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“Not that one.”
He shrugged. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Why? Why would you give away all your dreams because of my foolish decision?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He lifted Samuel and put him against his chest. “The things I want the most will still be here.” He cupped the side of her face, stroking her cheek with his thumb. “I don’t want anything other than you, Betsey. You and Samuel. I—” He stared at her, his gaze darting over every inch of her face. “I love you. I think I have since the day of the fight with Noah.”
Betsey didn’t bother trying to hold the tears back then and let them fall.
Aaron brushed them away and said, “The moment I left home that day, all I could think about was getting to you and the minute I saw you under those willows—I knew. I knew it as sure as my own name. I’ve never needed anyone the way I needed you that day and it scared the hell out of me so I ran. I ran from Noah, my responsibility to my family, and I ran from you, but I’m through running. We’ll buy the contract and figure out the rest as we come to it.”
He kissed her again, lingering long enough those tears turned into a full bout of ugly crying. He hugged her to him, whispered things against her hair she couldn’t even hear she was making so much noise and clung to him as if he’d get away if she let him go.
By the time Ben had finished his chores in the barn and came to find her, the future didn’t look quite so bleak. She’d live the rest of her life with the guilt of Aaron giving up his dream of owning his own land but he promised her it would be all right. That things would work out and she desperately wanted to believe him but a sick feeling in her gut said otherwise.
Chapter Sixteen
Aaron watched the clock,the small ticking arms not moving any faster now than they had for the past two hours. What the hell was he supposed to do with himself for the remaining ten minutes they had until they could close up the livery stable?
He leaned one shoulder against the outer door, staring over at the hotel. Somewhere inside that building, Harrison McBride sat unaware he was about to hand him a big chunk of his future.
The night before had been playing through his head most of the day. He’d nearly memorized every word said between him and Betsey and the longer he dwelled on it, the more convinced he was Harrison McBride was a no good, low-life, snake. He may have offered Betsey that contract with full intentions of taking her to his theater to sing but he didn’t for a minute believe he couldn’t let her out of that contract.
He’d talked to Ben for a long time the night before, rehashing the meeting with Harrison McBride and Ben didn’t like the man at all. He’d said although he seemed pleasant enough, he got a bad feeling from him. That was enough to steer Aaron to the telegraph office the moment he’d gotten into town that morning toinquire on the money transfer. Three more days, they’d said. Three days and they’d be done with Harrison McBride.
“Go on and do whatever it is that’s had you so distracted today.”
Aaron smiled as Percy stopped beside him. “Has it been that obvious?”
Percy laughed. “Yes. What’s got you so worked up, anyway?”
“A whole mess of problems and the solution to them is pissing me off.”
A clap on the back and another chuckle from Percy was followed by, “Welcome to adulthood, Aaron. You’re finally a full grown man.” He grinned. “Go one and head out. I’ll lock up.”
“You sure?”
“I’ve been closing up by myself for over fifteen years now. I think I can manage.”
Aaron thanked him and headed out of the barnyard and into the street, stopping to let a wagon amble by before heading to the hotel. As usual, the sidewalk in front of the building was crowded with people coming and going to the restaurant inside.
He waited impatiently for the line to dwindle down enough he could get inside and headed for the front desk.
The man who stood behind the counter wasn’t one he knew. So many new people now lived in their little town, it was odd running into someone he didn’t know, especially one who was as unfriendly looking as this fellow was.
His black hair was slicked back, combed over to one side. Small spectacles were perched on his nose and his mustache was a thin string of hair, waxed and curled up on both ends.
“Can I help you?”
The words may have been civil but the tone in which he said them told him his presence wasn’t wanted. “I’m looking for Harrison McBride. He’s staying here in the hotel but I’m not sure what his room number is.”
“I can’t give you that information.”
“I didn’t ask for it.” Aaron stood to his full height, tilting his chin up a notch. “I need to speak with him so, run fetch him for me.” The outraged look on the man’s face was laughable but Aaron bit the inside of his lip to keep from doing so.
The man looked over his shoulder, his head jerking to the right. Moments later, the same woman who’d turned him and Morning Dove away the day they got into town and tried to have a meal stepped behind the counter.
The clerk mumbled something to her in a soft whisper he wasn’t able to hear. She scurried off a moment later, heading for the dining room. Aaron watched her walk all the way across the room and stop by the table in the back corner. A man dressed fancier than any he’d seen before listened to her speak, then glanced his way.
