Page 10 of A Groom for Heather
“This is fine. Thank you.” He picked up his fork and dug into the meal. The meatloaf was moist, filled with onions and seasonings. The gravy was flavorful and not a lump was found. How the cook managed that he wondered. He was used to working around clumps of flour that hadn’t quite blended into the sauce. The potatoes were creamy with the right amount of butter and salt.
When he was done, he scraped his fork along the bottom of the plate to get every single drop. Hollie came and refilled his coffee cup.
“Still hungry?”
“I haven’t eaten much. That was the best meal I’ve had in a long time. I’ll take a second dinner.”
Hollie’s eyebrows flew up in surprise. “I’ll be right back then.”
“Give my regards to the cook.”
Hollie smiled. “You just did.”
Three plates later, Dalton leaned back in the chair. He was going to sleep well tonight. His belly was full, and he’d be in a real bed, not on the hard ground. He might even pay for a bath.
“You ready for pie?” Hollie asked, filling his mug once more.
“Not yet,” Dalton rubbed his belly. “Think I’ll just continue to watch if you don’t mind. I’ll have that pie in a bit.”
Hollie nodded and leaned her head towards the large window. “See anything interesting?”
“I noticed that there are a lot of women walking by, but I’ve only seen one or two men. Why’s that?”
“You really are a stranger. Don’t you know? This is Last Chance. Most of our men died in that blizzard last fall.”
“I think I read something about that in the paper, but that was months ago. I didn’t realize… I’m sorry ma’am. I hope you didn’t lose anyone.”
Hollie put the enamel pot on the table. “Nearly everyone did.”
“How did it happen if you don’t mind me asking?”
“We had a terrible summer, a drought killed most of the crops. The men went hunting to find food for winter.” She picked up the pot once more. “Over two dozen men went out and only one returned. The blizzard was so fast that most people were stuck for days.”
“I’d still think there’d be more people here.”
“When the snow finally melted a few days later we realized we lost more than just the men on the hunt. Many townspeople died as well. Men, women, and even children.” Hollie sighed as she looked at the wall as if trying to recall the terrible time. “A party went out to look for them. They never returned. The sheriff knew where Jackson Barnes, along with his Indian friend were going. Can’t recall that name right now.”
“Jackson Barnes?”
Holly nodded. “Yes. He led all the hunts around here.”
“I’m purchasing the Barnes property.”
Hollie dropped the pot on the table and coffee splashed on the tablecloth. She fell into the chair and lifted her hand to her blonde hair, smoothing it back. Dalton thought she looked tired. “I guess it is true then,” she said softly.
“What’s true?”
“Mrs. Barnes threatened to leave town. I guess it is coming to fruition.”
Dalton took a sip of his coffee. “What are you women going to do?”
“Most of the women are looking for husbands. The preacher wanted us to get remarried as quickly as possible. Several women have already found husbands because of an advertisement in the paper. I guess the town will get back to normal soon.”
“Are you looking for a husband?”
Hollie laughed. “Oh heavens no. I already found one.”
“He’s a lucky man. His wife can cook.”
