“You haven’t. He’s worked in the mines for years now even though he’s only sixteen. He looks like Rafe: big, handsome, angry. His father was Lyle, Rafe’s brother. Lyle was killed in a mine explosion when he was twenty-three.”
“And Kane’s father . . . ?”
“Frank was the oldest brother. He was killed in an accident long before I was born and, I believe, even before Kane was born.”
“I’m sorry,” Houston said. “It must be hard for you to have to take care of so many men.”
“I have help from charitable young ladies,” she said, rising. “It’ll be dark soon. You’d better go.”
“Will you please come to my wedding? I’d very much like for you to be there and, besides, you’ll see me in something a little cleaner.” Houston grinned, showing off her blackened teeth.
“To tell you the truth, I somehow think I’ll feel more comfortable around Sadie than the Society Princess, Miss Chandler.”
“Don’t say that!” Houston said seriously. “Please don’t.”
“All right. I’ll do my best.”
“And you’ll go to my dressmaker’s tomorrow? She needs all the time she can get to make the dress. Here’s the address.”
Jean took the card. “I’ll look forward to it. And I’ll do my best with Uncle Rafe and Ian. But I make no promises.”
“I understand that from the bottom of my heart.” On impulse, she clasped Jean to her. “I’ll look forward to seeing you again.”
On her way back to town, Houston mused on her talk with Jean. It made perfect sense that she was in love with Kane and, with the knowledge, she laughed aloud. All those years with Lee, and she’d never really been in love with him. She knew that now.
Of course, she couldn’t tell anyone. It would make her seem like a woman whose love was given lightly. But it wasn’t; she was sure of that. Kane Taggert was the man she loved and would always love.
She used the reins to urge the horses to move faster. She still had to wash and change her clothes. Then make arrangements for . . . A secret little smile shaped her lips as she thought of her plans for Friday night. She’d ask Leander to invite Kane and Edan to Lee’s men’s club and she’d ask Kane for the use of his house for a farewell dinner with her girlfriends. Just a quiet little get-together—like the one Ellie had before she got married.
Now, if Houston could only persuade that strongman she’d seen on the billboard on Coal Avenue to do what she wanted . . .
Houston was so busy musing on her plans that she didn’t keep her usual vigil. Behind her, hidden by the trees, was a lone man on horseback.
Edan wore a frown as he followed her back into town.
Chapter 12
With only days left the wedding, Houston found herself quickly running out of time. Kane’s dinner on Wednesday was a great success.
“I broke my engagement to John today, Mr. Taggert,” Cordelia Farrell said shyly.
“That’s good news,” Kane laughed as he grabbed her shoulders and kissed her heartily on the mouth. Cordelia was embarrassed but pleased. “You can do lots better ’n that ol’ man.”
“Thank you, Mr. Taggert.”
For a moment, Kane looked puzzled. “How come ever’body calls me Mr. Taggert?”
“Because, Mr. Taggert,” Houston said smoothly, “You’ve never asked anyone to call you Kane.”
“All of you can call me Kane,” he said quietly, but, looking at Houston, his eyes turned hot. “Except you, Houston. You’ve only called me Kane once and I liked it when you did.”
Houston knew his meaning was clear to everyone and her throat went dry at the embarrassment of what he’d said.
Sarah Oakley picked up a pillow and threw it at Kane’s head.
He caught it and everyone waited with breath held. Who could guess how Kane was going to react?
“Sometimes you’re not a gentleman . . . Kane,” Sarah said daringly.