Emma's Journey (Oregon Trail 1)

“Part of the deal I got from Mr. Hastings was giving him permission to cut a couple acres of trees from our land.” Davis opened the hotel door and escorted Emma through. “He gave me a pretty decent discount for allowing that. It helps clear our land also, which is a double bonus for us. So, don’t worry about the money. We’ll be all right.”

After settling in their seats in front of the wide dining room window, the young girl from the morning arrived to take their orders, and left them with cold glasses of water.

Davis patted Emma’s hand. “I don’t want you worrying about things. It’s not good for you or the baby. We’ll be fine.” He leaned forward, excitement lighting his eyes. “Another idea I had is to capture and break wild horses.”

Emma sucked in a breath. “Isn’t that dangerous?”

“Nah. As long as you know what you’re doing. I did some of that before I took over my parent’s farm.” He moved his finger over her wrinkled brow. “See, you’re worrying again.”

“All right. I’ll try not to worry.” She took a sip of water. “I had an offer today from Mrs. Berger at the mercantile.”

“If this is about you working for her, forget it.” He nodded his thanks to the waitress as she placed dishes in front of them both.

“No. Not working. Well, not exactly.” She eyed the plate of roast beef, potatoes, green peas and biscuits. Her mouth watered.

“What’s the offer?” Davis asked between bites.

Emma put her fork down, and leaned her elbows on the table. “She’s invited me to stay with her and Hans until our house is built. It wouldn’t be an imposition on them because they have a lot of room upstairs.” She picked up her fork again. “What do you think?”

“Sweetheart, I think it’s a great idea.”

“You do?”

“Yes, I do. I was worried about you being alone all day in the wagon while we worked. If I know you’re somewhere comfortable, we can put in more hours and get it done faster. The men and I can sleep right at the site. We would have to pay Mrs. Berger for your keep, though. I don’t want to be beholden to anyone.”

“We don’t need to,” she held up her hand when it looked like he would protest. “I offered to pay, and she said if I helped around the store, that would be enough.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“My wife is not going to work. Especially in your condition.”

“Don’t be silly. I feel fine.“

“No.”

She bristled at his stubbornness. “Please? It would pass the time until I can fuss with my own house.” She grinned at the thought of how much fun it was going to be, preparing her own home.

He studied her for a minute, then pushed his empty plate away. “I’ll want to talk to Mrs. Berger myself first.” He dragged his palm down his face. “Helping in the store is fine, but I want to be sure you get enough rest.”

“For heaven’s sake. I just spent months on a wagon train. I’m a lot stronger than you think.”

“You’re getting near the end months.” He shook his head. “I’d feel a lot better if she took money from us.”

“If you insisted, I’m afraid we would hurt her feelings.”

He ran his fingers through his hair, then stopped and threw her that lazy, lopsided smile that started the butterflies in her stomach. “Did I hear you say you will have your own bedroom in her house?”

“Yes, my own bedroom, a very nice one.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “With a very large bed.”

“And can you have visitors to this nice bedroom with a very large bed?” He leaned closer.

“I’m sure Mrs. Berger would not mind me having a visitor. As long as it’s respectable, you know.” She laughed softly.

“Then I say let’s get your things moved into this nice bedroom this afternoon. And since I hear it’s going to rain something dreadful soon, I may just have to be entertained overnight in your nice bedroom, ma’am.”

After paying the bill, Davis placed his hand on Emma’s lower back and led her to the door.