Page 26 of The Banker's Bride

“Mr. King! What brings you in here today?” The man behind the counter placed his hands on the edge of the glass case before him. It was fitting that the salesman recognized him: Dallas had become one of their best customers since he married Megan.

A smile spread across Dallas’s lips. “Well, I happened to be in town, and I thought I’d pick up something special for my new wife. We’re having a party tonight.”

The clerk’s smile broadened. “But of course, sir! What may I interest you in? A broach, perhaps? A necklace? A new ring?”

“No, not a ring.” Dallas had just purchased a wedding band set with a diamond engagement ring that would make any woman swoon. Megan had taken one look at it and gasped, telling him that it was too big. Dallas smiled at the memory. “This time, I’d like to see your earrings and perhaps a necklace.”

“Of course. Right this way, sir.” Dallas followed the man to another glass case that held the most expensive jewels. Sunlight glistened from the precious gems: sapphires, topaz, amethyst, rubies… and of course, diamonds. Dallas had been curious as to how the shop owner could afford to have such jewels on display in Laramie. But then again, the best that they had was only in one case and could easily be moved to a safe in the back at night.

Dallas picked out a beautiful diamond and pearl necklace, and matching earrings. His heart leaped. This was it. “Are the earrings screw backs?”

The man nodded proudly, but then his smile faded. “Are your wife’s ears pierced? If they are, we have a nice selection—”

“No, that’s quite all right. Her ears aren’t pierced.” He looked down at the case once more. “These are perfect.” Then he looked back over at the clerk, smiling. “Could you place them in a gift box for me? I’d like to surprise my wife.”

“Yes, sir,” the clerk gushed. “Right away. I’ll be right back.”

Dallas smiled his thanks, and then glanced down at his pocket watch. Nine-thirty. He still had time… unless the train arrived early. But by the time he had put away his pocket watch, the clerk was back.

“Shall I put this on your tab, sir?” The clerk smiled, carefully placing a white box wrapped in a soft white ribbon on the counter.

Dallas smiled. “No, thank you.” Dallas pulled some bills out of his wallet and laid them on the counter. “I’m in a hurry to pick up my friend from the train station. Apply the rest of it to my tab and I’ll be in soon to settle up.”

The clerk’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head as he scooped up the money. “Yes, of course, sir.” The clerk quickly stashed the money in the cash register and presented him with a paper to sign.

After Dallas signed the paper, he slipped the long, slender box into the inside pocket of his suit, and hurried out the door with a last wave over his shoulder.

“To the train station, Bill,” Dallas called up to his driver as he climbed into the carriage.

“Yes, sir.” A moment later the carriage jerked forward.

Dallas watched the people pass by outside the carriage window. Although Laramie was growing, it was still wild in nature. Within minutes, the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the train station. Dallas flung open the door and climbed out. Bill had pulled the brake on the carriage and was ready to tie off the reins when Dallas waved him off. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

Bill nodded, adjusting the rifle in a holster mounted on the side of the seat. Then he relaxed, watching as Dallas hurried away.

Dallas came to a stop on the train platform and waited. He looked at his pocket watch one more time. Nine forty-five. Good. He had made it on time, not wanting Charles to have to wait. Excitement welled up in his heart as he waited, remembering when Megan had first arrived, although it hadn’t nearly been the same then.

The day Megan arrived, he had been as nervous as a schoolboy on his first day of school, waiting for her. But when she had stepped off the train, his heart leaped. No other woman had ever had that kind of effect on him before, especially not when he first met her. And then when their eyes locked and held, his heart nearly stopped. At that moment, he knew that she was the one, although her photograph didn’t do her justice. When he approached, the image of her was ingrained upon his heart.

The train whistle made a shrill sound bringing him back to reality as white steam rolled forward just seconds before he saw the train. Then the whole wooden platform rattled as the powerof the massive locomotive pulled to a stop a few feet away, a final blast of steam rolling out from under the train.

Dallas smiled, knowing he would soon see his friend. He just hoped Charles wasn’t too tired from his journey and vowed to give him time to rest before the party.

The door opened on the train and the conductor helped the people disembark, holding the hands of the ladies and tipping his hat to the gentlemen. A moment later, Charles Whitfield stepped off the train and onto the platform.

Dallas chuckled as he hurried over to his friend and offered him his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, old friend!”

Charles chuckled, clasping his hand as he gave him a manly pat on the back. “It’s good to see you, too.” He let out a deep breath and pulled back, adjusting his hold on his carpet bag.

“Here, let me get that for you.” Dallas reached for it, but Charles pulled it away. “No, I’ll need you to help me with my trunk.”

Dallas laughed, giving him a manly slap on the shoulder as they headed over to retrieve his luggage. “So, did you bring everything but the kitchen sink?”

“Nearly.” Charles grinned, nodding toward a black leather trunk. “I’m thinking of staying longer than usual this time.”

Dallas’s head snapped up. “Really? How long?”

Charles shrugged. “For as long as you’ll have me.”

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