Page 8 of Heart of Mystic Valley
“We’re looking to contribute, not to overthrow,” she said, meeting his gaze. “Can I count on you to post it somewhere visible?”
Doyle considered her for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll put it by the door. Lots of the fellas talk when they’re here. Their wives will hear about the meeting.”
“Thank you,” Faith said, turning to leave.
“Hold on a second,” Doyle said, stopping her in her tracks. “I think what you’re doing is a good thing. Women should have an equal say. My mother raised me to believe that.”
Faith turned back, surprised. “Your mother was a wise woman. So, you’ll support us?”
“I will,” Doyle said, then hesitated. “In fact, I’d like to come to the first meeting.”
Faith’s eyebrows shot up. “You want to attend? Doyle, it’s a women’s group.”
“I know,” he said, leaning on the bar. “If you’re serious about equality, shouldn’t men be involved, too? A lot of the issues you’ll be discussing affect us just as much. I think a male perspective could be useful.”
Faith chewed on his words. He had a point, and having Doyle’s support could lend the group legitimacy. Whether you liked or disliked Doyle Shaw, his support could deter any detractors. Still, it was a risky proposition.
“We need to create a space where women feel comfortable speaking freely,” she said. “Your presence might make some of them hold back.”
Doyle shrugged. “It’s your call. Just remember, we’re all in this together. Whether you like it or not.”
She thought hard, weighing the potential benefits against the possible backlash. “All right. You can attend the first meeting on Sunday. As an observer only, unless one of the women asks you a direct question. We’ll see how it goes.”
“Fair enough.” Doyle extended a hand. Faith shook it, sealing their agreement.
As she stepped into the late afternoon sunlight, she wondered if allowing Doyle to attend was a stroke of genius or the beginning of trouble.
Faith nearly collided with Joshua Beckett as she hurried away from the saloon. The tall rancher caught her by the shoulders, steadying her before she could topple over.
“Joshua,” she said, breathless. Her heart did its usual dance at the sight of him. His eyes searched hers with concern.
“Faith, are you all right? And what were you doing in the Starlight?” He glanced at the saloon’s entrance. His tone carried the weight of an older brother scolding a sibling, and it set Faith on edge.
“I was talking to Doyle,” she said, pulling a handbill from her bag and thrusting it at him. “About this.”
Joshua took the flyer and read it, his expression shifting from curiosity to something more guarded. “A women’s alliance. Does Annalee know about this?”
“Of course she does. Well, she knows I’m trying to organize a women’s group. Josh, why do you sound so disapproving? This is important.”
He sighed, shoving his hands in his coat pockets. “I don’t disapprove, Faith. I just… I worry about you. About how this will be received.”
“We can handle a little criticism,” she said, crossing her arms. “We’re not as fragile as you think.”
“I never said you were fragile,” he countered, his voice growing firmer. “But you could stir up a lot of things. People might take your meetings in the wrong way.”
She bristled, uncrossing her arms and standing taller. “Take it the wrong way? We’re just trying to have a say in our own lives, Joshua. Why is that so threatening?”
“It’s not threatening,” he said, exasperation creeping in. “But change like this doesn’t happen overnight. You need to be prepared for—”
“For what? For the men of Mystic to tell us to sit back down and be quiet?” She shook her head, anger flaring in her eyes. “I thought you, of all people, would understand.”
His face softened, and he reached out as if to touch her arm. “Faith, I’m just trying to—”
“To protect me? I don’t need protecting, Joshua. I need your support.”
She turned on her heel and started walking away. “Faith, wait,” he called after her, but she didn’t stop.
“I have work to do,” she said over her shoulder, her pace quick and determined. “I’ll see you later.”
