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"Don't you want to go home?"
"No. If I'm at the store, tending to my duties, it'll be easier for folks to come ask me questions. The quicker everyone knows you're married, the quicker things will settle down."
So she'd noticed the crowds, too. "You all right?" he ; asked Megan.
"Fine." The single tight word conveyed several emotions. So much for not being afraid.
Justin slowed the gelding and moved him to the side of the road until the animal stopped in front of the general store. Andrew rushed outside and helped the older woman down. The teenager stared up at Megan.
"I opened the store like you said, Miss Bartlett. It's been real busy. You gonna come close up?"
"I don't think so, Andrew. Can you take care of it for me?"
"Sure thing, Miss Bartlett."
Megan stared at the boy for a second, then laughed. If her humor had a slightly strangled sound, Justin wasn't going to say anything.
"It's not Miss Bartlett anymore, Andrew. I'm married. I'm Mrs. Kincaid, now."
Andrew looked at her. "You married the sheriff?"
She nodded.
"Well, I'll be. That's just fine." He came around the horse and held out his hand to Justin. "Congratulations to you both." Justin shook his hand. "Sheriff, Miss Bartlett, ah, Mrs. Kincaid, is a fine lady. Married. Don't that beat all."
He kept them for several more minutes while he explained how pleased he was, then he escorted Mrs. Dobson into the store. Justin picked up the reins, but didn't urge the horse forward.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"What do you mean? I thought we were going home."
"That's what I'm asking, Megan. Where's home? Bonnie and I live in the hotel."
Her hazel eyes darkened to gray. "Do you want me to come live with you there?"
"I wasn't sure we were going to be living together."
"But we're married. What else would we do?"
It wasn't a conventional marriage, so he didn't know. He'd been half expecting her to assume they would continue living separate lives. He hated the relief that filled him with the knowledge that she expected them to share a roof. Which only left the questions of which roof, and, more importantly, would they be sharing a bed?
"Where will we live? At your house or the hotel?"
She bit her lower Up and twisted her hands together. "Would you mind terribly if we lived in my house? The hotel is so public."
He didn't mind at all. "That's fine. I'll drop you and Bonnie off, then go back to the hotel and collect our things."
Megan placed her hand on his arm. "Couldn't I come with you? It would be faster that way. I can pack for Bonnie while you take care of yourself."
He could feel her trembling. Dark shadows stained the delicate skin under her eyes. She looked ready to cry. This had been hard on her. Considering all she'd been through, she was holding up very well.
He glanced over her shoulder to see what Bonnie was making of this conversation. The small girl was curled up in a corner of the seat, her arm tucked under her head, her free hand clutching her doll. It would be better for Bonnie to have a real home, he thought. Megan was great with her, teaching her to read and sew. He faced front and saw the crowds collecting on the sidewalk. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but it was obvious the gossip was spreading.
He flicked the reins and the gelding started walking in a wide half circle toward the hotel. When they reached the three-story building, he jumped down, and held out his arms for Megan. She placed her hands on his shoulders while he helped her down. Her body felt warm and familiar next to his. He wished she would look up and smile at him, but she didn't. Several people paused to watch them.
Someone came rushing out of the hotel. "Sheriff Kin caid, I need to talk to you."
"Not now, Newt."
The young man moved closer. "I must insist. I've spoken with the owner about what happened yesterday. He was understandably upset. I'm afraid I can't allow you to take this lady up to—"
"Newt," Justin said, interrupting him, "have I introduced you to my wife?"
An audible gasp went up from the bystanders. Megan raised her head, so he could see her face. Her expression sent a chill through his body like a long ribbon of ice. It coiled in his belly and knotted, twisting tighter and tighter. Fear and regret. Of course. What else would she be feeling?
