But then, what did she expect him to say? How could he be sure he felt anything for her? They’d just met! The only reason he currently had for marrying her, really, was that she was the only single woman around for miles. If Amon Cotter didn’t marry her, someone else most certainly would. She’d like to be able to get to know him, though. It was why they were standing out behind a livery stable looking at the fruit of his labors. “What?” Cutty blurted. “Ya mean ya ain’t got no spark for the gal?” Mr. Cotter sighed. “Cutty, we’ve only just met. I’ve got no more spark for Miss Whitman than any man would if he’d sent off for a mail-order bride. For Heaven’s sake, August, Ryder and Seth didn’t even get to exchange letters with their brides. Nor did Levi, or Chase, or Deputy Bran. It’s not like things are never done this way.” Nettie stared at Cutty to see what he would do next. He seemed to be championing her in this endeavor, and she found his effort charming in a cockeyed sort of way.
