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“So am I. I'll see you soon.” He mimed a kiss and walked out, leaving her alone.

Looking forward to the time when they could be together permanently, Eddy sighed and resumed peeling potatoes.

T
he next afternoon, although she was truly looking forward to her life with Rhine, she wasn't looking forward to the meeting she and Sylvie would be having with Zeke Randolph about the architectural plans.

When he arrived, his demeanor was so cold and detached he may as well have been made of ice. He laid out the drawings on the kitchen table and went over the layout of the building, the size of the rooms, and their orientation. Eddy thought the drawings were excellent and told him so.

“Thank you,” he said tersely. “Barring any problems with the weather or supplier delays, we should be able to get it built in six weeks. Do you have any questions?”

They didn't.

He gathered up the drawings. “I'll see you ladies next time.” And strode to the kitchen door and was gone.

Eddy looked to Sylvie, who simply shook her head in response.

“Maybe he'll find someone else.”

“Let's hope so.”

Eddy wondered how he'd react once the truth came out about Rhine, but she supposed it didn't matter.

O
ver at the saloon, Rhine and Jim stood by the windows to watch the crowd of biddies outside marching back and forth with their signs, singing hymns, and shouting slogans denouncing the establishment. He spotted Natalie and her friends, the mayor's wife and a slew of women he was unfamiliar with. They'd been out front for over an hour. “When do you think they'll move on?” he asked Jim testily. “It's not like we're the only saloon in town.”

“Who knows, but Natalie could have something to do with it. She seems to be yelling the loudest and wearing the angriest face.”

Rhine focused on her, positioned at the front of the crowd, and had to agree with his partner. She'd never shown the least bit of interest in anything political the entire time he'd known her but now appeared to be boisterously embracing the cause. Dressed in all gray, she was shaking a sign that read:
VICE IS
THE ROOT OF ALL EVILS!!
He folded his arms in frustration because the group was also verbally castigating his customers in an effort to shame them into not entering the saloon. When Cyrus Benton, a big burly carpenter, walked up, the women began their vocal assault. Cyrus, known for his quick temper, snatched Natalie's sign from her hand, threw it into the next county, and continued on inside. Natalie stomped her foot with fury, her companions cried foul. After a few moments the singing and chanting resumed but they moved on to harass another establishment.

Jim cracked, “I think Cyrus deserves a drink on the house.”

Rhine chuckled, “I agree.”

T
he night of the ball, a formally attired Rhine surveyed the buffet tables. He was known for putting on a big spread at this event, and Jim and Eddy had outdone themselves with the variety of dishes and desserts offered. Good thing, too, he thought, since this would likely be the last ball he'd sponsor, at least for the Lily White arm of the party. The wait staff had arrived and were getting into their supplied uniforms. In a few minutes his guests would begin arriving as well. He'd let them enjoy the food and champagne first before making his announcement.

Eddy walked up and cast a critical eye over the offerings. “Anything you want changed?” she asked.

“No. It's perfect.”

“Good.”

“You look very nice,” she said.

“My tie straight?”

She grinned. “Yes. If you need anything, let us know. Jim's slicing the roast now. He'll bring it out on the platter as soon as he's done.”

The first of his guests, the mayor and his wife, entered the hall.

“I should get back to the kitchen so you can tend to your guests,” she said to him. “I hope things will go well.”

“So do I,” he replied. He was looking forward to it being over though, so he could spend the rest of his days with her.

As she turned to retreat to the hall's kitchen, he called to her quietly, “Eddy?”

She stopped and looked back.

“I'll be driving you home. Think I'll treat you to a black powder explosion outside under the moonlight.”

She laughed and walked off. He ran appreciative eyes over the sway of her skirt then focused himself on getting through the evening ahead. Once it was over, kissing Eddy under the moonlight would be his reward.

While the musicians played, Rhine spent the first hour greeting his guests and encouraging them to help themselves to the food and drink. Some of the wives in attendance had been members of the marchers outside his saloon and he wondered if they felt like hypocrites for enjoying his hospitality. He knew better than to ask, and besides, after he made his announcement, none of it would matter. He spotted Natalie and her parents entering and walked over to them. “Welcome.”

Lyman's nod was chilly. “Rhine.”

Rhine turned to his wife and Natalie. “Ladies.”

Natalie forced a smile and handed her wrap to the attendant. She said nothing to Rhine.

As if to balance the family's response, Beatrice Greer said genuinely, “Hello, Rhine. Looks to be a wonderful affair, as always.”

“Thank you, Beatrice, and you look lovely. Help yourselves to the buffet.”

She smiled, and they moved off to mingle with the crowd.

He did the same, and as another forty minutes crept by he noticed that some of the couples were dancing. He checked his timepiece. The noise level of voices had risen significantly, an indication that many of the men were well on their way to being drunk. The wait staff behind the tables were still dishing out food. Rhine had had enough. He wanted to get this part of the evening over with. He walked over to the musicians and asked that they stop playing. When they did, he called out, “May I have your attention, please.”

It took a moment or two for the room to quiet, and once it did, he continued. “I'd like to thank you all for your attendance. As you know, the money raised by ticket purchases will be given over to the party as it always had been.” He glanced around at the familiar faces, drew in a breath and said, “But what you don't know is that the man you've known as Rhine Fontaine was born a slave on a plantation in Georgia.”

As if he were telling a joke, some people laughed, but the serious set of his features apparently made them think differently and soon silence filled the room.

“Say that again.”

“I was born a slave.”

People began looking at each other confusedly and a buzz went through the crowd.

A male voice yelled out, “A slave? You're a nigger?”

Rhine's jaw tightened at the slur but he nodded.

The buzz grew louder and seemingly tenser.

Natalie came over to him and said angrily, “Stop lying!”

“I'm not lying, Natalie.”

“You're White and everyone in this room knows it!”

“No, I'm not.”

“Yes you are! Why are you doing this? Haven't you humiliated me enough?” She'd gone from angry to furious.

“This has nothing to do with you, Natalie.”

Another incensed male voice rang out. “You played us for fools all these years? Damn you!”

“That wasn't my intent.”

“You Black bastard!”

Natalie yelled, “Tell them this is just a joke!”

“It isn't.”

“Yes it is! Don't you think I'd know the difference between a White man and a nigger! There's no way I'd be engaged to one or let one kiss me!”

“Well, you were.”

“No, I was not! Why are you lying!”

He heard glass breaking as people dashed champagne flutes and plates to the floor as if the contents were suddenly contaminated or held a contagion. Outraged men yelled out their foul opinions of him before gathering their wives and hastening to the exit, while others hurried over to tell him to his face just what they thought of the deception. More than a few slurred him. Another few told him he'd better leave town. Natalie, her eyes wild, screamed hysterically, “Damn you! Tell the truth!” and began hitting at him until Beatrice and Lyman stepped up to quickly pull her away.

Over by the kitchen door, Eddy watched the disintegration of Rhine's ball with a heavy heart. Only a brave man would've willingly stepped into such a firestorm of irrational hate. One moment they'd been his friends and now they were red-­faced with fury, their fists balled as if spoiling for a fight simply because he'd revealed his true heritage. She glanced up at Jim standing beside her. His jaw was tight, his eyes keen, as if he was ready to step into the fray should any violence occur. When the glass began breaking, she said, “I'll get a broom.”

He nodded but kept his eyes focused on his partner and the furious men circled around him. The wait staff seemed frozen in place. “Start clearing the tables, please,” she told them. “Then go on home.” They'd already been paid so there was no reason for them to stay any longer than necessary. She and Jim would handle the cleanup.

By then most of the crowd had departed, so Eddy began sweeping up the glass-­ and food-­littered floor. But when she heard, “You! Get my wrap!” she turned and looked into Natalie Greer's haughty face.

Eddy studied her calmly her for a second. “I'm sure the attendant can help you with that.”

“I want you to get it!”

Eddy saw a man and woman approaching. She hadn't met the girl's parents but from the facial likeness she assumed that's who they were.

“Come, Natalie,” the woman said.

“I'm waiting for her to get my wrap.”

Eddy had seen her attack Rhine and the crazed performance that led up to it. Even now there was an unhinged look in her teary red eyes. “As I said, the attendant will get you your wrap.”

“And as I said, you get it. I'm your better. Do what I say!”

“Natalie!” her mother gasped, sounding shocked.

Natalie ignored her and snarled at Eddy, “You're the reason Rhine is lying, aren't you! What kind of voodoo did you put on him to make him deny his race!”

Her father took her by the arm. “Come, Natalie. Let's go home.”

“I want an answer!”

But her parents were already dragging her to the door while she raged and screamed the entire way.

Eddy resumed sweeping.

On the ride home after the ball, Rhine said to Eddy, “That wasn't so bad. They only called me a dirty Black bastard a few times.”

“And how dare you play us for a bunch of fools, twice,” Eddy added. She knew he was hurting from having to endure what he had, and she hurt for him.

“Natalie put on a particularly ugly performance, however. She's convinced I'm lying about all this.”

“I saw. I had a particularly nasty run-­in with her when folks began making a beeline to the door.”

Rhine looked away from the reins for a moment. “What happened?”

“She demanded I retrieve her wrap in a tone I didn't much care for, but I was polite. She accused me of putting a voodoo spell on you to make you denounce your race. Her parents finally dragged her off, but she acted almost unhinged, Rhine.”

“Hopefully she'll calm down at some point, but the evening's over—­all of it's over, and I'm glad.”

Eddy still worried about future repercussions and knew he did as well.

When they drove past the boardinghouse, she said, “Speaking of unhinged. You just drove past the house.”

“I know. Not taking you home yet. You have a date with the moonlight, remember?”

Eddy laughed. And without being asked began to undo her buttons.

They were in the desert when he finally stopped the carriage. The moon, full in a cloudless sky, bathed the surroundings in soft cool light. The night was breezy.

He turned to her and said, “Now . . .”

Eddy's senses began to rise.

His finger gently traced a slow fiery line across the skin bared by the open halves of her blouse then over the rise of her breasts above her thin shift before he leaned down and licked the tip of his tongue against the trembling nook of her throat. “Your sweetness is so much stronger than their hate.”

She dissolved. His hot mouth trailed lazily up to her lips, and as he coaxed her onto his lap the kiss deepened and she caught fire. The rest of the encounter was a blur of sensation fueled by pleasure from his hands and lips. He boldly bared her breasts to the moonlight and after treating them to a series of tantalizing tributes left them berried and damp. Her skirt was raised, her drawers removed, and she didn't care. Magnificent touches plied her core with a boldness that made her thighs part and her hips rise in ardent response. He played, dallied, and circled until she was wet with wanting and gasping his name.

“Are you ready to come?” he asked in a voice as dark and hot as the night.

Eddy didn't want to, even as the forceful orgasm began building she wanted the pleasuring to continue, but the only word she could form was, “Please . . .”

“On our wedding night, I'll please you with my tongue and kisses . . . here.” The sultry promise and the brazen way he plied the tight bud at the gate of her soul sent her over the edge and she exploded with a long shuddering cry.

Watching her ride out her orgasm made Rhine want to settle himself between her lovely little thighs and have at her until neither one of them could breathe. The sight, coupled with the feel and tastes of her had him insane with desire. He was as hard as a railroad tie, but he wanted to wait for their wedding night before loving her completely, and he would even if it killed him.

Moments later when she was back inside herself, he smiled down and said, “Now, I can take you home.”

Chapter Eighteen

A
t breakfast the following morning Jim dropped a stack of newspapers on the table. “You made the papers.”

As Jim sat, Rhine sighed and picked up one. The headline read:
RHINE FONTAINE—­A L
IFE OF LIES.
He forced himself to read the article and the accompanying editorial that denounced him for what the paper termed “a cruel and callous hoax” on the good citizens of Virginia City. The story also demanded his immediate resignation from both the town council and the Republican party. Rhine tossed the paper aside and went back to his bacon and eggs. He'd been expecting it. Even though he'd been duly elected to the council, it had been as a White man not as a man of color. Neither mixed bloods or full bloods of African descent were allowed at the table. He supposed he should be angry and in many ways he was, but to have Eddy in his life he chose to look past the petty hate and focus on the future with her instead. With his wealth behind him, he could still make the road a bit easier for his people and that knowledge eased the bitterness, too.

A few minutes later Lyman Greer walked into the saloon. Rhine and Jim shared a silent look. Wondering what Natalie's father wanted, Rhine wiped his hands on his napkin and stood. “What can I do for you, Lyman? How's Natalie?”

“As well as can be expected considering the lies you fed us,” he replied accusingly. “I'm here for the deed to my house.”

“Do you have what you owe me in exchange?”

“No, and I don't plan to pay you. Not after what you told us last night.”

“A debt is a debt, Lyman.”

“Not when it's owed to one of you,” he shot back disdainfully.

Rhine folded his arms and assessed the man who'd once touted his abolitionist roots so proudly. “Your note is now owned by my brother. I sold it to him a week ago in anticipation of what last night's confession might bring. As you know, he's a highly respected banker in San Francisco and counts some of the city's finest lawyers and judges among his clientele.”

The ashen Lyman swallowed.

“And for the record, he's White just like you. I've been kind enough not to ask you for payments. My brother will not be. Expect a letter from him soon demanding you begin payments or he'll foreclose.”

His eyes went wide.

Rhine asked, “Is there anything else?”

His fury was plain. “No.”

“Good day then.”

If looks could kill, Rhine would've been dead on the saloon floor. Instead, Lyman sneered, “Nigger bastard!” and stormed out.

Rhine looked over at Jim, who shook his head sadly and said, “I expected better from him.”

Rhine had as well.

Jim added, “Let's hope he spreads the word. Save folks the pain of getting their feelings hurt.”

Rhine had investments in many of the businesses around town, and now that Drew's name was also on those investments, they wouldn't be able to cheat him out of his profits or wiggle out of whatever he was owed simply because he was no longer White. Knowing how furious that would make those who'd shown their true feelings last night made Rhine's morning seem brighter.

Before Rhine could retake his seat, Sheriff Howard came through the door, and Rhine wondered, What now? “Morning, Blaine.”

“Morning, Rhine. Jim. Let me start by saying, I'm just a peace officer. Got no quarrel with anybody not breaking the law—­Colored or White.”

“And so you're here because?”

“Because Mayor Dudley and the town council don't have the balls to give you this themselves so they sent me.” He handed Rhine a sheet of paper. “They want you to sign it as part of your official resignation.”

Rhine read the top line.
I, Rhine Fontaine, guilty of lying to the town council . . .
He didn't bother reading the rest before handing the document back to the sheriff. “I'm not signing it. Saying I resign is all they need.”

“Understood.”

There was silence as the two men faced each other. Howard said finally, “I don't pretend to know why you did what you did last night but I get the feeling it took a lot of courage.”

Rhine waited.

Howard continued, “I say that to say I still consider you a good man, Rhine. One of the most honorable men I know. There are others in town who feel the same. If any of the ball-­less bigots threaten you or cause you any trouble, let me know and I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't happen again.”

Rhine nodded. “Thank you, Blaine.” He stuck out his hand.

“You're welcome. Once all this nonsense cools down I expect you to start up the poker games again.”

Rhine offered a small smile. “You bet.”

Howard touched his hat, and after balling up the paper and stuffing it into his pocket, made his exit.

Rhine turned to Jim. “Well.” That, too, brightened his morning

“I've always liked him. He's a good man, too.”

Rhine agreed. It was heartening to hear that there were those who stood apart from the people yelling slurs at him last night, even if they never stepped forward publicly to pledge their support. “You know one of the best things to come out of all this—­besides marrying Eddy?”

“What?”

“I finally get to play on a winning baseball team.”

Laughter filled the saloon.

O
ver at the boardinghouse Eddy shared breakfast with Sylvia and filled her in on the events at the ball. They'd seen the newspapers. “I'm surprised no fists were thrown,” Eddy said to her. “There was an awful lot of anger in the room.” She then related Natalie's furious reaction. “She refused to believe Rhine was telling the truth, and acted almost deranged at one point.”

Sylvie sipped her coffee. “Learning she'd been engaged to man of color probably did send her around the bend a bit, but I'm sure she'll get over it. Personally, I want to throw Rhine a welcome home party.”

Eddy chuckled. “A welcome home party?”

“Yes. In a way he's come home, and I'm hoping a celebration will balance all the nasty reactions he's gotten. He's done so much to support our community. It's our turn to support him.”

“I think that's a wonderful idea. When do you want to have it?”

“Next Friday night—­Fourth of July weekend. We'll have it here, both in the dining room and out back. That way he won't have to close down the saloon.”

Eddy thought that was a grand plan. Even grander was now that the truth was out, she and Rhine would no longer have to hide their relationship. They could be seen together and not worry about negative gossip—­although the gossiping about his heritage would continue for some time, it would eventually fade away. “Do you have a menu in mind?”

“I thought we'd roast a few pigs and make it a potluck. People can bring their best dishes. That way you won't be too tired out from cooking to enjoy yourself.”

Eddy liked that idea, too, then something came to mind she'd been meaning to ask Sylvie about. “Why hasn't Whitman Brown been to breakfast for the last few days?”

Sylvie chuckled softly. “Rumor has it that he's been keeping time with Lady Ruby.”

Eddy's jaw dropped. “You're pulling my leg.”

“No, but apparently she's pulling his, if you get my drift.”

Eddy thought back on seeing them huddled together at the auction. “But he's supposed to be a reverend.”

“And she's old enough to be his aunt. Hope he's not planning to take her home to his illustrious mama. I don't think that long red wig will pass the brown paper bag test.”

Eddy laughed.

Later that morning, Eddy had just finished washing the breakfast dishes when Rhine walked into the kitchen. Seeing him filled her with more joy than she thought her heart could possibly hold. “Good morning, Rhine.”

“Morning, mine.”

She laughed.

He asked, “What are your plans for the day?”

“Since it's my day off, I hoped to spend it with you.” She was still simmering from last night's steamy encounter under the stars.

“That was my hope, too,” he said. “First though, I want to ride over to Mary's and find out what happened with the twins. Would you like to come along?”

“I'd love to.”

On the way, she had him drive by the plot where the new diner would be built. They stopped and got out. There were no workers about, but piles of wood and stacks of bricks waited at the ready.

Rhine asked, “How long did Zeke say it would take?”

“About six weeks. When he came by the boardinghouse to show us the drawings he was very distant, but I'm hoping he'll thaw when he hears about you.”

“Even if he doesn't, as long as he does a good job that's all that matters.”

“You sound like Sylvie.”

There was traffic on the street and people on the walks. As he helped her back into the Rockaway, someone driving by shouted, “Nigger!”

Eddy stiffened.

But Rhine didn't give the person the satisfaction of even turning to see who the culprit might have been. “When you've been whipped on and off since the age of ten, a word stings less than a pinprick.”

That said, he picked up the reins and drove off, leaving her to wonder how deep his pain went and if she would ever know.

At the orphanage, he handed her down and they went inside. The twins mobbed him excitedly while telling him about their new ma and pa.

“Do you like them?” he asked.

“Yes!”

Mary came out and looked on with a smile before saying, “Boys, let me talk to Mr. Rhine and Miss Eddy in my office for a moment.”

Micah asked, “You won't leave without saying good-­bye?”

Rhine said, “I won't. I promise.”

They seemed satisfied and scampered off.

Inside Mary's office, Rhine and Eddy took seats and Mary said, “I saw this morning's papers. You're an incredibly brave man, Rhine.”

“I want to marry Eddy so I did what was necessary.” He glanced at Eddy.

Mary nodded. “Had I known the truth, we might have been able to come up with a different solution for the twins.”

“Is everything squared away?”

“Yes. The Dresdens will come by train on Monday to take them to Sacramento. I'm sorry, Rhine.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. They'll be getting a home and that's the most important thing.”

Mary nodded her agreement. “I'd planned to send you a message this afternoon to let you know they'd be leaving, with hopes you'd stop in and say good-­bye. You've been a godsend to them and to the orphanage.”

“I plan to continue to help out.”

“And I'll tell anyone who'll listen that you're one of the finest men I've ever been blessed to know.” She looked at Eddy. “You're getting a good man.”

“I know.” Eddy couldn't have asked for a better man to spend the rest of her life with.

Mary asked him, “Do you want to come by on Monday and meet the Dresdens?”

“No. I'll make a clean break and say my good-­byes while I'm here. I don't want to interfere.”

“I understand. In spite of their pranks and boisterousness, I will miss them dearly.”

“As will I.”

Eddy heard the emotion in his voice. Parting with them would be difficult.

Mary stood. “Then let me get them.”

The boys entered a few moments later. Eddy stood. “I'll let you have some privacy.”

Alone with them now, Rhine said, “I'll miss you two.”

“We'll miss you, too,” Christian said. “Will you come and visit us?”

“How about I let you get settled in first.”

“We're going to be real good,” Micah said.

“No pranks?” Rhine asked.

They shook their heads.

“No lampblack or snakes?”

“No,” they said in unison.

“And you'll be respectful and do what your new parents ask?”

“Yes.”

He opened his arms.

Both boys stepped into the embrace and Rhine placed a solemn kiss on the top of each head. “I'm taking you at your word that you'll be good.”

“We will,” they whispered, and Christian added, “Thank you for teaching us to fly kites.”

Voice thick with emotion, he replied, “You're welcome.”

O
n the ride back to the boardinghouse, both Rhine and Eddy were silent. She looked his way. She knew he was happy about the twins' new life but also knew it would take time for him to get over his loss.

He finally spoke. “We haven't discussed this, but do you want to have children?”

“I do. I'd put away that dream when I was back in Denver. Didn't ever think I'd marry, but thanks to you, I'm dusting it off and shaking it out. What about you?”

“I do.”

“After seeing you with the boys, I believe you'll be a wonderful father.”

“I'd like to think so even though I've never had anyone to emulate. Carson was my owner. Nothing more.” He quieted for a moment as if thinking, then said to her, “Unless my sister has children, ours will be the first freeborn child in my family since my grandmother was brought here in chains. That will make him or her very special.”

“I know. I was born free and my parents often told me how special that made me.”

“And you are.”

The love she saw in his eyes filled her heart. She hooked her arm into his and leaned close. “Then we should get married as soon as possible so we can start working on this special child of ours.”

He placed a kiss on her forehead. “I love you, Eddy.”

“I love you, too, Rhine. And by the way, Sylvie is throwing you a party to welcome you home.”

He chuckled. “Might be the perfect opportunity to let everyone know we're getting married.”

“I agree. Do you think your brother might want to stand up with you?”

“I do. I'll wire him soon as we decide on a date. What about your sister?”