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“Odd name.”
“Named after her Shoshone grandmother whose name meant Spring Rain.”
“How lovely. And she takes in boarders?”
“Not usually, but she will you.”
“Why?”
“She’s Colt’s baby sister.”
Regan blinked. He glanced over, gave her a smile, and refocused his attention on driving the wagon up the path.
As they reached the house, a dark-skinned woman walked out of one of the barns leading a beautiful Appaloosa colt. Its reddish dappled coat reminded Regan of her sister’s mare, Arizona. That Spring wore denims and a man’s red-check flannel shirt buoyed Regan’s weary spirit because the attire reminded her so much of the clothing she’d worn back home. Spring was lean like her brother. Her thick black hair was braided into a fat plait that reached the middle of her back.
Upon seeing them, she stopped. “Hey, there, Whit. Who’s that with you?” Her low-toned voice was a mixture of whiskey and smoke.
He set the brake and got down. “This is Miss Regan Carmichael.”
She nodded a greeting Regan’s way, then stilled. “You’re my brother’s mail-order bride.”
Regan sighed. “Yes. And if you haven’t already heard, I accidentally shot him earlier today. With this.” She held up her silver-clad Winchester.
Spring’s jaw dropped. “You didn’t kill him, did you? Never mind,” she said, waving the question away. “If you had, you’d be in jail. How serious is the wound?”
Sheriff Lambert answered, “She plugged him in the shoulder. The bullet’s out. He’s fine. His pride’s hurt more than anything. She needs a place to stay so I brought her to you.”
Still searching Regan’s face, Spring laughed. “Honey, if you shot my brother, you are welcome to share my home for as long as you like. Get down off that wagon and let’s go inside so I can hear the whole sordid tale.” She turned to the colt, saying, “Did you hear that, Paint Box? The pretty lady shot the esteemed Dr. Lee!”
Regan smiled and decided she might enjoy being with Spring Lee.
It took a few trips to get all Regan’s trunks and hatboxes inside Spring’s cabin. At one point, Spring asked with a laugh, “Are you planning to open a clothing shop? My goodness.”
Regan took the good-natured dig in the spirit that it was given.
Once they were done, the sheriff touched his hat and departed, and Regan dropped wearily into a sturdy but comfortable chair made of timber.
“You look pretty tired.”
“I am. I feel as if I’ve been traveling for years.”
“Are you hungry?”
“Extremely.”
“Will a sandwich do? It’s all I can offer for now. Wasn’t expecting company.”
“Yes.”
The beef and soft bread was so good, it took all Regan had to remember her manners and not devour it like a starving ranch hand. She washed it down with a tumbler of cold spring water and was content. “Thank you,” she said as Spring took the empty plate from her hand. Now, all Regan wanted was a long stretch of uninterrupted sleep.
“How about I show you where you can lay your head.”
“That would be wonderful, and thank you for taking me in.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll hear about you and my brother once you’re rested up. I’ve always loved a good tale.”
“You aren’t angry at me for shooting him?”
