The fire was beginning to die down and Martin threw another log on. Life had been carefree until the accident. Now, he lived with the pain every day. Now, he lived in the shadow of the man he once was. Now, he lived with the screams and the sounds of rocks sliding and crashing, killing everyone in their way.
“How about if we compromise. Let’s check out the women and see if there is anyone we’re interested in. Then if we find someone, we’ll make a decision about what to do next. After all, I’m going to be very picky and this may all be for nothing. These eight women could be as homely as an old maid.”
It was true. They might not be worth considering.
“So you’re going to stay?”
“I’m not making any promises. I’m saying let’s see what kind of women arrive. If we find a prim-and-proper woman, I could change my mind.”
Just like Jakob. He always left himself an opening and a way to get out of making a promise. But if it would keep him in Treasure Falls, Martin really didn’t have a choice.
“All right. Let’s finish here tomorrow and head back to the ranch. Next week, we’ll see the women and then we’ll decide whether or not to make a union with one of them.”
“Get some sleep, Martin,” Jakob said, lying back on his pallet. “And for God’s sake, get over feeling so guilty. I’m telling you, there was nothing any of us could have done.”
“Easier said than done,” he muttered.
A wife. They were going to look at the women coming in to find themselves a proper wife. Why did he feel like once again Jakob had gotten his way?