Free Leave a Candle Burning by Lori Wick Page B

smiled at him, and Dannan knew another question was coming, but a very large presence had joined them. Dannan looked up to see Conner sitting down on the bench to his right.
    “Dannan,” the big man whispered, all his throat would allow. “I heard the whistle and hoped you’d be on this train.”
    Dannan put his hand out to shake Conner’s larger one and felt suddenly choked up. Although Tucker Mills hadn’t been home for all that long, it felt amazingly good to be back.
    “I need to tell you a few things, but first, is there anything I can get for you right now?”
    “We’re waiting for the baggage to come off, and then I’ll tell the stationmaster which ones are mine.”
    “I’ll send a wagon for those things,” Conner offered, taking charge. “I’ll stay and see to it, but before you head home, I need to tell you that folks have been busy in your absence, especially Eli Peterson.”
    Dannan’s brows rose in question, and Conner smiled a bit.
    “He sent for me earlier this week, and I’m to tell you what he’s had done.”
    “At the house?”
    “Yes. They asked Reese if she thought you would object, and she told them no. I hope she did the right thing.”
    “I’m sure it’s fine,” Dannan said, trying to picture what Conner could be talking about.
    “I’m not sure you’ll know the place,” Conner continued. “Iris, Scottie, and two others cleaned like women on fire, and Eli had Scottie furnish and decorate a nearly empty bedroom upstairs. I’ve been told it was done with a small girl in mind.” Conner glanced toward Corina but found he couldn’t keep his emotions level if he looked into her eyes.
    “Eli did not wish to overstep, and he offers sincere apologies if you feel he has. Everything is reversible if it’s not what you had in mind.”
    Dannan could not speak. When Corina had napped on the train, his mind had been busy with the practical side of all of this, such as where she would sleep. Jonas MacKay had taken some furniture with him when he left Tucker Mills with Dannan’s assurance that he would not need it. Now he found himself a father with one small charge. Grant and Annie had been renters. Most of their furniture belonged to the landlord.
    “Dannan, are you all right?”
    That man cleared his throat. “I’ll go see Eli myself, but please rest assured that I don’t feel he’s overstepped.”
    Conner put a hand to the smaller man’s shoulder and forced himself to do what had to be done. He looked at the child on Dannan’s lap, taking in the dark hair and large hazel eyes, and said, “I should meet this person you have with you.”
    Dannan smiled at him in compassion before turning to Corina.
    “This is Mr. Kingsley. Can you tell him your name?”
    “Porina Joy,” the little girl obediently answered.
    Dannan smiled and then turned back to Conner. “Those hard c ’s are proving a little tricky.”
    It was just what Conner needed. His smile was huge, not hinting of the tears he held inside as he formally addressed the little girl.
    “It’s nice to meet you, Corina. My wife is going to want you to call her Reese, and I think you’ll be at my house enough to call me Conner. Do you think Dannan will agree to that?”
    Corina looked up at Dannan.
    “Can you say Conner?” Dannan prompted.
    “Ponner.”
    “Close enough,” Conner laughingly remarked, thinking that in a matter of moments, this little girl had walked straight into his heart.
    The train began to move, and Dannan realized he’d missed the unloading. He headed back into the small, cramped station, Corina at his side and Conner bringing up the rear. He showed his bags to Conner, who took over and sent him on his way.
    It wasn’t far, but Dannan was suddenly tired. He felt too weary even to pick up Corina, but not too weary to notice the trusting way she kept her hand in his. Dannan made himself ignore the way he felt, and tightening his grip ever so slightly on Corina’s small hand, they continued the