Charlie didnt know what to say. She certainly realized that hed have hung if someone hadnt stepped forward, but she never expected to be thanked for it.

Youre welcome, she finally spoke softly, knowing by the way Sean watched her that he was waiting for a reason.

I also want to thank you for all youve given me. You didnt owe me a thing, but youve dressed me and fed me like a king, and well, thanks for that too.

He completely flustered her this time. She sounded almost irritated when she spoke.

Well, its not as if you havent worked for it. I mean, blacksmith work is hard, and well, thats why I married you.

It suddenly occurred to Sean as he watched and listened to his wife that she hid her true feelings behind a mask of irritation when she was upset. Sean was usually much better at hiding his feelings than she, even if he did blush every once in a while, and he felt real compassion for the upset hed caused in her life.

Would you like to go for a ride in the buggy? The question seemed to come out of nowhere, and Sean saw that she was trying to make amends for what she had said.

I think thats a great idea.

Good, Charlie replied, looking so relieved that Sean smiled. Sadie doesnt expect us for a good two hours, so we have plenty of time.

Not for a moment did Charlie consider asking Sean to pull the buggy out or hitch the horse. She had gone out ahead of him and was almost finished by the time he arrived. He stood by rather helplessly as she climbed aboard, and couldnt help but remember how often hed seen Rigg lift Kaitlin into the wagon. Kaitlin had seemed to expect it, and he knew Rigg enjoyed doing this small service for his wife.

As usual, none of these feelings showed on his face, and Charlie simply looked at him expectantly as she sat on the seat, holding the reins loosely in her grip.

Sean climbed aboard and they headed out the back doors. The day was growing hot, but the top was in good shape. The canopy afforded them plenty of protection from the sun. Coopers Livery also had a surrey, but there was no need for the extra seat, and it had no top.

Sean got to thinking about what fine equipment and horses the livery had, and said as much to Charlie.

Thats the way my grandfather liked things, she explained. He believed that if you invested in your own business, people would trust you to do right by them, thus expanding and paying you back for your investment.

He sounds like he had a good head for business. I take it your grandfather is no longer living.

He died six years ago. Ive been running things on my own ever since.

And doing a good job, from what Ive seen.