"Will not will too?" Sam retorted. "Everyone knows girls without pass turn out wrong." "That's what my ma says about Lily at the saloon." Faith's face flushed with anger and embarrassment. That's quite enough. But before she could continue, Yates Turner stepped between the boys and Emma. His expression was stern but not unkind as he knelt down to Emma's eye level.
You know, Miss Emma, that's not true at all. And as for not having a father, he paused, looking directly into the little girl's tearfilled eyes. You have one now. The store fell silent. Faith stared at the stranger in disbelief while Emmer regarded him with cautious hope.
"What do you mean, mister?" she asked in a small voice. Yates smiled gently. "I mean that sometimes fathers aren't just the men who help bring you into this world. Sometimes they are the men who promise to look out for you to make sure you're safe and happy. And I'm promising that right now, if your mother allows it, I'd be honored to be a friend to you both.
He turned his gaze to Faith, who found herself speechless at this unexpected declaration. There was nothing improper in his words, no overstepping of boundaries, just a simple offer of friendship and protection that was so rare in this harsh frontier world. Mr. Turner, that's very kind," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper. He stood facing the boys who now looked suitably chasened.
Sam Wilson, your father would be mighty disappointed to hear you speaking to a lady that way. A man's character isn't measured by who his parents are, but by how he treats others, especially those who might be going through hard times. Sam shuffled his feet, his bravado deflated. "Sorry, miss," he mumbled to Emma. Mr.
Caldwell cleared his throat. Why don't you boys run along now? I believe your mothers sent you for flour and sugar, not to harass newcomers. As the boys hurried to complete their errands, Yates turned back to Faith and Emma. With a smile, he reached into his pocket and placed a penny on the counter.
Miss Emma, I believe you were about to select a candy stick. Please allow me as a welcome to Redemption Creek. Emma looked to her mother for permission. Faith hesitated. She didn't want to accept charity, but neither did she want to reject this man's kindness in front of her daughter.
"That's very generous, Mr. Turner, but please call me Yates, and it's just a penny candy, hardly worth fussing over." His easy smile was disarming, and Faith found herself nodding. Emma carefully selected a red and white striped stick, beaming as Mr. Caldwell wrapped it in paper for her. "Thank you, Mr.
Yates," she said solemnly. "You're very welcome, Miss Emma." He turned to Faith. "Mrs. Summers, I understand you'll be moving to the schoolhouse soon. My ranch hands, and I would be happy to help with any heavy lifting or repairs needed before you settle in." "That's not necessary, I insist.