Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson

smiled at each man and leaned in as if to share a secret. “Don’t discuss President Cleveland. He’s a Democrat, you know, and he held a staunch disregard for President Lincoln, whom my aunts dearly loved. If you don’t want to stir their ire, you’ll avoid Mr. Cleveland altogether.”
    â€œYou have my word,” Kolbein said with a wink, to which Abrianna smiled.
    â€œWe’ll keep in mind all of the topics of discussion which trouble the ladies.” Wade wasn’t sure he liked the man winking at Abrianna. “Come. I’ll show you the way.”
    â€œI already know it,” Kolbein replied. His tone made it clear that he wasn’t to be made second man to any.
    Wade nodded and allowed him to lead the way. Once they were seated, Wade lost little time. “I am a wainwright. I learned at anearly age to build wagons and make repairs to them. Abrianna tells me you’re a lawyer from Chicago.”
    Kolbein Booth chuckled. “Yes, I am. I hope you don’t hold Chicago in the same contempt as the ladies.”
    This made Wade smile. The women were very opinionated about a great many things besides the president. The safety and acceptability of various cities was something of which they often spoke, basing their opinions on newspaper articles and Sunday gossip. Chicago garnered no good thoughts from that trio.
    â€œAs I recall,” Wade replied, “they believe Chicago to be a den of no-good men who take advantage of women and children. Seems their opinion has something to do with the senselessness of a people who would allow a cow to set the town ablaze.”
    â€œI’m not entirely certain that the cow alone bears blame,” Booth said good-naturedly. “I do not believe she brought the lantern which set the blaze.” He shrugged. “I also don’t imagine Chicago to be much worse than any large city. I know this place has dealt with fires of its own,” Booth countered. “What do you believe?”
    â€œAbout cows setting fires?” Wade couldn’t help but smile. Against his will he was actually enjoying this man’s company.
    â€œHow do you feel about Chicago?”
    Wade rubbed his thighs. “I don’t have an opinion one way or the other. I’ve never been to the place and don’t plan to visit there in the future. I like it here just fine.”
    Booth nodded. “I can understand. Seattle is a fine city. It appears to rain a great deal, but the days of sun are quite pleasant. I am impressed that so many entertainments are available. I was afraid I’d be coming into uncivilized territory. However, reading the newspaper and walking about the town have opened my eyes. Even so, this city, like most, has its fair share of problems, from what I’ve read.”
    â€œThat’s true enough. We have ranching and mining, much like other western towns. We also have the sea. Earning a living off the water teaches one not to take things for granted. The sea is unforgiving and the men who sail her know that full well. Fishing is a big industry here, as well as logging and shipping. We are quite a complex city.”
    â€œI can well imagine. You have a good harbor and good products to offer. I imagine that larger towns desire your lumber, since there’s quite a bit of building going on around America. Some have fully recovered from the crash of ’73 and are starting to invest in their comforts again. However, I don’t see our economy as stable yet. The rich are spending in abundance to further the railroads and financial systems, but in my mind extravagance and excess always lead to problems.”
    â€œGentlemen, we are ready to sit down to lunch,” Abrianna announced from the open doorway.
    Wade motioned Booth to go first, and the man didn’t have to be encouraged.
    In one smooth movement the man joined Abrianna and offered her his arm. “Milady, might I escort you?”
    Abrianna