Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,6
live with Calvin and Bella until he could build a home of his own, just as Mel and Clinton had. Granted, Daniel and Ebba lived with Ma and Harlan and it worked out for everyone. No one said he had to build his own separate home. It would depend on his wife – would she want to share a house where another woman was in charge? He’d best consult with Daniel and Colin – both on their travel plans and the situation with Savannah.
He pushed the thoughts aside and finished his meal. He should speak first with Colin and see how Belle was feeling this morning. He should also talk to Savannah and her cousin to keep his nagging relatives at bay. Savannah didn’t seem any more interested in him than he was in her, so maybe they could iron that out quickly.
He left the mercantile and headed for the hotel, tipping his hat at the townsfolk already about their business. As he walked on, he heard whispers behind him: “Oh, he’s so handsome. If only our Jane was younger and had met him before that Frank Smith …”
He sighed. Yes, he had looks, if not height. But it just made things more complicated. He was glad he lived a good day’s travel from town. Not that he minded a compliment or two, but when the matrons of Nowhere started in with talk of marrying off their daughters to him (who at this point were wed and sometimes old enough to be his mother) it was a little much. If they had daughters his age, things might be different. He’d find himself coming to town more often …
He caught up to Daniel at the livery stable. “How are the horses?”
“Fine, I just fed them.” Daniel yawned. “Land sakes, and to think I slept in this morning.”
“No, you didn’t – I did. Why didn’t you wake me?”
Daniel shrugged, then grinned. “I guess I thought ya needed yer beauty sleep.”
“Not funny.” Leo leaned against some bales of hay. “Do you think Belle feels better this morning?”
“Ya mean to say yer not interested in how Savannah is this fine morning?”
He came away from the bales. “Stop it. Really, it’s getting tired.”
Daniel grinned. “Ya gotta admit, she’s right pretty.”
“They both are.”
“Yeah, but ya know Savannah better than her cousin.”
Leo stared at him. “Well, maybe I ought to get to know the cousin.”
“What?” Daniel made a face. “Ya don’t mean that.”
He shrugged. “Why not? I’m not sweet on Savannah Cooke like everyone seems to think.”
Daniel’s jaw dropped. “Ya ain’t?”
“No. I’m not. Please, let up on me.”
Daniel took off his hat and slapped his leg with it. “Well, I’ll be.”
He sighed. “At least you believe me. No one else does.”
Daniel put on his hat. “Don’t that beat all.” He slapped Leo on the back. “Well, then, looks like ya got two pretty gals to choose from.”
Leo stiffened. “And if I’m not interested in either of them? Will you leave me be then?”
“What do ya mean?”
“You know how Bella is, not to mention half the family. They expect me to see if Savannah and I will suit while the Cookes are visiting.”
“So why don’t ya? At least then ya’ll know.”
Leo thought about that. Maybe Daniel was right. He slowly nodded. “Perhaps I will.” If only to get everyone off his back about it.
Chapter Three
“Well, sweetness,” Colin said. “Would you like to accompany me to speak with Spencer this morning?”
Parthena looked up from the C. I. Sayer novel she’d been reading. The authors were better known to the Cookes as Cutty and Imogene Sayer, relatives who lived on the Jones Ranch a few hours’ ride from Clear Creek. The couple was old but still feisty, smart and wrote great adventure stories. Their books were sold all over the world. “Oh, I suppose.”
“Where’s Savannah?”
“She went for another walk. I think she’s looking for an excuse to run into Mr. Cucinotta.” Or avoid him – she wasn’t sure which.
Colin laughed. “She isn’t wasting any time, is she?” He sat on the bed next to his daughter. “I do hope things work out between them.”
She smiled weakly. Part of her did, part didn’t. It meant she would lose her best friend, not just another cousin. It was bad enough when Clinton married Mel a few years ago – since he now lived on the Weaver farm, they rarely saw him. She planned to make up for lost time, and hoped Savannah did the same. He was her brother, after all.
“You’re awfully