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“Then I can’t help you, ma’am.”
“Please. I won’t be long.”
But he only shook his head as he glanced at his pocket watch. “Train is on schedule and we want to keep it that way. If you like, I can leave him a message.”
Feeling distraught, but realizing there was nothing more she could do, she nodded. “Thank ye. Tell him—” She broke off and stared at the man who raised his brow while waiting. “Never mind. But I thank ye anyhow.”
He offered her a quick smile then boarded the train. She stood where he left her and watched as he closed the door and locked it into place. The whistle gave a final blow and then, very slowly, it pulled out of the station.
Black smoke billowed from the smoke stack while the huge pistons cranked the train’s front driving wheels. With glistening eyes, Ivy watched the fleet of five cars crawl out of the station. But somehow, deep inside, she found condolence with the thought she would follow him to Oklahoma. Use the compensation money from Mr. Hendrickson and purchase a ticket out West. She was certain many would know of him and his bounty hunter reputation, or at least the marshal. Suddenly a spark of relief filled her heart.
Yes, Roy would know where he was. After her acquittal, he had personally offered her his apologies and promised if she ever needed anything to give him a call. That was one call she intended to cash in on.
Feeling a great deal more determined than she had in a long time, she turned around and came face to face with Sam.
“Sam!”
He simply stood there looking at her oddly, yet hope twinkled in his hazel eyes, which at the moment bore into her. “What are you doing here?”
“I-I—why aren’t ye on the train?”
He stiffened and said, “I changed my plans.”
“Oh.”
Shrugging and trying to appear nonchalant, he said, “I figured if I were ever to regain your trust, it would need time and a hell of a lot of convincing. Can’t achieve that if I’m three states away.”
Her mouth fell open, hardly believing she heard him correctly. “But Sam—”
He held up a hand. “Don’t even bother. You’ve said it all already. I ain’t asking you to love me in return, just you give me a chance. That’s all I’m asking. One simple chance.”
Love?
She sucked in her breath so overwhelmed by emotion simply from hea
ring those words pass his lips. “Ye love me?”
He frowned. “Of course. Why the hell do you think I’m still here in this crud-infested town instead—”
This time, she didn’t even bother to withhold the urge. She went to him and buried her face against his chest. It must have caught him by surprise, for it took a second before his arms came up and circled her.
“Please don’t tell me that was all it took? Hell, I would’ve confessed my feelings to you that morning up in the wilderness.”
She tilted back her chin, her vision blurry from the tears welling in them. “Ye love me truly?”
He actually grinned and reached up and wiped away a tear that had escaped with the pad of his thumb. “Truly.”
“Oh Sam, I was such a coward. I feared loving someone and not having that love returned.”
“Hey.” His smirk was gone and replaced with a serious scowl. “I’m not that insensitive. I realize what you’ve been through. It’s going to take a hell of a lot of time, but I’m willing to wait it out. For the long run. Couldn’t get rid of me now if you wanted.”
Her cheeks felt warm at his words. He had not given up on her. Ever. He had believed in her innocence, been tempted by suspicion, but never lost his faith in her.
She offered him a wobbly smile. She owed him the same. If it took the rest of her life. A warmth spread throughout her body at the mere thought. Nothing could make her happier than spending the remainder of her days with Sam by her side.
“For the long run.”
“So the question remains. We stay here in Chicago or return to Oklahoma.” One of his hands came up and slipped into her hair, his eyes following the movement. “As I said, if you have your heart on remaining in Chicago, I can do that. Though I got to tell you, there ain’t quite nothing like the fresh air found out in the countryside. As a matter of fact, I’m thinking I’d probably live a lot longer breathing in the tangy air of fresh manure then I would of these polluted streets. But I leave the decision entirely up to you.”
