Redemption

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Colt rode up to the cabin and dismounted, feeling the ache in his knees as well as his head. Even Worthless had known better than to bark at him as he rode up. Smart dog, because Colt would probably not have the patience to deal with him at the moment.

He took care of his horse and walked toward the front door. Worthless came walking slowly over to him and put his head under Colt’s hand.

Colt rubbed his brown head a few times before walking into the house, the setting sun just ready to send darkness over the land and let them all rest for the night. He couldn’t have been happier about that.

He opened the door and saw Jessie sitting at the table as she always did, watching the fire crackle and sizzle in the fireplace. She turned when he entered.

“It’s nearly dark out there,” she observed. “You’re awful late. Everything okay?”

Colt glanced at where Adam lay asleep on the floor across the room and lowered his voice to a whisper. “I had to talk to Sherman for a little while.”

“Was he mad at you?” Jessie asked.

Colt sighed and hung up his hat. “Not really.”

“You look tired,” Jessie said as she stood and walked to the stove.

“Let’s just say that I’m not ready to run a race just now,” Colt said as he sat at the table and leaned on his forearms.

Jessie sat a cup of coffee in front of him. The steam rose up and warmed his face as he wrapped his hands around the cup.

“So what did he have to say?” Jessie asked.

Colt put his head down and took a moment before answering. “He’s not going to give Bliss that house.”

“What do you mean?” Jessie’s hand flew to hover over her heart. “You mean the one you’ve been building on?”

Colt nodded. “She saw one she fancied and he bought it for her.”

Jessie was silent for a moment. “What’s he going to do with the house you’ve been building?”

“Probably make it into a line shack,” Colt answered.

Jessie’s eyebrows drew close together. “If I didn’t think…” She glanced over at sleeping Adam and lowered her voice. “If I didn’t think it would hurt your employment status, I would march right on down there and tell him exactly what I think of him.”

Colt smiled faintly. “Thanks, but it’s all over and done with now.”

“Done or no, it’s still ridiculous. Of all the things he could have done to you, he had to go and throw away your hard work. Is he still paying you?” Jessie leaned back in her chair.

“I’m pretty sure he is. I guess we’ll just finish the house and he can use it for whatever he wants,” Colt sighed.

“It’s just unfair.” Jessie shook her head.

Colt took a drink of his coffee and stared at the fire.

“You look incredibly tired. I’ll go ahead and go to bed.” Jessie pushed back her hair and stood.

Colt stood with her. “Thank you. You really don’t have to keep doing this.”

“Doing what?” Jessie’s eyebrows drew close together.

“Staying up for me. You don’t have to keep doing it.”

“I know,” Jessie smiled at him and walked back to her room.