Read Online Angel In The Saloon (Brides of Glory Gulch) by Jeanne Marie Leach - Free Book Online

shouldn’t have treated me that way either. So forgive him
also. You know that I’m pretty new at this, and I need your help turning my
attitude toward him around. You also know how I feel about Miss Jackson. If I
had my way . . . Well, I guess I’m supposed to ask you to have your way in my
life, as well as in hers. So bless her, Lord, and keep her in your arms tonight
and always. Amen.”
    He stood, not quite feeling the peace he had expected.
In an instant he knew what he had to do even though it was probably the hardest
thing he’d done in a long time. Looking toward the ceiling, throwing his hands
up in the air in surrender, he said aloud, “All right, bless Jeremiah Cowan too.
Amen.”
    When he climbed into his bed that night, he had the
overwhelming feeling that he didn’t have to worry about anything because God
was in control of all of their lives.

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    The next few days were uneventful for Amelia because
Jeremiah was staying up at the logging camp due to a newly acquired lumber
contract.
    Every morning she could count on Paul, as he preferred
to be called, to stop by the bench to visit with her. She noted that he was
allowing more time for these visitations, but she didn’t mind. She liked his
friendship. Once they began to feel more comfortable and at ease with one
another, he became less stuffy and formal. She was particularly glad for that.
    Amelia had ventured into the streets of the town a
couple of times to explore and to just keep herself busy. The town was small
and the news of a stranger traveled fast. So everywhere she went people knew
her by name and offered their assistance with crossing the street or walking up
a few stairs or locating a particular store. She liked Glory Gulch, Colorado.
    In the afternoons she would remain indoors to help her
aunt ready the Saloon for business. But mostly she just talked and kept her aunt
company. As they got to know each other she realized she like Corrin Dannon, a
woman who was quick to laugh and ‘full of gunpowder’, as she described herself.
    One particular afternoon, Amelia, feeling more at home
in Glory Gulch, determined to play the piano again. However, upon inquiring of
her aunt about using the saloon’s piano for practice, she was disheartened when
Aunt Corrin told her no. Corrin told her she couldn’t picture in her mind what
a blind person might sound like trying to play a piano and simply wouldn’t have
that kind of racket coming from her establishment.
    “Sweetie, if you want to practice the piano, maybe you
could ask Paul Strupel if you could use his during the daytime while he’s at
work.”
    “Paul Strupel has a piano? Does he play?”
    “No, I don’t think he ever learned how to play. It
belonged to his mother. I think he keeps it for the sentimental value. He has a
fellow tune it up every once in awhile, and his housekeeper polishes and dusts
it regularly. You’d never know it doesn’t get any use.”
    Amelia decided she would ask him about it when he came
by the next morning. She would definitely feel more comfortable practicing
alone in a private residence than in a huge, public hall anyway.
    The next morning was Saturday and the town nearly
burst at the seams with activity. People wanted to get all their errands
completed before Sunday, the one day when the whole town closes down. Amelia
was a little disappointed when Paul didn’t stop by to visit. So she decided to
go to the Conner’s Mercantile and do a little finger shopping.
    When she entered the shop, the pungent smells of new
leather, candy, spices and fruit met her at the door. Emporiums such as this
were also known for their spicy gossip, which Amelia was prone to listen to
from time to time.
    “Good morning, Miss Jackson. How are you feeling
today?” Shelly Conner greeted her. According to Paul she was a skinny woman in
her mid forties with her hair pulled back severely into a tight bun at the nape
of her neck.
    “Good morning, Mrs. Conner. I’m