She’d heard that, too. But Houston could do what he wanted as far as she was concerned. If he left, she wouldn’t have to deal with the jumble of emotions she experienced each time they spoke. She had to remind her traitorous heart that he was the one who’d shattered it. She did hope, though, for Calvin’s sake, that he would stay until her brother was on his feet again.
If only Calvin hadn’t asked her to be more cordial when it came to Houston. Being around him was hard enough without having Calvin pestering her, and yet yesterday he’d asked her to take some lemonade out to Houston. Why she’d agreed to do it, she didn’t know. Since Houston had been out felling trees for some odd reason, she’d had to ride all the way to the north pasture and back, taking a big bite out of her afternoon.
Although it didn’t make sense, given Calvin’s warning for her to keep her distance, she’d gotten the impression that his opinion of Houston was changing. That might be, but she’d have to be careful not to spend too much time with him because she was starting to enjoy his company far more than she should.
Stepping into Collingswood & Henderson’s Hardware swept Houston back in time. The familiar smells of axle grease, linseed oil, and kerosene combined, creating a unique scent that filled him with a sense of nostalgia. With the two elderly proprietors busy assisting customers, he was free to explore.
Moving methodically through the shop, he took note of the inventory, from shovels and hayforks to washboards and scrub brushes. He couldn’t resist shoving his hand into a bin of fencing nails. He scooped up a fistful and slowly released them, enjoying the satisfying pings as they struck the sides of the metal container.
The small store, a third the size of his business out in California, offered a fair selection of the basics. If the owners were to rent the vacant building next door, they could double their space and increase their offerings. Their customers wouldn’t be forced to head to Uvalde or San Antonio to get what they needed.
Mr. Henderson finished with his customer and strode over to where Houston stood behind a display of washtubs. “Do my old eyes deceive me, or is that Houston Hart?”
“It’s me, sir.”
“Good to see you again, young man. What can I do for you?”
“Actually, I was hoping I could do something for you. I’ve got some fine oak firewood chopped and wondered if you’d have an interest in offering it to your customers. Calvin Culpepper and I would be willing to give you a nice commission.” Calvin could use the money. From what Houston had discovered in going over Calvin’s books, he’d been fleeced by his erstwhile foreman. Houston was doing everything he could to locate the cheat and see that he was brought to justice. He’d even enlisted Chisholm’s help.
Mr. Henderson shook his head. “I’m sorry we can’t help you out, but Jonas and I aren’t looking to expand our business. In fact, we’ve been searching for a buyer.”
“Really? Has anyone expressed an interest?” The store had the potential to become a lucrative one as Hartville grew. If circumstances were different, he could see himself buying it.
The older gentleman’s smile faded. “Not a single solitary person. Jonas and I decided just last week that if we can’t locate someone by the end of the summer, we’re going to close up shop.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Hartville won’t be the same without your store.”
“Folks will make do. Many of them have been getting their supplies elsewhere anyhow.” The discouragement in the older man’s voice prompted Houston to do what he could to help.
“I owned a hardware store out in California and faced similar challenges. Perhaps I could offer some suggestions.”
“That’s right kind of you, but Jonas and I don’t have the vim and vigor we once did and are ready to move on. He’s got an invitation to go live with his son up in Dallas, and I want to be near my daughter and her family in Galveston. My second grandchild’s on the way.” Pride lit the man’s eyes.
Although the closure would be a loss for those who lived around Hartville, Houston could understand the pull of family. “I wish you all the best, then.” He bade the man farewell and turned to leave.
“Wait!”
Houston spun around. “Yes?”
“Why don’t you buy the business? You’ve got the experience and the energy.”
“I wish I could, but I’m not in a position to become a merchant again. If my circumstances were to change, I’d let you know, though.”
The only way that would happen would be if he gave up on securing his share of the 7 Heart, but how could he? Ranching his portion was the only way he could show Pa that he was as much a part of the family as his brothers.