Page 40 of A Whiskey River Princess

Gabriella thought about it and then shook her head and squared her shoulders, filled with resignation, not wanting to disappoint Dirk. “No, come over to the house at one o’clock. After what you’ve done for me, it’s the least I can do for you.”

Dirk smiled at her proudly and then turned to Daxton. “And be sure to bring the children. We’ll make a celebration out of it.”

Daxton glanced over at Gabriella. “Are you sure, miss?”

She gave him a small smile and nodded, hoping that she wasn’t getting in over her head. “And please, call me Gabriella.”

The sheriff smiled. “I will, miss… er… Gabriella.”

Gabriella nodded, a smile curling her lips. “We’ll see you then.” As she walked out into the falling snow with Dirk, she had no idea what a Thanksgiving dinner was or how to cook one, but after meeting some of the wonderful people in the town, she was determined to learn.

Chapter 10

Dirk

Dirk led Gabriella under the covered wooden walkway, but pulled her to a stop in front of the general store. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Gabriella looked away.

“You could have trusted me, you know.”

When she looked back at him, her eyes were filled with tears, threatening to spill over, causing his heart to ache. “After what I’d been through, I didn’t know who I could trust.”

He thought for a moment and then nodded. “I hope that one day, you won’t doubt me.” He turned to walk inside, but Gabriella stopped him.

“Dirk, I’m sorry, but I didn’t know how to tell you.”

Her voice was so remorseful that he pulled her into his arms. She placed her head on his chest, and he kissed her hair. “Don’t worry.” When he looked up, Mrs. Carson was peering through the window. When he spotted her, she quickly stepped back. “Besides, I think we need to go inside.” When Gabriella pulled back, he nodded toward the window. “We have an audience.”

Gabriella quickly stepped back, but Dirk immediately felt her absence.

He raised an eyebrow, tempted to pull her into his arms and give Mrs. Carson a show, but he didn’t dare, not wanting to scare Gabriella off. “Shall we?”

She smiled and nodded.

He swiped his thumb under her eye, catching a tear. “Mrs. Carson, the shop owner, will be gossiping to her friends.”

She nodded. “Let’s go inside, then.”

“Yes, let’s.”

“Welcome!” Mrs. Carson gushed when they walked in. “Why, Mr. Price! It is a pleasure indeed!” She walked closer, never taking her eyes from Gabriella. “And who might you be?”

Gabriella smiled. “My name isGabriella.”

The older woman’s eyes opened wide. “My, my! Finally, some culture here in this little town! Are you from France?”

Gabriella shook her head. It seemed to be a common question when people heard her accent.

“Actually,” Dirk interjected, sensing Gabriella’s discomfort, “we’re just here for some last-minute items for the holiday. We’ll just browse, if you don’t mind.”

A broad smile spread across Mrs. Carson’s face. “Very well, then. If you need anything, just let me know.” She pointed to the bolts of fabric along the wall. “If you need me, I’ll be right over here.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Carson.” Dirk nodded his thanks and then followed Gabriella over to the vegetable table.

Soon, they had everything they needed for their Thanksgiving dinner, including fresh cranberries that Mr. Carson had bought from a farmer on his last trip into Laramie before the pass closed.

Before they left, some deep blue material caught Dirk’s eye. “Would you like some fabric to make a new dress?”

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