Page 53 of The Gold Rush Bride

“I’m hoping, but no matter where she goes, I’ll find her. I can’t let her go. She’s my wife and I love her.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “Too bad you didn’t tell her that before.”

He looked toward the ceiling, hoping to get an answer and knowing he wouldn’t “I know. I was a fool. But I’ll make it up to her as soon as I find her. I’ll show her I’m a changed man, if she’ll just have me back.”

“I wish you luck. The only room I have open is that honeymoon suite that you’ve had before.”

“That’s fine. I’ll need a bath, too.”

“I’ll send one right over. Just sign here.” She turned the register toward him.

He signed the book, took the key, and headed back to the room. Inside, he set his pack on the bed, then sat on the edge of the mattress, rested his elbows on his knees, and placed his head in his hands. “Sadie, what have I done? I’m so sorry. I hope you’ll forgive me.” Tears formed and as he sat there, he felt them roll hot and fast from his eyes.

“Please forgive me.”

CHAPTER14

Sadie arrived in St. Louis exhausted. The morning sickness, first on the steamer and then on the train, had nearly drained her. She needed to buy clothes. She’d gotten some in Seattle and then again in Chicago, but she was growing faster than her wardrobe would allow. She also knew before any of that she needed to see Angus Murphy and see if he could find her a place to live. She didn’t want to stay in a hotel for any longer than necessary, but, at least, being back in civilization, she could get back to her frugal ways. She still had enough cash to rent a room in a nice, average hotel.

Angus’ secretary looked up when Sadie walked in.

“Miss Thompson. We didn’t expect you. I thought you were in the Klondike.”

“I was, but I completed my business there, so I’m back. Is Mr. Murphy in? I really need to talk to him.”

The gray-haired woman smiled. “He’s always in for you. Have a seat, and I’ll check with him.”

Sadie perched on the edge of the leather chair. She didn’t want to sink down and have trouble getting up. Being almost eight months pregnant, certain things were more challenging now, getting up from soft sofas and chairs being just one of them.

Angus Murphy walked out of his office. “Sadie. How are you, my dear?”

She tried to stand with as much grace as possible.

“Here dear, let me help you.” He held out his hand.

She took it and let him pull her up. “Thank you. I’m good. Glad to be back home. I have to admit, that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

He looked down at her belly. “But it looks like it might have also been one of the most rewarding.”

She placed her hand on top of her protruding stomach. “Yes. When I got there, I was informed the only way I could go to the claim was to marry Barnaby. I agreed. So, we married and eventually, I found myself pregnant.”

“Come into my office and you can tell me all of it and how I can be of service.” He held out his arm.

She placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, and they proceeded to his office.

He assisted her into a chair and then went around and took his own chair. “Can I have Clara get you something to drink? Some water? Coffee? Tea?”

“A cup of tea would be lovely. I don’t believe I’ve had a decent cup of tea since I left.”

“Certainly. I’ll be right back.” He left the office.

While he was gone, Sadie wondered how much to tell him. He was a good family friend, but she didn’t want to burden him with her problems. Still, he was sort of like her uncle and he was her father’s best friend. She needed someone to talk to and decided she would tell him everything.

Angus returned with a cup and saucer. “Here you are, my dear. Now, tell me how I can be of assistance.”

Sadie explained everything that had happened since she’d left. She took a sip of her tea. “Oh, my, this is lovely. Anyway, now that I’m back here to stay, I’d like to find a home to purchase. I want a nice place to raise my child.”

He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “As it so happens, I still have your home available. I never sold it. I thought, perhaps, you might come back. If you hadn’t after a year, then I was going to sell it. It’s exactly as you left it, if you are interested.”