AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As usual there was a game of checkers under way. Odell was seated across the board from saloon owner, Heath Leary. Regan didn’t know if the Irishman had made any more overtures to win Dovie’s heart, but if he had she’d not shared it with Regan or Glenda.
Upon seeing her and Anna, Odell nodded and Leary said, “Ah, the lovely Mrs. Doc and the lovely lassie Anna.”
While Leary was charming them, Odell kinged him and hopped across the board and took four of the gambler’s men. “Hey!” Leary yelled.
Odell smiled. “You need to pay more attention to the board and less to the lovely lassies. Aren’t you supposed to be a gambler?”
His buddies laughed. Heath hung his head.
Odell asked Regan, “What can I do for you lovely lassies?”
Smiling, she replied, “We came to see if you have anything for us? We’re still waiting on the new schoolbooks.”
He stood. “It’s your lucky day. Moss Denby brought them in last night on his run from Cheyenne.”
Elated, Regan waited while he unearthed the large crate from the rest of the delivered mail and crates.
Heath said, “Since these old codgers would probably keel over trying to lift something of that size, I’ll help you load it.”
He received catcalls and jeers for his remark and Regan told him, “Thanks.”
Once the crate was in the back of the wagon, she thanked him again and he went back inside. “Let’s stop by and see Wallace Jr.’s mama before we head home.”
They crossed the street and entered Dovie’s shop to the tinkle of the bell above the door. The small interior had dress forms wearing the latest fashions and shelves holding neatly folded fabric lined one wall. There was also a small sitting area where customers could view pattern books or discuss what kind of services they wanted.
The tall blonde Dovie came out of the back and smiled at the sight of Regan and Anna. “If school doesn’t start back soon, I may have to sell my son to the zoo. I love him dearly but he has enough energy for six boys. How are you two doing?”
“We’re fine.” Regan laughed. Dovie and her son lived over the shop. She assumed the sounds of running feet coming from above was Wallace Jr. at play.
Dovie asked Anna, “Anna, how about we make a trade? Wallace Jr. can live with your mama and you come live with me? I’d love to have a nice quiet little girl.”
Anna shook her head. “I want to keep my mama.”
“I don’t blame you. So, what brings you two by?”
Regan told her about the school supplies, adding, “Which means, you won’t have to give your son to the zoo. As long as everything we ordered is in the crate, we should be able to start school in the next couple of days.”
“Thank the Lord.”
“I also stopped by to see if you have any patterns Anna and I can look at. She needs some new things, dresses mostly, a nightgown or two.”
Dovie’s face lit up. “I would love to sew some things for her. I rarely get to sew for little girls. Take a seat and I’ll get my books and tape.”
Measurements were taken, pattern books were pored over, and selections made. An hour later, a very happy Anna and her mama walked back to their wagon and drove towards home.
On the way, they were discussing the dresses and other garments Dovie would be making when Regan noticed a rider in the middle of the road. As they neared the man, his familiar face stoked both wariness and disgust. It was Dun Bailey. When he didn’t move out of the road to let them pass, Regan stopped the team.
“Afternoon,” he said.
She nodded.
“Heard the doc’s out of town.”
Regan didn’t respond.
He gave her a serpent’s smile. “Just wanted to let you know I’ll be watching your back while he’s away. Wouldn’t want you to get shot like my brother, Jeb, did.”
It was a threat and he didn’t bother veiling it.
