Three

“Miss Sullivan, did you hear about the train coming in next week?” The gap between Eugene’s two front teeth yawned as he flashed a grin at Addy.

“Yes, I did hear that, Gene.” She smiled at the little boy standing beside her desk. “That’s exciting, isn’t it?”

Within seconds the entire class had crowded around her desk, voices raised in excitement and wonder.

Petite Margaret could barely be seen among the taller children, but her voice rang out loud and clear. “I wish I could ride on it. I think I’ll ask my mama to let me.”

“Aw, you dumb girl. It’s a freight train. You can’t ride in it.”

“Johnny Carroll, shame on you.” Addy frowned at the freckled-faced redhead, who was actually one of her favorites. “You apologize to Margaret right this instant.”

He mumbled an apology then stood with his hands in his pockets, waiting to see if he’d get more than a reprimand.

“That’s better. Please see that there’s no more name calling. Now, please take your seats, children.” She turned to the blackboard to finish writing the arithmetic problems. When she faced her students again, everyone was seated, anticipation on each face. She smiled. They knew her too well.

“Before we begin our arithmetic, perhaps we’ll have a short discussion of current events.” As murmurs began, she held up her hand. “In an orderly fashion, please.”

A hand popped up from one of the rear seats, followed by several others.

“Yes, Eugene?”

“Pa says the train can’t go any farther south ’cause the tracks aren’t laid yet.”

“That’s right, Eugene. The White River Line from the north has reached us, but nothing can go farther south until the teams of workers from both directions meet. Then the line will be complete. Yes, Ronald?”

The boy jumped up, eagerness flushing his face. “They’re bringing supplies for the town and the railroad.”

“Thank you, Ronald.” She motioned to Annie Bolton, a tall girl in the front row. “Annie?”

“It’s not just supplies. My pa said they’re bringing more railroad men to help finish the tracks.” She nodded and sat back down.

More railroad workers? Addy frowned. Most of the men were respectful, but some of the newer employees were of a rougher sort. She hated to contemplate the two saloons with more patrons. Occasionally fights spilled out onto the boardwalks. So far, the ones participating in these brawls had been quickly and speedily escorted to the town’s improvised jail. But if the town became overrun?

“Well, thank you, Annie.” She gave the girl what she hoped was a bright smile. “More citizens for Branson Town. That’s very exciting.”

“Not as exciting as the train, though,” Eugene said.

Johnny Carroll raised his hand.

“All right, Johnny, you’re the last one for the day. We need to get on to our regular subjects.”

“I was just wonderin’, Miss Sullivan. Do you think we could take the day off school to see the train come in?”

Now that wasn’t a bad idea. “Perhaps. I’d have to check with the school board. They might agree if we make it a school project.”

A groan resounded across the room.

“You mean we’ll have to do a report about it?” The woebegone expression on Johnny’s face was so comical Addy had to press her lips together to keep from grinning.

“Yes, but perhaps we’ll make it a group report. You can all write down a few things that impress you, and then we’ll put them all together.” She included the class in her smile.

Annie’s hand shot up once more. “Like a story?”

“Exactly, we’ll even illustrate it and put it up on the bulletin board for parents’ day.” As their faces brightened, she hastened to add, “But remember, we have to get permission from the school board first.”

One good thing about the formation of the new Branson School District was that it relieved her of certain responsibilities. Such as disappointing her students if the answer was no.

The children were on extra-good behavior the rest of the day, not wanting to risk the possibility of missing the grand, history-making event. Addy didn’t blame them. Bolts of excitement charged through her as well.

Of course, to be honest, the near certainty that Jim Castle would be there when the train chugged into the station might have been responsible for a good deal of her eagerness. She frowned and attempted to push the thought away. . .without success.

She’d been surprised at the depth of her attraction toward him that Sunday at her sister’s. She’d anticipated seeing him again, believing he felt the same, but nearly three weeks had passed, and she’d seen him only in fleeting moments around town. Usually he tipped his hat and went on his way. Twice he’d paused long enough to exchange civilities.

More than likely she’d only imagined his interest. Embarrassment washed over her. Had her interest in him been obvious? How humiliating if he’d noticed. She’d make sure to be polite but cool the next time she saw him.

That afternoon, when she’d dismissed the class and closed up, she headed for Dr. Gregory Stephens’s office. As chairman of the school board, he’d be the one to which she should broach the subject of a field trip to see the train come in.

At the sight of Jim Castle’s tall form striding toward her, she almost turned around and went back to the school, but he’d already spotted her and smiled as he came near. “Addy, how nice to see you.” He reached for her hand, and the next thing she knew it was enveloped in his.

Warmth flowed through her fingers, all the way up to her shoulder. She cleared her throat. “Hello, Jim.” Oh no, her voice shook. So much for being cool and distant.

Her hand trembled in his. She must get away before he noticed. She spotted the doctor coming out of Brown’s Mercantile, an honest excuse to escape. “I’m sorry, I have an appointment. It was nice to see you again as well.” Slipping her hand from his, she hurried across the street and approached the doctor.

Well, she would have an appointment if Dr. Stephens wasn’t busy. It was only a little fib. Still a pang of guilt shot through her. A lie was a lie.

❧

Disappointment tugged at Jim as he saw the tall, broad-shouldered doctor take Addy’s hand and smile down at her. Were they a courting couple? The expression on the doctor’s face sure indicated it.

Of course, it was probably for the best. Jim had known from the beginning there was no chance for him with the lovely Addy. Which was why he’d avoided her since the Sunday dinner at Rafe’s house. Rafe must not know about the doctor or surely he’d have mentioned it.

Some other man would be standing by that white picket fence with her, just as he’d thought. Someone who had a stable life right here in Branson Town. Like the doctor. Jim was happy for her. He was. So why the sick feeling inside his gut?

He sauntered down the sidewalk and attempted to focus his thoughts on his upcoming meeting later in the week with Fullbright and the owners of the Maine Exhibition Building. He’d advise them to change the name of the establishment to something that would reflect a local flair. Since it would be constructed on a bluff overlooking the river, he thought Mountain Lodge or White River Lodge would be a good choice. He doubted they’d go for it though. They were pretty stuck on Maine Hunting and Fishing Lodge.

Arriving at the livery stable, he retrieved his horse, Finch, and mounted. A quick ride to Forsyth might help clear his head of Addy and the doctor. He had a couple of telegrams he needed to send anyway. A new park in Virginia had requested his services, but he’d have to let them know it would be at least ten more months before he could leave Branson Town. He’d more than likely lose the job, but there were always more tourism projects to take on.

As he rode down the narrow road, hemmed in by giant oaks and black walnut trees, he whistled a tune. He’d disliked enclosed places since he was a child. The job he’d held at Marvel Cave had helped him overcome that, but he still preferred wide-open spaces.

Relieved, he came out of the woods and into a clearing. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of honeysuckle carried by the soft breeze. The fragrance reminded him of Addy, who always smelled like flowers.

He emitted a short laugh. It seemed everything reminded him of Addy lately. And it was hopeless because nothing had changed since he was here before. Even if she cared for him, which she obviously didn’t, he’d never ask a woman like her to leave the stability of home and hop from one town to another. His job even took him out of the country at times.

Why couldn’t he get the woman out of his mind? She was extremely attractive, but he’d met his share of pretty women, some as pretty as or even prettier than she. So why did he carry her face in his head just about everywhere he went? What was it about her? She wasn’t even that nice to him most of the time. And likely she was in love with the doc. A sharp pain stabbed through him.

He urged Finch forward and didn’t slow down until he rode into Forsyth. He sent his telegraph messages then wandered down to the docks to watch the steamboats battening down for the night. There were only two docked. Thanks to the railroad, they were a dying breed. The price of progress.

He turned away and went to a local café to grab some supper. The special was corned beef and cabbage, which he despised. Not wanting to take the time to have anything cooked from scratch, he ordered coffee and a ham sandwich.

Someone had left a newspaper on the counter, so he opened it. It was a weekly, and all the news was old, so he busied himself reading the ads. Anything to fill his mind so that thoughts of Addy wouldn’t torment him.

By the time Jim got back to Branson Town, everything was shut down except for the hotels and the two saloons. He sat for a moment, tapping his fingers on his leg. He sure didn’t need to be alone with his thoughts. Maybe he should ride out to Rafe’s and find out what he knew about Addy and the doctor.

After a moment of gnawing at his lip, he thought better of that idea. Abby probably wouldn’t take too kindly to his showing up this time of night. Farmers went to bed early.

He rode to the livery stable and saw that his black stallion, Finch, was taken care of and then headed to the hotel on foot.

Cigar smoke hung over a small group of men in the lobby. A heated discussion seemed to be going on. He knew most of them casually. Businessmen or potential businessmen who knew the possibilities of investing in the fledgling town and were willing and able to cash in on it.

One of the men waved a hand. “Castle. Maybe you can clear this debate up for us.”

Jim smiled and shook his head. “Another time perhaps. I have a stack of ledgers waiting for my attention.” Making his escape, he headed for the stairs only to stop short when he passed the dining room.

Seated at a table across the room, Addy smiled at the doctor, who leaned forward, his eyes intent on hers.

Jim’s face tightened, and his body tensed. So that was that. Apparently they were courting. With a heavy heart, he turned away and headed up the stairs to his suite.