No One But You by Leigh Greenwood

carrying, setting the table and filling glasses with milk or water, and setting out cups for coffee. Tyler made the coffee while Zac brought out bowls and laid out serving spoons. The whole time he kept an eye on Jared and the tin containing the doughnuts. Once everything was done and on the table, Rose told Zac, “Tell everybody it’s time to eat.”
    Remembering how the two boys had entered the kitchen, Sarah was prepared for a stampede, but seven men entered quietly and waited for Rose to explain the new seating arrangement. Sarah could tell the men had washed, combed their hair, and put on fresh shirts. It was a revelation. These men were so different from her father and husband. Could she come to like a man like that?
    She put that question out of her mind. She’d already decided against Salty.
    Rose introduced everyone at the table. It was hard to take her eyes off the twins—they were as striking in their similarity as in their differences—but she forced herself to concentrate on Walter Swain. She eliminated George’s other cowhand because he was even younger than Salty.
    As the meal progressed, she was more and more favorably impressed by Walter. He was open, genial, and apparently well-liked. His looks were average, but she wasn’t looking for an attractive candidate. She was impressed that he didn’t give her any more attention than he would any other stranger he was meeting for the first time. His enjoyment of Zac’s high spirits led her to believe he might become a good father figure for Jared and Ellen. He wasn’t as tall as Salty, but he was solid and well-built. He looked like a man who could hold up under the hard work necessary to save her ranch.
    She was aware that Rose and George had noticed the direction of her gaze. George surely couldn’t like the idea that she was hoping to take away his best and most dependable man. Still, she hadn’t seen any indication that he was angry or upset over her proposal.
    â€œWhy doesn’t everyone move to the parlor while the twins clean up?” Rose said when the doughnuts had been eaten and everyone started to leave the table. Zac was out of his seat before the last word left her mouth. “There are more doughnuts for everybody, so no sneaking off to the bunkhouse. Walter, Mrs. Winborne has a proposal that might interest you. Why don’t you show her into George’s office and let her tell you about it?”
    Even though Sarah had been trying to think of a way to speak to Walter, Rose’s suggestion took her by surprise. She didn’t know why she should have looked at Salty at that moment. She turned away just as quickly, but not before she read his expression. Resignation. He was certain she was going to choose Walter. There was no reason for her to feel she was taking something from him, but she did.
    â€œI’ll be happy to speak with Mrs. Winborne if George has no objection,” Walter said.
    â€œIt could be a good opportunity for you,” George said.
    Walter had to be curious, even a little confused, but if he felt it, nothing showed. Sarah considered that a good sign as well. He was a man who could take surprises or unexpected turns in stride. That was good because there would be plenty of both.
    Sarah was surprised to find she didn’t feel entirely comfortable being in a room alone with Walter. There was nothing she could put her finger on, but being alone with him lacked the ease she’d felt with Salty. Walter settled into a chair a comfortable distance from her and waited for her to begin.
    â€œI feel a little awkward talking to a man I don’t know,” Sarah began.
    â€œWould you like me to start by telling you something about myself?”
    â€œI’d appreciate that.”
    His background was exactly what Sarah was looking for, but she found herself comparing it to Salty’s. That was stupid and pointless, but she couldn’t stop