Page 13 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
Her legs grew stiff from sitting on the floor and she adjusted her position. “You want to do your share about fulfilling his dream.”
“You mean children.” He waited for her to nod. “I’ve always wanted a family of my own.”
She felt his patient waiting. Understood what he wanted to know. “At least on that, we are agreed. I was lonely growing up and have always desired to have little ones playing at my feet and sharing special times with me.”
He grunted softly whether in acknowledgment of this common thread between them or in resistance to it, she couldn’t tell. Nor was she going to ask. It was one small victory. That, his interest in her books and now sitting close enough that she had only to shift her knees to touch his legs. She rejected the temptation to do so for fear it would make him realize their proximity and rush away.
Needing to ground herself, she lifted the photo of her parents to study it further. Did she resemble either of her parents? Perhaps she had a bit of both of them in her. Well, of course, she did. Hopefully, she had the best of them. Their loving, gentle spirits, and their devotion to each other. She could give that to Riley if he’d let her.
She tipped the picture to study her parents from every angle.
A bit of paper fell into her lap.
She picked it up and unfolded it, instantly recognizing the dark, angular writing. This was a note from Gerald. He hadn’t written many because they saw each other constantly. This one had been penned when he had to be out of town for a few days.
She groaned. Why hadn’t she seen the truth behind his words? That he only wanted to use her connection to her uncle to his own advantage.
“What’s wrong?” Riley’s words jolted her to take a deep breath.
“A meaningless letter from Gerald.” To prove to herself she no longer cared about the man’s judgment, she tossed the paper aside.
He picked it up. “May I read it?”
4
Fingering the paper, Riley waited for Olivia to answer.
She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter to me.”
Riley studied Olivia for a moment. She might say she didn’t care but the way her breath rushed in and out and how she squeezed her hands so tightly the knuckles were white said otherwise.
He opened the single sheet of paper and read:
My dearest Olivia,
I hope you know how precious you are to me. I dream of you every night and your name is on my lips and in my heart when I awaken in the morning. You could say you are the sunshine of my life.
It is only a few weeks until we are wed. I trust you are anticipating our union as much as I am. We will live such good lives together not wanting for anything.
Yours forever, Gerald
He wondered at the wording of the note—not wanting for anything. Was the man rich and promising to keep her in luxury? She wouldn’t find that sort of life here. Here she would be expected to work and endure mild hardships.
However, he knew that rejection hurt and searched for words that let her know he understood.
She bolted to her feet before he could gather his thoughts. “Do you mind if I play?” Not waiting for his answer, she headed for the piano and began to pound the keys in thundering music that rumbled in his chest. Whoever had composed that particular piece must have been furious…or hurt.
The door behind him opened. “The miss plays when she’s upset.”
Riley got to his feet and stood by the man. “Angry music.”
“It’ll soon change.”
The musical protest continued for several more minutes then the notes softened as her shoulders sank. Soon the tune was light, happy…playful even.
Riley relaxed and leaned against the wall.
“She’ll be fine now.” Alfred retreated to his room and closed the door behind him.
