Page 35 of The Gold Rush Bride

“I’ll check as soon as I see him outside.”

She gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you.”

The middle of the river flowed fast and deep. Barnaby, because of his size, was better able to work out there. But even at that, they found most of the gold outside of the center toward the banks, which was just fine with Sadie.

Today, though, she would bake, and she loved baking days. She stayed warm and dry, which suited her just fine, but she would never complain to Barnaby about working the river. She was as much a partner in this venture as he was, and they put all their gold into one bag.

Supper that night was fresh sourdough bread and venison stew. Barnaby had taught her to recognize wild burdock root, which she gathered to put into the stew. Burdock root was harsh if not soaked in water for five or ten minutes before cooking. After soaking, she sliced the burdock and added it to the broth made from frying the meat in lard. It wasn’t the best stew, but it was different and with the bread, the dish was filling. Anything to make their meals less bland.

“What did Seth say?”

“He’d be glad to.” He dunked the last of his bread in the stew. “He wants us to bring him back some of the crystallized eggs, if we find any. And he’d love to have the bread and the meat.”

“Wonderful. I made three loaves of bread. You can take the food to him after supper. Let’s go tomorrow and plan on spending the night. I’d like to sleep in a proper bed again.”

“Me, too. But as long as you’re beside me, I always have a proper bed.” He waggled his brows.

She laughed and pointed. “You’re a wicked man, Barnaby Drake.”

“Only with you,mo ghra. Only with you.” He stood. “I’ll gather the bread and the meat and take it to Sam. Be right back.”

After he returned that night, Barnaby made love to her twice before letting her get some rest. They would both need it for the trip to Dawson City. The journey was over rough terrain, walking with Lucky. She appreciated now how blessed she’d been to get Lucky here.

The next morning, after breakfast at dawn, they headed out, arriving in Dawson City around noon. They left Lucky at the stables by the Mountie station.

Her stomach rumbled. “I’m starving.”

Barnaby reached for her hand and then tucked it in the crook of his elbow. “So am I, but let’s check in with Kitty first and see if she has a room available.”

“Okay.”

As they walked into Kitty’s hotel, she glanced up from the desk.

She frowned. “What in the world happened to you, Sadie?” She turned on Barnaby. “You better not have done this, and I hope you killed the man who did.”

“I will if I ever find him,” growled Barnaby. “Have you seen Homer Grimes?”

Kitty snorted. “That reprobate? He doesn’t have the nerve to come in here after what he did. Beat up one of my girls. I don’t go for that. Any man that has to beat up a woman, is no man and not welcome in my place.” She leaned on the tall desk. “Now, what can I do for you?”

Barnaby took Sadie’s hand and kissed the top. “We’d like a room for the night, if you have one available.”

Kitty glanced at the cubbyholes on the wall behind her. “Looks like the only one available is the suite you had last time. Folks just don’t seem to want to pay extra for the bigger room.”

He looked at Sadie. “What do you say? Want the honeymoon suite again?”

She thought about the comfort of the room they had already enjoyed once and grinned. “I’d love it and the bath, too.”

Smiling, he gave her hand a squeeze and turned his gaze toward Kitty. “We’ll take it and two baths, just like last time.”

“Okay.” Kitty smiled widely. “Just sign here.” She turned the register around for him to sign. Then she grabbed the key out of its hole in the wall. “Here’s the key. You know the way.”

“Sounds great. We’ll get something to eat and then we’ll stop by and let you know we’re ready for the baths.”

“Sounds good. I’ll wait to hear from you before I order them.”

He took the key and led them down the hall, then opened the door and let Sadie enter first. Then he followed her in and set his backpack on the floor near the door. “Are you ready to get something to eat?”

Sadie’s stomach rumbled again. She laughed and held her belly. “Yes, I’m definitely ready.”