AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She was still brooding when it came time to depart.
Levi said, “It was good seeing you again, Regan.”
She lied, “Same here. Give my regards to your wife.”
He winced visibly. “I most certainly will when I return home to Virginia.”
Colt asked, “How long will your unit be in Rock Springs?”
“Not sure. We’ll see how the situation unfolds. Pleasure meeting you, Dr. Lee.”
“Good meeting you, too.”
The way Odell studied her made Regan wonder if the old trapper had somehow gleaned the truth about her and Levi.
“Sorry Ben’s being such a pain in the rear,” Odell said. “He went back to his place but he’ll come around. Take care of yourself, Regan.”
She nodded.
“You too, little Anna. Don’t forget to draw me those fish you promised.”
“I won’t. Tell Granpa I’m sorry I fussed at him.”
“I will.”
As her husband got the team under way, she noted his distance. She was focused on her own bruised feelings but didn’t want it to affect Anna, so she asked her, “Did you have a good time?”
“I did,” Anna replied, then turned to her father. “Papa, can I have my own pole so I can fish next time, too?”
“Yes, you can.”
“I’m glad Miss Regan asked you to come with us.”
“Me too.”
Regan looked his way and smiled, but it wasn’t returned. She sighed and wondered if he’d somehow figured out her true ties to Levi, too.
When they reached the house, they unloaded the wagon and put everything away.
Regan said to Anna, “Let’s get you a bath. How about we use the big tub?”
Her eyes went wide. “Truly?”
“Yes, truly. Go get your bath things.”
She ran to her room leaving the adults alone.
Regan looked to Colt. “Is there something we need to discuss?”
“No. I have some reading to catch up on. I’ll see you later.” And he walked away.
She wanted to yell, “Coward!” Instead she went to help Anna with her bath.
Later, while the sparkling clean Anna drew the fish she’d promised Odell in her bedroom, Regan was in the kitchen preparing a light dinner when she heard the door pull. Drying her hands, she went to the door and found the sheriff waiting on the other side. “Hello, Whit.”
“Regan. Is Colt here?”
“He’s in his study. Come on in. I’ll get him.”
