“The thing is . . .” His forehead furrowed. “I know why you want—need—the marriage partnership—so you and Astrid can stay here in Colorado so Astrid can get well. But you might be wondering why I’m needing it . . .”

For a few seconds, she waited for him to continue. When the silence lengthened, her face flamed. What was he insinuating? That he wanted a wife because he had manly needs?

“What I’m trying to say,” he continued awkwardly, “is that Steele is wanting to make Fairplay a stable town with more families and children.”

So Mr. McQuaid wanted a family of his own? Again, Greta’s face grew hot. While she hadn’t thought much about the marriage bed, she’d assumed it would be one of her wifely duties with Phineas. And if she went through with marrying Mr. McQuaid, she assumed it would be with him too. So why was he bringing it up? Did they really need to talk about it?

He rubbed a hand over his jaw and chin. “I’m making a mess of this, ain’t I?”

She couldn’t look him in the eyes. Instead, she focused on Astrid, who’d stopped and was now staring and waving at the miners in their camps.

Mr. McQuaid took a deep breath. “Steele’s offering me a deal ’cause he thinks he can convince his wife and son to come west if Fairplay has more families—”

“I understand, Mr. McQuaid.” She had to assure him before he said something even more embarrassing. “All I need to know is that you’re willing to help me for Phineas’s sake. That’s a good enough reason for me.”

He lifted his hat, smoothed his hair, then situated it again. “Alright, then.”

She let out a breath, and the tension eased from her shoulders. As with Phineas, she was taking a big risk in agreeing to marry a stranger. But she had to keep doing whatever she could for Astrid, no matter the personal sacrifice.

They started walking again.

After a moment, he cleared his throat. “I’m guessing you’ll want to change into something dry before the wedding?”

“You want to get married tonight?” She didn’t know why his question surprised her. After all, she’d expected to marry Phineas right away. Why not Mr. McQuaid instead?

“I guess we can wait if you want to—”

“No, tonight is just fine.” There was no reason to put it off. She might as well get it over with so she could move on with her life and provide a home for Astrid.

“You sure?” His voice wavered. Who was he asking: himself or her?

“Mr. McQuaid, I haven’t been sure about anything for a long time. But that hasn’t stopped me yet.”

He was quiet for several steps, so that their squeaking boots sounded too loud against the wet grass and gravel. “I’ll go get the preacher.”

Chapter 6