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Prudence stared at her fingers. "And all these years I hid them, thinking them ugly."
Silver Fox bent her head, staring down into the bowl. "It is my fault you felt that way. I should have been there to help you."
For the first time since learning of Silver Fox's identity, Prudence regarded her as her mother and understood the pain she must have suffered herself all these lonely years. "I think we should stop blaming and start forgiving . . . Mama."
Silver Fox raised her head. Her eyes were damp and her lips trembled. "I often dreamed of hearing you call me that once again."
"Then why didn't you tell me who you were when we met?" Prudence asked, confused. "You knew how badly I wanted to find you."
Silver Fox fought her tears unsuccessfully. "I couldn't bear losing you again."
Prudence's tears joined hers. "You wouldn't have lost me."
She shook her head. "But I am part Cheyenne, and I distinctly recall the world you were raised in. I didn't think you would find me acceptable as a mother."
Prudence couldn't help but laugh as she wiped her tears away. "Being acceptable, even proper, at one time might have mattered to me, but then I came west . . . I came home. Will you teach me of your heritage? This part of me I know nothing about?"
Silver Fox nodded. "I will teach you. I love you, my daughter." She held out her arms to Prudence and the lonely years faded away as her daughter ran to her once again, a small child of eight aching for her mother's love.
The next hour was spent in a mixture of tears and laughter. They renewed their relationship, building on it, strengthening it, giving it a solid base to grow on.
"So how's the rum cake coming?" Zac asked, entering the kitchen.
Both women burst into laughter as they looked down at the table, the partially mixed rum cake completely forgotten.
"Well, I'll get that rum cake one of these days." He smiled and left mother and daughter alone, content that they were mending the past. Now he could begin to build on the future with Prudence.
CHAPTER 26
"You can't mean this," Granger said in astonishment.
James glanced around the empty field with a twinkle in his eye. He hadn't felt this young and vigorous in years. It was almost like beginning life anew.
"James, did you hear me? I said you can't mean this," Granger repeated, shocked by the mere suggestion of such a ridiculous notion.
"But I do, my boy, I do." James stepped to the middle of the field, stretching his arms out and turning slowly. "This is perfect, just perfect. Couldn't ask for a better place to build a bank."
"Oh come on, James. You really can't be serious," Granger insisted. "This is a joke, right?"
James found it comical the way Granger stared like a wide-eyed little boy at him. "Granger, use your imagination. We could build a good size bank, keeping the growth of the town in mind."
"Of course," Granger agreed with a shrug of his shoulders, convinced James had finally managed to lose his mind.
"I'd make certain to add a private office in the back where I could conduct business and where Lenore and I can share lunch in private," he added with a broad, happy smile.
Granger threw his hands up in the air in defeat.
"Comfortable chairs, potted greens, curtains. Why, I bet Prudence would sew the curtains for me if I asked her. She's a whiz with a needle and thread."
Granger shook his head. "James, I think you're dreaming. Prudence couldn't possible sew with those useless fingers."
James's look contained a mix of pity and contempt. "You don't know much about my daughter, do you?"
Granger was intelligent enough to realize he had already trodden on enough dangerous territory. "I assumed it was necessary to have the use of all fingers to be able to sew."
"Did you ever bother to ask Prudence if she had any skill with a needle?" James asked candidly.
Granger proceeded with caution. "I never did, but if she takes pleasure in the craft, I’ll gladly see to having a special room prepared for her in my home for her use when we marry."
James dismissed his remark with a hasty wave of his hand. "Prudence is married to Zac and intends to remain so. Stop fooling yourself and accept the fact."
Granger stood erect and raised his hand, shaking his fist toward James. "I object to this marriage most strenuously."
"You have no right to object to it."
"I most certainly do," Granger insisted. "I had approached you and spoken my intentions. You led me to believe Prudence would be open to my interest. I had plans. I would be able to give her a good life. A fine home. Social acceptability. What can that gunslinger give her? A home in the wilderness? No social contacts except maybe a dance at the local church hall on occasion?"
