He made the statement matter-of-factly, though there was no hiding the deep regret she heard in his voice. She’d known loss, knew the hold it could keep in one’s mind. Saying ‘I’m sorry’ just seemed so inadequate, but she murmured the words anyway, then she gestured to one of the chairs in the shade of the awning. “Lucy told me you’re renovating the old Serenity Hotel.”
“Yes, ma’am, I am.” He put his glass on the table, followed by his hat, but didn’t sit until she did. “It’s a lot of work, but I’m enjoying it immensely.”
“Is this the first hotel you’ve renovated?”
“Oh no,” he laughed as he made himself comfortable. “I can’t even remember what number this one is. Fanny and I renovated many over the years. In fact, we have been to nearly every state and territory in the country, except for Alaska, fixing up old hotels and inns. There were a few taverns and a saloon or two as well, but Fanny didn’t like renovating those as much. It’s what we enjoyed doing, and as our reputation grew, the more opportunities seemed to come our way. Fanny had such an eye for decorating—subtle, understated. And she was always up for a new adventure.”
“You didn’t have children?”
“We were not blessed in that way. Besides, it would have been difficult uprooting any children we might have had, traveling all around the country the way we did.”
She wouldn’t be able to do that. Just the thought of ever leaving Montaña del Trueno made her heart hurt.
“But we were happy, me and Fanny.”
It was quite clear that he missed his late wife. How long ago she had passed? She wouldn’t ask. If he volunteered the information, that would be a different story. Instead, she asked, “How long were you married?”
He smiled and the love he had for his Fanny reflected in his eyes. “Twenty-five of the best years of my life.” He let out a sigh then said, “Lucy tells me you never married.”
“No, I never did, but I was engaged to be.”
“What happened? Why didn’t you?”
Evie glanced at him, then down at the table. “He died. He was a Marshal here in town.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I am, too. He was a good man.”
“And now? Lucy mentioned something about looking for a husband. Are you?”
She laughed and shook her head. “No, I’m not. The truth is, Lucy is searching for a husband for me, even though I never asked her to.”
“Good.” His smile widened. “Then you and I can be friends.”
“Perfect.”
Hilde came out of the house carrying a pitcher of lemonade and a glass on a tray, a big, conspiratorial smile on her face. She said nothing as she poured, but she did wink before she went back into the house, leaving the tray on the table.
“Are you staying at the hotel while you renovate?”
“I am. It’s quite comfortable, if one doesn’t mind sawdust and the sound of hammering, not to mention the number of people traipsing in and out. Fortunately, I love all that. Fanny did as well.”
Evie didn’t miss the sound of longing in his voice, nor did she miss the expression on his face. It was quite clear to her that Ryland Parrish was still very much in love with his late wife. “Fanny sounds like a lovely woman. You must miss her a great deal.”
Sadness reflected in his bright blue eyes, but only for a moment or two. “She was, and I do. She would have loved this hotel. She?—”
A noise from the barn had her glancing that way, just in time to see Jake coming out of the building, carrying several lead ropes as he strode toward one of the smaller paddocks, where a young horse, a beautiful sorrel, waited, a supple leather halter around her face. Teddy leaned against the paddock fence, his foot resting on the lower plank.
Ah, this was the filly Teddy had pointed out to her not too long ago, chosen from the herd for her beauty, stamina, and temperament. He always selected wisely, and now, he was going to teach Jake how to build a bond, the first step in training. She considered it a compliment toward Jake. This was a taskthat Teddy didn’t relinquish to anyone aside from herself and Antonio, and it lightened her heart.
She blinked and brought her attention back to Mr. Parrish, but it was hard. In less than a minute, her gaze wandered again, alighting on Jake as he let himself into the paddock and slowly approached the horse.
“Is this a bad time, Miss Miller?”
“What?” Startled, Evie swiveled her head to look at her guest, embarrassed she should be so rude. Her cheeks heated. Indeed, her entire body felt flushed. “I’m sorry.”
“You seem to be…a little distracted?” His eyes, filled with curiosity, crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
