Page 50 of A Dangerous Heart
He was right.
But she wasn’t exactly flush with money. “I can’t pay you back,” she murmured, ducking her head when a plump woman passed by them on her way out of the store.
For one moment, a flash of what looked like frustration lit his eyes, but then he nodded toward the door. “Get the boots. Ben’s my responsibility now.”
His words were clipped and brooked no argument.
But she still prickled with the urge to fight as he trailed her into the store. She didn’t want to be a burden to him. A responsibility. How could she ever make him see her differently after all the subterfuge and this difficult start?
He didn’t even want a wife. He’d said so himself.
Her head was ducked as she fingered a fine pair of boots on a counter against the far wall. Isaac was yards away, lingering over the jars of candy on display.
The boots were too fancy. Ben wouldn’t be able to stand on that foot for weeks. Maybe they could wait for this purchase…
When she raised her head, she realized there was a teen boy behind the counter, talking to Isaac.
Rather, talkingatIsaac.
“…exciting to be a marshal. Goin’ after real bad guys. Shoot-outs.”
Isaac had shut himself off. She saw it in the set of his jaw, the long-distance stare, and the way he didn’t meet the kid’s eye.
She picked up the boots and made for the counter, sidling up beside her new husband. “Would you wrap these for us?” she asked.
She could feel the tension radiating off Isaac. Had a flash of memory of the way he’d shaken when he’d been faced with that bear attacking the boys.
The shop clerk had taken the boots and turned to the back counter, where brown paper lay ready to wrap items. But he was craning to look over his shoulder, his curious gaze still intent on Isaac.
“This store is so neat and tidy,” she blurted. “I can tell you’re a well-organized young man.”
She felt more than saw the cut of Isaac’s surprised, disbelieving look.
The young man puffed up with pride.
“How long have you worked here?” she asked.
The teen’s hands flew over his wrapping now. “It’s my pa’s store,” he said. “I’ve been working here as long as I can remember.”
“You’ve a fine work ethic.” She smiled widely as he passed the package over the counter. “Look how perfectly the wrapping is folded.” She tilted the package in Isaac’s direction.
He grunted.
She narrowed her eyes at him, but it was to no avail as he quickly paid for the boots and ushered her out of the store.
At least he’d lost some of the tension he’d carried.
He didn’t comment on the way she’d distracted the boy as they made their way down the boardwalk toward the doctor’s. But she caught several thoughtful glances sent in her direction.
Maybe she couldn’t bring a large dowry to this marriage. Maybe there was the possibility of danger trailing her. But this was something she could do for Isaac. Smooth the way when someone brought up his former job. Distract his family from worrying over him too much, smothering him.
She caught another glance. Brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and hoped he wouldn’t notice the way her cheeks were warming.
This time he asked, “Are you going to tell Ben about the wedding?”
She pressed her lips together. “Not yet. I think it’s best to talk to Eli first when we get back to the homestead.”
His jaw tightened and his lips pulled into a frown. He steered her past a barrel of brooms displayed outside a store, then down a side street.
