Which color looks best to you?" Faith approached, slightly embarrassed. "I'm sorry if my daughter is bothering you, sir." He stood, his full height towering over Faith's petite frame. No bother at all, madam. Just helping the young miss with a serious candy deliberation. He touched the brim of his hat.
Yates Turner. Faith Summers, she replied. And this is my daughter, Emma. Recognition flickered in his eyes. You must be the new school teacher Martha Jenkins mentioned.
Welcome to Redemption Creek. Thank you. We've just arrived from St. Louis. That's quite a journey.
His gaze was direct but not intrusive. If you need anything while you're settling in, the Circle T is just 5 miles west of town. Before Faith could respond, the store's bell jingled again as three boys around 10 or 11 years old burst in, laughing and shoving each other. Hey Billy, bet you can't steal a licorice whip without old man Caldwell seeing. One dared loudly.
Hush up, Jimmy." Another boy whispered harshly, noticing the adults watching them. Mr. Caldwell frowned from behind the counter. You boys behave yourselves or I'll be having a word with your fathers. The boys straightened immediately, attempting to look innocent.
Their attention soon shifted to Emma, who was still contemplating the candy barrel. "Who's that?" the tallest boy asked, nudging his friend. New girl, I reckon, replied the freckled one called Jimmy. Hey girl, who are you? Emma turned shily.
I'm Emma Summers. The boys approached, curiosity, overcoming their previous mischief. I'm Jimmy Cooper. This here's Billy Matthews and Sam Wilson, the mayor's son. Emma nodded politely.
Nice to meet you. Sam, the mayor's son, looked her up and down with the casual cruelty children sometimes display. "Where's your paw?" Emma's small shoulders tensed. "He's in heaven." The boys exchanged glances. "You mean he's dead?" Billy asked bluntly.
Faith stepped forward protectively. "Emma, have you decided which candy you'd like?" But the boys weren't finished. Sam leaned closer to Emma, his voice carrying clearly in the now quiet store. "My paw says kids need a father to grow up proper. Guess you'll grow up wild then." Emma's lower lip trembled.