It had been a long time since Teddy had played the mouth organ. He had played often on those long nights when he and Dan’s crew had first arrived on this patch of soil that would eventually become Needful.
Long days and lonely nights had pulled sad songs and old ballads from Teddy’s war-weary soul, and he had often taken requests from his friends and fellow soldiers, but tonight a sweet tune of promise issued from the battered, tin and reed, noisemaker; A song of love and romance.
Teddy’s heart lifted on the tune, willing it to carry the miles back to town and flutter into Amanda’s heart. Today, he had spoken his mind, and the young woman hadn’t run or even laughed at him. He felt that perhaps if she would agree to marry him, they could be friends, companions, and eventually lovers.
It had been many years since Teddy had known the love of a real family, and though Dan and his crew were as close to family as Teddy had, he knew that in his heart, he had a great deal of love to share with that perfect someone.
A smile broke his concentration, and Teddy changed the tune to a familiar dance song from his younger days. He remembered his mother kicking up her heels on the dance floor with his father, their bright eyes and happy smiles filling his young heart with joy. Teddy had never doubted his parents’ affection for him or each other, but they had succumbed to the ravages of war and the illness that followed famine before he could return home.
“I could have a love of my own,” Teddy whispered into the night sky. “Someone to have and to hold.” Amanda’s bright eyes and pretty face drifted before him, and he pressed the harmonica back to lips that longed to kiss her.
He would return to Needful in a few days and see if Amanda had considered his proposal. Teddy knew that if Miss Antonia married him, he could protect, provide, and care for her.
His home wasn’t much, but in time he could add on. He had a little saved, not being wasteful, or one who rollicked in the saloon. In time, if he worked hard and was careful, he could give Amanda the finer things in life that she was used to. Perhaps not to the extent she had known growing up, but wasn’t security, affection, and love more important than things?
Again, a sweet love song trilled into the night as the lights of the ranch came into view.
Was this how love started? Teddy wondered, with a wish, a hope, and a prayer.
“Teddy, is that you?” Dan’s voice echoed out across the yard as Pepper headed for the barn, the soft tones of the harmonica floating on the breeze.
“It’s me Cap’.”
Dan shook his head, stepping off the front porch and walking toward the pony that angled toward the barn. “I heard you comin’. It’s been a while since we had a tune from you.”
Teddy stepped down from his pony, slipping the harmonica back into his pocket. “I haven’t felt much like playing lately.”
“Seemed a happy tune, from what I could hear.”
Teddy felt his face flush and was thankful for the darkness to hide his red cheeks. “I’d about forgotten those tunes.”
“I take it you had a nice day?”
Teddy twisted his head, looking over his shoulder as he loosened the straps on Pepper’s saddle. “Can’t say it was bad.”
“You like this girl?”
Teddy stood, turning toward his boss as Pepper huffed in disgust at the delay. “I do,” he admitted seriously, wondering if Dan had something to say on the issue. “Is that a problem?”
“No, no,” Dan grinned. “Nothing wrong with it in my book. You just walk easy is all. I wouldn’t want to see you get hurt.”
Teddy lifted his chin. “I don’t see how it’s of any mind to you,” he said. “I reckon I like the girl, and if she’s of a mind, I’ll ask her to marry me.”
Dan’s eyebrows rose. He had his fill of trouble fighting his emotions when it came to Rosa, who was he to question Teddy. “All right,” he said, slapping the younger man on the shoulder. “I’ll wish you the best and leave it at that.”
Teddy’s bright smile was visible even in the dim light from the stars. “Thanks, Cap’n.”
“Would you stop calling me that?” Dan grumbled. “I’m not a captain anymore. I’m just Dan. Dan Gaines, reluctant mayor of Needful, Texas.”
Teddy chuckled. “That’s the truth. You never did want the position, but you’re doin’ a good job.”
“Thanks, Teddy.” Dan turned back to look at his house. He could see Rosa in the window of the top floor tucking Christina into bed and his heart swelled. He hadn’t planned on marrying the beautiful young woman or building a big house, or most any of the things he had done since settling in the hill country of Texas.
“You’d best put Pepper, up,” Dan laughed as the pony sidled toward the barn and a good feed. “I think he’s done with this day, whether we are or not.”
“Thanks, Dan.” Teddy grinned, snatching the reins of his pony and stripping the saddle with one hand. “I’ll do that. Good night.”
Dan waved, turning and walking back to the quiet house as Teddy headed for the barn. Things were changing fast around Needful and he wasn’t sure how best to protect those under his care. Teddy was so young, and yet he had seen so much in his few years. Dan prayed the boy wasn’t in for a world of hurt with the fancy little girl who had already stolen his heart.
***
“Has Mr. Lewis called?” Amanda asked Olive a few days after Teddy’s visit. “He said he would call again.”
“Now don’t you worry about Teddy, he’s a young man and will be along in time. For now, why don’t you sit with me, and we’ll talk about someone who might suit you and your specific needs?”
Amanda flicked her eyes
