impressed with how nice Denver had kept his yard, planting flowers and saplings. The care he’d taken spoke of the kind of man he’d been. She was sorry to have missed making his acquaintance.
“What do you think, Mama? You’re awfully quiet.” Addie took Ingrid’s arm, not surprised at the hopeful smile. Ingrid was coming alive again, experiencing happiness that she’d had too little of in her life.
“It’s so pretty. I can see myself living here, being in charge of my own affairs for once. The girls will love it. Let’s go inside.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ridge unlocked the door. “After you, ladies.”
The rooms were small, like Ridge had said, but the walls were freshly painted, and the whole house was clean. Addie climbed the ladder to the loft. “There’s room for two beds up here. It’s very spacious.”
“Oh good,” her mother said. “I like the space down here too. More than enough for my meager belongings.” Ingrid turned in a circle as though picturing in her mind where everything would go. “Yes, this will be perfect for our needs.”
Clay strolled through the door. “Glad you like it, Mrs. Jancy. Now, here’s the deal. The house is yours free for as long as you want it, but there’s a catch.” His gaze shifted to Addie. “Not a catch, so much as a trade-off. Addie has to teach school. I built this place for the schoolteacher, and if I have to hire someone from outside, the house will be theirs.”
Addie laughed, and she shook her finger. “You’re full of tricks and hoodwinking.”
“Will you teach?” Clay asked.
That was what she’d loved doing and had dreamed of going back to, except she hadn’t seen a way. Teaching kids to read, write, and cipher gave her so much joy.
Ridge put an arm around her. “Take it. That’s what fulfilled you before.”
She looked up into the urging in his eyes. “Yes. Yes, I will take it.”
“Excellent!” Clay handed her mother the keys to the house. “Welcome to your new home, Mrs. Jancy.”
“You don’t know what this means.” Ingrid wiped away a tear. “Thank you so much. Me and my girls will be very happy here.”
“I’m counting on that. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to meet my wife.” Clay turned and went out the door.
Addie kissed Ingrid’s cheek. “See what I mean about this town? No one looks down on you here or whispers behind your back. And the best part is that there’s no whipping post. We’re free.”
“That’s the hardest part to imagine,” Ingrid whispered. “Free.”
Ridge stood, hat in hand. “You can live life however you wish, Ingrid. You can move in anytime.”
“How about today? Even if I have to sleep on the floor.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll put the word out for some furniture and see who’s got some things to spare. Before night, you’ll find you have what you need.”
“I used to know people like that, a long time ago,” Ingrid murmured.
“Let’s go check on that dressmaking job, Mama.” Addie kissed Ridge. “We’ll come to your office once we’re done, dear.”
“Sounds good.” Ridge put his hat on and left whistling.
The music was the sweetest Addie had ever heard. It meant he was happy and satisfied with life. She felt bad about putting off making love with him since her ordeal, although he’d never once pressured her. Ridge was giving her time to heal, as much inside as out. But she had this block that wouldn’t let her past kissing just yet. Maybe soon.
* * *
After Tara Quinn finished showing Ingrid around, the three women sat talking.
“Please don’t judge me based on the bruises.” Full of nerves, Ingrid smoothed her skirt. “My husband went into a rage. But don’t worry about him coming around. He’s dead. I’ll be a good hand for you.”
Addie took her mother’s hand. “Everyone admires Mama’s fine stitch, and she’s fast. Loyal to a fault too. You’ll have no reason to complain. I think your business will thrive if you take her on.”
Tara patted her rich auburn hair, artfully swept back today into a low knot on her neck. Addie stared at all the jewelry that adorned her hands, neck, and ears. Four long strands of beads hung from her neck, and she wore long, dangly earrings. Rings flashed from almost every finger. She was certainly unlike anyone Addie had ever met, but she liked the warmth and humor in the dressmaker’s blue-green eyes.
Why had the woman never married? She was pretty and about Addie’s age. Surely she’d had suitors.
After several long minutes,