But what alternative could he offer? His cabin was too small for three, and while he had steady employment with the rocking H, his position as a ranch hand hardly provided the security a woman and child needed. The logical solution seemed clear, yet he hesitated to propose it, uncertain of his own motivations and Lillian's potential response. That night, as the promised storm raged outside his cabin, Wyatt made his decision. It might not be the perfect solution, but it was better than watching Lillian and Emma disappear from his life, potentially into greater danger.
Morning brought clear skies and renewed determination. Wyatt sought out Mr. Henderson before the day's work began, requesting a private conversation. The ranch owner listened carefully to Wyatt's abbreviated version of Lillian's situation and his proposed solution. Marriage, Wyatt, Henderson raised his bushy eyebrows.
That's a serious step for a man who's avoided putting down roots for 15 years. I know it sounds sudden, Wyatt acknowledged. But I can't let them go to Riverton alone. It's not safe and they have no one else. And your feelings for Mrs.
Montgomery Henderson asked shrewdly. Are they simply protective or something more? Wyatt shifted uncomfortably. I respect her. I admire her courage and devotion to her child.
The rest might come with time. Henderson sighed. Not the most romantic proposal I've ever heard, but practical, I suppose. He studied Wyatt for a long moment. The foreman's cabin has been empty since Jenkins moved to town with his wife.
It's bigger than yours. Two rooms at least. If you're serious about this, it's yours. Relief flooded through Wyatt. Thank you, sir.
I'll work extra shifts to cover the difference in pay. No need. Henderson waved away the offer. Jenkins was overpaid anyway. Just make sure you know what you're doing, Wyatt.
Marriage isn't a cattle drive. You can't just ride away when the season's over. I understand that, Wyatt assured him, though his stomach nodded at the permanence of what he was proposing. Then go with my blessing, Henderson said. And bring your new family to Sunday dinner so Mrs.
Henderson can fuss over them properly. Wyatt rode into Clearwater with a mixture of determination and apprehension. He'd stopped at the general store to purchase something he thought necessary for his proposal, though the knowing smile of the shopkeeper had nearly made him abandon the gesture as too sentimental. At the boarding house, he found Lillian in her room, packing her meager belongings into the carpet bag he'd recovered from the prairie. Emma lay on the bed, kicking her feet and gurgling at a piece of colorful ribbon dangling above her.