Page 7 of Chloe's Christmas Escape
“They serve meals family style here. The couple that owns the boarding house will join us for meals, so you will meet them. But I think there’s only two or three other boarders right now. At least that I’ve seen.” Jackson leaned down and his breath tickled her ear as he spoke. Her arms erupted in goosebumps, and an unexpected chill ran down her neck. Chloe said a silent prayer of thanks for dressing in long sleeves today.
“Good morning.” An older man stood at the end of the table and ushered them in to take their seats. “My wife and I are always happy to have more guests. You may call me Mr. Higgins.”
“Good morning, Mr. Higgins.” Chloe smiled, feeling at ease for the first time since... well, since she had witnessed her first incident, at least. “I’m Chloe.”
She settled herself on the bench near the older man, prepared to engage someone,anyone,in conversation. Jackson sat to her right, and his uncle took the seat across from her after shaking Mr. Higgins’s hand and introducing himself.
Mr. Higgins glanced between the trio almost knowingly. “We’ll give the others a few more minutes before we say grace. How long are the two of you in town?”
“I’m headed out tomorrow morning,” Marshal Masters responded before anyone else could reply.
His response took Chloe aback, and her stomach twisted into knots with anxiety.He was going to leave that quickly.They really weren’t going to give her any time to adjust. She wondered if he knew something that he had not shared with her.
“Chloe and I will leave in two days,” Jackson spoke with far more confidence than she was feeling. “My uncle informed me that the rocking of the stage made her unwell on the way to Chicago, and I want her to be well rested before we leave.”
“So, this is the one, is it?” An older woman with dark hair and white streaks running through it appeared in the dining room entrance. It tickled Chloe to see color rising in Jackson’s neck. He had a deep connection with these individuals, as they expressed genuine interest in his life.
“I’m Chloe.” She half rose, only to be waved off as the other woman took her seat.
“It’s lovely to meet you. I’m Elliana Higgins.” She looked around the room, giving a shake of her head. “It looks like it’s just us, dear. Say the blessing and let these poor darlings eat. I’m sure they have other things to do before the travel weariness sends them back to seeking their beds.”
“Yes, wife.”
They bowed their heads and Mr. Higgins spoke the blessing over the meal. Soon platters of fried meats, scrambled eggs, fruit, and toast were being passed around. Chloe stopped herself from piling up a high plate, starting simply with two slices of bread, an apple, and a piece of cheese.
She loved cheese, but Da was always quick to remind them of how expensive it could be and to choose wisely. Even now, hundreds of miles away, she could hear his admonishments in her mind. A sniffle escaped her before she could control herself, and four sets of eyes turned to her.
“I’m sorry. I’m just tired and so thankful for this meal.”
Elliana had her mind made up; she got up and walked over to where her husband was sitting, giving him a meaningful look. He begrudgingly stood up and took a seat next to the marshal while Elliana sat in his place.
“Don’t mind all these men,” she said, handing Chloe a handkerchief. “It’s just fine to have your feelings and your food.”
By the time Chloe looked up again, the men had returned to their meals and weren’t paying her any attention.
Jackson shifted in his seat, trying to keep himself from yawning. Mrs. Higgins had kept the conversation going since they sat down for breakfast earlier, and he hadn’t expected it to last this long. He watched as she deftly refilled her mug with coffee and offered Miss Chloe a few of the breakfast cookies set out on the table. Suddenly, he found himself interested in their dialogue.
How did this slip of a girl get mixed up with the crime circle in Pittsburgh, and how much did the crime circle know about her? Chloe Kingston wasn’t hard on the eyes, and he was looking for a wife. It might work. Uncle Mac had a point too. If they didn’t suit and didn’t consummate their marriage, he could annul it and accept full responsibility.
“Jackson?” A soft voice pulled him from his thoughts to find both women looking at him expectantly. He tugged at his collar and cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?” Heat rose on the back of his neck. A deep, rumbling laugh escaped Uncle Mac’s lips, and he did not conceal his amusement.
Chloe took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Mrs. Higgins asked what our plans were for the day?” One delicate eyebrow arched before she continued. “Since I just got in, I told her I didn’t know if you had already made plans.”
“I, well...” He glanced around hoping someone would pipe in, but there didn’t appear to be a rescue coming and suddenly Jackson felt like an awkward teenage boy who was always tripping over things.
Chloe smiled and placed a delicate hand on his arm. Her voice softened with joy as she told him, “We’re getting married today!” Even though he saw the humor in her expression, there was an unmistakable glint of anticipation in her eyes.
“Married! Good heavens, why didn’t someone say something sooner?” Mrs. Higgins bounced up from the table and disappeared behind a swinging door, calling for a maid.
“Congratulations, Jackson,” Mr. Higgins said, standing to shake his hand. “Now might be a good time to get your bride out the door before Elliana gets back.”
Jackson nodded and focused his attention on Chloe, who although she’d been brave enough to announce their intent now appeared to be having an attack of nerves. He pushed back from the table, offering his hand as he pulled her chair back. Tiny trembling fingers settled in the palm of his hand. She was freezing.
Think Jackson, think,the tiny voice in his head urged him.
“I’m sorry to be such a bother,” she whispered, rising gracefully from her seat.
