they weren’t skilled in the homemaking arts, while this girl seemed shy at best.

“What did you say your family did?” Olive asked.

“I’m afraid I didn’t,” Amanda admitted. “Is it important?”

“Not necessarily, but it would help us understand who you are better.”

“Oh. My father was in trade,” Amanda finally spoke. “He made out very well during the war running supplies.”

Chapter 4

“Well, are ya goin’ in or not?” Cookie growled at Teddy. “Maybe you plan on starin’ at the door until the girl comes out.”

Teddy twisted his hat in his hand, the familiar hard billed cap offering no comfort. “What if she turns me away?”

“You didn’t haul your mattress to the bench of this old wagon and endure the trip to town to stand on the stoop worrin’ boy, just go in and talk at her.”

Teddy shuffled his feet but didn’t move. How could he face the pretty Amanda? He was sure she hated him after what he had done. If only he had a bit more time with her that first day, things might be different.

“Scary is she?” Cookie laughed, climbing down from the buckboard. “Well, let me see for myself.” The old man pushed open the door, swaggering into the boarding house.

Teddy felt the air leave his lungs. What would Cookie do? The old man was known for his quick tongue and attitude. Hurrying forward, Teddy followed the man into the dining area that faced the street.

“Well howdy, Miss Peri,” Cookie all but shouted across the room. “Is this the new filly in town?” The old man stomped his way to a table where Jacks Verone and Mercy Perkins were having tea as they were introduced to Amanda. “She sure is a pretty little thing,” Cookie continued.

Amanda looked up at the dusty old man with the scraggly beard and food-stained shirt. He was missing several teeth from his broad smile, and his eyes seemed foggy and dim.

“Hello Cookie,” Peri stood from where she had been bending over the table. “This is Miss Antonia, newly arrived from Virginia.”

Teddy watched in horror as Cookie took a turn around the young woman. “She’s a might skinny, ain’t she?” the old man asked. “Nice skin, though.”

Teddy hurried toward the table, his ears going bright red at the horrified look on Amanda’s face.

“I’ll tell ya what,” Cookie said, reaching out and plucking at the lace cuff on Amanda’s pale pink dress. “How’s about I take her off your hands. I never had a wife before and a nice young thing like this would keep me warm at night.”

Teddy saw all the blood drain from Amanda’s face, and he hurried to her side, afraid she might faint.

“Cookie, keep a civil tongue in your mouth around a lady.” Teddy’s tone was harsh, surprising even himself. “Miss Amanda, you look like you could use a bit of fresh air,” he continued, laying her hand on his arm. “Would you step outside?”

Amanda looked between Teddy and the old reprobate who was ogling her with his rheumy eyes. “Thank you.” She squeaked, grasping Teddy’s proffered arm. “I do feel a bit light-headed.”

“Cookie, why don’t you have a seat,” Jacks gave the old cattle cook a hard look, flicking his eyes to an empty chair as Mercy began humming Bringing in the Sheaves beside him. “I think you’ve made enough noise for the day.”

Cookie's sharp cackle filled the room as he slapped his knee. “I reckon you’re right,” he laughed. “I reckon you’re right.”

***

Teddy steered Amanda out the front door past the stony glares of several men who were having their dinner. “Would you like to have a seat?” he asked gently, nodding toward a bench on the front porch.

Amanda covered her heart with a lace gloved hand, her eyes fluttering. “No, thank you.” She managed, still trying to recover from her horror at the old man’s proposition. The scruffy old coot was old enough to be her grandfather, or maybe even her great-grandfather. “Can we walk?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Teddy’s voice was gentle. “Now, don’t you get a fright if some fella’s come whoopin’ through town,” he added. “I’m here, and I’ll look out for you.”

Amanda’s already wide blue eyes grew wider. “What kind of town is this?” she quavered. “Isn’t anyone in this town civilized?”

Teddy shoved his hat back onto his head, giving himself a moment to think. “I guess that depends on your definition of civilized.” He helped Amanda down the steps of the boardwalk as they crossed an alley. “Folks around here are still adjusting to Needful being a town.”

The young man scratched his head, trying to find the right words. “Why not so long ago it was nothing but a trading post full of wild cowboys, Indians, and a few vaqueros from down south.”

Amanda gasped, and Teddy steadied her on his arm. “We got law now, don’t you worry. Sheriff Spencer Gaines is on the job.”

“But everything is so wild, and we’re so far from, from everywhere.” Amanda felt utterly disoriented, and the old man had given her such a fright. Would she end up with someone like that? Was that the lot of a mail-order bride? Peri had said she found love in Needful.

“But we got each other,” Teddy grinned, feeling her flinch under his hand. “I mean the town,” he added with a blush. “Folks here in Needful tend to pull together when times are rough. Like when them bandits kidnapped Rosa and Ruth early this summer.”

Amanda felt herself sway, and Mr. Lewis wrapped an arm around her protectively. “Bandits?”

Teddy eased the young woman through the door of the general store, settling her in a seat by the door. “Easy there now,” he crooned. “They’re all in jail now, nothing to worry about.”

Amanda blinked at the young man. Perhaps he had carried her home with him, but he was a welcome alternative to the old man back at the boarding house.

“Teddy, what’s wrong?” a tiny dark-haired woman hurried toward him.

“Mrs. Scripts, this is Miss Antonia, I’m afraid Needful is a bit of a

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