The Unexpected Wife(46)

“Abby,” Quinn shouted from the door. “The stage is coming.”

Abby glanced out the window. Realizing she still had a few minutes, she quickly shaped the rising dough into loaves and laid them on the rising board. She covered the dough with a tea cloth and wiped her hands on her apron.

She gave the cabin a quick glance to make certain everything was in place. She’d pressed and ironed her grandmother’s tablecloth and set it with the mismatched selection of flatware that Mr. Barrington owned. A chipped mug filled with wild-flowers adorned the center of the table.

A paltry presentation by her aunt and uncle’s standards, but in the wilds of Montana a hot meal and fine linen tablecloth were nothing short of a miracle. The coach riders would be her first customers. And she wanted everything to be perfect.

Satisfied, she went outside.

The sun was bright and hot and the sky crystal-clear. The boys jumped up and down by her skirts clapping their hands.

“You two settle down now,” she said. “We’ve got guests to take care of.”

“Candy!” Tommy shouted.

Abby knelt down. “Now don’t be asking Holden about candy. It’s polite to wait. And remember to say please and thank you.”

“Okay,” Quinn said.

Tommy squirmed, too excited to stand still.

She wiped a smudge of dirt from his nose and, smiling, stood. “Now run out and play.”

Skimming her hands on her skirt, she watched as the coach rumbled down the dusty trail. Puffs of dirt swirled around the coach wheels as the horses’ hooves dug into the earth. In the driver’s seat sat Holden, his dark hat pulled low over his eyes.

Holden pulled the wagon to a stop fifty feet from the front door. Before he could tie off the reins the door to the coach opened. A tall lanky man dressed in gray stepped out of the coach. He wore a floppy hat and carried a knapsack on his shoulder.

Another man emerged from the coach. Short with a muscular build, he wore denim workpants and a faded red shirt.

Holden hopped down from the driver’s seat. He smiled at Abby, touching the brim of his hat. “Good to see you again, Miss Abby.”

Abby felt her sprits lift. It was nice to have company. “You’re looking fit, Holden.”

He sauntered toward her. “Can’t complain. Like for you to meet your first customers. This is Mr. Webber,” he said pointing to the tall man. “And this is Mr. Pike. They’re headed up north to survey lines for the railroad. Both have come a long way and are hungry as bears.”

She nodded to both men. “It’s a pleasure. I’ve a pot full of stew, bread baking in the oven and more rising.”

“Ma’am,” Mr. Webber said. “Your words couldn’t be sweeter if you were an angel.”

Mr. Pike pressed his hand against his belly. “I could eat a bear. And if I may say ma’am, you’re a sight for sore eyes. Haven’t seen a woman in two months.”

Self-conscious, she smoothed a loose strand of hair back down. “Thank you.”

“Obliged,” Mr. Pike said.

“Where do you gentleman call home?” Abby asked.

Mr. Pike pulled off his hat. “I’m from Ohio and Mr. Webber is all the way from Maryland.”

“So you gentlemen are setting the course for this new railroad I’ve been hearing so much about?” She’d heard a few tales from Mrs. Clements of the men who worked the advance party of the rail lines. All a breed apart, these men made their own rules.

Mr. Webber took his hat off. “Yes ma’am. Railroad is paying top dollar, and I’m hoping to make enough money to buy me a farm back home.”

Mr. Pike hooked his thumbs in his belt. “Takes a lot of money to outweigh the risks. But so far, it’s been worth it.”

Dreams. She’d come to this land with dreams. “Well, I wish you both the best of luck. There’s a barrel of fresh rainwater on the side of the house if you want to wash your hands and face. The water’s cold but clean. Now wash up and I’ll have your supper ready in fifteen minutes.”

As she turned toward the cabin, she caught sight of a rider galloping toward the house. A glance at the black mare told her it was Mr. Barrington. He sat tall in his saddle, his muscular thighs hugging the horse with ease. A familiar black Stetson shadowed his eyes.

Even at this distance, the sight of him made her stomach flutter. She could feel the familiar weakness in her limbs. She closed her eyes, her mind immediately turning to the night in the barn.

Instead of waiting for him as she might have done a week ago, she lifted her skirt and went inside the house. Her eyes adjusting to the dimmer light, she noted her hands trembled a little as she started to pull down the plates and set the table for her guests.