Page 22 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
“I suppose I can spare a few minutes.” She stepped aside in silent invitation.
He ducked his head and walked past her into the clinic. When he met Eliza’s gaze again, her expression was guarded but patient.
“I had no right to question your orders concerning Travis. I had no call to be judgmental, especially considering what you did for Tom and Travis. It’s just, I know what the men are like, and they don’t take to bed rest well. No matter what you said, they were going to get back to work on their own schedule, not yours.”
Eliza studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Spencer resisted the urge to fidget.
Sobering, he met her gaze earnestly. “I truly am sorry, ma’am.”
She gave a small nod. “Apology accepted, Mr. Haglund. And I am coming to understand how much there is to learn about the people living out here. They possess a different temperament from what I’m used to back home. The fact is, they’re nothing like what I expected.”
“No, ma’am. I expect they aren’t.” He fingered the brim of his hat, glancing behind her when a patient called for her. “I’ll let you get back to work. Thank you for hearing me out.”
While tending to her patient, Eliza watched Spencer mount and ride away through the front window, a mix of emotions swirling within her. His apology had been unexpected. He’d seemed truly remorseful, his tawny eyes earnest as he met her gaze.
Still, she couldn’t help but feel guarded. Spencer Haglund was an enigma to her in many ways. One moment, he was brash and irritating. The next, he was almost charming.
Beneath the rugged exterior, she sensed a complex man, one who’d seen his share of hardship. In unguarded moments, she caught glimpses of a deep well of emotion in his eyes.
What surprised her most was how strongly she was drawn to him, despite their clashes. Or perhaps because of them. He was a challenge, a force to be reckoned with.
Never had she met a man so maddening and yet so intriguing. With a sigh, Eliza pushed such thoughts aside. Now was not the time for idle fancies, not with lives depending on her. She had work to do and decisions to make.
Chapter Ten
Julia rushed outside to stand under the cover of the boardwalk. Opening the telegram from her friend back east, her heart pounded, and her hands trembled with anticipation. She smoothed out the wrinkled paper, took a deep breath, and began to read.
Her eyes widened in surprise as she scanned the contents. The telegram revealed Lucien’s ex-wife had passed away several years earlier, leaving their daughter to be raised by an aunt in Chicago. Julia’s friend had learned the daughter worked as a nanny for a wealthy family and would attempt to discover her location.
Julia’s mind raced as she processed the news. She wondered if Lucien knew about his ex-wife’s death or his daughter living in Chicago. She debated whether to tell him or wait to hear back.
Folding the telegram, she tucked it into her apron pocket. She’d wait to hear back from her friend first to confirm the details. For now, she resolved to keep this knowledge to herself until the full truth came to light.
Julia crossed the street to sit on the bench outside the Dixie and gazed out at the majestic mountains to the west. The cool breeze ruffled her hair, doing little to calm her swirling thoughts.
She felt fortunate to have the job at the Dixie. It was owned by Gabe Evans and Nick Barnett, the same as the Wild Rose. Both employed female servers who were encouraged to talk tothe customers and make them feel comfortable. Unlike Finn’s or Ruby’s Grand Palace, neither offered anything beyond drink, cards, and conversation.
The sound of approaching hoofbeats stirred Julia from her thoughts. She stood, her heart pounding in her chest, recognizing the man who’d left her with money and an apology the previous year.
Booker Tillman rode down the center of the street, mud splattering his pant legs and boots. Spotting Julia, he reined his large, black gelding toward her, his gaze never leaving her face.
Dismounting stiffly, he stepped up on the boardwalk and stopped. Julia covered the distance between them, walking into her brother’s open arms.
Resting his chin on the top of her head, he looked at an older couple, bundled up against the chill, who stared at them as they walked past. Her arms wrapped around him as a tear rolled down one cheek.
Dropping his arms, he stepped back and swiped the tear from her face. “I tried to get here sooner, but the weather kept me in Bozeman longer than expected.”
“Is Lucien on his way back?” she asked.
“He should be about a week behind me.”
She nodded. “Are you hungry?”
“I could eat. Do they have food in there?” He looked past her to the Dixie.
“No. We’ll go to the boardinghouse. Come on.” She slid her arm through his. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too. But I had to go.”
