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Dallas laughed. “I don’t doubt that!” He opened the door for her, and she rushed upstairs to change her clothes before anyone saw her.
***
The next day was Saturday. Megan cleaned up and changed into a lavender dress and combed her hair into place. She laced up her black shoes, and then headed down the stairs.
“Good morning, missus!” Mrs. Daly greeted her when she walked down the stairs. “My, my! Don’t ye look nice today!”
“Thank ye,” Megan replied, smoothing a hand over her dress. “Where’s Mr. King?”
She let out a deep breath. “He went to the bank. He said he wouldn’t be long.”
Megan smiled. “Mrs. Daly, do ye have a minute?”
“Yes, of course.” A crease formed between her eyes. “What’s wrong?”
Megan shook her head. “Nothing at all. It’s just that Christmas is coming soon. Why don’t we have some tea and make plans?”
A broad smile spread across Mrs. Daly’s face. “Yes, of course. I’ll be right back with the tea.”
She started to walk away, but Megan stopped her. “Mrs. Daly, I’m not keeping ye from anything, am I?”
The older woman shook her head. “No, not at all. I was just finishing up me chores.”
“Well, if there’s ever anything I kin do—”
“Nonsense!” Mrs. Daly cut her off. “You’re the lady of the house. I’ll be right back.”
Megan sat at the dining room table and waited. Megan still felt a bit strange having people wait on her. She didn’t want to become complacent and take it for granted, either. As she waited, she thought about what Dallas had said… that he loved her. She was very fond of him, but could she allow herself to love him? No, after what she had been through, it was better to marry for stability and she had that with Dallas. But if she gave him her heart and something happened to him, she feared it would crush her.
“Here we go!” Mrs. Daly burst into the room carrying a tray with a pretty teapot and matching cups, along with a plate of sandwiches. She placed it on the table and began setting everything out. “Since ye haven’t eaten anything yet today, I thought ye might be a wee bit hungry.”
Megan smiled. “Yes, thank ye. But please join me. I hate to dine alone.”
“I hope ye don’t mind….” Mrs. Daly lowered her voice conspiratorially, “but I was planning on it.”
“Good!” Megan laughed, glad she had the company of Mrs. Daly. Although they didn’t talk about anything personal, it was good to have the camaraderie of another woman. “Now, about Christmas….” Megan leaned forward at the edge of the table as Mrs. Daly poured the tea.
Together, they ate sandwiches with bacon that was probably left over from breakfast and freshly baked bread. The scent was heavenly. By the time they finished their lunch, the Christmas plans were arranged. Megan didn’t know if Dallas wanted to have other people over or not, so they made two plans: One, for a quiet Christmas with just the two of them, and another plan that included guests.
After their meal, Megan stood and pushed in her chair. “I think I’ll go Christmas shopping in town. Would you like me to help you with these?” She gestured toward the dishes.
“No, of course not.” A crease formed between Mrs. Daly’s eyes. “But with those brutes in town, I really don’ think ye should go. In fact, I haven’t been to town since they arrived. If I need anything, Mr. Daly goes for me.”
Mr. Daly spent his time caring for the horses or in their little cottage behind the bunkhouse, staying to himself. In fact, Megan only met him once or twice.
“I’ll be fine. Besides, Mr. King is in town. I’d like to surprise him.” She hurried to the stairs, but Mrs. Daly stopped her.
“Do ye think that’s wise? I really think ye should reconsider.”
Megan sighed. “One of Dallas’s men will escort me, so I should be safe.”
Mrs. Daly nodded. “Just be careful. From what I’ve heard, those men in town are dangerous.”
“Do you know why they’re here?” Megan couldn’t wait until the men left. Then, maybe everything could go back to normal… whatever normal was. She hadn’t lived in Whiskey River long enough to see what “normal” was before they arrived.
Mrs. Daly shook her head. “No, but I’m sure they’re up to no good.”
Megan went upstairs and slipped on a hat and grabbed her coat, suddenly excited to see Dallas.
