Destiny's Bride Read Free Page B

steps. 
    “It appears you thoroughly enjoyed the company you kept during the dance. You’ve barely spoken since we left.” Aunt May chuckled as Walt struggled to maintain his balance.
    “Yes, Ma’am,” he said, opening the door. “And I wouldn’t mind keeping company with her on a regular basis.” He seriously hoped tomorrow would bring another opportunity to see Cecile. What was it about his need to see her again… to be with her? More importantly, was he good enough for her?
    After escorting his aunt into the house, Walt went back outside to see to the horse and buggy. Aunt May stood in the doorway. “I’m calling it a night, dear,” she hollered out to him. “Don’t forget our very important appointment at eleven tomorrow. We don’t want to be late.”
    “Nope, we’d better not keep the banker waiting.” Walt flashed a smile through clenched teeth.
     
    Chapter Two
    Walt opened the bank door and followed Aunt May to a large mahogany desk where a rather stern-looking man sat. Deep furrows in his brow indicated he didn’t smile very often, and the nameplate in front of him read Harvey Palmer, President.
    Palmer? Cecile Palmer... were they related? The question zipped through his mind, but the man’s measuring look over the top of his glasses told Walt it wasn’t the appropriate time and place to make small talk, so he didn’t ask.
    “Good morning, Mr. Palmer,” Aunt May said in a very authoritative voice. “This is my nephew, Walt Williams, and we’re here to see about a loan.”
    Harvey Palmer offered her a chair and reached over his large desk and shook Walt’s hand. Walt took a seat next to his aunt.
    “As you know, Mr. Palmer,” Aunt May said, “I own the boarding house here in town. The revenue provides me with a very comfortable, yet not extravagant lifestyle.” She pulled a ledger from her handbag and opened it.  “This should offer proof of my income and continuing profits.”
    He briefly glanced at the figures and flashed a smug smile. “It’s just too bad your boarding house is in… well shall we say, a less then desirable part of town. Word has it that some of the people you cater to have questionable backgrounds.”
    She locked gazes with him. “Look, Mr. Palmer, you may not approve of the manner in which I support myself, but as a businessman, you have to admit that loaning me money would be a sound investment.”  She looked at Walt and patted his hand. “My nephew has his heart set on buying a piece of land, and I’m ready and willing to mortgage my boarding house to get the money he needs.”
    Walt felt a pang of guilt for putting his aunt under such unpleasant scrutiny on his behalf.
    “Well, I don’t know exactly how much I can loan you,” Harvey Palmer countered. “Like I said, location of the collateral property is important.”
    “Mr. Palmer, where my boarding house is situated has nothing to do with its worth. It’s the only one in town, and I have proven it’s a solid investment. I expect you to put aside your prejudice and act wisely by granting my request.”
    Harvey Palmer steepled his fingers below his chin. “I fear if I loan money on your establishment, I’m going to be overrun with similar requests. I’m sure you understand my predicament.”
    Walt leaned forward. “I’m not sure that’s my aunt’s concern. She’s simply trying to get money so I can purchase land several days north of here, and she’s willing to mortgage her livelihood for me. I assure you, sir, Aunt May’s loan will be paid in full as soon as my ranch is operational. I plan to farm as well as raise cattle.”
    The banker suddenly perked up. “Hmmm, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to help a young man get a start.” He pushed back from his desk, rose, and held out his hand to seal the agreement.
    Walt shook with him, feeling as though an immediate invitation to leave town had just been extended. He suspected what sealed the deal was the announcement that money was for land