Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion

“They’re beautiful, Justice.” Again she looked up into his once-beloved face. “You’re truly a gifted wood carver. I know the children will love their little village. I’ll be happy to help in any way you need.”

His eyes displayed a pleased expression. “I’ve been thinking about it. Could you paint everything?”

“I’d love to.”

“Good.” He ushered her toward the door. “I have some rounds to do this morning. I usually work on the village in the afternoon while my deputy is on duty at the office.”

“Oh. Very well. But first, please sit down and have some coffee.” Other than her sandwich, she had only Susanna’s cookies and some cold coffee to offer, but her Southern manners demanded some form of gratitude for his help.

He grimaced and huffed out a sigh of obvious resignation. He sat at the table across from her desk.

They partook of the refreshments in silence until Evangeline’s sense of etiquette took over. One simply did not sit quietly under these circumstances. She considered several topics of conversation. As unwise as it might be, she could think only of one.

“I’ve often wondered about your Grand Tour. Did you enjoy it?”

His deeply tanned face turned pale around the edges, and his lips formed a grim line.

Oh, yes, indeed. That was the wrong question to ask.

* * *

Stricken more than he wanted to admit, Justice could only stare at Evangeline, dumbfounded. Why would she ask about an event of so long ago, a trip he could barely remember because of the horrible home situation to which he returned? From the way her dark blond eyelashes fluttered, he could see she regretted asking about it.

“I’m so sorry.” Her blue eyes filled with tears. “I shouldn’t have—”

He waved a hand dismissively. “I suppose if we’re going to live in the same community, we should address the past and, well, get past it.”

She nodded and gave him a wobbly smile. “I suppose.”

He swiped a hand down one cheek before remembering the informal gesture wasn’t appropriate for a gentleman visiting with a lady. But then, so many of the elegant manners he’d been taught by his gentlemanly father had gone by the wayside as he’d adapted to the less formal West.

“Paris was beautiful. Rome was educational. Venice was breathtaking. London interesting, especially St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.” In his own ears, he sounded like an uninspired tour guide, but she nodded politely as he spoke. Manners dictated it was his turn to try a polite inquiry. “Did you go to Europe after your marriage?” Somehow he managed not to choke on the words.

“N-no.” She looked away, perhaps to hide the odd hurt in her eyes.

He should press her for details. Should ask why Lucius Benoit hadn’t taken his beautiful young bride abroad to show her off. Instead, he cleared his throat. “I’d better go. I’m late to finish my rounds.” He stood and picked up his hat and jacket.

“Yes, of course.” She rose gracefully from her chair. “Thank you so much for your help.”

She reached out to him, and he took her small hand in his larger one. Against all that was sane, he bent to brush a well-mannered kiss across her fingers. A tremor shot from his lips to his neck and down his back. Then he caught a whiff of her expensive gardenia perfume, saw her exquisitely styled widow’s weeds and recalled she’d chosen to become a wealthy man’s wife so she could have a lifetime of such luxuries. The memory cut like a knife through his chest. By the time he straightened, he’d managed to paste on his no-nonsense lawman face.

“I’ll be back later to work on the village.” He donned his hat and walked toward the door on wooden legs. Despite her betrayal, this woman still had a strong effect on him.

“Thank you.” She closed the door behind him.

As he strode toward Main Street, a glance over his shoulder revealed she continued to watch him through one of the front windows. Oddly, it pleased him. He’d have to get over it, and fast.

Chapter Four

When Justice glanced back at her, Evangeline resisted the urge to step away from the window. She’d been caught, plain and simple. But then, he’d looked back and seemed to smile, so she’d caught him, too. Maybe it wasn’t a smile, but a grimace over her ill-advised question about his European travels. Or maybe, like her, he was discombobulated over their strange situation. Did he also wonder why the Lord brought them together in this remote town? Instinctively, she lifted a hand to wave at him, but he’d already resumed his purposeful stride toward Main Street. Soon he was around the corner and out of sight.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.