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

fresh air, although it was sometimes foul, as the horses had left their mark in the street.
    “Get your News here!” shouted a man, who stood by a wooden crate, which brimmed with the latest editions of the paper. “Richmond bank robbery leaves three dead! Read all about it!”
    I’d made my way down the boardwalk, past the mercantile and a men’s emporium, while crossing a street. Once I’d gone as far down Larimer as I wished, I turned around and headed back. Rosalind was quiet, the entire walk, not uttering a peep. Not having seen anyone I recognized, I continued on, enjoying being outdoors, although it was prettier on the prairie. I had the thought to ask Mr. Carlyle if I could bring Rosalind home, but then Megan would have to travel with me, as the baby would need to eat.
    The newspaperman continued to yell the headlines, while a team of freight wagons passed, heading for the warehouses behind the shops. I neared the Broadwell House, finding a grouping of men out front, who loitered, talking. Once inside, the woman behind the desk rang a bell.
    “Someone will be with you in a moment, Miss Hampton.”
    “Thank you.” I lifted Rosalind from the carriage, gazing at her. “You did very well today. Not one peep from you.”
    “You can leave the carriage there, if you want,” said the woman. “We can manage it.”
    “I will.”
    I didn’t need to wait now, heading for the hallway and passing the dining room, which was filled with men. I stopped, eyeing the tables, finding Mr. Carlyle towards the back, seated amongst six people, but he must have sensed my appraisal, as he lifted his head to gaze at the doorway where I stood. Recognition lit his eyes, and he excused himself, striding towards us.
    “Good morning.”
    “We went for a walk, sir.”
    He glanced over his shoulder, then he ushered me away from the doorway. “Let me see my angel.” He reached for Rosalind, holding her up for appraisal. “Hello, sweetheart.” Then he kissed her cheek several times, until she kicked her feet in response, making happy grunting noises. “I should finish up my business early today and spend some time with her. These meetings go on forever. Whoever thought securing subscriptions would be so difficult. I’m determined we’ll be the first to obtain the contracts.” He kissed Rosalind again. “We won’t stop till we get them, will we?” His tone had softened, as he spoke to his daughter.
    “I hope it all works out favorably, sir.”
    He held Rosalind close, staring at me. “It will, if I have anything to do with it. Now I must go, although I don’t want to.”
    “She’ll be hungry soon.”
    “Very well.” He smiled at her, holding her up. “You’ve been an excellent girl, my dear. You’re as calm and steady as your mother. I can see her in you more and more.”
    He rarely spoke of his wife, and, whenever he mentioned her, I was reluctant to ask him more, because I worried it might upset him. “She’s the prettiest baby I’ve ever seen.”
    “You would say that, since I’m your employer and she’s my daughter.”
    “No, sir. I’ve seen many babies, believe me, but this one is truly lovely. She looks like a doll. Her mother must’ve been beautiful.” Then I bit my tongue, realizing I had broken my own rule.
    He handed Rosalind to me. “I’ll try to break from this meeting as soon as possible. I’ve said all I can for now, and, if they continue to fight me on the matter, I’ll meet with the governor again.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Good day, Miss Hampton.”
    “Good day.” I turned for the stairs, with Rosalind in my arms. Once in the room, I found Megan and Judy in the parlor, while the table had been set for lunch. “Hello,” I said cheerily, realizing that speaking to Mr. Carlyle had put me in fine spirits.
    “They’re bringin’ food in a few minutes. How was the walk?”
    “It was fine.”
    “Did you buy a paper?”
    “Oh, I didn’t know you wanted one.”
    “I should’a said