Squish. "Ugh." Kitty Russell had set just one foot outside the stagecoach, and cold mud penetrated her shoe. She gingerly set the other foot down and shivered as she stood. In all of her 19 years, she'd never been so cold. Larry, the burly stagecoach driver, ambled over and spit a wad of tobacco into the street. "Miss, we'll be here in Dodge for 'bout an hour." He pointed across the street. "There's a place ta eat, if ya hungry."
"Thank you." She tightened her shawl around her thin shoulders, and glanced at the squat buildings that lined the street. "Please don't leave without me." Taking care to avoid puddles, she hurried across the street, hoping that oatmeal and coffee wouldn't set her back too much. She got to the restaurant and pushed the door open. Bells tinkled above her head, and curious folks looked over to see who'd come in. She was too cold and hungry to notice, but her beautiful hair and graceful figure drew more than one appreciative glance. She picked her way to the back of the room, and sat at a small table. Admiring eyes went back to their meals. A waiter came over, wiped his hands on his pants and pulled a pen from behind his ear. "Ma'am, what can I get you?" "Oatmeal and coffee, please." "Do you want some maple syrup in that oatmeal?" "Does it cost extra?" "Just a penny." She hesitated, but nodded. A touch of sweetness was much needed on this cold and rainy morning. The waiter saw her shiver and decided to hurry her order. Minutes later she was happily digging into sweet, steaming oatmeal. She heard the bells above the door ring and idly looked over. In walked the biggest man she had ever seen in her life. He glanced around the room, and from the looks he received, it was obvious he was respected and well-liked. She couldn't make out any words, but as the big man greeted folks, the warmth of his voice made her wish he was speaking to her. He took a seat at the table directly across from her, and she was struck by how handsome he was. She was close enough to see his eyes. They were impossibly blue and clear – eyes that didn't lie – eyes that saw right into a person. He was quickly served the biggest breakfast she had ever seen in her life, but he dug right in like it was normal. A smile touched her lips as she watched him polishing off all the ham and eggs and biscuits. She suddenly realized she was staring, and self-consciously lowered her eyes. She resumed spooning oatmeal into her mouth, but didn't taste a thing. Awareness of the man had taken over her senses. She was drawn to him in a way she'd never experienced. Her skin tingled.
"More coffee, Miss? There's no charge for refills."
She jumped in her seat, startled by the waiter. "Um – please." She wanted to ask who the big man was, but couldn't find the words. The waiter filled her cup and walked away. The bells above the door rang again. A man with a stiff leg, hurried in looking frazzled. He quickly limped over to the big man and said something in his ear. The man let out a long sigh in response, and didn't move for a moment. Finally, he shook his head, ran his hand through his dark curls and pushed himself up from the table. The stiff legged man followed him outside.
As the door closed, Kitty felt an odd sense of loss. Her hands trembled as she picked up her coffee cup. The bells tinkled again and she looked up eagerly, hoping the big man had returned. Instead it was Larry, chewing a wad of tobacco. He walked over to her table, "Miss, we're leavin' soon. I'm gatherin' the passengers. If ya wanna continue on, no time ta waste."
"Thank you, Larry." The driver nodded and moved on to find the other passengers. Kitty opened her purse, carefully counted out a few coins and placed them on the table to pay for breakfast. A quick reckoning told her that she had $39.60 left. Not enough to take her much farther. She got to her feet but didn't move. Something held her in place. Outside, Larry was loudly telling passengers to hurry along. She knew the stage was leaving soon, with or without her. She rushed out the door and looked up the street, and then and down the other way. Maybe that man, that big man with the blue eyes would return, and maybe … She shook her head – Kitty Russell get a hold of yourself. A man like that would have every woman around setting her sights on him – lots of them pretty and some of them rich. A man like that has his pick. Why would he give you a second look? Besides, staying in a town because of a man you noticed in a restaurant is crazy, plain crazy. Especially since he didn't notice you.
"Oh, there you are Miss. I was afraid we'd have to leave without you." "No, no I'm coming." She hurried to the stagecoach door. Larry held out his hand. She took it and climbed inside.
"All right folks, I see everyone has returned. Not that I expected anyone to stay in Dodge. It's a pretty wild place." Larry spit out his tobacco and climbed up into the driver's seat. The stage took off. Kitty looked out the window. The rain was growing heavier, and there was nothing to see but mud splashing up from the wheels. She couldn't recall what the next stop was. It didn't matter, it was hours and hours away, wherever it was. She leaned back in her seat and pulled her shawl closer, trying to stay warm.
TBC