The Demure Bride by Joannie Kay

we can start over again...?" she asked hopefully.
    "I think that is real fine, Miss Amanda," the man replied, giving her a tentative smile. "I never seen Miss Helene act that way before. You were good to her, and I know her Uncle will be grateful."
    "Oh, please don't tell him what she did, Ted! She'll get into trouble, and there was no harm done!"
    The man actually chuckled. "I think I like you, Miss Amanda. Those yard goods you picked will make up nice. Do you want some buttons and some yard goods for shirts, too?"
    "Yes, I do. Something practical but pretty," she answered with a smile.
    Ted was relieved at the change in the young woman and thought it real sweet of her when she picked out a present for her Pa. By the time Robert Thorne entered the store, he had her purchases all wrapped up. "Mr. Thorne, can I help you?"
    "I am not in need of anything today, Ted. I came to pick up Miss Chambers and take her to lunch. Are you finished with your shopping, Amanda? I am in no rush."
    "I'm finished, Rob, and I'm hungry, too!" she said with a smile for him. When she started to pick up her parcel, Rob reached out to take it from her.
    "Allow me, Amanda," he said. "I am sure this will be safe in the buggy while we have our lunch," he stated as he put the package under the seat. He put her arm through his and held her close. "I am hungry, too. Shall we go and have a nice steak dinner?" He escorted her across the street and into the lobby of the Hotel.
    Amanda laughed and then said, "We'd better see what they are serving today first, Rob. I've been here several times, and Papa swears that Mrs. Whittier doesn't know how to cook a steak properly."
    "Thank you for the warning," he said, disappointed. He wanted to buy a really great meal for Amanda, and it might prove impossible to do in this small town.
    "Don't worry, Rob. The chocolate cake here is fabulous, and no one, not even Goldie, makes better chicken and dumplings."
    "We will not starve, I am positive," he replied, smiling.
    "You folks have a seat and I'll be right with you," a young waitress called out as they walked into the restaurant.
    Rob picked a table that would give them a bit of privacy. He pulled out a chair and seated Amanda, and then sat down. The waitress came over and gave them a smile as she poured coffee into the cups already on the table. "It's good to see you folks. Miz Whittier has meatloaf or chicken and dumplings today. Or you can get a steak or fried chicken if you're willing to wait a little longer."
    "I believe that Miss Chambers and I shall have the chicken and dumplings, Miss."
    "Be right out," the waitress said with a smile as she hurried to the kitchen.
    "This place is a bit different than what I am accustomed to," Rob admitted, looking around. The furnishings were pleasant, but very functional. He imagined that most of the people living around here were happy to have something this nice in town. He was aware that the saloons offered food, but a man certainly couldn't take a lady there.
    "The first time I came in here with Papa I felt as though he was punishing me. What I quickly realized, however, is that Mrs. Whittier runs a very clean kitchen and her food is very good... except for her steaks," she whispered the words in a low voice. "What I considered important, the furnishings, weren't important at all." She smiled. "Have you ever gone to a really fancy restaurant, Rob, only to discover the food was terrible...?"
    "Yes, I have."
    "The food here is delicious," she said with confidence. "I am surprised Papa brought me here after the first time, however. I threw a major fit," she admitted, thoroughly embarrassed.
    "Matt should have handled the situation differently than he did," Rob stated matter-of-factly.
    "He didn't want to be hard on me after all of those years apart... and he knew I was grieving for Mama. I have decided it is time to make amends with people, Rob. I started with Ted at the Mercantile, and he was very nice to me."
    Rob was impressed