Page 25 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas
“I know it was hard on you after I left home,” Spencer began. “Leaving the way I did, without a proper goodbye.”
She gave him a sad smile. “You don’t need to explain. I know how trapped you felt there.”
He stared into the cup of coffee he cradled in his hands. “The church, the different expectations. I couldn’t adjust from our old church to the Mormon faith. I respected Pa and Ma’s decision, but it wasn’t mine.” He shook his head. “Doesn’t excuse me for running off like I did, Dorie.”
“We were both so young then. It’s in the past. Where’d you go after leaving home?”
“After Salt Lake, I drifted from one place to another. I worked ranches in Idaho, then Wyoming, and finally made my way up to Montana.” His eyes took on a faraway look. “Never could settle, always moving on after a year or two.”
She studied her brother’s face, seeing the toll those hard, rootless years had taken.
He took a deep breath. “In Wyoming, I met a woman named Helen. We married in a rush. Both of us knew we were in love.” He gave a remorseful chuckle. “Lasted less than a year before she took ill. Doc said it was pneumonia, nothing could be done.”
His voice grew thick with emotion. “Helen died within days. I was too poor to afford a proper burial. I had to put her in a pauper’s grave.” Spencer lowered his head, avoiding Dorinda’s gaze. “Maybe if I’d gotten the doctor sooner…or maybe if we’d left Laramie for Montana sooner, as we’d planned…”
Dorinda moved to sit beside him, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “You mustn’t torture yourself over what could have been. I’m sure you did all you could for her.”
Spencer shook his head, a lone tear tracking down one cheek. Embarrassed at the unusual show of emotion, he swiped it away.
“The past is done, let it go,” she urged. “Helen wouldn’t want you living under a cloud of guilt.”
After a long moment, he lifted his head and gave her a small nod. “You’re right. I know it in my head. It’s just hard to convince my heart sometimes.”
She gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. “Maybe it’s time you opened yourself up to finding love again. Eliza seems a sensible woman. And quite pretty, too.”
Spencer huffed out a laugh. “She’s not for the likes of me. Eliza’s an educated city woman, and far smarter than I’ll ever be.” Still, his sister’s words sparked something inside him.
Brother and sister sat in contemplative silence for a long time, watching the fire and thinking about what-ifs.
Eliza settled back into a chair next to Rachel, glancing around as she always did at the beautiful furnishings in the Eagle’s Nest restaurant.
“More tea?” Rachel lifted the pot she’d insisted the server leave, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Yes, thank you.” Eliza held out her cup. As Rachel poured, Eliza gathered her courage. “The town doctors have asked me to join their practice.”
Rachel’s eyebrows shot up. “Well, that’s quite an honor after only a short acquaintance.”
“It is.” She twisted her fingers together. “But to settle in a town so unlike anything I’ve ever known? It’s a daunting prospect.”
“I understand,” Rachel said. “Still, Splendor grows more every year. Seems we’re always searching for another doctor. You’d be a true blessing to us all.”
“You’re too kind. I admit, the thought of blazing a new trail does intrigue me.” She hesitated. “And there are some other factors weighing on my decision.”
“Other factors?”
Pink tinged Eliza’s cheeks. “My initial plan was to travel to California and spend some time there before making another commitment. Instead, and I mean no offense, I’m stranded here.” She took a sip of tea. “Your Mr. Haglund is another factor.” At Rachel’s odd look, she smiled. “I simply meant he seems an intriguing fellow, though I hardly know anything about him.” She paused a moment. “The truth is, we’ve gotten off to a bad start. I’d like a chance to put the situation right.”
Rachel hid a smile. “Spencer keeps to himself, but he’s one of the finest men I know.” She grew thoughtful. “He left home at seventeen to find his own way. Worked his way across the frontier before landing here.”
Eliza absorbed this. “He must have such stories to tell.”
“He does,” Rachel said. “Spencer’s worth knowing. If you’ve the patience for it.” Finishing her tea, she set the cup aside. “You should come back for another visit. We’ll be decorating our treetomorrow. We set food out, and everyone eats while we work. It’s a fun time.”
Eliza nodded slowly, tipped her cup to take another sip. Perhaps she would get a chance to correct misconceptions. After all, she had nothing but time.
Spencer leaned back in his chair and exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. “I do find Eliza interesting. I also find her overbearing, stubborn, bossy, and arrogant.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I doubt she finds me much different.”
Dorinda laughed. “You are honest. Have you thought how you and Eliza might be able to help each other erase your shared flaw?”
