He carried a small wooden horse, crudely carved, but charming. Thought the little one might like something to play with," he said, almost shyly, offering the toy to Emma, who immediately grabbed it with chubby hands. "You made this?" Faith asked, surprised. Colton shrugged. Whittling passes the time.
Not much else to do in the evenings. As they walked to the general store, Faith carrying Emma and Colton walking beside them, Faith found herself curious about this quiet man who had inserted himself into their lives so suddenly. May I ask you something, Mr. Reed? Of course, madam.
Why were you at the funeral yesterday? I don't recall Thomas mentioning you as a close friend. Colton was silent for a moment, his stride never faltering. Your husband was a good man, he finally said, better than most in this town. When word came that he'd passed, well, seemed right to pay my respects.
He glanced at her, then away, and I figured there might not be many others who would. The brutal honesty of his assessment stung, but Faith couldn't deny its truth. Thomas had been well-liked, but they hadn't been in silver gulch long enough to form deep friendships. Most of the miners's wives kept to themselves, wary of newcomers in a place where few people put down permanent roots. "That's very considerate of you," Faith said softly.
"Wasn't trying to be considerate," Colton replied. "Just seemed like the decent thing to do." "They reached the general store just as Mrs. Abernathy was unlocking the front door. She was a plump woman in her 50s with a nononsense manner that belied her kind heart. Mrs.
Sullivan, she greeted, her eyes softening at the sight of Emma. Mr. Reed told me about your situation. Come in. Come in.
Colton tipped his hat. I'll wait out here if that's all right. Give you ladies some privacy to discuss matters. Mrs. Abernathy ushered faith inside the store, which smelled of coffee, leather, and the various dry goods that lined the shelves.
"That Colton Raid," she said once the door was closed, "is a better man than most give him credit for." "You know him well," Faith asked, adjusting Emma in her arms. "Known him since he first came to Silver Gulch 3 years ago. Keeps to himself mostly, but he's honest and hardworking." She gave Faith an appraising look, and he seems to have taken an interest in your welfare. Faith felt a blush rise to her cheeks. He's simply being kind to a widow and her child.