Chapter 20

Millie had just finished her bowl of stew when a gust of wind blew open the door to the little diner. Icy air invaded the restaurant, chilling all who were inside.

The man nearest the door stood and shut the door. He looked outside and shook his head.

"We might be stuck in here. Snow is blowing sideways and doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon."

Shocked, Millie glanced at Corinthia. "Do you think we can make it back to your store?"

Candace shook her head. "Not by the sound of that wind. Besides, we have a stove and food in here. We'd be wise to stay."

"I think you're right, Candace." Corinthia shivered. "I remember that time years ago when we had to stay in the mine for a week."

Millie smiled. "I was just thinking about that. We had some good times together, didn't we?"

Corinthia nodded. "Brrr. It's getting colder in here already. I hope they have a lot of wood gathered."

The door opened, and a few people entered the small restaurant. "I hope you have room for us. The temperature is already deadly."

Daisy Owens came out from behind the counter. "Everyone scoot in closer together. We have plenty of wood out back and food in our pantry. We might not be comfortable, but we will stay warm and fed. Everyone away from the door. Let's give others room to come in."

Millie felt a hollow pit in her stomach. She worried about Father and Preston out on the road. She hoped they stayed at the mine and hadn't attempted to return. As the hours passed, the empty space inside her grew. She couldn't bear to think about losing her father or Preston.

Corinthia took her hand. "Are you all right? You look chilled. Do you need my coat?"

Millie shook her head and looked at Corinthia. "Our fathers, along with Fritz and Preston, went to the mine this morning. I hope they are still at the mine and not on the road to Denver."

"I see." Now, the fear was on Corinthia's face.

Candace tapped the table with her finger. "They know the signs of the weather. I am sure they would have stayed at the mine. Jeremiah and Raul are both mountain men from long ago. They know the clouds and wind and feel the dropping temperatures. I'm sure they're safe."

Millie pressed her hand on Candace's. "Thank you. I'm sure you're right. It was a good thing we came to eat lunch." A glance outside showed it was dark and only a little after noon. The wind rattled the windows, blowing the snow sideways.

Corinthia sighed. "Let's make the best of our time. Here we are, three lovely ladies with no man to call our own. At least, I don't. How about you, Candace, Millie?"

Candace groaned. "No one for me. I have a passing interest in Preston and Fritz, but no man has looked at me with interest. I don't know why. I'm pretty or as nice-looking as most women."

Millie shrugged. "Preston and I were always friends growing up. Even after the feud between our families, we'd sneak away to meet each other. Then, he went to Boston to become a doctor, and I didn't hear from him until he returned. He has twice promised to pick me up and take me somewherebuthasnot shown up. Although he had good excuses, it has made me wonder about where I stand with him."

Corinthia shook her head. "I think he does care about you, but I haven't talked to him. I don't have anyone, either. Sometimes, I think my father and wealth keep good men from talking to me."

Candace looked at them. "So, what are we to do? We're getting to the age of spinsterhood. I want a good husband and a family."

Millie nodded. "Me too. I held out for Preston. Now, I am wondering if that was a mistake. Does he care for me? Or should I be looking for someone else?"

Candace put a hand on Millie's. "Now that you're wearing the proper attire, I would think there will be more men paying attention to you."

Corinthia tapped her fork on the table to get attention. "Maybe we need to decide what we want in a man and start there."

Candace smiled. "I want a handsome man. He should be strong and of good courage."

Millie nodded. "And smart. A good provider. No one wants a man who can't keep a job." She sighed. "What difference does it make if we don't have any men interested in us?"

Candace sighed. "You're right. We're putting the train before the horse."

"You mean the cart before the horse." Millie laughed.

Candace rolled her eyes. "You knew what I meant. Before we worry about which man is right for us, we have to have at least one who wants us."

Corinthia broke in. "Why? Can't we be the one who is interested in a man and go after him? Why do we have to wait around for them to act?"

"Good point." Millie pondered her words. "So, I am interested in Preston. I'm going after him." She looked at Candace. "That means he is mine until it looks like I am getting him or not. We should have some kind of truce that the man we pick is not to be sought after by the other two."

Corinthia nodded. "Sounds reasonable. The blizzard truce."

Candace agreed. "I was interested in Preston, but you can have him. I'll take Fritz."

Corinthia sighed. "I was thinking of him because he likes the clothing business. How about Pete Sims, the banker's son? I've seen him look at you, Candace."

"I did dance with him at the ball. All right. I like him." Candace grinned. "Now we have that settled. We just have to get them to marry us."

Millie frowned. "We are back to square one. I'm going to do what I have been doing and pray that the Lord directs my steps."

"You think He will do that? I mean, we are running out of time. I'm twenty-five." Candace frowned.

"I don't see we have anything else to trust but God. He knows us and knows what we need. I'm confident the Lord will see me through and bring the man He desires for me."

"Good idea, Millie. I'll do the same. We can pray for each other." Corinthia smiled. "I'm glad we had this talk."

Candace nodded. "I wonder how long this blizzard will last?"

Millie glanced at Candace. By the sly look in her eyes, she would not sit idly by and let Preston go. So, the game was on. She was going to have to fight for Preston. Let him know she cared, or Candace would take him from her.