Page 50 of The Banker's Bride

“Darling, we can stay home today if you don’t feel up to going.”

She shook her head and took another bite. “No, I’m already starting to feel better. I’ll be fine in a minute… after I eat.” She took another huge bite and chewed.

When Dallas and Charles finished, they sat back and enjoyed their coffee, waiting for Megan to finish.

“So, do you have any plans for tomorrow?” Charles leaned back in his chair, holding his coffee.

Dallas glanced over at Megan, who was shoveling forkfuls of pancake into her mouth, moaning in delight as if it were her last meal. “I think I’m going to have to start feeding her more often.”

Charles coughed to cover a laugh, but Megan ignored them.

“And to answer your question: Yes, I’m going to the bank in the morning. But other than that, I don’t have anything planned.” Dallas took a sip of his coffee. “What do you have in mind?”

“Well, I have some business to take care of in Laramie, so I thought I’d go there tomorrow.” Charles fiddled with his coffee cup, turning it. “I was wondering if you’d like to go.”

Dallas nodded. “Yes, maybe I can come home for lunch, and we can go then. Do you mind if Megan comes, too?” He glanced over at her and smiled. “I think she might like to go. Maybe I can take her out to eat while you take care of your business.”

Charles glanced over at her and smiled. “Yes, of course. It would be a delight to have such a lovely lady accompany us.”

Megan blushed, giving him an appreciative smile, but went back to eating.

Dallas dabbed at his mouth, laid his napkin on his plate, and glanced at his pocket watch. “Well, I think we need to get going if we intend to make it on time.” He glanced over at his wife. “Megan, darling. Are you ready to go?”

She looked up, smiling sheepishly. “Oh! Yes, of course.” She patted daintily at her lips with her napkin, laid it beside her plate, and stood. A slight belch escaped her lips, which she suppressed. “Oops! Pardon me! I’m so sorry! I don’t know what came over me.”

Charles smiled. “You were hungry. It’s quite all right.”

Dallas held out his arm to her. “Shall we?”

She took his arm, and he led her to the front door.

“I’ll wait outside.” Charles slipped on his coat and walked out, leaving the door open, obviously giving them a moment alone.

“I’m so sorry.” Megan let Dallas help her on with her coat. “I didn’t mean for Charles… or you… to hear me do that.”

Dallas chuckled. “Charles is like family. It’s all right.” Then he slipped his arms around her waist and looked into her eyes, concerned that she may be coming down with something. “Are you feeling well, darling?”

“I’m just a little tired… and hungry.” Megan laughed. “Yes, and I’m sorry about eating so much, but I just couldn’t help meself.”

One corner of his lips curled into a smile. “Just make sure you don’t get fat.”

Megan gave him a light smack on the chest. “Ye will care about me even if I do.”

“Yes, of course I will… but just be careful.” He loved her figure. Although it sounded unreasonable, even to his own ears, he just wanted her to be careful.

She stared at him for a long moment. “Dallas, if I want to eat the kitchen sink and get very fat, then I will.” Megan stormed out the door headed toward the carriage, leaving him behind.

Dallas sighed as he followed her out, closing the door behind him, making a mental note to have a conversation with her when they were alone. Bill held the carriage door open as he slid in, and he closed it behind him. Megan slid over but looked out the window on the other side of the carriage.

Dallas gently squeezed her hand, and she gave him a weak smile.

He watched the lovely countryside pass, covered in a fresh blanket of snow beneath the evergreens with patches of snow resting upon their branches. Even though it was cold out, the sun shone brightly, reflecting on the snow. It was lovely, reminding Dallas of growing up in Minnesota and sled riding when he was a little boy.

“So, are ye staying through Christmas?” Megan asked Charles, bringing Dallas from his reverie.

He smiled. “No, I have to be in New York for Christmas. But I’d like to stay for Thanksgiving, though.”

Megan gave him a warm smile. “Well, yer welcome to stay as long as ye like.” Then her eyes popped open. “Oh! Maybe we could invite other people, too. Maybe the sheriff?”

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