“I see. And how do you feel about that?”
Coralee dipped her fingers in the jar on the table and slathered some cream on Daddy’s arm, rubbing it in. She inhaled the soothing scent. “I’m grateful to him, of course, but I’m not happy about the situation.”
“If that boy hurts you again…”
“I won’t let that happen. I’m older now. And stronger. I know better than to trust him.”
“I’m glad to hear that. It about broke my heart to see you crying your eyes out after he left.”
The door to Calvin’s room opened. Houston’s footfalls heralded his approach. He stopped when he reached Daddy’s room. “May I have a minute, Coralee?”
She sighed. “You might as well come in. Sally is like family, so say what you have to say.”
He stepped inside. “Calvin has accepted my offer. I’ll be starting immediately. My plan is to work at the 7 Heart every morning and arrive here in time for lunch. I’ll spend the rest of each day here, dividing my time between working outdoors and seeing to the books.”
“Very well. Let me know what you need. Sally, Olive, and I will see to it that you get it.”
“Other than the meals, nothing. I can bed down in the bunkhouse and return to the 7 Heart at sunup.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Sally’s eyebrows shot toward the abundance of gray curls peeking from beneath the bright red bandana attempting to corral them.
Coralee forged ahead despite Sally’s shock. “There’s a small bedroom downstairs that’s unoccupied. You may use it.”
“I appreciate that. I’ll get to work, then. Unless you need anything first, that is.”
Why must he be so helpful? “I’m fine.”
“Very well.” He nodded cordially and left.
As soon as the front door had clicked shut, Sally spoke up. “Do you reckon having him stay here in the house is wise? You’re more likely to run into him that way.”
“I can’t exactly ignore him.” Although she would avoid him as much as possible. “We’ll just have to make the best of it.”
She would have to guard her heart, as well, because Houston was proving to be as kind and caring as ever, two of the things she’d loved about him. She’d just have to remember that he’d failed to take her needs into consideration the day he’d walked out of her life.
Chapter Seven
The fragrant scents wafting from the display of Meribeth’s homemade soaps in Mortenson’s Mercantile drew Coralee like a bee to a flower. She’d come to get some items Olive needed, not to get anything for herself, but she couldn’t resist sniffing the various bars. She picked up one with a purple ribbon around it and a big floppy bow. Mmm. Lavender. After caring for both Calvin and Daddy the past week plus doing her best to avoid Houston, she deserved a treat. She put the bar in the wicker shopping basket.
“Coralee. I thought that was you.” Meribeth waddled along behind the glass front cases, stopping when she reached the artful arrangement of her handiwork. She rested a hand on her rounded belly. “I’m sorry to hear about Calvin. How is he doing?”
“Being laid up is testing his patience—and mine. He’s so fidgety you’d think there was a scorpion in his bedsheets. Having Houston filling in for him has helped some. Calvin feels like things are under control.”
“I can’t believe it! Houston is working for your brother? Why? Calvin knows what Houston did to you, and he was none too happy about it.”
Coralee grabbed another soap bar, brought it to her nose, and took a whiff. “This one’s soothing. What’s in it?”
“Chamomile and calendula petals. I answered your question. How about answering mine? Why would Calvin hire Houston, of all people? And what’s more, why would Houston want to work for him? He has to know what Calvin thinks of him.”
She’d done her best to change the subject, but Meribeth was known for her persistence. “I’m not sure. All I know is that the two of them have been spending an hour or so every evening holed up in Calvin’s room. They seem to be focused on his ledgers. My guess is that since my brother’s not as good with figures as you are, he’s asked Houston for some pointers. That makes sense. His business out in California has been quite successful, from what I hear.”
Meribeth picked up a soap bar and tied a bow that had come undone. “There are those who think he’ll return to California once he gets his share of the 7 Heart. Some even hope he does. They didn’t take kindly to him leaving when there was a war going on.”