Page 59 of A Wanderer's Redemption
When she heads back into the kitchen, I tap the side of my cup with a fork to get everyone’s attention.
“Now that we are here, I want to talk to you all about what we are going to do over the next few days. I would like to head to Grant’s in the morning unless you all would like a day of rest?”
“I’m good … What time do you want us up? … Are we taking all the wagons?”
I get something different from each of them at the same time. “Well, yes, we will be taking all the wagons, two of them I purchased, but the other two were rented, so they’ll have to be returned. I’d like to get Grant’s items delivered, then take the other wagons out to the property I purchased sight unseen and drop them off there.”
Colby is the first to speak up. “How are you planning on getting those wagons back?”
“I figure I will have to hire a few men to take them back.”
He looks over at Jessica, then at me, and I slide my arm around the back of her chair, pulling her closer. For a second, I see his anger spike, but before he can say anything, the server comes out the door with our food. The conversation shifts as we all dig into our food and we talk about the meals Jessica had fixed, and we keep praising her for making a cobbler the same night she was almost mauled by a mountain lion. By the time they bring out the fresh apple pie, I can barely take another bite.
Henry just keeps slipping farther down in his chair, and Jacob is yawning so much he’s making the rest of us do it. When the server comes back to refill the coffee cups, I hold my hand over mine as I am ready to go.
“Jess, honey, you ready to turn in?”
“I am. Miss, thank you for taking such good care of us, and it was nice to be waited on after such a long journey.”
“Not a problem, Mrs. Kerns. It was our pleasure. Will we be having you all back again tomorrow?”
I answer for Jessica when she looks over at me. “For breakfast, yes, dinner, I am not sure of yet, but I will send word if we are back in town.”
Gathering the bill, I pay on the way out, making sure to leave a nice tip for the staff. Then I take Jessica’s hand in mine, and we walk hand in hand as we head back toward the inn. We are almost there when Beatrice steps out of her shop, locking the door. When she sees me standing there, her entire face lights up.
“Well, bless my soul, you did come back, Reggie! I’m sure Grant will be happy to see you, as will Lauren. Who is this pretty thing hanging onto your arm? I didn’t know you had a wife waiting back home; no wonder you were in a rush to leave before winter hit.”
“This is Jessica.”
“I love your dress, the cut is very flattering, as is the color.”
“Thank you, ma’am, that’s a huge compliment coming from one as knowledgeable about clothing as you must be.”
“Well, you youngins look as tired as I feel. I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of you, Jessica. Feel free to stop in anytime.”
I lean down, hugging Beatrice, as she whispers. “She sure is a pretty thing, Reggie. How’d you get a filly like her with all that hair?”
“Has my mother been writing you? I think this is a conspiracy.”
She pats me on the arm, laughing before walking off the boardwalk and down the alley. Jessica sighs wearily at me, and I know I am digging a deeper hole, but maybe if it’s a deep enough one, she won’t be able to escape me. I can hear the men talking as they come up behind us as we are entering the inn. I have just opened the door to our room when Colby steps up.
“Jessie, can I talk to you for a minute?”
She looks up at me, and even though I should let her, once again, my mouth opens without thinking it out further.
“We’re tired, Colby. You can ask her whatever is so important in the morning.”
Gently, I push Jessica through the door, only to shut it in his face. She walks in, unwrapping the lace shawl gently from her shoulders, and I try to prepare myself for the fallout, but when she turns, her words shock me.
“Thanks. I am not in the right headspace to handle him tonight. I am going to change and then turn in.”
“You’re not mad?”
“Nope, got enough going on in my mind right now, and to be honest, I am just too tired to fight the world tonight.”
“You know I plan on sleeping next to you, right?”
“I figured, and honestly, I probably would have a hard time sleeping without you now. Something I should break myself of … but not tonight.”
