Page 107 of Forbidden (Old West 1)

Rhine nodded. “Thank you, Blaine.” He stuck out his hand.

“You’re welcome. Once all this nonsense cools down I expect you to start up the poker games again.”

Rhine offered a small smile. “You bet.”

Howard touched his hat, and after balling up the paper and stuffing it into his pocket, made his exit.

Rhine turned to Jim. “Well.” That, too, brightened his morning

“I’ve always liked him. He’s a good man, too.”

Rhine agreed. It was heartening to hear that there were those who stood apart from the people yelling slurs at him last night, even if they never stepped forward publicly to pledge their support. “You know one of the best things to come out of all this—­besides marrying Eddy?”

“What?”

“I finally get to play on a winning baseball team.”

Laughter filled the saloon.

Over at the boardinghouse Eddy shared breakfast with Sylvia and filled her in on the events at the ball. They’d seen the newspapers. “I’m surprised no fists were thrown,” Eddy said to her. “There was an awful lot of anger in the room.” She then related Natalie’s furious reaction. “She refused to believe Rhine was telling the truth, and acted almost deranged at one point.”

Sylvie sipped her coffee. “Learning she’d been engaged to man of color probably did send her around the bend a bit, but I’m sure she’ll get over it. Personally, I want to throw Rhine a welcome home party.”

Eddy chuckled. “A welcome home party?”

“Yes. In a way he’s come home, and I’m hoping a celebration will balance all the nasty reactions he’s gotten. He’s done so much to support our community. It’s our turn to support him.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea. When do you want to have it?”

“Next Friday night—­Fourth of July weekend. We’ll have it here, both in the dining room and out back. That way he won’t have to close down the saloon.”

Eddy thought that was a grand plan. Even grander was now that the truth was out, she and Rhine would no longer have to hide their relationship. They could be seen together and not worry about negative gossip—­although the gossiping about his heritage would continue for some time, it would eventually fade away. “Do you have a menu in mind?”

“I thought we’d roast a few pigs and make it a potluck. People can bring their best dishes. That way you won’t be too tired out from cooking to enjoy yourself.”

Eddy liked that idea, too, then something came to mind she’d been meaning to ask Sylvie about. “Why hasn’t Whitman Brown been to breakfast for the last few days?”

Sylvie chuckled softly. “Rumor has it that he’s been keeping time with Lady Ruby.”

Eddy’s jaw dropped. “You’re pulling my leg.”

“No, but apparently she’s pulling his, if you get my drift.”

Eddy thought back on seeing them huddled together at the auction. “But he’s supposed to be a reverend.”

“And she’s old enough to be his aunt. Hope he’s not planning to take her home to his illustrious mama. I don’t think that long red wig will pass the brown paper bag test.”

Eddy laughed.

Later that morning, Eddy had just finished washing the breakfast dishes when Rhine walked into the kitchen. Seeing him filled her with more joy than she thought her heart could possibly hold. “Good morning, Rhine.”

“Morning, mine.”

She laughed.

He asked, “What are your plans for the day?”

“Since it’s my day off, I hoped to spend it with you.” She was still simmering from last night’s steamy encounter under the stars.

---