AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He shook his head in total disbelief at his actions. "I can't believe I'm doing this." He bent down and carefully slipped his arms beneath her, picking her up to cradle her against his chest as he stood.
Her body was brushed with the warmth of the fire and the heat penetrated his shirt, whispering against his chest. He didn't waste any time but hurried to the bed and laid her down, pulling the quilt up from the foot of the bed, where it was folded, and tucking it securely around her.
He forced himself to turn away, not trusting his ungentlemanly side. He spied the decanter of whiskey on the tray. He walked over, picked it up, and began unbuttoning his shirt as he moved toward the door.
A stiff drink would do him good and so would that cool stream he had left only a short time ago. Then maybe, just maybe, he could enter their bed to sleep.
"Fat chance," he mumbled, then closed the door behind him.
CHAPTER 20
"I can't believe Zac is married," Bertha said, reaching for one of the sweet buns on the pink flowered china plate.
Prudence had taken extra pains in preparing for Bertha and Silver Fox's visit. She had set the serving table in the receiving parlor with the pink flowered china she had found in the dining room cupboard. Its tiny buds with traces of pale yellow and soft green leaves were beautiful. And she did so want to make a good impression.
"It was bound to happen," Silver Fox said, accepting the teacup Prudence had just filled for her.
"But you know Zac." Bertha giggled. "He's so fussy when it comes to women."
"Fussy?" Prudence asked, curious.
"Not fussy," Silver Fox corrected softly. "He was looking for someone special, someone who would eagerly and happily share his dream of building this ranch and a large family."
Bertha nodded. "That's true enough. Zac loves kids, always has. He'll make a wonderful father."
"I'm sure he will," Prudence agreed a bit sadly.
Silver Fox smiled at her as though in understanding.
And her eyes held Prudence's for several moments. "I'm sure you and Zac will have many children and share a wonderful life together."
Prudence attempted to return the woman's smile, but she was made momentarily uneasy by the intensity of Silver Fox's gaze.
"They certainly will," Bertha said, "and that's why Stewart needs a church built now. Where their baby could be christened. I tell you, we need a church. A church will bring more people. It will show we're serious about establishing this place. That it's a Godfearin' place where families are welcome and safe."
"A church is a good idea," Prudence said, adding her opinion. "And I was thinking the perfect spot would be near your store under those large trees with that clearing next to it. Then a church hall could be built and we could hold socials and dances and—Oh, Bertha!"
Bertha and Silver Fox waited for Prudence to explain her startled expression.
Prudence reached out and hugged Bertha's hand. "We could hold your wedding there. Just think of it—the food, the dancing, the music, the celebrating."
Bertha grew just as enthusiastic. "Then all the families can come from miles around. We could even fashion beds for them to sleep over in the hall, since the wedding celebration would probably continue into the night."
"The building must start soon if it is to finish before the first snow," Silver Fox said. "I don't want to sound discouraging, but I don't think there is sufficient money in the church fund to start the building."
Prudence smiled and thought about the money she had upstairs, tucked away. "Oh, I think something can be arranged."
After much planning and decision making, Bertha left to reopen the store. Silver Fox insisted on remaining to help Prudence clean up, although she had argued it wasn't necessary. Prudence had to admit, though, that she enjoyed the womanly companionship and conversation as they tended to the clean up.
"You like the West," Silver Fox said, her tone without question.
"Yes, very much," Prudence agreed. "At first it took some growing accustomed to, although I can't say it was difficult. I found the lifestyle to my liking, so much better than where I come from."
"And where is that?"
"Boston."
The teacup Silver Fox was drying almost slipped from her hand and she steadied it. "Tell me of your life there? It must have been very different."
Prudence laughed at the memories, something she had never thought herself capable of doing. "Different doesn't come close. It is a whole other world. Not bad, mind you. It has its good points, but I find myself so much more relaxed here. People seem to accept things more readily."
"It wasn't always so. There was a time —and in some places this still exists—when the West was much like the East. I was not accepted in many places due to my half-breed heritage."
