An Unexpected Husband (The Colorado Brides Series) by Carré White

maid came to take the plates away, while I went to retrieve Rosalind, who had begun to fuss. Since she was hungry, I brought her to Megan, who nursed her, while Joshua lay in his bassinette. My presence wasn’t required, so I returned to the parlor, although Judy joined me, and we sat before the fire, while I untangled her hair. Mine was still damp and in need of combing, but I focused on Judy’s pretty blonde hair, separating the strands gently and combing through the tangles. She didn’t seem to mind the attention in the least, staring at the fire while I worked. I often sat before the fire at Fanny’s house, while they shared a book, each person reading aloud. This felt entirely comfortable and familiar. While we were thus occupied, Mr. Carlyle sat on the sofa with a ledger in his lap, although he didn’t seem to pay it much attention, staring at us instead.
    “How many investors do you have now?” I asked.
    “Forty, but I need more.”
    “Are you a banker?”
    “Not exactly. More like a private investor, but I do work closely with banks.”
    “Has a deal ever gone badly?”
    “Oh, plenty,” he laughed. “With Reconstruction, the entire industry’s a disaster. We’ll be lucky to get this off the ground, but I really do believe the city would benefit greatly with a direct line. How could it not? Why is it so difficult to convince people of the benefits? It boggles the mind.”
    “Like I said, money is an issue now. So many have so little.”
    “Yes. If I can’t get the capital I need, I might consider adding more myself, but then I’m truly, deeply invested. I really can’t do that unless I’m going to be near those investments.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I might…and I mean might…have to stay here longer. I hadn’t planned on that. I’ve family back east who are expecting my return, sooner than later. They know I’ll be in California, perhaps, as the line extends west, but…” he seemed torn, his expression resting on me, “I don’t know. I hadn’t anticipated it would be this difficult. I knew it would take time…and that’s why I brought Rosalind. I didn’t want to leave her behind. She’s all I have left of Georgette.”
    “That was your wife?”
    “Yes.”
    “I’m sorry, sir. I’m sorry she’s not here.”
    Judy turned to me. “Will you braid my hair now?”
    “Yes, then when you wake, you’ll have lovely kinks in it.”
    “I like kinks.”
    “I’m sure you do.”
    “You’re very good with children.”
    I glanced at Mr. Carlyle. “Thank you. I adore them. There are quite a few in the Hoffman family. Everyone’s having them…just not me.”
    “There are plenty of unattached men in Denver City.”
    I would not look at him, instead, focusing on Judy’s hair, which was deftly being maneuvered through my fingers into a long, thick braid. “Yes, there are, I suppose.” You’re one of them! Oh, goodness .
    “What goes on at these Friday night socials?”
    “Dancing and talking, sir. It’s the only place other than church and the schoolroom to meet your neighbors.”
    “Are you often in church?”
    “Yes, every Sunday.” I glanced at him. “I have brunch with my family afterwards. I’m sure they’d invite you, sir, if you want to join us.” Would I even be able to leave to attend brunch? I wanted to ask him, but I hesitated.
    “I had planned on church. Last Sunday’s service was held in a tent on the prairie.”
    “We’ve never discussed this, but will I have a few hours to see my family on Sunday?”
    “Yes.”
    “Thank you, sir.” That was a relief. “Did you know Pastor Bailey’s married to my stepmother, Fanny?”
    “Is there anyone in town you’re not related to?” Humor lit his eyes.
    I grinned. “Yes, of course. We know nearly everyone.”
    “I’m sure you do.”
    Judy patted her head. “Are you finished?”
    “Yes, I am.”
    She sprang to her feet. “I need a mirror!”
    “The braid starts on top of your head. It’s the French