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As they ate, Ian and Maggie filled the quiet, talking about Baker City and Holiday, and encouraging her to seek them out if she returned to town.
When they finished their simple meal, Rena tried to pay Ian, but he shook his head.
“It was our pleasure, Rena, to share breakfast with a new friend.”
Maggie gathered the dishes into the box Ian had carried, and he picked it up with one hand. “I’d better get these back to the bakery before they think I’ve absconded with them. ‘Twas a wonderful, unexpected gift to meet you this morning, Rena. Safe travels to you.” He kissed Maggie’s cheek. “Wait a moment, my lovely lass, and I’ll walk you to the shop.”
Maggie stood as Ian rushed back across the street with the dishes, then shifted her focus to Rena. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to stay in town for a while?”
“No. I really need to be on my way, but thank you for your kindness and for breakfast. Are you certain I can’t pay for my meal?”
“Absolutely certain. It was a treat for us to share breakfast with you.”
Rena saw no need to prolong her goodbye. She highly doubted she’d ever see Ian and Maggie again anyway. “I’m thankful I got to meet you both. If you ever venture up to Holiday, let me know. My cousin’s name is Theo Marshall.”
“If we get up that way, we’ll definitely plan to say hello.”
Maggie squeezed Rena’s hand and gave her a thoughtful look before she let go. “Be safe, Rena.”
“I will.” Rena spun around and cut through the park on her way back to the livery. She didn’t know what it was about meeting the friendly, sweet couple, but observing the loving looks they shared made her want to cry.
And Rena never cried.
Ranted, yes.
Brooded, often.
But cried?
Not for a long, long time.
She drew in a deep lungful of air and rushed back to the livery.
Mr. Owens was speaking softly to Scout and patting him on the neck when she marched inside the building.
“There you are. I was just telling Scout you’d be back any minute. He cleaned up every bite of his breakfast and drank a good share of the water. Are you heading a far distance today?”
“Aldeen, I think,” Rena said, putting the worn-out bridle Mr. Owens had removed back on Scout. She’d already decided she’d spend the night in the church in Aldeen. From what Mr. Miller had shared, it seemed like her safest, and least costly, option.
“That’s a fair piece to travel. Do you have a gun or know how to shoot it?”
Rena nodded. “I do.” She’d stowed her gun belt in one of the saddlebags while she’d slept last night and hadn’t put it back on. Now, she pulled it out and fastened it around her hips. It had belonged to her father, and Rena had practiced shooting it until she rarely missed her mark.
Unable to help herself, Rena took the pistol from the holster and spun it around on her finger a few times, holstering it again in a matter of seconds.
Mr. Owens gaped at her with wide eyes, then he grinned. “You’re a regular Annie Oakley, Miss Burke. I reckon you can handle yourself. You do any fancy shooting with that rifle you have in the scabbard?”
His reference to Annie Oakley delighted Rena beyond words. Although she’d never had the opportunity to watch Annie Oakley perform, she’d read every newspaper account she could find about the woman who had become her inspiration and something of a heroine to Rena. Annie had validated Rena’s notion that women could step beyond the roles assigned to them by society and succeed at whatever they chose to pursue.
“Sometimes, Mr. Owens.” She offered the livery owner a pleased smile. “Thanks again for taking care of Scout.” She paid him, led the mule outside, and swung into the saddle.
“Safe travels.” Mr. Owens lifted his hand in departure as she clucked her tongue against her cheek, and Scout began a slow mosey down the street.
Rena glanced over her shoulder and tipped her head to the livery owner, then focused her gaze ahead. She’d found there was no purpose in looking back. None at all. Most of the time, there was no one who cared if she left, anyway.
The following afternoon, she heard the whistle of the train as it rolled into Holiday at nearly the same time she and Scout arrived in the town that would become her new home. Although the trip up the mountain had been uneventful, she was relieved to reach Holiday.
Last night, she’d arrived in Aldeen just before dusk and tracked down the pastor to get his permission to stay in the church, or school, whichever one wanted to call it. He’d invited her to join him and his wife for dinner, which she’d accepted. When they’d insisted that she spend the night with them, she gently refused but thanked them for the meal and the opportunity to sleep somewhere safe and warm.
