TWELVE

Duke wandered through the town's only general good's store, picking up some items that he knew Amelia would need for her new home. The first forty-eight hours after arriving in Spruce Hill had been a whirlwind of events, not only for him but for Amelia and her family. He wanted to find some private time to talk to her, but it seemed that it wasn't happening soon enough.

She'd mentioned in one of their brief conversations last night that Gracie was not the mayor's daughter. Amelia had mentioned questioning the little girl and what she remembered about her father, and Amelia let him know what the girl's answer was. He was relieved, and yet at the same time, he was left more confused than ever. Last evening before the telegraph office closed, he'd sent a message to Mayor Tidwell, letting him know Duke was in Spruce Hill but that he hadn't found his daughter. Duke had requested that the mayor come to Spruce Hill and meet so that they could discuss what to do next.

It really worried Duke that Amelia's name was in connection with the disappearance of his daughter, Georgia. This case needed to be solved soon. And... it was time he started thinking of his future and what he really wanted.

Seeing Dinah again after two years startled him more than he'd been prepared for, but it also got him thinking about what he really wanted out of life. He was lonely – that was a given with his lifestyle. Could he give up the profession he loved just to live in a small town for the rest of his life? And what would he do when all he knew was hunting down criminals... and working with horses. That left two kinds of jobs for him to do in Spruce Hill. He could either become the sheriff or a deputy, or he could work at a livery. Neither of those places would pay him the kind of money he had been getting as a bounty hunter.

But was money worth having if he didn't have a family to share it with?

"Did you need any help, sir?"

The sweet voice of an older woman had him turning to see who was talking to him. As he looked into the hazel eyes of the storekeeper's wife, all he could think about was that she was the perfect image of a grandmother. He'd not know his grandparents, but the woman's kind eyes and endearing smile made him want to adopt her as his grandmother.

"No, I'm just browsing. My friend and her family have just moved into a cabin, and I thought to get them a few things since they have nothing."

The older woman's eyes widened. "Nothing at all?"

"Nothing at all. They came from Idaho with only a few changes of clothes and a little food."

"Oh, heavens!" She lifted her hand to her throat. "That's unacceptable. I must let the Sheriff know. He'll find a bunch of people in town who can donate some furniture and other necessities. Spruce Hill has always had townsfolks who'd give the shirt off their backs if they had to. You and your friend will love it here."

He opened his mouth to correct her and let her know that he might not be staying, but then he couldn't say the words. He couldn't even think of saying goodbye to Amelia because the twisting pain in his heart wouldn't allow it.

"Thank you, Mrs..." He arched an eyebrow. "I don't believe I know your name."

"I'm Mrs. Densley. And you are?"

"I'm Duke Logan." He shook hands with her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am, and I can't wait for you to meet my friend, Mrs. Florence, and her family."

The old woman sighed wistfully. "Florence, you say? My daughter's married name is Florence."

"Really? What a coincidence. I wonder if they are somehow related?"

"I don't know any of Roland's family who lived in Idaho, so perhaps not."

He nodded. "I'll ask Amelia, just in case she might now."

The old woman's eyes widened. "Amelia? And her last name is Florence?"

"Yes."

"Oh, now this is a coincidence. I had a granddaughter by that name."

Suddenly, a memory slammed into his head, making him hitch a breath. Amelia had once mentioned that she was coming to Spruce Hill to find her grandparents. Could he have just found them?

He carefully studied the woman, trying to see her as she had been when she was younger. She would have had dark hair like Amelia. The shape of Mrs. Densley's face was like Amelia's, too... but their eyes. He gasped silently. They both had hazel eyes!

"That is very remarkable," he answered in a tight voice, but then forced himself to chuckle. "It's a small world, isn't it?"

"Indeed, it is, Mr. Logan."

And... it was getting smaller. However, he prayed Amelia wouldn't be put out with him for finding her grandmother first. He seriously hoped Amelia would be overjoyed. He wanted another excuse to hold and kiss her.

"Well," he rubbed his hands together, "I should get back to what I was doing."

"And I shall have my husband contact the sheriff and find some people to help get your friend and her family settled."

"You are a godsend, Mrs. Densley. Thank you."

He spent another thirty minutes at the store, buying those things Amelia would need, but he hurried faster than before, feeling anxious to see her again and tell her about her grandmother. Mr. Densley wasn't at the counter when Duke checked out. Although he shouldn't tell anyone where Amelia was staying, he still gave the old woman directions. After all, how else would the townspeople be able to help her settle in?

One of the adolescent boys working at the store helped Duke carryout boxes and load in the wagon. Just as he was lifting the last box, he smelled a woman's fragrance, but it wasn't the woman who'd been on his mind a lot lately. He glanced over his shoulder. Dinah stood watching him with her arms crossed over her chest.

Inwardly, he groaned. But at least Amelia wasn't with him now, so he could talk to Dinah and apologize for hurting her.

"Good afternoon, Miss Mullins." He set the last box inside the wagon and pulled the board across the back, securing it.

"Mr. Logan, I'm glad I caught you alone this time."

He turned and leaned back against the wagon. "I'm sorry again for running away from you yesterday. But my job—"

"Yes, I know. Your job is more important." She sighed heavily. "I understand that, however, you could have at least let me know two years ago instead of stringing me along."

"Forgive me, Dinah. I should have realized you were waiting for me."

She shrugged. "I was only heartbroken for a few months. After that, I was upset and hating you. But now... now, I just don't care."

"I'm glad you were able to get over me."

"It was a great relief to me, too. You're not worth the heartache, Duke Logan."

Her words hurt, but then perhaps she was correct. "We were just not meant to be together."

"Mr. Logan, I don't think you'll be with anyone, so I think you'd better not string Mrs. Florence along like you did me. Do her a favor and let her know what an uncaring, selfless man you really are."

He gritted his teeth as harsh words came to his mind, but he couldn't say them. She was still hurt over his rejection, and she had every right to be. "I'm hoping that I've changed in those two years, too. In fact, lately, I've been thinking about the future and how I really want a family."

She snickered and shook her head. "I'll believe it when I see it." She looked at the wagon. "Because it's quite obvious you're leaving again. But don't worry. I'm quite certain that Mrs. Florence and I will become good friends since we have something in common now. I'll be able to comfort her after you leave. Rest assured, we will find love once again. You're not the only available man in these parts."

He wished her words wouldn't hurt him, but perhaps he deserved her bitterness. "Actually, Dinah, I'm not leaving. I'm taking these supplies to Mrs. Florence's new house. She, her brother, her uncle, and little Gracie are now living in a cabin not far from the lumber mill. Mr. Forester told Mrs. Florence's brother about the place."

Her eyes widened. "I think I know that place. The Wilson's moved out a few days ago."

Duke nodded. "Yes, that's what we were told."

She sighed and shrugged. "Well, I'm surprised to see how generous you are with your time and money. I'm sure Mrs. Florence will appreciate it."

"I sincerely hope so." He stepped around the back of the wagon, moving toward the front. "If you'd like to drop by Amelia's place and help her, I'm sure she'd be very grateful. Mrs. Densley is going to gather up some people in town who would like to donate furniture and supplies since Amelia has nothing but the clothes in her possession."

"Yes, I'll swing by shortly."

He tipped his hat to her. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get going. Amelia's waiting."

He climbed up on the seat and took hold of the reins.

"Duke," she called out.

He glanced over his shoulder at her. "Yes?"

"Perhaps you have changed a little, after all."

He smiled. "Thank you. Hearing that from you means a lot."

As he guided the horses toward Amelia's new house, his heart expanded. Indeed, he was changing, and he couldn't pinpoint what made him want to change. All he knew was that after he'd met Amelia, his thoughts had slowly started shifting. The funny thing was, he was eager to embrace his new life. Finally, he was going to find a woman to settle down with and raise children. Never again would he be lonely.