when they did, so he said simply, “My mind’s made up.”
Melody asked, “How will you make your living?”
“Ed Prescott thinks my furniture-making skills will be in demand.” Ignoring his father’s sullen face, he added, “There’s always a call for carpentry. I’ll be fine.”
Spring returned a few moments later. She’d traded her leather pants and vest for a pair of denims and one of the numerous men’s shirts she tended to favor. “Are we ready to leave for town?”
They were, and followed her out to the wagon. Fannie and Melody joined her on the bench while the three males climbed into the bed.
As they got underway, Hiram asked Garrett, “She always wear that gun belt?”
“Always.”
Vernon asked, “Do you plan to do the same once you move here?”
“I do. I’m probably the only person around who doesn’t carry a Colt or a rifle. Spring carries both.”
“I don’t like her,” Vernon noted. “Too unnatural.”
“She doesn’t care for you, either,” Garrett tossed back. “Too bigoted.”
A small smile curved his father’s lips. Pleased by that, Garrett settled in for the drive.
As they entered town, his father said, “I can’t get over how small and quiet this place is. No crowds or streetcars. No vendors on the streets.”
Garrett understood. “Took me some time to get accustomed to it, too, but the silence grows on you. At least it has on me.”
His father added, “Moving here will mean turning your back on Quincy and all he’s done for you by taking you under his wing and teaching you carpentry.”
Garrett wanted to roll his eyes. “Your brother has always encouraged me to be my own man. I know I’ll miss him, but I also know he’ll support my decision. And who knows, once I tell him about the wealth of trees here, he may want to pull up stakes and join me. Maybe establish his own carpentry business here.”
The wagon pulled to a stop in front of the boardinghouse. Once everyone climbed down Garrett said to them, “I’ll join you inside shortly.”
Fannie and Melody called out their goodbyes to Spring. Hiram offered her his thanks for driving them, but Vernon climbed to the porch and entered without a word.
Once Garrett and Spring were alone, she told him, “If your folks ever visit again, make sure they leave Vernon at home.”
“I promise.” Thoughts of Vernon were immediately eclipsed by the knowledge that he’d be leaving town soon and it came with a sadness that he felt in his bones. That the separation would be temporary only helped a little bit. “We’ll probably be leaving the day after tomorrow.”
She nodded tightly and there was sadness in her eyes, too.
He added, “I’ll spend most of tomorrow with them, but I’d like to spend my last night here with you.”
“I’d like that.”
“We probably won’t get much sleep though.”
She chuckled. “Probably not. Let’s hope you don’t hurt yourself.”
“If I do, I’ll have a cross-country train ride to heal up.” His love for her was also bone deep.
For a moment neither spoke; they simply drank in each other with their eyes. She finally said, “I should probably get going. I’ll look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
“Same here.”
“Your father’s head will probably explode if he sees us, but I need a goodbye kiss, McCray.”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
She leaned down and the kiss they shared was as sweet with longing as it was tender. It exuded the sadness of the looming separation, but their mutual passion fed the bond they’d built. When it ended, he ran a caressing finger over the soft skin of her cheek. “Be careful going home. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
“I will. I think I’m in love with you.”
His mouth dropped. Before he could respond verbally, she shot him a wink and drove off.
Outdone, he yelled, “Spring! Get back here!”
He heard her laughter as the wagon rolled away.
Watching the wagon disappear from sight, surprise and elation filled him. They had a lot to discuss tomorrow, including the way her parting words stunned him like being kicked in the chest by a mule. Ignoring the few people standing in front of Miller’s General Store eyeing him oddly, he ascended the steps of the boardinghouse as if floating on air. Smiling, he opened the door and went inside.
His father sat alone in the dining room and upon seeing Garrett’s face asked, “What’s happened?”
“Nothing,” Garrett replied, tamping down the glee brought on by Spring’s startling declaration. “I thought you’d be upstairs resting after all you’ve done today.”
“I’ll do that in a moment. Wanted to