Addie hated the silence that had surrounded her and Grant on most of the three-hour ride to Mt. Dora. It had been hard enough saying good-bye to Huntress, Connie, and Thomas without this ongoing agony with Grant. He pointed ahead, indicating the buildings in the distance where her new life would begin.
Grant shifted in his saddle. “Do you remember the name of Mr. Tolliver’s store?”
Addie bit her lip and cast her mind back through the letters. “I think it was Tolliver’s General Store.” She surveyed the lone street with a scattering of houses on the edges—bleak, weather-beaten, and showing little movement. Her shoulders sagged and her spirits plummeted. Even though it was winter, the ranch house and surroundings emitted so much more cheer than this dreary little town. What had she expected? The town draped in bunting and a band playing in celebration of her arrival? Sam Tolliver standing on the boardwalk wringing his hands and then rushing to meet her? How foolish.
“It can’t be too hard to find. I do most of my trade in Clayton, but it doesn’t appear Mt. Dora has grown much since I was here last, at least a year ago.” Grant pulled up in front of a café at the end of the street then swung down from his horse. He looped the reins over a hitching rail and stepped to Addie’s side as she started to dismount.
“I can get down; you don’t have to help me.” She held her reins, grasped the saddle horn, and swung her leg over, but her full skirt caught on the cantle. She gave a little gasp and tried to tug it free with one hand.
Grant chuckled and reached for her. “You’ll land in a puddle of mud if you try that. Quit being stubborn and let me help.” His strong hands fastened around her waist as he lifted her down, then cradled her in his arms and strode toward the boardwalk.
“But my horse!” Addie’s heart was in her throat as he held her close to his chest, and she could barely breathe. Never in all her days had she been carried in a man’s arms, but it wasn’t an unpleasant sensation at all. In fact, she could get quite used to this. Her face burned at the thought, and she wriggled in his grasp. “Please put me down before someone sees us. You’re past the mud now, and I’m perfectly capable of walking. Besides, I’m sure I’m quite heavy.”
He set her on the solid wooden surface and steadied her with his hands still lightly grasping her waist. “I didn’t feel a thing.” Grant gazed into her eyes then slowly winked. “And it doesn’t appear there’s anyone around to see us. Don’t worry about your horse. I’ll tie up Sugar, then we’ll go inside the café and ask where Tolliver’s store might be located.” He extended his arm and smiled.
Addie slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow and followed him into the warm, fragrant room boasting gingham curtains at the windows, matching tablecloths on each table, and a bustling, matronly woman at the counter across the room.
She greeted them with a cheerful smile. “What can I get for you folks? It’s a mite early for lunch, but I have soup on in the back and hot coffee, or I can scare up something else. Fresh bread just came out of the oven.”
Grant glanced at Addie at the same time her stomach rumbled. “We packed a cold lunch, but hot bread, soup, and coffee sounds like a feast to me. Shall we?”
Addie nodded. “I’m a bit chilled, and anything hot sounds wonderful, thank you.” She directed her attention to the woman. “I wonder if you might tell us where Mr. Tolliver’s store is located.”
“Certainly.” She stepped forward, carrying a coffeepot and two mugs. “By the way, I’m Mrs. Crompton. Sam’s out of town right now. Supposed to return tomorrow.” She waved a hand up the street. “His store is at the far end of the street. A couple of blocks, but you only have to cross one muddy street.” She glanced at Addie’s shoes. “Appears you’re wearing sensible shoes, so they shouldn’t get hurt too bad.” She swiveled then called over her shoulder. “Hang your coats and hats by the door and have a seat. Soup and bread coming right up.”
Addie stared at Grant as she sank into a chair at the small table. “Now what? He’s gone and won’t return until tomorrow, and I have no place to stay.”
Grant wanted to reach across the round table and clasp Addie’s hands resting on top, but he restrained his impulse. What if the café owner saw him and started gossip? It wouldn’t be long before Addie was Tolliver’s wife—more than likely they’d wed tomorrow, shortly after he returned, so she’d have a home to move into.
His gut clenched at the thought. He’d have to get out of this town before that happened. He’d like to ride home right now, but he couldn’t leave Addie stranded with nowhere to stay. He didn’t even know if she had any money to keep her until Tolliver showed up. “We’ll figure something out. Maybe after we eat we should walk to the store and see who he left in charge. They’ll know what’s going on, and might even have a solution. Surely Tolliver left word that he was expecting his bride.” Grant almost choked over the final word but pressed on. “Since there’s no rush, take your time to eat and get warm.”
Addie took a sip of her coffee then thanked Mrs. Crompton as she set their food on the table. Once the woman was out of earshot, Addie leaned forward and whispered, “I wish I could go back to the ranch and work for you instead of staying here.” As soon as the words were out, she slipped her hand over her mouth and gave a small gasp. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Truly. I’m glad I’ll have a husband and a future.”
Grant had wanted to jump from his chair and leap for joy until she crashed his hopes. She only wanted to work for him, and she was glad she’d have a husband? He forced a smile. “I wish you could come home with me as well. Something will work out, you’ll see. I’ll stay in town until Mr. Tolliver arrives so you won’t be alone.”
For the next few minutes they ate in silence, until Addie pushed her bowl away. “I’ve lost my appetite. I guess I’m just a little nervous about meeting Mr. Tolliver, but I’m sure it will be fine. We can go whenever you’re ready.”
They paid Mrs. Crompton then walked the two blocks to the general store, skirting the mud as best they could. Grant pushed open the front door and a bell hanging on the inside jingled. It appeared to be open, but no one waited behind the counter. “Anyone here?”
The sound of footsteps came from a doorway behind the counter and a woman at least ten years older than Addie parted the curtain and stepped into the room. “How can I help you folks?” She wasn’t pretty, but was neat, clean, and had a sweet smile.
Grant removed his hat and clutched it in both hands. “We’re looking for Mr. Tolliver, and we were told he might return tomorrow.”
She nodded. “He was supposed to, but I got word from the telegraph office that he’s returning this afternoon instead. Do you have business with him?”
Addie nodded. “I’m Addie Patrick, and he’s been expecting me. I’m afraid I’m a few weeks late, due to the snowstorm. I’m his betrothed.”
The woman stared at Addie as all the color drained from her face, then she collapsed on the floor.