Austin stared at the young ranch hand, wondering if the tale was true or not. Cody couldn’t be more than a year or two older than Jenny, and he certainly was more of a charmer than Austin. Had Cody caught Jenny’s eye? He sure didn’t want to think such a thing was true.
“I explained to Miss Evans about how Clara don’t like strangers, but that she ain’t dangerous.” Cody hurried toward them. “Let me take care of your horse, boss.” He held out his hand, and GW passed him the reins, scowling.
“Bowie took one of his dogs with him. Don’t know why he couldn’t have taken that mutt, too.” His pa turned to him. “So, are you going to introduce us?”
Austin moved toward Jenny. “Of course. Jenny, this is my father, George Washington Hart. Pa, this is Jenny Evans, my fiancée.” At least he hoped she still was.
Jenny’s smile seemed a bit forced, but then most folks were intimidated when they met GW for the first time. At six feet four inches” and broad shouldered, he was taller and more imposing than most men.
“I’m pleased to meet you, sir.” Jenny surprised him by giving his pa a quick curtsy.
“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Evans. I hope you realize that my oldest son is the pick of the litter and will make you a fine husband.” Austin had heard that line more than once in reference to his brothers so he didn’t put much stock in it.
“Thank you, Mr. Hart. I haven’t met any of your other sons, but I’m sure I’ll agree with you.” She smiled at Austin.
He tried to let go of the nagging feeling that something was wrong, but he couldn’t quite do it. “I thought you’d be tired from the ride out here.”
“I wanted to get more of a look at my new home, but now that I have, I think I will rest for a bit.”
GW held out his arm. “Allow an old coot the pleasure of walking you into the house.”
“Thank you, sir.” Jenny lightly took hold of his father’s arm, and they started forward.
She glanced back, but instead of looking at Austin, her gaze shot past him. He turned to see Cody staring at her. He tightened his fist. Were things as innocent as Jenny would like him to believe, or was something else going on here?
After watching the lovely sunset, Rebekah leaned against the porch railing, enjoying the coolness of the evening. Crickets serenaded her, but other than the lowing of a cow or an occasional horse whinny, all was quiet. She liked the slower pace of life here on the ranch, and the quiet evenings free of saloon music and men’s laughter that she could hear from her home on nights when the window was up. But there was also something scary about it.
So much unknown. And just beyond the safety of the porch, who knew what lingered in the darkness. Looking up, she smiled at the thousands of stars. “So pretty.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
Rebekah jumped and stared into the dark. “Who’s there?”
“It’s me, Austin.” He moved closer. “Sorry if I frightened you … uh … Jenny?”
“No. It’s Rebekah.” She laid her hand against her racing heart. “What are you doing out here?” She could barely make out his image in the darkness.
“Checking for anything out of the ordinary before I turn in. Old habit, I suppose. What are you doing out here?”
“I couldn’t sleep.” She chuckled. “I probably should warn you that when Jenny first goes to sleep, she tends to snore.” As soon as she said that she wished she could snatch back the words. Talking with a man about her sister’s sleeping habits was highly improper, even if that man was Jenny’s fiancé. In fact, standing in the dark and talking to a man was just as inappropriate, but something held her in place.
Austin passed by in front of her on the other side of the railing and then boots clunked on the wooden steps. “I’m glad to see someone using this side porch. It’s been a while. Would you mind if I brought a lantern out?”
“Not at all.”
“Be right back.”
The door creaked softly as he stepped into the house. He returned quickly, holding the lantern Josefina had left burning on the hall table for her and Jenny to use if they needed to go to the washroom during the night. He set it on a small table that stood next to one of the two rocking chairs.
“Thank you.” She should probably go inside but felt odd saying so now that he’d brought out the lantern.
“What did you think about my family? You’re really fortunate that we had a small group tonight.”
“They’re very nice. Annie has been quite gracious and very helpful in getting us settled. Travis seems nice, and your father was very gracious, too.”
A smirk danced on Austin’s lips. “He didn’t scare you?”
“He certainly is a big man, but I saw kindness in his eyes.”
Austin’s feet shifted. “Did Jenny have anything to say about them?”
“I think she likes them, but we didn’t discuss them. As you know, Jenny retired to our room early. She wasn’t able to rest this afternoon and was tired.”
He thumped his fingers against the railing. “I have to admit, I’m having a hard time figuring her out. In the three letters I received from her, she seemed so lively, but she seems a different person here.”