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hands.
    The sight of the two of them caused the breath to catch in Luvena’s chest. Yesterday she’d assumed Clay Birch didn’t want children because he didn’t like them. Or at least didn’t like other men’s children. But that couldn’t be true. Look at him . No, this was not a man who disliked children.
    Somehow Luvena found her voice. “I’m ready, Mr. Birch.”
    He looked up. “So am I.” He leaned forward so he could meet Elsie’s gaze. “Thanks for sharing your book with me.”
    â€œYou’re welcome, Mr. Birch.”
    Luvena hadn’t seen Elsie look this happy in many weeks. She decided right then, whatever else she had to face, she would be grateful to Clay Birch for that.
    He moved the girl off his knee and stood. “Okay, let’s go.”
    Luvena looked at Merry.
    The girl grimaced, sighed, and nodded in quick succession. “I know. I know. Look after them while you’re gone.” Apparently Mr. Birch’s charm had failed to affect the older sister as easily as it had the younger.
    The thought made Luvena smile.
    Clay grabbed a burlap sack from the floor near the door, and the two of them left the house. They followed Adams Street past the opera house and turned right onto Main Street. As they walked, Clay shared more about Grand Coeur than he had the previous evening. Luvena learned not only the street names but the names of the sheriff, the town doctor, the publisher of the tri-weekly newspaper, and the banker. She learned that the Presbyterian church—she could see it up on the hillside—had been the first and only church in Grand Coeur for several years, but now there were also a Catholic church and a Lutheran church.
    Three churches, but more than ten saloons .
    Several blocks later, when they turned right again—this time on Jefferson Street—Clay pointed out a dressmaker’s shop. “Reverend Adair’s daughter, Shannon, told me once that Mrs. Treehorn is the finest dressmaker in the territory.” He laughed. “Although what she thought a bachelor would do with the information, I have no idea.”
    Luvena liked his laugh. “Perhaps she meant it for your future wife.” Perhaps she meant it for me .
    â€œI would believe that, only she told me before I’d given any thought to marriage.” His grin broadened, as if he’d remembered something more. “You’ll like Shannon when you meet her. She’s quite the lady.”
    Luvena’s lighthearted feeling fled, replaced by something not as sweet. Jealousy? But that made no sense. She had no right to feel jealous of anyone, especially not when it came to Mr. Birch.
    They walked on, and Clay pointed out the area south of Grand Coeur known as Chinatown. “There’s been trouble here in the past, although not as much lately. Some miners don’t think the Chinamen have a right to be here or to mine their own claims. The truth is, many of the Chinese are more successful because they aren’t afraid of hard work and long days. And most don’t waste what gold they find on liquor or women in the saloons.”
    Another turn to the right, now onto Lewis Street, brought their destination into view. After what Clay had just told her, she was surprised when she saw the name of the store—Wu Lok’s Mercantile.
    As if Luvena had expressed her surprise aloud, Clay said, “Wu Lok’s got the best prices and the best selection in Grand Coeur. Everybody knows he’s fair and honest. Even folks who think the Chinese should be sent packing shop in this store to save money.” He pulled open the door. “Come on. I’ll introduce you.”
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    Inside the mercantile, Clay introduced Luvena to Wu Lok and to several customers as well. With each introduction, there was a moment of awkwardness. He could tell people expected him to say that she was his intended or to announce their