Chapter 15

“No, sir. I don’t plan on leaving here. You have my word to work through until winter, and I don’t go back on my word.”

“Of course you don’t. Your father raised you better than that. Still, I had to be certain, you know.”

“I understand.”

“Well, you can’t stay in the bunkhouse. I suppose you could move into their little shed in the back, and Mercy can sleep in the kitchen.”

Neither Mercy nor Christian would like that plan, but Mal decided they would deal with that problem when they came to it. He didn’t mind Mercy living with them, even if that meant he wouldn’t be able to exercise his marital privileges.

“Yes, sir.”

“I do understand why you want to marry her. A young man eventually longs for companionship, and I know there aren’t that many women around here. But…” Lee lowered his voice. “If you just want her for the companionship, you don’t have to marry her. You can wait until you meet somebody more…suitable to start a family with.”