Angel Eyes rented a light carriage for the trip to pick up Emma and bring her back to Cactus Flats. He'd have normally brought a spare horse and a pack mule for her belongings, but in this case, a carriage was better for her pregnant state. Or so her mother had told him.
He'd not sought out Lavinia Baker since bringing Emma to stay with her sister, but wasn't overly surprised when she'd stopped him on the street in town one day not too long after he'd returned from that task.
"I know you're the father of my daughter's baby," Lavinia had boldly said, not introducing herself to him.
"Is that so?" he'd responded, quirking up one eyebrow, as he smirked down at her.
"I can't say I approve of the situation, but I am resigned to it," she'd continued. "All I ask is you treat her well."
She'd hurried off at that point, already afraid she'd been too bold by confronting him. She had no idea of what he was, but surmised he was some sort of outlaw.
Angel Eyes had heard the slight quaver in her voice, betraying her fear, which suited him fine. It would keep her from becoming overly familiar with him.
Since leaving Emma in Grandville, he'd concentrated on getting the house built. He'd chosen a secluded spot on the outskirts of town, where he could come and go as he pleased without being easily observed.
Jesse Bannister knew some men with building experience who'd work anywhere and keep their mouths shut, no questions asked, as long as they were paid regularly.
Rapid progress was made with the building, as Angel Eyes wanted it done before Emma got home.
He also did a few jobs during the three months that kept him flush with cash.
When the house was nearing completion, he went into the mercantile to order basic furniture and other necessary items. He didn't want to associate with Emma's family, but their mercantile was the only place in town to order the items he wanted, so there was nothing for it.
He sauntered into the place on a Friday afternoon, when the store was moderately busy. Nevertheless, Lavinia noticed him right away and hurried over.
"How can I help you," she said, giving him an expectant look.
"I need to order some basic furniture, as well as some other necessary items," he told her.
"Certainly," she replied. Pulling out a thick catalog from below the counter, she said, "If you'll specify what kinds of items you'll need, I'll be able to assist you in finding something suitable."
"First of all, I'll need a large bed," he began, watching to see if she had any reaction to that. "A brass head and footboard should suffice. Several pillows and few blankets as well."
She did not disappoint. Her eyes bugged out slightly, and her eyebrows raised heavenward.
Continuing, he said, "A table with four chairs, a stove, a sofa, two end tables, a comfortable upholstered chair for the front room, a desk and chair, several lamps, plates, silverware, and cooking utensils." After the last, he said, "Your assistance with this would be appreciated, as I think a woman's touch would be useful." After a pause, he added, "Just keep it conservative and tasteful and I'll be satisfied."
"Yes, yes, of course," she assured him. She was dying to ask why and where he was outfitting a house, but did not dare.
After all the furniture and accessories had been chosen, with assistance from Lavinia here and there, she saw that the total came to a fair amount of money.
"How and when will this be paid for?" she demanded, none too graciously.
Rolling his eyes, he told her, "Cash on the barrel head upon delivery."
"That will be acceptable, but a deposit will be required," she replied.
"All right," he said, peeling off several bills from his wallet, not blinking an eye.
"Where shall I have it delivered?" she asked. "It will be coming by train from Chicago. I will telegraph the appropriate vendor there and they'll have it shipped right out."
"Either I or one of my men will come to the store with a wagon to pick it up. Your boy, Tom, will know where to find me when the time comes."
Angel Eyes left to pick up Emma not long after the furniture had been delivered and installed. He wasn't thrilled at having to take a carriage all the way there, but there was nothing for it.
Nevertheless, he made good time to Grandville, finding Emma all packed up and ready to go by the time he arrived. He noticed how much she was showing now, but kept it that observation to himself. She didn't need any comments pointing out the obvious.
She ran up to him as soon as he got down from the carriage and threw herself into his embrace.
He gave her a long kiss and as they came up for air, she said, "I am so ready to leave!"
"I'm eager to go, too, but my horse needs a rest, so we'll stay tonight and leave in the morning."
"I understand," she said. "I admire how you take such good care of your horse."
"My horse helps me to make a living," he explained briefly. "It's only to my own benefit to take good care of him."
They left early the next morning, but not before Angel Eyes had left the McKechnies another generous sum, in thanks for giving Emma a safe place to stay. It also didn't hurt to invest in this family, as he never knew when he'd need an ally.
He didn't hurry on the ride back, allowing the horse to set the pace, ever mindful of Emma's delicate condition.
They rode in companionable silence for a long interval, when Emma finally spoke.
"I missed you pretty bad these last couple of months," she began. "Though it was nice spending time with Eliza and taking care of baby Elmer, Henry could be more than a mite tiresome."
"Oh. How?" Angel Eyes asked, curious.
"He chastised me several times for not getting married, convinced that I've 'ruined' myself," she reported, rolling her eyes. "And he pestered me about what you did for a living."
"What did you tell him?" he asked.
"I told him it was none of his business," she stated. "You were paying them enough. You would think he'd be grateful for that."
"Good answer," he told her. "Some people are too nosey for their own good"
"That's the truth!" she agreed.
They fell into silence once more, talking only now and then. Emma was lulled into drowsiness by the rhythm of the carriage's movements. She eventually fell asleep, leaning up against Angel Eyes.
He remained vigilant, out of long habit. As a hired gun, he could not afford to allow anyone to get the drop on him. He did, however, smoke his pipe, which allowed the miles to roll by in a more pleasant fashion.
They spent the night at the same stagecoach way station they'd used coming up. As before, he bribed the station master so they were able to use his room.
Around noon the next day, Angel Eyes turned the carriage down a secluded lane about two miles before they would have reached Cactus Flats. Emma was awake and looked around with interest as he pulled up to a newly built home surrounded by a grove of trees.
"Your new home," he said quietly, as he helped her down from the carriage. "No more sharing a tiny bedroom with your little sister."
Emma gasped when she saw it. Though she'd known he was building a home, seeing the reality of it in front of her was quite another thing. Looking around, she noticed a barn that would accommodate a few horses and a milk cow, without being noticeable from the road. A chicken coop was visible on one side of the barn, though it did not yet contain any chickens.
After he'd unhitched the horse from the carriage and seen to its needs in the barn, he led her inside from the side door. He showed her all the rooms, which contained everything they'd need to get started.
The tour concluded in their bedroom, which was completely furnished. The brass bed was made up, ready for use.
"So, what do you think?" he asked her in a low voice, holding her in his arms.
"I love it," she breathed, as she snuggled up close to him. "It's much nicer than my imagination."
"Let's try out the bed," he urged. "I bet it's more comfortable than the one in my hotel room in town."
"And the little narrow bed I had to sleep in at Eliza's for sure."
And, so, the couple celebrated their new home in the best way possible