Western Kisses – Old West Christmas Romances (Boxed Set) by Carré White Read Free Book Online Page A

hardly said more than a few sentences strung together. I’m still only a stranger to you.”
    “Perhaps. You seem happier. More relaxed.”
    “Maybe this is how I am with friends? I was shy at first. I didn’t know you. I still don’t know you, sir.”
    He sighed. “I should change that.” He glanced out the window. “It’s barren now and cold. So…bitterly cold.”
    I identified the emotion I had sensed in him. It was sadness. “What happened, sir? You seem a bit out of sorts.”
    “I’m too old to go chasin’ the dreams of younger men. I thought I’d do fine, but nobody tells you about the bitter cold. Food runs out, Willow. Then all there’s left is snow. I didn’t see another soul for weeks. I could’a died, and nobody would’ve cared or known.”
    “I’m glad that didn’t happen.” He was safe now, and soon he would be on the mend.
    “My money’s nearly gone. I’ll be stayin’ in one of the tents out there.”
    Worry rippled through me. “But it’s so cold, sir.” He would freeze and catch an illness. “I’ll talk to my father. I’m sure he can do something for you.” I got to my feet. “I’ll be back.”
    “No, don’t!”
    But I had gone already, hurrying towards where his office was located and finding him behind the desk with a quill in his hand. “Pa! Someone needs a place to stay, but he’s low on funds.”
    “We’re already giving away a weeks’ worth of food today, Willow. What more do you want from me?”
    “We’re not using the attic rooms. He can stay there. I’ll just give him extra blankets.”
    “The bed’s not made.”
    “I’ll send Milly up at once.”
    “Fine, but don’t do this again. I’m not running a charity, Willow, for heaven’s sakes.”
    “Thank you!” I dashed down the hallway, slowing to a respectable walk as I reached the dining room, which was filled with people, the aroma of turkey lingering. Mr. Hindman was seated still. “It’s done then.”
    “What is?”
    I slid onto the chair, feeling happier than I could remember. “You may stay here, but you’ll have to take one of the attic rooms. It’s a bit drafty, so you’ll need extra blankets.”
    He stared at his hands.
    “Sir?”
    “That’s kind of you, Willow… but—”
    “No, please. You look like you could use some shelter. You don’t want to sleep outside. Let us take care of you.”
    “I’ll do whatever I can to repay you, but it might not be till spring.”
    “There are still jobs in town, even at this time of year.”
    “Yes.”
    “Do you have a horse?”
    “A mule.”
    “You’re more than welcome to leave it in our paddock, if you wish. We can make sure it’s fed and watered.”
    “Thank you.”
    “I’m sorry you met with misfortune. You do seem awfully somber, sir.”
    “I apologize for not being in a more…festive mood. The meal was excellent, Willow. It was truly wonderful.”
    “Thank you.” He seemed to wilt before my eyes. “I should show you to your room. Perhaps, after some sleep, your spirits will improve.”
    “I reckon they might.”
    I got to my feet. “Then follow me. I’ll give you the key.”
    Grasping a heavy-looking coat from the back of the chair, he placed a hat on his head. “Lead the way.”
    He followed me down the hall towards my father’s office, where I snatched the heavy metal key from a hook on the wall. We took a flight of stairs and then another, until we were on the third floor. Unlocking the door, it revealed a small room with a dormer window.
    “I’ll just get Milly to make the bed, sir.” I glanced at him. “Do you have any belongings?”
    “They’re with a friend.”
    “I’ll be right back.” I hurried from the room, searching for the maid. I found her on the first floor, preparing to take a carpet outside. “Milly! I need a bed made quick. Can you help?”
    “I’ve got to get this done before they come back, Miss Brady.”
    “Oh, fine, then I’ll do it. Which linens do I use?”
    “I’ll show