, I’m formulating a plan.”

  “Huh. Because it looks like you’re worried when you’re formulating a plan.”

  He was used to trusting his instincts, and they’d been wrong this time. “Ava is a loose end. I don’t like loose ends. If we
don’t hear from her mother in another week, I’ll have to speak with the circuit judge about putting her up for adoption.”

  “You ever think of keeping her yourself? Someone left her with you. Maybe you’re supposed to keep her.”

  Will stepped wrong and grimaced. He’d been leaning more heavily than usual on his walking stick. His leg was stiffer than normal from his fall. Tomasina wasn’t slowing her pace for him. A good sign.

  “Ava deserves loving parents,” he said. “If she stayed with me, she’d spend her life with a succession of nannies. That’s no life for a child. Trust me, I know.”

  Tomasina canted her head. “How’s that?”

  “Back before the war, that’s how things were done among our set. The men worked long hours and the women hired help for the children. I suppose that was a sign of prosperity, having hired help. The parks were filled with nannies and prams.”

  “Wasn’t that lonely?”

  “No.” He glanced down at her. “Don’t paint me as a tragic figure. I can assure you, my parents adored me. My upbringing aside, Ava needs two parents.”

  Despite his reassurance, he didn’t relish the idea of putting this sweet little girl up for adoption, but he wasn’t certain what else he could do. Ava couldn’t stay with him indefinitely. She deserved a proper family. A mother and a father. Even the chance at siblings. Except something held him back each time he considered approaching the circuit judge. An uneasy feeling he couldn’t shake.

  Tomasina’s laughter drew him from his reverie.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t concentrate anymore.” She smothered a giggle. “I’m having a hard time picturing you with a bonnet tied beneath your chin.”

  “Then don’t.” She wasn’t the least bit cowed by his fierce expression. “Whatever happens, I’ll see that she’s well cared for.”

  Tomasina scuffed at the ground. “I know.”

  They’d reached the ornate brass double doors of the Cattleman Hotel, and Will paused. “If you need another job, I’m sure I could find something for you at the hotel.”

  She stuck her hands into her back pockets. “No fooling?”