Wyoming Lawman by Victoria Bylin

happened to Sarah’s mother?”
    Carrie’s mouth formed a grim line. “They’re divorced. She left him. She left Sarah, too.”
    â€œI can’t imagine—”
    â€œNeither can I.” Carrie leaned into the wind. “He told me so I wouldn’t say something awkward to Sarah.”
    Pearl couldn’t imagine a woman abandoning her child, though for a short time during her pregnancy, she’d considered giving up Toby for adoption. In those dark days, she’d feared Franklin Dean and she’d had no way to support herself. Her friends at Swan’s Nest had come to her rescue and she’d be forever grateful.
    Carrie broke into her thoughts. “Matt’s wife broke his heart when she left. You can see it in his eyes.”
    Pearl understood too well. She’d seen that look when they’d first met. “How long ago was it?”
    â€œA year or so.” As they turned toward the school, Carrie squinted against the sun. “I know Matt likes me. He’s just scared. He needs to know I’d never hurt him.”
    â€œOf course, you wouldn’t.”
    Carrie bit her lip, then released it. “He needs convincing, that’s all.”
    Pearl didn’t doubt her cousin’s sincerity, only her reasoning. Matt hadn’t shown even a spark of interest. “I don’t know.”
    â€œI do,” Carrie insisted. “Matt needs a push.”
    Pearl loved her cousin, but she had strong feelings about pushing anyone. Even before the attack, she’d been pressured by Franklin Dean and she’d resented it. She considered sharing her doubts with Carrie, but what did she know about men and courtship? Her perspective was skewed and always would be. Carrie’s instincts had to be better than her own. “What do you have in mind?” she asked.
    â€œI don’t know. Any ideas?”
    â€œNot a one.”
    Carrie’s eyes twinkled. “How about a supper party? I could invite a few people over.”
    Pearl couldn’t bear the thought. Carrie would invite single men. They’d tease and flirt with her.
    â€œIt’s perfect!” Carrie declared. “You’re new in town. The party will be in your honor.”
    â€œNo, Carrie. I’m not ready for something like that.”
    â€œPlease?” She made a winsome face.
    How could Pearl say no? She owed Carrie for the food on her table, the roof over her head. She wanted to say yes, but she croaked with panic. “I’ll think about it.”
    â€œIt’ll be great,” Carrie insisted. “It’s just what Matt needs. And you, too!”
    Right now, Pearl needed to collect her thoughts. They’d reached the school. Behind the main building she saw a cottage. She tightened her grip on the handle of the carriage. “Is that Miss Marlowe’s house?”
    â€œIt is,” Carrie answered. “Isn’t it charming?”
    Pearl loved the little house. Ivy climbed the porch railing, and the gabled roof boasted a turret. As they walked up the path with the baby carriage, Miss Marlowe herselfcame out the door. Pearl saw a woman in her forties with chestnut hair and ivory skin. Petite and wearing a pea-green dress, she looked more like a leprechaun than the founder of a prestigious girls’ academy. Pearl relaxed, but only until the carriage hit a rut and Toby started to fuss.
    â€œOh dear,” she murmured. If he didn’t settle, she’d have to pick him up. Meeting Miss Marlowe with her son tucked in the carriage would have been challenging. Meeting her with a crying infant in her arms made Pearl shake.
    Miss Marlowe greeted them with a wave. “Hello, ladies!”
    â€œBe brave.” Carrie touched her hand. “She’s going to love you.”
    â€œAnd if she doesn’t?”
    Carrie shot her a look of confidence. “I’ll still love you, and so will Toby. Don’t be afraid. We’re in this