Rosalie’s shoulders stiffened.
“I wondered when you’d come back to town.”
“I came for supplies.”
Merrick smiled.
“How’s the husband?”
“Fine.”
“Still deaf?”
Rosalie stared at him.
Something in her expression erased his smile.
“Don’t.”
Merrick lifted his hands.
“I’m only asking.”
“No. You’re trying to make me ashamed of him.”
A few customers turned.
Rosalie lowered her voice.
“It won’t work.”
For once, Merrick had no quick answer.
She walked toward the door.
Then he said something that stopped her.
“Father didn’t tell you, did he?”
Rosalie turned.
“Tell me what?”
Merrick looked toward the window.
Gideon was visible outside.
“You really think Gideon chose you by accident?”
Rosalie’s pulse changed.
“What are you talking about?”
Merrick’s face lost its mocking expression.
