Page 17 of A Groom for Heather
“Everyone does their own around here, Mr. James.”
Dalton turned to the lawyer. “Is there anything that says the business must go with the property?”
“No. You can sell it if you wish.”
He thought that he heard Mrs. Barnes gasp.
“That can be discussed at a different conversation,” Mr. Cairn said.
“There is a contract with the town that we provide food and protect the town.”
“Protect the town?”
He watched as Mrs. Barnes smoothed her skirt. “Yes. If there is a wild animal that gets too close to the town, then Jackson would track it, and make sure it didn’t return.”That didn’t sound so bad. “You can track, can’t you, Mr. James?”
Mr. Cairns slapped his hand against the desk causing the petite woman to jump in her seat. “Do you know who this is?” Heather shook her head. “Why Dalton James is one of the best bounty hunters this side of the Mississippi. Tracking is no problem for him.”
Dalton lifted his hand. “Let’s not get carried away. Besides, that contract was with Jackson Barnes, not the property. I’m sure the town can find someone new for these positions.”
“Will, you at least do the job until we can find a replacement?”
“Why would it matter to you, Mrs. Barnes? I understand you are leaving the town.”
He watched the woman worry her hands. “About that…” Dalton raised his eyebrow. “I was wondering if I could rent the house back for a few months?” If she had asked him to swim in the river in the middle of winter, he couldn’t be more surprised. Before he could respond, she continued. “It appears I need to stay here longer than I intended.”
“Why’s that?”
“Some things came up.” She stole a glance at the lawyer.
“What things?” Dalton demanded.
“Just things.”
Dalton sighed. It appeared that he was going to get nowhere trying to discuss anything with her. He turned to Mr. Cairns. “How would something like that work out?”
“Normally the owner of the property can choose to lease any part of his land. That includes the house.”
“Where would I live in the meantime?”
“There is a room on the side of the barn,” Mrs. Barnes offered. “Red Hawk would stay there when he visited.”
“You had Indians staying on your property?” Mr. Cairns lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “I can’t imagine that.”
“You saw Chief Red Cloud. The Lakota are kind people.” She lifted a finger to her cheek. “Red Hawk and Jackson were… oh what is that word?” She furrowed her brow. “Blood brothers. That’s it.” Giving a pointed glance at Dalton she lifted her finger. “It would behoove you to have a relationship with them as well.”
“So, I purchase this farm and you want me to rent you the house.”
“Yes, please. It would only be for a few months until I can finish packing to head east, and I need to take care of several...”
“Things. I know.” Dalton shook his head. “If I had known what was involved here, I would have kept looking for a farm.” He was glad he found Last Chance. He found the town charming and the people full of life and hope. It was the perfect place to start a family and raise children. Now, it appeared that Mrs. Barnes wanted him to wait to start his dreams.
“Mrs. Barnes here is the midwife in town. Several expectant mothers will be birthing in early fall. They requested that Mrs. Barnes stay until their children are born.”
“You’re a midwife?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve never met a female doc before.”
