"Must be nice having all that company." Jonah stepped forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Watch your mouth." "I'm just saying what everyone's thinking." The woman looked around the store, gathering support from the other customers.
"It's not natural. A woman living with six men, no family, no chaperone. People talk. Then people should mind their own business, Jonah said. It is our business.
This is a decent town. We don't need that kind of behavior. What behavior? Evelyn heard herself ask. Her voice came out cold, flat, nothing like the fear twisting in her gut.
Working, earning my keep, or are you suggesting something else? The woman's face flushed. I'm suggesting that a woman with any sense of decency wouldn't put herself in that position. And I'm suggesting that a woman with any sense of decency wouldn't stand here slinging accusations at someone she's never even met. Evelyn picked up the wrapped packages and turned to leave.
But I guess we're both disappointed. She walked out of the store with her spine straight and her hands steady, but the second she was outside the trembling started. She made it to the wagon before her legs gave out, and she had to grip the side rail to keep from collapsing. Jonah appeared beside her a moment later. He didn't say anything, just loaded the supplies and climbed into the driver's seat, waiting.
Evelyn pulled herself together and climbed up beside him. They rode in silence for the first mile, the town disappearing behind them. Finally, Jonah spoke. That woman's a vicious gossip, always has been. Don't let her get to you.
I'm not. You're shaking. I'm cold. It's 60°. Evelyn closed her eyes and took a slow breath.
What do people think is happening out there? Does it matter? Yes. Jonah was quiet for a long moment, then, reluctantly, they think you're taking advantage, or that we are. Depends on who's telling the story.
And what do you think? He glanced at her, surprised. I think you work harder than anyone I've ever met. I think you saved our asses during that blizzard. And I think anyone who's got a problem with you being at the ranch can go to hell.
Something in Evelyn's chest loosened slightly. You don't have to defend me. Yeah, I do. You're one of us now. The words hit harder than they should have.
One of us. Like she belonged. Like she was part of something bigger than herself. Like she was family. Evelyn turned her face toward the window so Jonah wouldn't see the tears threatening to spill.