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“Miller’s bragging about rutting with you, and so has Cale. You could’ve cost Anna her life!”
Her lip quivered and tears filled her eyes. “I have to feed myself. I have a child. I need gowns!”
“To hell with your gowns!” he roared. “Had you done what was right, Dun would’ve been in jail, Anna wouldn’t have been taken, and you and your daughter wouldn’t have been trussed up like chickens, pissing on yourselves.”
Colt said, “Ben—”
“I know. I’m leaving. I’ll take Minnie’s body to town and let everyone know Anna’s been found. You ride on home when you’re done here.” And he left.
As she sobbed, Colt, like Ben, was angry that her pride had placed Anna in danger, but he was also sorry that circumstances had become so dire she’d chosen to use her body as a way out. “People would’ve helped you, Colleen. All you had to do was ask.”
She spat angrily, “I was tired of charity. Do you have any idea how I felt being reduced to a common laundress? I deserved better! I was the one you were supposed to marry after Adele died, Colton Lee! Me! Not your precious uncouth Regan Carmichael.”
Sympathy gone, Colt picked up his bag and headed to the door. On the way, he saw a teary-eyed Felicity watching from the threshold of the bedroom. He wanted to pick her up and take her with him, but he knew that was impossible.
At home, Colt found Regan in the kitchen browning beef for tortillas. “How’s Anna?” he asked.
“Still sleeping. Colleen and Felicity okay?”
He told her about the visit, then asked, “Did you know she’s been prostituting herself?”
“Sort of.” And explained what she meant.
“You could’ve knocked me over with a feather when Felicity spoke up.”
“That poor child.”
The memory of her watching him as he left rose in his mind. “I know. They might be better off moving elsewhere and starting over.”
Regan nodded her agreement and stuck a spoon into the sizzling meat. “Taste this. Does it need more seasoning?”
He let her feed him the spicy concoction and he groaned with pleasure. “Perfect. Just like the chef.”
“Are you trying to butter me up, Dr. Lee?”
He linked his arms around her apron-covered waist and, after placing a soft kiss against her lips, replied, “Every chance I get.”
“Would you mind if I invite my family out for a visit before the weather changes?”
He studied her. “No. I’ve been wanting to meet them and I know how much you’ve missed them.”
“Then I’ll send a wire tomorrow and see if they can come and when. Thank you, Colt,” she said sincerely and hugged him tight.
He kissed the top of her hair. “You’re welcome.”
A month later, when a large buggy pulled up in front of the house, Regan, on her knees planting the tulip bulbs she’d ordered, looked up. When her sister, Portia, stepped out, followed by her husband, Kent, Aunt Eddy, and Uncle Rhine, Regan screamed and ran. The reunion was filled with rocking hugs, cheek kisses, and many tears.
“I can’t believe you’re here!”
Aunt Eddy, as dark and beautiful as Regan and her sister, said, “I can’t believe it either. Why does this doctor you married live in the middle of the wilderness? Took us an eternity to get here.”
Uncle Rhine said, “Hush, Eddy, we made it.”
Regan, still in disbelief that they were in Wyoming, looked at the people she loved with all her heart and said, “Come in. I want you to meet my family.”
Introductions were made. Anna first.
Her aunt and uncle smiled fondly. “We’ve heard a lot about you, Anna. We’re pleased to finally meet you.”
