“A widow?”
“No. She’s never been married.”
Hiram huffed. “The way she carries herself, I see why not.”
The statement raised Garrett’s ire. “Meaning?”
“What man would want a woman who wears trousers, and boasts of killing sheep, or goats—whatever that thing is?” he said, pointing to the stuffed head over the fireplace. “Men of our class prefer someone with the elegance and grace of say an Emily Stanton.”
Garrett offered a bitter chuckle. “I’m not marrying Emily, Hiram.”
“You certainly aren’t marrying Miss Lee.”
“She wouldn’t have me if I asked.”
Sounding puzzled, his mother asked, “Why not?”
“She doesn’t plan to marry anyone. She’s content with her land and her horses.”
Fannie eyed him as if attempting to gauge his feelings on Spring’s stance before replying, “That’s her choice, I suppose.”
Vernon said importantly, “Every woman wants a husband.”
Melody chimed in, “Emily doesn’t.”
“Emily will do what her parents decide is best,” her father countered. “As will you.”
Resentment flashed over Melody’s features before she turned back to the view through the window.
Garrett knew that at some point he’d have to talk to his father about forcing his sister to marry. Vernon was a lawyer, a member of the city’s elite, and fit the mold of what Hiram viewed as her ideal mate. But in talking with her, Garrett knew she had no tender feelings for the man. She’d always tried to please their parents, especially Hiram. Garrett thought it stemmed from the fealty she believed she owed him for claiming her as his daughter, in spite of being sired by the brother of Fannie’s master. Melody had been a year old when their family reunited after Freedom.
His father said, “Back to the question of returning home. When will you be ready?”
“Whenever you are, but I’ll only be returning to put my affairs in order. I’m coming back. I’m planning to purchase some land and live here permanently.”
His mother looked stricken. Melody turned from the window in surprise. His father, features tight, asked, “Is it the woman?”
Garrett replied honestly, “Partially yes, but mainly, I’ve enjoyed being here. The pace, the people, this way of life suits me.”
“You almost lost your life,” his father pointed out.
“True, but this is where I prefer to be.”
“A future with Emily would be far more advantageous to you in the long run.”
Garrett had no plans to argue. He knew how much it upset his mother 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 ofdenims 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.”