Mistletoe Courtship Read Online Free Page B

had that look about her that said she was rattled over some man. He should have followed his impulse and asked her to marry him before he left. She hadn’t loved him, but she might have married him. And, once she did, she’d stand by her word.
    When he was driving the wagon over from Helena, he’d kept thinking that things between him and Patricia would go more smoothly once there was a woman like Virginia around. He’d been captivated by her during all those days when she’d played piano for the men in his saloon. She might have been exasperated with them at times, but she always looked at them with kindness. Even if she wouldn’t marry him, he’d thought on the way here, she might be able to help Patricia adjust to her new life.
    Not that he could ask Virginia to do all of that now. She was so caught up with Lester that—he looked around and his eyes settled on the piano in the corner. She’d been polishing the wood, he could tell that even with all of the soot that had filtered down to the piano’s surface. And she had some fancy brass bells set out like Christmas decorations.
    â€œEven if you are getting married,” Colter said in a rush, “you’re the best music teacher around and I’d like you to give Patricia piano lessons. I’ll pay you your usual fee, of course.”
    â€œThere’s no need to—” Virginia said.
    â€œI’m not gonna—” Patricia muttered.
    â€œDouble your fee,” Colter interrupted them and kept going. “Triple even. I know it might take extra lessons since she’s a beginner, but she doesn’t need to be able to play any of those classical songs. Just some carols—maybe before Christmas.”
    That seemed to leave both Virginia and Patricia speechless, although he wasn’t sure whether it was the price he was offering or the speed with which he was hoping for results.
    â€œThat’s not even a week away,” Virginia finally said. “Ifshe’s not already playing the piano, I don’t think—I mean she’s awfully young to—”
    â€œA teacher like you can handle it,” Colter said.
    â€œNobody wants to listen to any carols—” Patricia protested with a touch of scorn. “Babies get born in mangers all the time in that part of the world.” She gave a vague wave of her hand. “It’s no reason to go out and play a song about it.”
    That made Virginia turn to the girl. “You might want to surprise your mother,” she said as she knelt down so she was eye level with Patricia. Virginia got a soft look on her face that made Colter regret he didn’t have more to offer her. “Parents always like to hear their children play music.”
    Colter would have pointed out that Rose wasn’t coming so she wouldn’t hear anything, but he didn’t want to interrupt the two.
    â€œNot my mother—” Patricia shook her head. “She says that all Christmas is good for is getting people to give you things ’cause they feel sorry for you. So the best thing to do is look sad so people give you nice things. Or money. She never mentions any songs.”
    With that, Patricia wrinkled her face up until she did look pathetic.
    Colter turned and saw Virginia’s mouth tighten in disapproval.
    He knew then that she was going to teach Patricia. But just to be sure, he said, “You’ll need some money even if you get that job in Denver. You’ll need to travel. And, once you get there, you may need to stay in a hotel for a few days.”
    Before Virginia could answer, there was a noise as the doors opened and Danny stepped inside.
    â€œWhat’s for din—” the boy began as he looked around the saloon. Then he saw Colter. “You’re back.”
    The boy’s face lit up, and, for the first time in months, Colterhad hope that he might make an adequate parent. After all, neither Danny nor