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“So he thought he had to fight harder than anyone else,” Daniel said with a nod.

“He’s fortunate to have you as his friend.”

“The three of us got used to looking out for each other.”

“I hope I will have friends like you do.”

He took her hand and touched her cheek with his fingertips. “You will.” His green eyes showed sincere kindness. “Until then, you have me.”

His thoughtfulness blessed her. The sun glinted off his thick chestnut hair. “You make me want to be a better person, Daniel.”

“You’re perfect just the way you are.”

She smiled. “I will let you think that.”

He tucked her hand in his and they joined the gathering.

Pippa, dressed in a striking jade green dress with crisscrossing layers of ruffles across the voluminous skirt and decorative buttons from shoulder to cuff on each sleeve, was the center of attention. The color set off her vibrant ginger-gold hair and hazel eyes. Every male’s attention was riveted on the petite beauty’s dazzling smile.

“Leah, have you heard? There’s an opera house under construction! The gentlemen were just telling me of it. Why, we can hold plays and concerts and enjoy the arts just like back east.” She looked to Daniel for confirmation. “When do you expect it will be finished, Mr. Gardner?”

Daniel’s gaze darted to Will and back to Pippa. “I’m afraid construction is temporarily delayed. The load of lumber designated for the opera house has been reassigned to another project with a pressing deadline. The council decided the houses take priority over the opera house. But only until a new order can be supplied.”

“Some of you might have heard about a shipment being stolen from the rail yard,” Quincy Davis supplied. “The lumber for the west side houses was hauled out of town and burned. The load that arrives tomorrow will need to replace that for now.”

“But we’ve put in an order for more to replace the lumber for the opera house,” Daniel assured Pippa and the bystanders.

Amos Godwin furrowed his brow. “Do you have any idea who would do something like that?”

“We don’t,” Daniel answered honestly. “And it’s worrisome. But we’ve hired additional guards for the rail yard, so it won’t happen again.”

“On a positive note,” Will interjected, “the first drive of the year is in the holding pens and will be shipping out this week.”

“You didn’t have t’ tell us that,” Old Horace said with a cackle. “We’ve smelled the money since yesterday!”

The crowd shared a laugh.

A while later, after they’d visited with other churchgoers, accepted congratulations and eaten lunch, Daniel suggested they slip away to make plans.

Even though they’d eaten, he escorted her to the hotel restaurant for tea.

D.B. Burrows spotted them and stood beside their table. “I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you. When will the nuptials be?”

“We’re here to talk about that,” Daniel answered.

“I plan to do a piece on your engagement in The Herald. Since you’re the first and your decision was so hasty, it will be of interest.”

Leah didn’t care for his word choice. “We’ve known each other for a long time. It’s not as though we’re strangers.”

“It seems Mr. Gardner had an advantage over the other men in town. You were acquainted before the war?”

“Our families were close...” she replied.

“So your parents were friendly, as well. But you were previously married to another?”

“D.B., I’ll come place our wedding announcement in the paper,” Daniel said in a clipped tone. “Until then, I ask you to respect our privacy.”

The black-haired man pursed his lips and straightened. “Do enjoy your afternoon.”

Leah watched him go. When she turned her gaze back to Daniel, he was studying her. “Why do I get the feeling he’s not as interested in our engagement as in our past history?”

“Probably what makes him good at his job,” Daniel answered grudgingly. “Doesn’t win him any friends, though.”

“What’s his story?”

“He’s mentioned he’s originally from Missouri. He and his brother came to Kansas and ran a paper in a town called Harper. The town did pretty well until the Union Pacific chose Cowboy Creek for the terminus. After that the town folded. I heard D.B.’s brother died, so D.B. came here to start up a new paper.”

“He’s part of the town council?”

“He is. Do you have any ideas about how and when we marry? People will know you were already expecting before long, so we should probably do it as quickly as possible.”

“You’re right. It won’t be a secret. But we don’t want secrets, do we?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. Reverend Taggart will accommodate any date we choose. You do want to get married in the church?”

“Yes, of course.”

“And a reception? I’ll speak with Mr. Rumsford, who runs this hotel. Perhaps we can hold the reception in the ballroom. It’s only a room with nice flooring and a few chandeliers. Nothing extravagant, mind you, but—”

“It doesn’t have to be fancy.”

“We will be celebrating,” he pointed out. “And as the first couple married in Cowboy Creek and the first wedding resulting from the bride train, it will be a festive occasion. Everyone will turn out.”

She absorbed the idea. “Would it be outrageous to plan the reception outdoors, but have the hotel reserved in case of rain? I’d like to keep it as simple as possible.”

“I am agreeable to anything that makes you comfortable,” he said with a nod.

“I think I’d be more comfortable if it’s less formal.”

They discussed a few more details. “Would you like to order a dress?” Daniel asked.

“Hannah is an excellent seamstress and has brought trunks of fabrics, lace and trims in hopes of operating her own shop. If I help her, I believe we can make a suitable dress in time.”

“Don’t spare expense and assure her she will earn more than a fair wage for her efforts.”

Daniel drummed his fingers on the tabletop, uncertain how to politely discuss the other details. “And afterward you will move from the boardinghouse to my home—our home.”

She nodded, but the way she swallowed and drew a fortifying breath indicated her trepidation at the thought of sharing a home. “Of course.”

He opened his jacket, took a key from an inner pocket and slid it across the white linen surface. “Please visit as often as you like. Assess whatever furniture and items are needed. I’ll help if you want my help. Let me know when you need a buggy and I’ll have a driver at your disposal.” Still holding her gaze, he went on. “Booker & Son across from the jail has a large selection, even mirrors and dinnerware. Abram Booker has catalogs and can order anything you don’t find locally. Three blocks south of our house on the boulevard is Remmy Hagermann’s mercantile. There’s a furniture maker on First and Grant. Mr. Irving has pieces in stock or will build to order.”