Dayton moves to the seat next to hers, “Savannah, I want you to think about the future with hope. Can you do that?”
Savannah touches his hand, and he flips his over linking their fingers together in a perfect fit. “I haven’t thought about the future, Dayton. I wasn’t sure for the longest time that I’d have one.”
Dayton flinches, and his hand grips her tighter. “And now?” he demands.
“Now, being near you, makes me dream for things I’ve long since forgotten.”
“Then dream, Savannah, and never stop!” he leans forward and presses a kiss on her forehead before standing up and moving away from her.
She huffs in frustration, and he smothers a smile. “Cousins,” she mutters under her breath.
Chapter 38
“This is beautiful!” Savannah gasps and smiles over at Dayton.
The dining car mirrors the other car with similar wood panels and lush carpet. Each four-person table is set with white linens, crystal glasses, and beautiful fresh flowers. The white cloth offsets the darkness of the walls and crystal chandeliers dance, reflecting light all around the cabin.
Dinner is a four-course meal, eaten slowly over time, and they are able to sit and enjoy each other’s company. He sits back, sipping on French champagne and smiles at her.
“You know, gambling is a sin,” his dark eyes tease.
“True,” Savannah smothers a smile, “but I try really hard to lose.” She blushes when he laughs out loud.
“What do you do if you win?”
“I don’t keep anything I win. Typically, I donate it.”
“Is that what you were doing with the Porter earlier?” he asks.
“You don’t miss much do you, Dayton?”
“It’s one of my many amazing qualities,” he quips.
Her lips curve despite her irritation at his cockiness. “Yes, that’s what I was doing. The immigrants on board need food. I paid for lunch with my winnings.”
Pride ripples through him at her thoughtfulness. “How did you learn to play?”
“The soldiers.” She shrugs and sips her champagne. “Boredom can set in quickly when one is recovering. They taught me five hand draw and other… games.”
“You are a woman of many hidden skills. Tell me more,” he leans forward to listen. He knows the games of war; he’d played many of them. His time wasn’t always spent charming people, but he wants her to share it with him.
“Would it shock you to find out that I can play dice games, checkers, and chess? Once they tried to teach me to box, I was surprisingly effective.” Dayton’s eyes grow wide, and he pauses mid-sip to stare at her over his glass when she says, “I drew the line at wrestling.”
“I should hope so!” Dayton retorts.
Savannah laughs, “It passed the time, and some even had foot races and horse races…” her voice fades for a second as she remembers the past. “Oh, how I love the speed! You know what I mean of racing across an open field. It feels like flying.” She sighs and stars at him. “Enough about me, I can’t give away all my secrets.”
Dayton shakes his head and stares at her in wonder. “You are a remarkable woman, Savannah Ward. How is it that some man hasn’t snapped you up yet?”
“I was engaged once.” Tears threaten, but she pushes it back and rips her eyes from his.
Dayton jerks in shock and stares as she struggles to compose herself. “What happened?”
“He promised to take me away from blood and war, but he wasn’t true to his word. His family didn’t approve of a woman who would tarnish her family name by traveling as a nurse. Only certain types of women were allowed to travel with the Sisters. I wasn’t… typical.”
“He was a fool to let you go, you know that, right?” Dayton asks.
“Thank you for saying so.”
“That isn’t a yes, Savannah.” His intense stare seems to peer into her soul, and she isn’t sure what to make of it. They sit quietly for a few minutes listening to the diners, the crystal, and forks on plates.
“Tell me why we’re going to Chicago. Who are these investors?”
“Alright.” We will return to this discussion later, he thinks. “Before the war I traveled to England, to attend the Derby. It’s a horse race that has run for the past one hundred years. It was amazing, Savannah. From there I traveled to Paris, to attend the Grand Prix at Longchamp.”
“Paris! I’d love to visit France, someday. Was it amazing?” she asks excitedly. A blush of excitement fills her cheeks, and the golden kiss of candlelight dances in her eyes.
“It was the single, greatest, horserace that I’ve ever seen. I wish you could’ve seen it, Savannah!”
She smiles softly at him. “It inspired you?”
His eyes light up when he’s excited, she thinks and sits back to allow the waiter to clear the table. “Dessert?”
“Of course,” Dayton replies, “Coffee please, Savannah?” he asks.
“Yes, please.”
The waiter carries over a dessert tray filled with six different desserts. Savannah’s mouth waters when she spies a chocolate layered trifle, and she points.
“That one,” she orders.
Dayton laughs, “We could share it,” he suggests, but she shakes her head immediately.
“Get your own, Cousin,” she quips.
“Yes, Ma’am. I’ll have the Boston cream pie,” Dayton groans when it is served.
“I’ll be back with fresh coffee,” the waiter hurries away, and Savannah is enthralled with the way Dayton stares at his pie. He uses a spoon to scoop a decadent bite, and when it touches his mouth, he groans in ecstasy.
“Dayton, you’re causing people to stare,” she whispers.
His eyes fly open, and the chocolate is replaced by large black pupils. Desire. Goosebumps explode all over her body as he stares at her. “I don’t care what people think. I believe in savoring each second. Try yours,” he orders.
The dining
