Redemption's Edge by Shirleen Davies

She looked back over her shoulder. “Uncle Charles told me he and another ex-soldier came to town almost two years ago. Mr. Brandt stayed, but his friend rode on. Restless, I guess.”
    “They fight for the North?”
    “I believe so. I’ve never asked him. All I know is he’s a nice man and does good work. He’s a good choice if your ranch ever needs a blacksmith.”
    Dax looked down, letting his eyes lock on hers as he crossed his arms over his chest. “That so?”
    Rachel cleared her throat at his close scrutiny. “Why, yes. I believe he’d provide excellent work for you.” She glanced away and looked past him toward the main street, spotting King Tolbert and his daughter coming their way. “Have you met King Tolbert yet?”
    Dax’s brows lifted at the sudden change of subject and his body went on alert. “No, I haven’t had the pleasure.”
    She noticed his voice held an edge. “Well, now’s your chance.” She nodded behind him.
    Dax turned to see a man, perhaps ten or fifteen years older than him, driving a buggy, a young woman sitting next to him. He stopped at the livery and jumped out.
    “Good afternoon, Miss Davenport.” He doffed his hat and walked around to help his daughter down.
    “Hello, Mr. Tolbert. I don’t believe you’ve had a chance to meet our newest resident, Dax Pelletier. He and his brother are the new owners of the Hanes ranch.”
    King’s grin fell enough to let Dax know the man hadn’t expected to meet him so soon, and definitely not in the company of Rachel.
    “Pleased to meet you, Tolbert.” Dax extended his hand, which the man accepted.
    “Mr. Pelletier, this is my daughter, Abigail. Abby, this is Mr. Pelletier. He’s part owner of the ranch to the west of us.”
    Abby gave a slight curtsey before looking up into haunting gray eyes and an incredibly handsome face. “Good afternoon, Mr. Pelletier.” Abby inched to one side, glancing behind Dax and into the livery. Her eyes landed on Noah Brandt at the same time her heart rate picked up a beat. She’d met him a few times while in town with her father. Abby knew her father would never approve of her attraction to the town blacksmith, yet she couldn’t help her reaction to the taciturn ex-soldier.
    “It’s a pleasure, Miss Tolbert.” Dax shifted his attention back to Rachel. “You’ll have to excuse me. It’s time I met up with Luke and headed back. Good to see you again, Miss Davenport.” He glanced over at the others. “Good to meet both of you.”
    Abby couldn’t speak past the lump in her throat. To her father’s disgust, her wide eyes told it all, except he’d mistaken the object of her fascination. He thought she’d become enamored with the rugged Texas Ranger, never suspecting her true interest lie with the smithy hidden in the shadows.
    “Mr. Pelletier,” King nodded.
    Feeling bereft, Rachel’s gaze stayed focused on Dax as he crossed the street to the boardinghouse and restaurant. She wanted to run after him and talk further. He was a complicated man. One she wanted to get to know better.
    “Sorry to have missed you at supper the other night, Miss Davenport.”
    His comment brought her attention back to the man in front of her. “I do apologize. Mr. Wilson, at the Pelletier ranch, was shot and needed immediate attention. I didn’t get back to town until late.”
    King noticed she offered no further explanation. But she didn’t need to. Tolbert already knew about the shooting.
    “Your uncle told me there had been an emergency. Perhaps another time?”
    “Yes, perhaps. I never know when someone will come into the clinic seeking our help. I’m glad you understand. Speaking of the clinic, I’d better get Old Pete back into his stable. Uncle Charles won’t eat unless I’m there to remind him. Good day, Mr. Tolbert, Abby.”
    “See you soon, Miss Davenport.”
    Abby listened to the discussion. Being in Philadelphia much of the last several years, she’d paid little attention to her father’s