A Texas Sky (Yellow Rose Trilogy)
lori wick
    "An invitation to what?"
    "Why, to my home for dinner. We'll have a nice meal
    and talk awhile. I'm sure I can convince her that she's quite
    mistaken."
    The men didn't bother to hide their displeasure, but
    Jared was not swayed.
    "Just let me know what day I'm to expect her. And boys,
    keep it neat. I have a reputation to uphold in this town."
    Knowing they had no one to blame but themselves, the
    brothers filed out. They didn't linger at the bank but
    headed right onto the street and over to the saloon to discuss
    the idea. They had a plan in very little time, but later,
    Seth returned to the bank only to find that Jared had come
    up with a plan of his own. Nevertheless, this job was going
    to cost the banker a little more than usual.
    161
    "You don't have to stay," Darvi proclaimed to Dakota
    for the third time.
    "So you've said." His reply was as calm as always, and
    Darvi gave up.
    They had made excellent time getting to Aurora, and
    during their travels Darvi was surprised to find that
    Dakota's home was very near. He could be there in a matter
    of hours. Darvi saw no reason for him to stay the night just
    to put her on the train. However, he was not about to leave.
    Darvi was glad for the company but felt she'd been trouble
    enough.
    "So where do you want to spend the night?"
    "I've got to get my trunk from the train station, and then I'll check into the Belmont."
    "Why don't I get the trunk?" Dakota started to suggest,
    but Darvi was already shaking her head.
    "I appreciate the offer, Dakota, but I need my clothing
    162
    as soon as I check in, and I'll be able to find the trunk in no
    time, since I know what it looks like."
    ATexasSty 89
    "Sounds fair enough. By the way, what are we doing
    with Finley?"
    "I'm to leave him at Garth's Livery, or some name like
    that. My uncle has plans to get him back. I didn't ask where
    it was, but I don't think it will be too hard to find."
    "Have you stayed in Aurora before?"
    "No, I haven't."
    "How do you know about the Belmont?"
    "Uncle Marty. He lectured me for a full 24 hours before
    I left." Darvi's voice went monotone before she went on,
    "What to watch for, where to go, do everything Dakota
    says, don't look at strange men, don't leave your room after
    dark, get your trunk from the station, leave the horse with
    Garth, and I can't remember what else."
    Dakota had a good laugh over this litany but thought it
    sounded like Brace. He was also changing his mind about
    163
    Darvi being on her own. He would never leave her to fend
    for herself, but she was very quick to catch on to tilings and
    as plucky as he'd first expected.
    The train station was a bustling place, and it took some
    doing to track down the bags and trunks that were being
    held. Darvi had to give her name and a description of her
    small trunk, and then the man was gone for what seemed
    to be ages trying to find it. Because her name was not on
    the outside, he made her open the top and show her name
    under the lid. The fact that she had the key should have
    spoken volumes.
    Finally satisfied, the man released the trunk to her care.
    Dakota hefted it onto Eli's back. It wasn't the ideal mode of
    transportation, but if they asked the station to deliver it,
    there was no telling when the heavy piece would arrive.
    There was a lad of 12 or 13 who stayed close to the hotel
    lobby and was willing to carry it to Darvi's room when she
    checked in. Dakota followed in their wake, his own room
    key in hand.
    "Thank you," Darvi told the young man, slipping a coin
    164
    to him.
    90 lori wick
    "Thank you/' he returned politely and went on his way.
    "Are you on this floor?" Darvi asked Dakota.
    Dakota looked at his key. "I think so, but I must be a few
    doors down."
    "I know ifs getting on in the day, Dakota, but can you
    give me time to clean up before we eat?"
    "I was going to ask you the same thing. There's no way
    I'm going to enjoy my dinner until I've ordered a bath."
    Darvi smiled at his understanding.
    "I'll

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