Day, Xondra - Menage on the Prairie (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) Read Online Free PDF Page B

the room. “He robbed banks. I knew about it, but we never actually talked about his “business,” as he liked to refer to it. And one day, he didn’t come home. He ended up getting himself shot dead, just like a dog.
    “I was alone with a baby to raise. We had no money to start with, and no one wanted to help out the widow of a bank robber. A month after, my baby died of consumption, in her sleep.
    “After she was buried, I pulled up and left that place, I never wanted to see it again. There was no reason for me to stay there, all I had left was memories, bad memories, and bad memories can be pressing for a person, especially if you think too much.
    “I found my way here. It’s work, I get a bit of money, food, and a roof over my head, and to tell you the truth, it ain’t half bad.”
    Years later, he’d heard that Maggie had gotten herself killed. Some man she’d been messing with didn’t like her line of work, and when she refused to give it up, he killed her in that very same room. Joe remembered her story and he hoped wherever she was, that she had found some sort of peace.

Chapter Four

    Entering the mercantile, Ryan had one thing on his mind.
    Mrs. Roswell was quick to get to her feet when she spotted him. She’d been sitting there behind the counter, awaiting her next customer.
    Ryan despised the woman. She was the one who had perpetuated the rumors about him and Joe; she was the one who had brought unwanted attention to them.
    “Can I help you?” asked Mrs. Roswell, her tone abrupt and to the point.
    Ryan couldn’t force himself to address her properly. “I’m looking for a gift, a wedding gift.”
    “Well now,” she replied, saddling up to one counter. “I can’t imagine who would be getting married in this town without my knowledge.” She stopped and waited for him to reply. It was obvious she was seeking information.
    Ryan rolled his eyes. “If you must know, Mrs. Roswell, it was Joe. He’s taken a bride, they married this very morning.”
    “Joe? You can’t be serious. Why, I thought—”
    “You thought what?” snapped Ryan. “Tell me, Mrs. Roswell, just what do you think? I’m extremely curious to know.”
    The woman turned crimson and began fiddling with her hands. “I didn’t mean anything.” Her eyes traced the countertop. “Anyway, it makes no difference to me who that man has married. Let’s get back to business.”
    He fought hard not to smile, yet inside he felt triumphant. He’d put the old gossip in her place and it felt damned good.
    “We have some very nice things. So my next question is, are you looking for something practical or impractical? Personally, I think impractical is more suitable when it comes to a special occasion such as a wedding.”
    For once, he agreed with her.
    “I, myself, love this.” Mrs. Roswell presented a small heart-shaped porcelain box. She placed it gently on the counter. It was a delicate looking piece, hand-painted with tiny pale pink roses and blue, flowing ribbon. “It’s a trinket box. And since I assume the bride and groom have rings, it’s the perfect keepsake. They can store their rings in here if needed.” She lifted the lid. “It has a rich, lush interior as you can see.”
    Ryan nodded, he’d seen enough. “It’s fine, I’ll take it.”
    “If you give me a moment, I’ll wrap it all fancy-like.”
    He nodded again. “I can wait. I’ll just look around the store while you do that.”
    When she had finished with the wrapping, Mrs. Roswell called to him. He accepted the package and handed her the money. Without further word, he left.
    Damn it all to hell! Ryan stood on Main Street in front of the mercantile with a knot in his stomach. Things had been perfect for so long and now he wasn’t sure if he knew his place in all this, or if he even had a place in Joe’s life anymore.

    * * * *

    He’d been looking for work.
    Starving and desperate for anything, Ryan still remembered that day when he had stumbled onto