“Why are you called, Shep?” Maggie asks.
“My name is Shepherd Daniel Millard,” he replies.
“Shepherd?” she tries his name out and nods. “I like unique names.”
“I like hearing you say it,” Shep replies, and Maggie blushes and looks away. His eyes traveled over her with unnerving thoroughness. “Is that inappropriate?” he asks.
“Maybe. This whole evening has been a distinctive experience.” Maggie covers a yawn and blushes. “Forgive me. It’s been a long day.”
“Quite alright,” Shep says and stares at her until she looks away.
“You’re fortunate to have such good friends around you,” Maggie says.
“Yes, I am.”
Maggie’s soft laughter sends a flood of emotions through him. Her face lights up when she smiles, he realizes.
“You don’t talk much, do you, Shepherd?” she asks.
He grins, “Only if I have something to say.”
“I see,” she sits back and stares out the small window of his carriage. Exhaustion beats at her. She’d pulled a long shift at the children’s hospital. “I am looking forward to my day off tomorrow,” she murmurs.
“I’m sure.”
The carriage stops, and he jumps down and offers a hand to her to help her step down. Maggie hesitates to take his hand.
Shep reaches out and wraps his hands around her waist and lifts her to the ground. Maggie grabs his shoulders with a gasp, and he is smiling when he sets her on her feet.
“Have dinner with me, Miss Maggie Rose?” Shep asks softly.
Maggie steps back from him and shakes her head, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She turns to hurry inside, and he laughs from behind her.
“I’m very tenacious when I want something, Miss Rose.”
Maggie grins and stops at the door, “Found your tongue, did you?”
Shep takes a step towards her and Maggie’s pulse quickens. “Forgive me, Miss Rose, but I was so enamored by the strength of your character that I lost it for a moment.”
His touch startles her. When did he get so close? He lifts her face with one finger, “Dinner?”
The smile reaches her light blue eyes before it erupts, “Not a chance, Mr. Millard. Good night.” She leaves him smiling on the steps.
“We’ll see about that,” his laughter follows her inside
In her hurry to get away, Maggie left her bag behind. Tomorrow will be an exciting day, he thinks.
Shep is whistling when he returns, and the guys are waiting for him in the living room. Abbie has taken the baby upstairs to get ready for bed.
“Why are you so happy?” Cooper demands.
“I have a date with a beautiful nurse,” Shep says.
“She said, yes?” Wyatt demands.
“Nope, she said no.”
Tucker laughs at the look of surprise on their faces.
“No usually means that you don’t have a date,” Cooper explains.
“Usually, but not this time.” Shep laughs and goes to pour himself a whiskey. “I didn’t say we had a date soon. I will just have to pull out the Millard charm.”
“Why? Nurse Rose is dangerous!” Wyatt shudders and looks at his friend with concern.
“How could she be dangerous?” Shep laughs.
“She pulled a knife on me!”
Shep almost spits his whiskey. “What?” They all shout in unison.
“In all fairness, you scared the poor girl to death.” Mrs. Combs snaps. “You should know better than to step out of the dark and say, Come with me, in that deep voice.”
“Tucker, you should’ve seen it. The blade was bigger than any woman has a right to carry.” Outrage colors his voice. “I don’t even want to know where she concealed it!” Wyatt shudders.
Laughter erupts, and Shep frowns thinking of why a young woman would need that kind of protection.
“I almost hate to go home and miss this,” Tucker teases and the mood shifts.
“Tomorrow you claim this little boy. We will take care of the rest.” Coop promises.
“Today at the General Store I overheard them asking about a sheriff and a dark-haired widow from Nebraska. No one was looking for a family with a young baby,” Wyatt says, leaning forward.
“That’s true,” Shep says, sitting down in a chair next to the fire.
“Especially a blonde woman,” Mrs. Combs suggests. “I’ll bring a wig. My daughter has plenty.”
“Mrs. Combs, you are due for a raise,” Shep smiles.
“Yes, I am.” Looking at Shep with a grin, she cocks a brow.
“Come to think of it, perhaps a second couple walking through the railhead would draw attention away from Abbie and Tucker.” Wyatt says with a gleam in his eye.
Cooper nods, “Maybe three couples, dressed similarly would add to the chaos.”
Shep grins, “I’m sure I’d make a handsome cowboy.”
“You think the three of you can come up with dates by the time our train leaves at noon?” Tucker asks with a shout of laughter.
“Of course,” Cooper snorts.
Laughter ripples through the group. “I can bring some wig options over in the morning. Good night, boys,” Mrs. Combs calls out as she takes her leave.
“I can’t thank you enough for everything,” Tucker says.
“That’s what friends are for, Tucker. It’s good to see you happy again,” Shepherd replies.
“You deserve better than you had,” Wyatt insists.
“It looks like God agrees with us. You just have to convince Abbie of that,” Coop teases.
“I’m a patient man,” Tucker smiles.
“What’s with the two of you?” Wyatt grumbles. “When I find the woman I want, she will take one look at me and fall at my feet in rapture!”
“Or she’ll pull a knife and point it at your nether regions,” Tucker says with a shove.
Laughter trickles up the stairs, and Abbie smiles to herself. She glances down at Coralie and tucks the beautiful new yellow blanket around her.
“Tomorrow we’re going to get your brother and go home. Sleep well, dove.”
Chapter
