Page 60 of The Banker's Bride

Dallas’s heart fluttered as he reached for her hand and kissed it, never taking his eyes from hers. “Each time I see you, you become more gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” A mischievous smile lit her lips. “Oh, I bet ye say that to all the ladies.”

“No, I don’t. Only to the most beautiful,” Dallas teased, running his fingers absentmindedly along the brim of his hat. “Let’s go. If we get to Laramie early enough, you and I can go shopping or have dinner while Charles takes care of his business.”

A smile lit her lips. “It sounds wonderful.”

When they left the house, Dallas closed the door behind them and offered her his arm. “I want you to have fun today. I plan on showing you the town.”

Megan held his arm tightly. “As long as we’re together, I’ll be happy.”

He patted her hand, feeling much better now that she was with him. Dallas had a feeling that she would be happy no matter where they went. She was just that kind of a person.

A moment later, Dallas lowered the step and helped her into the carriage.

Charles took her other hand to help her in. “Hello, Megan. You look lovely today.”

“Thank you.” She slid onto the seat across from him, and Dallas slid in beside her. “So, are you gentlemen planning on staying in Laramie long?”

Charles shook his head. “No, just for the day.”

Dallas laced his fingers with hers and gently squeezed her hand. “Sorry for the short notice, but I’m glad you could come.”

A light shade of pink touched her cheeks. “I’m glad ye came home early.”

“So, tell me,” Charles began. “Where in Ireland are you from?”

The conversation turned light as they headed toward Laramie. Dallas found that he really enjoyed himself, relaxing a bit. Since he’d met Megan, it seemed that he was finally learning how to make friends. Perhaps he had more friends in town than he had originally thought.

***

When they pulled into Laramie a few hours later, Megan smiled at the hustle and bustle in the town.

Dallas enjoyed her reaction to the town. “Laramie isn’t as big as New York, of course, but it’s an up-and-coming town, just like Whiskey River but much bigger.”

“New York was always too busy for me. Too many people.” She gazed out the window, her eyes wide. “No, this is perfect.”

“Bill, stop in front of the bank, please,” Dallas instructed his driver, and they came to a stop. “Charles, we’ll be back for you later.”

A broad smile spread across his lips. “Take your time and enjoy yourself with this lovely lady. I’ll catch up with you when I finish.”

Charles tipped his hat to Megan, exited the carriage, and then headed into the bank.

Dallas stepped out of the carriage, lowered the step for Megan, and then helped her out. “Bill, we’ll be back later.”

“I’ll be here, boss.” Bill tipped his hat to Megan, and then leaned back on the seat, propping his feet on the front footboard.

Excitement filled the air as he led his wife through the streets of Laramie. “So, shopping first or dinner?”

Megan giggled. “Dinner. You’ve already spent too much money on me.”

“Nonsense!” He smiled as he tucked her hand into his arm. “I’m a bit hungry, too. What would you like to eat? The Cavalryman Steakhouse has great steaks, or we can go to the restaurant, if you like.”

Her eyes brightened. “I’ve never been to a steakhouse before, but we can go to the other restaurant. What would you like?”

“Let’s go to the steakhouse.” Dallas smiled. “I’d like to show it to you and the steaks are wonderful.”

Megan smiled. “Sounds good.”

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