Free A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan

that’s why you had the skills to take off on your own out there in unfamiliar territory after the stage broke down.”
    April watched as the waiter returned and filled their glasses with water. “I had to be here for Josh’s wedding.” She turned to the waiter. “I’ll have the chicken and dumplings, and make certain they are hot!”
    “We wouldn’t serve them any other way,” Pete said, eyeing her warily.
    “Well . . . just make sure you’re as good as your word.” Her solemn tone held no hint of good humor, especially when she caught him looking at her wrinkled dress.
    “I’ll have the roast beef sandwich, Pete,” Mark said, handing him the menus. “It’s the best.”
    “Right you are, sir.” Pete winked and shoved his pencil behind his ear, then slipped away.
    “So, tell me about the wedding. Was Josh nervous?” April saw Mark’s eyes sweep over her crumpled dress. “And do you normally wear your evening gowns to breakfast?”
    April laughed heartily. “Actually, no. I’m not comfortable in this type of dress for very long.” She paused and reached up to scratch where the edge of lace met her collarbone. “I’m normally in jeans or a split skirt. It’s all that I brought with me when I left the stagecoach.” She caught his raised eyebrows. Let him think what he likes. She didn’t have much choice . Her riding gear was filthy. “As soon as I eat, I’ll go collect my bags from the depot.”
    “Mmm . . . I see.” He leveled a look at her. “But you didn’t answer my question—how was my friend? Nervous?”
    April hooted. “If he was nervous, he didn’t show it.”
    “He married a very nice lady.” Mark glanced away momentarily.
    Did she detect a bit of regret in Mark’s voice? “I guess so. I haven’t had a chance to get to know her, really, but it’s apparent he’s smitten with her. She seems very young.”
    “She’s not that young. Innocence always makes someone look younger. She’s had a hard life for one so young and recently lost her mother. But I think she’s a determined young lady.”
    “Maybe you can tell me what you know about her. Is she from Montana?”
    “I believe she’s been here awhile, but that’s all I know.” Mark’s eyes narrowed in thought. “So, April, tell me a little about your father’s ranch.”
    April had no problem talking about her home or her father’s success. She told him about the cattle her father raised, her participation on the ranch, and how she’d learned everything firsthand by trailing her father around. Mark seemed to enjoy listening to her talk.
    The waiter appeared and placed their lunch on the table and slipped away. April picked up her spoon and dug into the bowl of dumplings. Before long, she turned sideways in her chair, motioning for the waiter. When he sauntered over, her lips drew into a tight line and she said, “I thought I told you to make certain the dish was hot!” She shoved the bowl toward him. “Take this back to the kitchen and heat it up. You must have allowed it to be dipped up awhile before bringing it to me.”
    With a slight bow, Pete lifted the bowl and felt it. “But it is warm, madam.”
    April nearly rose from her seat but instead crouched forward. “Are you arguing with me, young man? There is no steam coming from this bowl of dumplings!” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mark pause with his sandwich nearly to his mouth, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
    Pete backed away with the bowl, stuttering, “I’ll see that it’s reheated.” He started toward the kitchen, shaking his head.
    “You bet you will.” April turned and waved her hand at Mark. “Don’t wait on me. Please go ahead and eat. I don’t know whatever happened to good help!” Her mouth watered at the size of his thick roast beef sandwich, and her stomach growled loudly. She hoped Mark hadn’t heard its noise.
    “I can wait. I’m sure he’s really busy. There’s quite a lunch crowd today,” he said rather