This was a bad idea. And growing worse every time Trey flashed her a charming grin. Had she ever seen a more handsome man? She couldn’t think of one. The square cut of his jaw, the strongly chiseled face, the jaunty grin and sparkling eyes, that was just for starters. His shoulders looked sculpted from pure bronze, his personality glittered with humor and radiated compassion.
Every time he flashed that one-sided grin, she felt hotter. More aware of herself as a woman. Sure, she was lonely. But she would have to be in a coma not to respond to this mesmerizing man.
She didn’t even get the chance to pay her share of the bill. The waitress didn’t even bring it. Apparently Trey was a frequent patron because he was billed monthly.
“I never have time to cook,” he explained, draining the last of his coffee cup. “I’m always working.”
“A doctor’s life.” Miranda knew it well. “How long have you been practicing here?”
“Five years. A small-town doctor isn’t a rich man, but I like what I do.” His voice rumbled with affection. “Josie, you’ve got dark circles under your eyes. Time to get you home.”
“Can Miranda come, too?”
“Well, she’s certainly welcome.” Trey quirked one brow.
“No.” She saw right through that look of his. “I’m not staying in your house, Mr. Dashing and Debonair.”
“I guess there’s the small matter of your reputation.”
“Exactly.” Heat flushed her face and a flicker at the window caught her attention. Someone on the boardwalk? Or just her imagination?
Trey watched her carefully. “The wind is getting worse. If this keeps up, the whole town will shut down. It’s almost there now. Look, there’s the sheriff.”
A definite shadow moved outside the window. The door swung open. Frigid wind drove through the dining room. The rugged lawman shouldered the door closed and crunched through the ice thick on the floor. The waitress hurried to speak with him.
Maybe it had been the sheriff outside, and not a bounty hunter.
Trey circled the table and wrapped one hand around the back of her chair. She stood, and she tingled from head to toe. “Are you going to stay here? This is a good inn.”
“I might.” She gazed at the window, remembering the frigid walk from the train depot. “I don’t want to go out again. I just got warm. Do you and Josie have a long walk home?”
“Not far at all.” Trey scooped the little girl up into his arms.
She stifled a yawn. “We don’t hafta go outside again.”
“Sorry, Red.” Trey’s affection came light and gentle. He settled the girl on his hip. “That big yawn is a sign. I’d better get her home and in bed.”
Now that it was time, she didn’t want them to go. For a little while, the loneliness in her heart had fled. But it was creeping back again. And a long lonely night stretched ahead.
Miranda followed Trey through the empty dining room. The lawman left with a bang of the door, and the waitress announced they were locking up early. Sheriff Kelley was closing down the town.
“You’ll be comfortable here. I know the innkeeper.” Trey reached for his jacket. “Rest easy, Miranda. I’ll come by tomorrow.”
She almost told him not to bother but held back the words. Why complicate things? She had her life to fight for. He had Josie to protect.
Trey shrugged into his coat. “Let’s get you wrapped up, Red.”
“Baby Beth needs her cloak, too.”
“She sure does.”
Miranda watched as Trey patiently sorted through the bundle of wool, found the doll’s matching cloak and handed it to Josie. He knelt down beside his niece and helped her into her heavy cloak. With care, he wrapped the scarf around her neck and worked the cap over her head.
His tenderness wasn’t feigned, but came from the heart. As Josie snuggled in Trey’s strong arms, sheltered and safe, Miranda’s arms felt empty, and she couldn’t help dreaming. Couldn’t help wishing that one day there would be a child of her own she could hold and comfort and make the world right for.
“I didn’t see any of those men following you get off the train. I thought you might like to know.” Trey faced the door. “Do you want me to watch over you? I can stay.”
“Not necessary.” She was better off alone. “Good night, you two.”
“’Night, Miranda.” Josie peered over Trey’s shoulder as he pushed out the door.
The night and storm enfolded him, stealing them away from her. The door clamored shut, snow drifted to melt on the floor, and once again she was alone.
“This is your house?” Josie stood in the dark, clutching her doll tight, her voice wobbly.
“It looks better if you can see it.” He felt through the dark for the match tin and lit a lamp. Light danced to life, illuminating the log walls and sparse furniture.
Not a home for a child, that was sure. He’d have to do something about that. First thing tomorrow.
“For tonight, you’re going to sleep in my room.” He didn’t mind the sofa. He swept the girl onto his hip, knowing her leg had to be hurting.
“Don’t I get a room?”
“Sure. But we’ve got to get it all ready for you. I can take you shopping as soon as the storm breaks.” He shouldered open the bedroom door. “You like to shop, right?”
Josie nodded, her fine red curls catching on his whiskered chin.
Already, he’d disappointed her. In truth, he hadn’t been prepared when his sister’s lawyer contacted him. His work occupied every spare moment of his life lately and he’d barely had time to make full-time arrangements with Mrs. Stoltz. Now he regretted not doing more.
He pulled back the dark green quilt. The clean flannel sheets smelled of soap and winter sunshine. “C’mon. Climb in.”
“I’m still wearin’ my clothes, Uncle Trey.” Josie rubbed her eyes, tired and sleepy. “I need my nightie.”
“We don’t have it yet. Your trunks are still at the train station because it’s too dangerous to have someone deliver them tonight. You can sleep in your long underwear. They’ll keep you warm.”
“Okay.” Josie sounded weary, and he knelt to pluck at the row of buttons marching down her back.
In no time the dress and her shoes were off and laid on the seat of the nearby chair. He carried her and Baby Beth to the waiting bed, unlatched her brace and helped her settle between the sheets.
“I could read to you for a while, if you want.” He reached for one of the books on the nearby shelf, looking for one appropriate for a little girl. “I know you like being read to.”
“I’m tired.” Josie rolled on her side, her arms wrapped tight around her doll. “G’night, Uncle Trey.”
“Sleep tight, sweet one.” He pulled the quilt up to Josie’s chin. Wetness dampened his fingers.
“I miss my mama.” Her words came muffled by the covers. “I miss her so much.”
“Me, too, honey.” Trey laid his hand on her back and felt the shake of her sobs. She didn’t want to be held, but stayed huddled in a ball until sleep claimed her.
When he reached to turn down the crystal lamp’s wick, Miranda’s locket caught the light, burning steady and bright. When the wick sputtered and the flame died, the locket held a reflection for