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Everyone waited.

“Sylvia has to be my dinner partner.”

Eddy's jaw dropped.

Sylvia looked stunned. Her support of the orphanage was well known, and Eddy hoped she wouldn't cost Mary the large sum of money by turning him down. She didn't. In a voice as chilly as her eyes, she replied, “You have a date.”

Doc nodded approvingly and slapped the gold coins down on the table.

The evening began breaking up and people were saying their good-­byes.

Zeke said, “Sorry I didn't get the bid for your dinner.”

“So am I.”

“Maybe we can have dinner together sometime soon. Not many places in town that'll serve us but we'll figure out something.”

“That would be nice.” Eddy looked away for a moment to wave at Vera, who was heading to the door.

He brought her attention back by asking, “Do we still have a date for the music concert on Friday?”

“Yes and I'm looking forward to it.”

“Good. I'll see you then.”

“Thanks again for contributing the window.”

“You're welcome.”

He departed, and Eddy wondered if he was really the man for her, and if so why didn't she feel the same challenging excitement that she felt with Rhine. Having no ready answer, she set the troubling question aside. For the next little while she made a point of speaking with everyone who remained, and they congratulated her on the successful auction. All the goodwill further solidified her feeling like a member of the community.

She'd just said good-­bye to the Rossettis when Edgar Carter stopped her to ask, “How'd I do, Miss Eddy?”

“You were a grand auctioneer, Mr. Carter. Just grand. Thank you.”

“I had a good time, and what do you think about that Rhine Fontaine? When he gave me this champagne, you could've knocked me over with a feather.” He showed her the bottle in his hand.

“It was a generous gesture.”

“You think so?” Rhine asked from behind her.

Smiling knowingly at his timing, she turned and looked up into his handsome face. “It was extremely generous.”

“I'm glad you approved.”

Ignorant of the undercurrents between them, Edgar said, “Thanks again, Rhine. I want you to give the first toast. You are invited, you know.”

“I do and I'd be honored.”

“Good, then. Let me go and find my wife so we can start for home. I had a wonderful time, Miss Eddy.”

He left them then, and as they stood together, she felt the familiar pull of Rhine's call.

“So, am I endearing again?” Rhine asked.

“I've always known you to be kind, Rhine.” She hoped those moving about the room thought they were simply having an innocent conversation about the event and nothing more.

“I think I prefer endearing.”

“You know we aren't supposed to be doing this anymore,” she said. No matter how many times she put her foot down, the dance between them continued.

“I do. Can't seem to help myself. And what's your excuse?”

She laughed. “We're back to incorrigible.”

“I'll answer to that.”

The twins came over. “Excuse us. Mr. Rhine?” Christian said.

“What can I do for you gentlemen?”

“Can you come upstairs and listen to our prayers before we go to sleep.”

Micah chimed in, “Miss Mary said it was okay.”

Eddy stilled. His ties to the boys went deeper than she knew.

“I'd love to.”

Quietly moved by Rhine's commitment to them, she said to him softly, “Endearing, again.”

He shot her a wink and he and the twins departed.

She spent another few minutes making sure the winners left with their goods in tow. Once the last person departed, a tired but happy Eddy walked into the kitchen to help with the cleanup and found Willa Grace washing dishes and Sylvia drying. Eddy grabbed a towel and Sylvia promptly plucked it from her hand. “You've done your share. Find a place to sit until I'm done here.”

“But—­”

“You were up most of the night baking cookies, you prepared breakfast for the boarders, and spent the rest of the time setting things up here. Go and catch your breath. We'll head home as soon as Willa Grace and I finish up.”

Eddy realized this was a battle she was destined to lose. “Okay. I'll be on the back porch.”

When she stepped out into the darkness, the moon was up and there stood Rhine, gazing out into the night with his back to her. He was so still and seemed so deep in thought she felt like an intruder. “I didn't mean to disturb you. I'll go back inside.”

“You aren't disturbing me,” he countered in a voice as quiet as the night's breeze. “How are things going inside?”

“They're cleaning up. Sylvie wouldn't let me help. Says I've done enough for the day.” She wondered why he was out there alone. “Are the twins in bed?”

“Yes, prayers said, and Mary and Willa Grace have survived to fight another day.”

That made her smile. “Do you listen to their prayers often?”

“No. Tonight was the first time. I was honored to be asked.”

“You care about them very much, don't you?”

“I do.”

Silence crept between them. “Are you okay, Rhine?”

He looked back at her over his broad shoulder, and the moonlight showed his sadness before he turned away again. “Let's just say I'll survive, too.”

“What's wrong?”

He didn't respond at first, and as the silence lengthened she thought he wouldn't. He finally said, “Mary may have found a home for the boys—­a couple from Sacramento.”

“That's wonderful.”

“Yes, it is.”

Yet there was something in his tone that seemed to match the sadness she'd glimpsed. She was confused by that at first until the pieces of the puzzle slowly fell into place. “You wanted to adopt them, didn't you?”

She saw him nod. “Yes. Mary even made some preliminary inquiries on my behalf, but I'm unmarried and the state preferred they be placed with someone of their own race.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Don't be. It's for the best.”

The urge to wrap her arms around him and place her head against his tense back and offer solace rose with such strength she had to fight it to remain where she stood. “Have the boys been told?”

“Not yet. She'll speak with them about it in the morning.”

Eddy didn't know what else to say, but wanted to offer whatever she could to help him sort things through. “I've a shoulder to lend if you need one.”

Sylvie called from inside, “Eddy, I'm ready.”

Eddy felt torn.

He turned and met her eyes in the moonlit darkness. “Go on home, little queen. I'll be fine.”

She nodded reluctantly and went inside.

O
n the drive back to the saloon Rhine wasn't fine by any definition of the word, but there was nothing he could do about it. Mary's news had left him reeling even though he knew the day would come, but he hadn't had enough games of marbles with the boys or flying kites or answering their endless questions, and selfishly he wanted more time. The young childless couple were members of the Sacramento church that had adopted the orphanage, and from what Mary learned from the wires she and the pastor had passed back and forth, they were fine upstanding people. They'd take the train down this weekend to visit, and if things went well, she would set the adoption process in motion. Even though he was glad they'd have a second chance, that chance wouldn't be with him, and because it wouldn't, sorrow rode him. Logically, he understood the state wanting them placed with people of their own race but his heart didn't believe that should be the only measuring stick. What about caring and commitment? Admittedly, he knew next to nothing about child-­raising, but he and the twins could have learned along the way. Maybe sometime in the future similar situations would be measured differently, but today in 1870, he'd be losing his boys.

His thoughts moved to Eddy. When she stepped out onto the porch, he'd wanted to ease her into his arms and hold her close in the hope it might salve his broken heart. During slavery, he'd been expected to absorb the daily slights and ill treatment as if he were made of wood, and he supposed he'd carried the mask he'd learned to hide his emotions behind to this day. But knowing the boys would be leaving his life forever made the mask slip, and he had no one to help him dull the pain—­no mother, wife, or lover. During his conversation with her on Monday morning, she'd spoken about being left behind with a broken heart when he moved on to someone more suitable. Now that Christian and Micah were leaving him behind, he truly understood her words. As he'd noted before, the decision to cross the color line had allowed him to reap many benefits, but it had cost him, too, and this time that decision would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Chapter Fifteen

O
n Friday evening Eddy got dressed and went downstairs to await Zeke's arrival. This would be her first time stepping out with a man, and she was both excited and nervous. She was wearing the lace-­edged blouse Vera had made for her and was glad the seamstress had overridden her protests about not wanting something nice.

Zeke arrived a short time later dressed in a worn but clean brown suit. He looked very handsome and the flowers he handed her touched her heart. “Thank you.” Having little to no experience with flowers, Eddy had no idea what kind they were, but they were lemon-­colored, fragrant, and beautiful. “Let me find a vase.”

After finding one in the kitchen and putting the flowers inside, she rejoined him.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes.”

He offered his arm. “I don't have a buggy or wagon, so we'll have to walk.”

She took his arm. “I don't mind.” Truthfully, she didn't. A majority of the city's residents walked to their destinations. Only the wealthy were able to afford buggies and carriages.

As they set out, Eddy felt a bit self-­conscious, especially when they passed people they both knew and were given smiles and nods. Being together this way was a public declaration linking her with the handsome carpenter. “So tell me about the concert?”

“The musicians are an all Colored band. Mostly horns and a drummer. They perform at the Union a few times a year.”

“Will it be inside?”

“Yes.”

She hadn't seen Rhine since the night he'd found out about the twins' possible adoption. She'd felt his grief and since then had been wondering how he was doing.

“Eddy?”

She startled. “I'm sorry. I was wool gathering. What did you say?”

“I asked if you liked music.”

“I do, and you?”

“I do.”

Embarrassed to have been thinking about Rhine when her attention should've been on Zeke, she was determined not to do it again.

But it was difficult at first. The moment she entered the crowded gaslit interior, her mind once again went back to being upstairs in the soft silence of his bedroom and how kind and caring he'd been. And then, seeing his ivory-­skinned face and jet black hair behind the bar made her remember all she'd learned and felt about him since then.

“How about we sit over there?” Zeke asked.

“That's fine.” Determined once again to keep her attention where it belonged, she let Zeke lead her to the table and help her with her seat.

He asked, “What would you like to drink?”

“Lemonade would be fine.”

“Be right back.”

Instead of the tables being spread randomly throughout, as they'd been at the Lincoln Club meeting, they were now lined up in rows like in a school. At the front of the room was a long, flat, slightly raised platform she assumed would be the stage for the musicians. Unfortunately though, she was close enough to the bar for it to be in her peripheral vision and she only needed a slight turn of her head to see it. And when she did, she was instantly snared by a pair of intense green eyes that threatened to tow her under, so she looked away.

Zeke returned with her glass of lemonade. “Thank you.”

He sat. The place was filling up. People now familiar to Eddy nodded or came over to offer a personal greeting.

“So,” Zeke said. “How did you meet Rhine Fontaine?”

The abrupt question caught her off guard and she wondered where this was going. “I was robbed while crossing the desert. I was near death when he and Mr. Dade found me and took me to Sylvie. They saved my life.”

“I see.”

“And you asked me that why?”

“Was just curious as to how long you've known him.”

Eddy didn't reply.

“I'm sorry if I'm prying. A man just likes to know where he stands.”

Any other questions he may have had were silenced by the musicians taking the stage. The three horn players, a piano player, and a drummer spent a few minutes tuning up. People who'd been chatting took their seats, as did people at the bar. She hazarded a glance in that direction. When Rhine's gaze brushed hers and held, she again wondered how he was. She finally turned back, only to find Zeke staring her squarely in the face. She startled. He gave Rhine a long steady look before settling his gaze on her again. Radiating displeasure, he turned away and Eddy sighed silently.

The musicians were talented. They played favorites like “Jimmy Crack Corn,” “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair,” “Listen to the Mockingbird,” and closed the concert with a rousing rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” but throughout, Zeke had very little to say and offered even less interaction. Eddy was saddened by the indifference, but took full responsibility.

When it was time to leave, his voice was cool. “Let's get you home.”

“That isn't necessary. I can walk back alone.”

“No.”

Rather than argue she let him escort her out.

The air between them was as chilly as a Denver winter. He didn't offer his arm. Eddy saw no point in trying to draw him out, so she didn't.

After a few minutes of walking together silently, he finally looked her way and stopped. “Has he kissed you?” he asked quietly.

She didn't lie. “Yes.”

Even though it was dark, she sensed his frustration, hurt, and disappointment. “I had hopes for us, Eddy.”

“I know. I'm sorry.” She wanted to explain to him how muddled her feelings were about Rhine, and how hard she'd been trying to keep him at bay, and that she knew she had no future with him, but she didn't know how to do it so Zeke would understand. Instead she said, “Let's just keep walking, okay?”

As they reached Sylvia's, he held her eyes silently for a time. “I'm not going to compete with a White man for you, Eddy. I'd just lose. He's got more money and can give you things I'll never be able to afford, but he isn't going to marry you. I hope you know that.”

She didn't reply.

“Real sorry this didn't work out. Take care of yourself.”

She whispered, “You, too.”

And he walked away.

When Eddy entered the house, Sylvie came out of her office and asked cheerily, “How'd it go?” But she must've seen Eddy's sadness. “What happened?”

“I doubt I'll be seeing him again. I'm going up. We'll talk in the morning.”

“Eddy?”

“Night, Sylvie.”

Lying in bed, Eddy tried to convince herself that because she wouldn't be staying in Virginia City there was no reason to be sad about the mess she'd made of the evening, but it was a lie. She'd enjoyed Zeke's company and had had hopes for them as well. Now, all was lost, gone like autumn leaves in the wind, and there was no way to undo it.

T
he following morning she sat with Sylvie in the kitchen and told her about everything, including Rhine's kiss. “My life was so much easier when all I had to worry about was surviving.”

“Men do tend to complicate things.”

Eddy smiled ruefully. “Poor Zeke. I felt so guilty. And in the scheme of things, if I had to choose a beau he'd be a much better choice. He seems steady and even, whereas Rhine . . .” She looked at Sylvie, “How can I possibly want to be with someone I know is forbidden and will probably break my heart?”

“I don't know, honey.”

Eddy didn't either.

Sylvie said sympathetically, “Maybe it will cool down over time.”

“Or, I should have dinner with him and be done. Maybe that will be the cure I need.”

“Do you believe that?”

“No,” Eddy said. “But it sounds good.”

Sylvie chuckled. “Sorry I'm not more helpful but I can't even figure out my own dilemma with Oliver, and that's been ongoing for over a decade.”

Eddy was just glad to have someone to talk to. “Did he say when he wants his dinner?”

“No, but I almost fell over when he made that declaration.”

“Maybe you two will work things out.”

“We'll see.”

There was silence for a moment before Sylvie turned to her and said, “I want you to consider something for me.”

“I'll try.”

“I'm thinking of closing the dining room.”

Eddy froze. “Why?”

“Because your cooking's bringing in way too many people and it's putting a strain on the house and on me. I'm getting old.”

“But—­”

“Now wait. Let me finish.”

Eddy nodded.

“What I'd like to do is open a larger place and have you run it as part owner.”

Surprise widened Eddy's eyes.

“This is something I've been considering since that Sunday the diners descended upon us like locusts. There's profit to be made, honey, and you are the golden goose. We need to strike while the iron's hot.”

A dozen questions sprang to mind so quickly she wasn't sure which one to ask first.

Sylvia must have seen the wonder in her eyes. “I take it you like the idea.”

“Yes, but I don't have the funds to invest to be an owner.”

“That's okay. I'll take care of the investors and give them a small share of the profits in exchange. All you need do is cook. I've watched you, Eddy. You're knowledgeable, efficient, and talented. Truth be told, it's also my selfish way of keeping you here.”

Eddy smiled.

“I enjoy your company,” Sylvia continued.

“I enjoy you as well.”

“Good. Think about my proposal and we'll talk more soon.” Sylvie stood. “I'm going over to Janet's to get my hair done, then out to Aretha's to help with her anniversary preparations. The party's next weekend. You're still going to make the cake, correct?”

“Correct.” Eddy looked up at Sylvie. “Thank you.” She'd gone from nearly dying in the desert to maybe having her dreams come true.

“You're welcome.”

Sylvie went back inside and left Eddy alone to think over the earthshaking news
.

My own place!
Even the idea of being part owner left her giddy. Her original plan for California had been to work herself to the bone until she saved up enough money to buy a place and then start small. She'd resigned herself to the fact that it might take years to be a success, but now? Now she could realize her dream here in the place she'd come to think of as home. She liked the small community of people here and they liked her. She wanted to jump up, throw her hands in the air, and run around the yard like a happy child. Sylvia Stewart was a godsend, and if the new place actually came to fruition, Eddy vowed to never make her regret taking her on.

In the days that followed, Eddy continued her cooking, and whenever she and Sylvia got the chance, they talked and planned. How big would the diner be? How large a staff would be needed? Sylvie talked of apartments being built above the place, where Eddy would live, a notion that filled Eddy with even more glee. After living in tiny cramped boardinghouses most of her adult life, having her very own washroom was unimaginable. They also took a ride around the city and looked at available properties. One, they ruled out immediately due to its close proximity to Beech's Shooting Gallery. The gallery was a combination saloon and shooting gallery. Miners could drink and practice their shooting on targets nailed on the walls. According to Sylvie, such establishments had been around since Virginia City's birth. So far no one outside or inside had been killed, but everyone believed it would only be a matter of time, which was why the town council had been trying to outlaw the place for years. However, there was an open lot not too far from the boardinghouse that met their needs.

“Do you own it?” Eddy asked once she got down from the wagon and looked around. It was located near a large Catholic church on the edge of town.

“No, but I'm pretty sure this is one of Rhine's. In fact, he owns most of the places we've looked at. I doubt the bank will let me buy new land without making me dance a jig and pay an extraordinary interest rate, so going with a plot he already owns might spare me the headache.”

“Will he be one of the investors?”

“Yes. No one else will back us the way he will.”

“Have you spoken with him?”

“I have. He likes the idea, and because he'll be my largest investor, he'll be on the deed as a part owner.”

Eddy thought about how that might impact her future. Having him be a part owner meant the two of them would be dealing with each other often, and considering their volatile relationship, there was no telling what effect that would have on her new life in Virginia City.

As if reading her mind, Sylvia continued, “I will say this about him. I've never known him to let personal issues get in the way of business.”

Eddy decided to trust Sylvia on that and not let herself be overwhelmed by worries of what ifs.

Sylvia said, “Now I don't want you to be alarmed, but Zeke Reynolds will be our architect and builder. I've asked him to do some drawings for us to look at and approve.”

“Lord, Sylvie.”

She smiled understandingly. “I know, honey, but he's the best man available and this, too, is only about business.”

Eddy sighed. Zeke had stopped coming to the dining room, and his cousin August had been very cool and distant lately.

“You'll survive,” Sylvie promised. “We women always do.”

Sylvia left the kitchen to attend to her duties, and Eddy went to the sink to start washing the breakfast dishes. She'd come to a decision. She was done doing the two-­step with Rhine. If he still wanted to have dinner with her, she would. As she'd told Sylvie, she hoped it would be the cure she needed to move on with her future, but more importantly, looking down the road of her life, she saw no opportunities for her to experience what it meant to be with a man who desired her. And he'd made it quite plain through both words and action that he did. She thought back on the fervent kiss they'd shared, the way he'd melted her at the market, the ways he'd been calling to her senses since the first time he carried her in his arms, and how vulnerable he'd appeared the night on the porch at the orphanage. Rhine was as layered as he was handsome. She'd been practical, levelheaded Eddy Carmichael her entire life, and for once she wanted to be reckless, throw caution to the wind and let him gift her with memories she might not otherwise have. Did the idea scare her? In some ways it did, but she set them aside. For one night she wouldn't care about barriers, what was forbidden, or who he was, because heaven help her, she was in love with Rhine Fontaine.