The Spinster (Emerson Pass Historicals 2)

I turned my gaze back to the skaters, wishing I could think of a better explanation than the truth. “Oh, well, I didn’t think Walter would understand about the tea.”

“Why do you say that?”

“An instinct I had about him. He said a few things when we were together in Denver that made me think he didn’t like that people who weren’t of European heritage came to America. My family doesn’t think that way. We think what makes our community special are all the different cultures who’ve come here.” I waved my hand toward the pond. “Everyone here came from somewhere else.”

“Was that the kind of man you wanted?”

“It was a small thing. Compromises have to happen.”

He set aside his now-empty cup. “How am I going to get my boots back on?”

I laughed, the tension between us broken. “Are you sure you don’t want to try skating again?”

“If you’re willing to fall with me, then yes.”

Fall with him? Or was it fall for him?

I stood and held out my hand. He took it.

Phillip

I went home in the smaller of the sleighs. The twins were in the front and Josephine and I tucked in the back under a heavy blanket. Lanterns hung from the front of the sleigh helped to find our way in the dark. Above us, the stars twinkled brightly. I stared up at the sky, marveling at the beauty. The plodding noise of the horses tromping through the soft snow was steady as we made our way home. Tomorrow we would return to clean up and take down the tables. For now, however, the sparkle of the night was still upon us.

“You all right back there?” Flynn asked.

“Fine,” Josephine called out to him. “Are you fine?” she asked me softly.

“Better than I’ve been in a long time. I had such fun. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Hopefully you won’t wake in the morning with any bruises.” Josephine yawned. “Is it midnight?”

“A little after.” I’d checked my watch before we loaded into the sleigh.

“I never stay up this late.” She yawned again, then rested her head against my shoulder. “Are you glad you came here?”

“So far, yes.”

“Even after the skating?”

“Yes, even after the skating.”

As we turned a corner, a light in the distance appeared.

“Almost home,” she said.

We didn’t speak for the rest of the way. Flynn stopped the horses very near the house. “Go on in,” Flynn said. “I’ll take care of Lucy and Bell.”

“I’ll help you,” I said.

“As will I,” Theo said.

I threw the blanket off our laps and dismounted from the sleigh and helped Josephine to climb down as well. Our eyes locked for a split second before she looked down at her hands. “Good night, Phillip. Good night, boys.”

I watched her walk away and slip inside the house as I headed to the barn. Each twin led a horse into the barn and got them into their stalls.

Flynn reached into his coat pocket and took out a flask. “Anyone care for a drag before we go inside?”

“Sure thing,” Theo said.