Read Online Western Kisses – Old West Christmas Romances (Boxed Set) by Carré White - Free Book Online Page B

conditions. There were others in the mountains doing the same, but I wasn't as adept, I suppose. I encountered the occasional trapper. I’ve never seen hardier men.”
    “You’re from Ohio?”
    “Yes. I farmed there and I worked at a mill. I would’ve stayed, if my wife had survived.”
    “I’m sorry you lost her.” Mother looked thoughtful. “Do you have children, sir?”
    “No, ma’am. We were never able.”
    “Again, I’m sorry.”
    “Times have been…hard.”
    I glanced at him. “Did you sell your mule?”
    “I did.” He took a bit of food, chewing. After he had swallowed he said, “I’ve been to the post today. I had a letter from my younger brother. He’s driving a herd of cattle this way come spring. We’re going into business together. I could homestead here. There’s no reason not to.”
    “That sounds like a fine idea,” said mother. “Is he bringing his family?”
    “Yes, ma’am. He has a fine wife by the name of Lucy and two young daughters.” His eyes lit when he spoke. “It’s a bit of a shock that he’s coming. I’m still stunned by what I read. He was a mill operator too, but the job dried up.”
    “You seem genuinely pleased that he’ll be here.”
    “Yes, Mrs. Brady. It’s a relief to have family near.”
    “What about your personal prospects, sir?” asked Leona, who grinned like a wicked little cat. I wanted to kick her under the table.
    “Do you mean like a wife?”
    “Yes, sir, or is it too soon for you to think about such things.”
    This gave him pause. At length, he said, “I’m not gettin’ any younger. It’s not age that matters all that much, but, sometimes, when you meet the right person, it seems silly to wait.”
    “Have you met the right person?”
    “Um…c-can I have the salt, please?” I reached over the table, hoping my sister would not continue with this line of questioning.
    “Here you are, my dear.”
    “Thank you, Ma.”
    “I do believe I have.”
    I avoided glancing up, feeling my cheeks singe with the heat of embarrassment.
    Pa had been suspiciously quiet. “How are you with the drink, sir?”
    “Pardon?”
    “Are you prone to drinking?”
    “No.”
    “Gambling?”
    “Is for fools. I don’t care for cards and the like. I prefer the comforts of home. It would be even better with a wife and...children.”
    “What was your wife like?” asked Leona.
    I would surely strangle my sister as soon as supper was over.
    “I’d known her my entire life. She was a neighbor. We went to school together. I thought we’d grow old and be surrounded by a gaggle of grandchildren, but we realized in the early years that children weren’t possible. She had a younger sister who had six children, and we would often watch over them. That reminds me, I need to write her. I’m terrible at writing, but I do want them to know that I plan to settle here.”
    “Would you want children now?”
    “Leona!” Mother’s eyes were huge. “You’re prying horribly into this man’s life. Please stop that.”
    “But, if he’s going to marry Willow, shouldn’t we know more about him?”
    Mortified, I threw my hands into my face, as I rested my elbows on the table. “I’ll smother her with a pillow tonight, I swear.” Laughter surrounded me, which was stunning. Even Guss laughed.
    “I can see my morning visit has been discussed,” he said. “I don’t mind. It dawned on me last night that I was entirely fond of Willow. No, that’s not right at all. I knew it the first time I met her. She’s a damaged, sad little soul, but I like that. It’s compelling. I see myself in her.”
    Mother’s hand covered mine. “It’s all right, my dear. Your sister is a nuisance, but we’ve already determined that.”
    “Nothing needs to be decided tonight,” said pa. “If you wish to marry her and she wishes to marry you, I can offer no objection to the union. You’re older than I thought, if I might be so blunt, but what is age?” He