Last Promise by Scarlett Dunn Page B

certainly interest his sisters-in-law,” George replied.
    â€œNow I’m curious,” Luke said, directing his gaze on her.
    â€œMary Ann is setting up a small shop to carry items for the ladies,” George told him.
    Luke wasn’t surprised to hear of her plans. He’d already figured out she was an intelligent woman by the many questions she’d asked tonight.
    â€œActually, I’ll carry items from France. I will have powders, perfumes, and ladies’ wear.” She wasn’t about to mention undergarments in mixed company. It was one thing to talk to her uncle about her plans privately, but she wasn’t comfortable discussing such things with Luke.
    Luke grinned. “That might not be just for the ladies.” He wouldn’t mind dabbing perfume on her in all the right places.
    Before Mary Ann could ask what he meant by that statement, the door to the hotel opened and in walked Clyde Slater with two of his friends.
    This can’t be happening again, Luke thought.
    Seeing they were headed to a table, George stood and moved toward them. “I’m sorry, the restaurant is closed.”
    â€œIt ain’t closed until we had our supper,” Clyde growled. The three men pulled the chairs out and plopped down. “We want steaks.”
    â€œThe kitchen is closed, everyone has gone home. You gentlemen need to come back tomorrow,” George said sternly.
    â€œThen you cook us something.”
    â€œClyde, go on back to the saloon. The restaurant is closed,” Luke said in a no-nonsense tone from across the room.
    Clyde looked up and tried to focus his bleary eyes on Luke. “Stay out of this, McBride.”
    Luke pushed his chair back and walked across the room to stand beside George. “Clyde, it’s late and I’m tired and these fine people are ready to go to bed. So why don’t you boys go on back to the saloon.”
    â€œWe’re hungry,” one of the men whined.
    â€œThen go home and fix yourself something to eat,” Luke suggested.
    Clyde stood and glared at Luke. “You’re always butting into my business.”
    Luke knew Clyde was drunk by the way he was slurring his words. “Do you really want to do this now? Or do you want to go on back to the saloon?” Luke wished he hadn’t left his pistol in the kitchen, he didn’t feel like having another fistfight. But he didn’t want Clyde to leave the hotel thinking he could come back at any time and harass George, particularly with Mary Ann around.
    One of Clyde’s friends stood. “Come on, Clyde. Let’s go on back to the saloon.”
    Remembering the last outcome of the fight with Luke, Clyde decided to leave. “We’ll settle this another time, McBride.”
    Luke was relieved he wasn’t going to have to break any furniture or windows. Not to mention, he didn’t want another busted lip. He followed the three men to the door and locked it behind them, with George right behind him.
    â€œThanks again, Luke,” George said.
    Luke spoke quietly to George before they walked back to the table. He didn’t like the fact that he couldn’t protect Mary Ann if necessary. “George, you should start carrying a gun.”
    â€œI’m not sure I would be comfortable using one.”
    â€œWhat if Mary Ann’s safety is at stake?”
    â€œI see your point.”
    â€œIf nothing else you might place some weapons strategically around the hotel so you could get to them in a hurry if necessary.”
    â€œGood practical advice, Luke. I will see to it.”
    â€œI’m going to go home,” Eb said.
    â€œCome in later tomorrow, Eb, you’ve earned some time off,” George told him.
    When Eb left, George locked the door behind him before walking back to the table. “I think I will retire for the night. You two take your time.”
    Mary Ann started clearing the table. “I’ll just wash these