"Why, she's light as a feather!" Coalie exclaimed, bouncing her up and down in his arms. "See?" Coalie showed David how he could lift her.
Lily began to laugh.
David moved closer and Lily reached out for him. He lifted her high into the air. She laughed again.
Tessa stood watching as tears rolled down her face, then suddenly Lily reached for her.
Tessa hugged the little girl to her breast and cried even harder. "Oh, Lily, Lily, we've waited such a long time for you."
Lee stepped back out of the way so that David, Tessa, and Coalie could get acquainted with the newest member of their family.
Reese moved forward and clapped Lee on the back. "Good work, Lee. Thanks for bringing Lily to her family."
Lee nodded absentmindedly, as he searched the crowd for a sign of Mary before he finally turned to Reese. "Where's Mary? She was supposed to meet me here this morning."
"She was delayed yesterday. She sent a telegram to tell us that there had been an outbreak of chicken pox among Louisa's children and that Maddy had a stomachache. She said she wouldn't be able to get here until this morning," Faith answered.
"Mary isn't here? She's not in Cheyenne?"
"She didn't mention being ill herself," Faith told him. "Only that Maddy had a stomachache. She said she couldn't get here until the evening train."
"Come on, Lee, I'll help you get your bags and we'll ride on out to the ranch."
"I don't have any bags, just my case." Lee lifted the leather satchel for Reese to see. "And Lily's things, what there are of them, are in here. Are you sure Mary's all right?"
"Mary's fine. She'll be on the late train." Reese clamped his hand on Lee's shoulder. "We came in two carriages. Ours is parked in front of the depot. Is there anywhere you would like to go before we leave town?"
Lee stared at Reese as if he didn't comprehend the simple question before he answered. "The bank." Lee didn't wait for a response, he simply started walking away from the depot in the direction of the bank.
Reese glanced at Faith. "I'd better go with him," he said.
And Faith quickly agreed. "I'll wait here with David and Tessa."
Reese waved to his wife, then hurried after Lee.
"Which carriage is yours?" Lee asked abruptly as they passed the row of buggies and carriages parked in front of the depot.
"That one," Reese pointed.
Lee walked over to it and tossed his satchel inside,
before he continued his march toward the bank.
Reese lengthened his stride to keep up with Lee. "Do you mind if I ask why you're in such a damned hurry to get to the bank?"
"Pelham Everhardt Cosgrove III."
"What?"
"I think Pelham Cosgrove III may be involved in the counterfeiting and forgery ring that operated out of Denver three years ago."
"Mary's… I mean… our… Pelham Cosgrove HI?" Reese was stunned.
"The same," Lee said. "When I saw him at the wedding, I knew I had seen him somewhere before. And while I was in New York talking to Robert Pinkerton, I finally remembered where. In Denver, three years ago."
"Why are we going to the bank instead of the police?" Reese asked.
"If Cosgrove's at the bank, we'll send for the police. If he's not at the bank, Mary may be in trouble."