Page 13 of A Letter to Adaya
“We’re supposed to turn a blind eye?” Bass carefully chose his words.
“You’re married, and your wife would be heartbroken to think of you in a place like Miss Marcy’s. Nate’s in town if Jesse needs help.” He didn’t mention that he had his own plans to spend more time in town, too.
“And you’re what? Just going to stay out of it?”
“Not at all, brother. Not at all. But we’re his brothers, not his parents. As much as we all think of him as a kid, he’s grown now. Your wife is trying to marry him off, remember?” He wanted to suck back the words as soon as they hit the air.
“About my wife.” Bass pulled his horse to a stop, pinning Beau with a look of warning. “We all tolerate your mood swings because we know where the line is. Emily, Georgia, even Madison… They’ve seen a lot of hurt in their lives and they should have no reason to be afraid in their home. You need to watch your tone before I watch it for you.”
Beau let out a deep breath and shook his head. “I heard a similar speech from Jesse. Why aren’t you all telling them they have nothing to be afraid of? But I’ll work on it.”
“See that you do.” Bass nudged his mount back into motion. “Now tell me about these plans of yours with the horses.”
Chapter Four
Adaya stepped out of the stagecoach with a sigh of relief. She felt like she’d been on it for weeks, rattled and shaken by the never-ending bumps in the road. Her legs were stiff from sitting in one spot for so long, and her vision swam as she adjusted to seeing stationary objects again instead of the blur caused by constant movement.
She squinted into the bright afternoon sun across the dusty street, and spying the mercantile, she quickly tapped Walter’s shoulder to get his attention. He nodded as he continued unloading their luggage. She made a beeline to the outhouse, then marched straight inside the store.
Closing her eyes, she savored the scent of freshly ground coffee for a moment.
“Would you like a cup, miss?” a man standing next to an iron potbelly stove asked, as he poured a cup for his companion. “Just grab a cup from the hook over there.” Adaya spied the star on his chest and nodded. Taking an enamel cup from the hooks lining the wall, she held it out to the lawman, who asked, “Did you just arrive on the stage?”
“I did,” she replied, lifting the cup to her lips, and smiling. “Oh, it has been a long trip.”
“Where are you from?”
“Richmond.”
The lawman eyed her for a moment and finished pouring himself a cup of the potent brew. “You staying in town long?”
“Do you question everyone like this?”
“My apologies, miss. My wife says I’m too suspicious of everything. I’m Marshal Sam Davis. Welcome to Flat River.”
“Thank you. Do I owe you anything for the coffee?”
“Nope. Just drop your cup off at the register on your way out. Rose will wash it and put it back up.”
“Thank you. You wouldn’t know where I could mail a letter, would you?”
“Post office is in the far corner.”
“Thank you.” She took her coffee cup and blew on the liquid as she wandered through the store, taking in the sights before her. There were jars filled with canned goods lining a shelf, cracker barrels full of apples fermenting, and a man scooping cinnamon from one large tin to another. The warm scent of freshly ground coffee beans drifted through the air, mixing with the tangy smell of spices.
She decided Walter could handle their luggage by himself for a while, and she casually strolled down the center aisle, sipping her coffee. She paused at a display of handcrafted trinkets from far-off lands and ran her fingers over the smooth woodcarvings, intrigued by their intricate details.
At the front corner of the store was a display of pre-made dresses next to a rack filled with colorful fabrics and notions. She’d just spotted a bolt of blue silk when Walter came into view holding their bags.
“Trunks are outside, Adaya.”
“Thank you, Papa.” She handed Walter the cup. “The Marshal over there offered me a cup of coffee. I’ve not had a sip yet, but I think you might need it after the ride.”
“I’m headed to the land office.”
“Just return the cup to the register on your way out.”
Walter moved off to the side to drink his coffee, as Adaya moved further into the store. An older woman with hair the color of salt and pepper, with a round face and ruddy cheeks, approached her.
