Page 43 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas

Still, her steps felt a little lighter as she made her way back to the main house. After their kiss, she knew her interest wasn’t one-sided. There was more to Spencer than she’d ever expected, and she was eager to learn everything about him.

Riding up to the Dixie, Lucien swung down from his large, roan gelding and looped the reins around the hitching post. He scanned the street, instinctively checking for threats. Seeing none, he rolled his shoulders to relieve the ache from long days of riding.

Shoving through the bat-wing doors, he leaned against the bar, signaling the bartender for a whiskey. Fighting constant snowstorms, it had taken longer than expected to travel from Bozeman to Splendor. He was ready for food, a bath, and a couple days of rest.

Sipping his whiskey, he glanced around the saloon. The threat of another storm appeared to have kept most of the boys away, which was fine with Lucien.

The door leading to the office and supply room swung open, and Julia emerged, carrying additional bottles of whiskey. At the same moment, her brother, Booker, clomped down the stairs from his rented room on the second floor.

“Lucien, you’re back.” Surprise and pleasure lit up her face. She set down the bottles to give him a quick hug.

Booker gripped Lucien’s hand. “Glad you made it. Weather hasn’t been the best.”

“I understand this is normal for December.” His voice was a low rumble.

Julia’s smile faded. “If you have time, we need to talk.”

“I have plenty of time for you, Julia. What’s on your mind?”

She leaned against the bar. “Ford came by while you were gone. He told me about a couple children who were found behind the general store a few days ago. I hadn’t heard about them, but he seemed real concerned. He wanted to talk to you. Made it sound real important.”

He took another sip of his whiskey, listening while thinking about the transaction he’d finalized in Bozeman.

“Oh, I almost forgot. Ford said the children’s last name is Weber.”

Lucien stilled and met her gaze. “Weber, you said?” He kept his voice carefully neutral.

“Yes.” Julia studied him curiously. “Do you know them?”

“Can’t say as I do.” Lucien tugged at the brim of his hat. “Did he say where these children are?”

“I know they were at the clinic, but I heard they left. You know how gossip travels around this town.”

He shifted toward the front doors. “So, you don’t know where they are now?”

“Sorry, Lucien. I don’t.”

“Appreciate you telling me, Julia.” He tossed back the whiskey the bartender had poured. “I’ll be riding out to see Ford. Do me a favor and reserve a room upstairs for me. I don’t know how long I’ll need it.”

She nodded. “Sure, Lucien.”

“I’m going with you,” Booker said as he buttoned up his heavy coat. “It’s not a good idea for a man to ride alone with a storm brewing.”

Julia watched as the two men walked outside and mounted up.

They reined their horses toward Ford’s ranch, keeping a slow pace through town before kicking them into a lope. Lucien’s mind churned over the unexpected news. What did it mean? Was it connected to his shadowed past?

He hadn’t let on, but he definitely knew the Weber name. Once upon a time, when his life was normal, it had belonged to him. Lucien Weber. Life choices had led him to make a change. He’d become Lucien Hunt to protect his family back in Missouri.

He shook his head to dislodge the vivid memories. No use dwelling on the past. This news had him unsettled. What were the odds another Weber family would end up here, in this remote Montana town?

A coincidence? Or something more?

Lucien had to know.

Lucien and Booker rode as hard as they could in an attempt to stay ahead of the growing storm. Ford and Tess’s ranch was about four miles west of town on a winding trail barely wide enough for a wagon.

They slowed their horses as the ranch house came into view. Lucien spotted Ford leaving the barn at the same time his friend looked up, noting their approach. Ford stopped to turn toward them, waving them toward the stable next to the house.

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