“I’m sorry,” again, Amanda dropped her eyes. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”
Teddy studied the young woman a moment longer taking in the stiff spine, and hunched shoulders. “Was that the whole of it?” he asked, his voice gentle.
Amanda looked up her blue eyes wide as she stared at Teddy. “I saw him in town with another woman.”
Teddy felt the blood roar to his head at Amanda’s words and he pulled her to his side protectively. “That ain’t right,” he drawled. “Not right at all. Why if I’d been there,” he shook his fist, indicating what he would have done. “Did you tell your mother?”
Amanda shook her head. “I tried to say something, but Mother was smitten and then there were the boys to worry about. Mother had married the man and legally, he had a claim to all we owned. I decided it would be better to leave.”
Teddy held one of Amanda’s gloved hands in his, wrapping the other arm around her back. “You’re safe with me,” he whispered. “Don’t you never fear.”
Amanda didn’t know why, but Teddy’s words seemed to sink into her soul, giving her confidence she had never known. She had grown up with society’s staid boundaries, but now that they had all been stripped away, she felt utterly adrift in this new world.
“Thank you,” she looked up, meeting his gaze as a strange comfort seemed to envelop her. Despite the young man’s rash behavior upon her arrival, he was proving that he was indeed a friend and protector.
“I’m glad you called, Mr. Lewis,” she smiled. “I believe that we are coming to an understanding of one another.”
Teddy beamed, hoping that those words would lead them down the center aisle of the little white church on the edge of town before anyone else could interfere.
Teddy walked Amanda to the end of town, then crossed the street and began the walk back. The young woman hung on his arm, and he felt like the luckiest man in town with such a lovely thing to escort.
Teddy had no allusions about his good looks, special talents, or wealth. He was a simple cowhand who knew how to work hard. He had learned the trade after arriving here with Cap’n Dan. Over the past few years, he had built a cabin, set aside a few dollars for emergencies, and settled into a simple life among friends.
“Miss Antonia,” he said as they approached the Hampton House, stopping to gaze across the street at the two-story building made of hand-hewn logs. “I know I ain’t much, but I’m a hard worker. I’ve been on my own a long while now, and I’m tired of it. I want a home, a family, a woman to call my own. Someone who can be a friend and comfort. I know I’m not rich or handsome, but I am loyal. You can ask anyone, and they’ll tell you I stand by those I care for. I know it’s early yet, but I’d like you to consider my suit for your hand. I don’t see no reason to beat about the bush. I asked Olive to get me a bride, and from what you say, you need someone who will stand by you. You don’t need to decide on nothin’ now, but I hope that perhaps you’ll consider me as a possible match.”
Amanda felt her cheeks heat again, but she didn’t cringe away from the man. There was a deep honesty in his words, and if truth be told, she found his appearance rather appealing.
“I’ll consider it,” Amanda agreed. “I can’t live at the Hampton House forever.”
Teddy nodded, feeling her words in his chest. He understood that if Amanda accepted him, it wouldn’t be out of love, but necessity. She needed a protector, a home, security, all things he could offer. Perhaps she was used to fine things and fancy parties, but he was sure if he worked hard enough, he could make the young woman happy in his simple home.
“I think Olive is looking for us,” Amanda smiled, nodding toward the window at the front of the boarding house. “She’ll expect us to supper.”
“We’d best not keep her waiting then,” Teddy grinned, taking her arm and stepping into the street. “We wouldn’t want to upset Mrs. Hampton. Not with that brood of men she’s got about.”
Amanda’s quick laugh lifted Teddy’s heart, and he sent a prayer to heaven that she could be his. He felt that he understood her need for a new home and a new start and was willing to give her everything he had, including his heart.
“Did you have a nice walk?” Olive asked, studying the pair as they stepped through the door. “It seems a bit warm to be out traipsing about the streets.”
“It was delightful,” Amanda replied. “Thank you.”
Teddy grinned. The girl certainly had nice manners. If they were to wed, would she teach his children such things?
“Why don’t you two sit down,” Olive asked, indicating a group of tables that had been put together for her family. “We might as well enjoy the food while it’s hot.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Teddy agreed, hurrying toward Orville and his sons who sat with their families. Other men had gathered at various tables, enjoying the food as well.
Teddy pulled a chair out for Amanda, helping her take a seat as he hung his hat on a peg near the door. “It’s a rare treat to sit with the family,” Teddy whispered in her ear. “The food is good too. Not so spicy as Rosa’s but good.”
“I thought Cookie made the food at the ranch,” Amanda scowled.
“Rosa used to work here at the Hampton House before she married Mayor Dan,” Teddy grinned. “It’s quite the tale, and one day, maybe she’ll share it with you.”
“Shall we pray?” Orville asked, reaching for the hands on either side of him
