Tymber Dalton - Hernando Heat

Joe’s eyes never left her face, but he didn’t speak. Mason said, “Ma’am, you might find us to be a burden on you.” He smiled. “We are in dire need of a woman to keep us on the straight and narrow.”

She wondered if Joe normally remained so silent. She addressed her next comment to him. “You’re rather quiet.”

When Joe smiled, she felt his deep sadness. She sensed he’d lost someone as surely as she had. “I don’t have much to say, ma’am. I’m in agreement with Mase, that we’d welcome your help.”

Mason looked hopeful. If she ever lost her heart to anyone, she suspected it would be him. “I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to do very much,” she admitted. “Not with the shop and all. That wouldn’t be fair to you, and to be frank, I don’t want to give up my shop.”

“Joe’s men take care of most everything on the ranch. We’d just need someone to cook for us. Laundry. Cleaning around the house. No milking or anything like that. And we know you’d need to take care of your business first. I come to town every day anyway. I can make sure you get back and forth safely.”

They fell silent when Reverend Anderson called for quiet. He gave a brief talk about events going on in town that weekend before saying the blessing and opening the line for food. When he finished, she looked at the men. “Why don’t we enjoy our dinner, and then I’ll give you my answer when you take me home? By then we should all know if we’d at least like each other or not. You might decide you don’t want me working for you after talking to me for a while.”

Mason grinned, an easy, open look. Joe’s sad smile nearly broke her heart. Mason said, “Katie, believe me, we’ll still like you after dinner.”

By the time they finished dinner, she did feel comfortable saying she enjoyed the company of both men. Despite her earlier wanton thought of letting both men court her, the reality of the situation sank home. She didn’t want herself, nor either man, to be spoken ill of. Not that she cared so much what people said about her, but as a respected businessman, Joe had a reputation to preserve. Not to mention that Mason was a deputy in line to be sheriff, if town rumors were accurate.

As Reverend Anderson made his rounds of the attendees and approached where they sat, an idea formed in her mind.

The older man smiled at her and shook her hand as he pulled up a chair. “I hear you had quite the scare this morning, Katie.”

She nodded. “Yes, unfortunately.”

“I’m glad you weren’t harmed.” He glanced at the two men. “I don’t see you boys in my church pews very often.”

Mason reddened slightly in the face. “Joe has to work the ranch because his men get the day off. I’m usually helping out on the ranch on my day off, Reverend.”

The minister smiled. “Then that’s an admirable excuse, and perfectly acceptable. I grew up on a ranch myself. I understand the duties.”

He stood to go, but she reached out and stayed him. “Reverend, I have a question for you.”

He relaxed in his seat. “Of course, Katie.”

She glanced at the two men. “Mr. Lansing and Deputy Carlisle have made me an interesting and generous offer, but I’d like your opinion before I give them my answer.”

The reverend looked curious but nodded. “All right.”

“Would there be anything improper about me moving in with them to be their housekeeper, and still run my shop?”

“You mean, live with them?”

“In a private room of her own, of course,” Mason quickly added.

Reverend Anderson smiled. “Are you asking me if I think lips will flap and mouths will run?”

Her turn to redden in the face. She nodded.

He laughed and patted her arm. “How about I spread the word that it was my suggestion? I personally think it’s a good idea. You’re a widow, and they’re men with honorable reputations.” His expression darkened as his voice dropped. “I’ve heard stories about your former father-in-law, Katie. Frankly, I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to hurt you sooner. If you don’t move in with these boys, you’ll end up with an armed posse taking turns sitting on your back porch every night. There are plenty of men here in town who’d like a chance at the son of a gun who tried to hurt you.”

She glanced at the cousins, who nodded in agreement.

The reverend’s smile returned. “So does that answer your question for you?”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, it does.” She looked at the cousins. “So when would you like me to move in?”

She didn’t have a lot in the way of personal belongings to move. Joe and Mason had ridden their horses to town, so Joe rode back home to fetch their wagon while Mason stayed behind with her and helped her pack.

And protect her.

She picked up her picture of Paul and stared at it.

“Was that your husband?” Mason asked.

She sadly nodded as she let her fingers caress the frame. “Yes. He was a good man. I truly loved him.” She carefully laid it in her trunk, padded by a dress so it wouldn’t get damaged.

“How’d he die, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Pneumonia.” She felt her melancholy return for the first time that evening. Talking and laughing with the two men had made her feel alive, for once. “He got sick and wouldn’t rest. Then he got sicker and…” She couldn’t finish. She couldn’t talk about him like that yet. It still felt too raw in many ways, hurt too much. She needed to get her mind off of him. “Do you mind me asking a question, Mason?”

“Of course not.”

She turned. “Why is Joe so sad? And why haven’t either of you eligible men found wives yet? If I may be so forward, you’re both handsome men. I would imagine from what I’ve heard around town that you could have your pick of ladies.”

She didn’t miss the subtle shift in Mason’s expression. “Joe’s fiancée, Laura, died eight years ago. He buried her three days before they were supposed to be married.”

A rush of sympathy filed her. “I can certainly understand that then. But what about you? Why is there no Mrs. Carlisle yet?”

His face reddened. “Just never found the right woman before now.” His gaze snuck her way.

Heat filled her as she deliberately ignored his implication. “That’s a shame.”

One of his eyebrows rakishly rose skyward. “Perhaps not, ma’am. Not if it means I missed finding the wrong woman. I don’t like silly women.”

“No?”

He fully turned to her. “No.” He stepped forward, until only inches separated them. Her breath came in a gasping rush as his brown eyes filled her existence. When he next spoke, the deep, passionate sound of it resonated throughout her body. “It’s hard to find a serious woman who’s also a beautiful and kind woman, and who hasn’t been married off already.”

“Really?” She felt like a silly woman right now, wondering what his strong arms would feel like crushing her against his broad chest.

“Really.” His voice softened. “May I be forward, Katie?”

“Please do.”

He gently stroked her cheek with a strong, calloused hand. “You’re beautiful. I had more than one reason for wanting you to move in with us.”

“You did?” It surprised her to realize she didn’t mind.

“I’m hoping perhaps in a few months you might decide you don’t want to leave.”

“But what if you or Joe find a wife, Mason? She wouldn’t want me there.”

A smile that sinful should be illegal .

“I think I already have found her. Maybe one day she’ll decide she wouldn’t mind having me as her husband. After she gets to know me better, of course. I wouldn’t want to offend her by being too forward too soon.” He stroked her cheek again before stepping away. “But don’t expect me to take too kindly to men asking to call on you for anything other than mending.”