Page 28 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
“I did. I was going to the shop before I started school. Grandad taught me how to make a wheel. I was keen on the work. If I wasn’t helping Pa with the farm, I was in the coach shop with Grandad and my uncles.” He grew quiet.
She sighed. “To have a large family must be nice.”
“You’d like that?”
The light had faded enough he couldn’t see her expression clearly. Her voice was so soft the breeze could have carried it away and he leaned closer to hear her answer.
“I have always longed for a big family.”
If he married her, she would be part of a sizeable family. If they had children…. At the thought, his throat closed off. What was wrong with him? He knew better than to build hopes and dreams. He’d once had them both in abundance. And had lost them. He knew far better than he cared to know how cruelly his insides knotted when it all came crashing down. He could not survive another experience of such agony. No, the safest thing was to guard his heart.
“Oh, I meant to ask how I mail letters? I’ve written to Sylvia and my aunt and uncle.”
“Wally is going to town tomorrow. I’ll give them to him if you like.”
“Thank you.”
They settled back into silence. “We should get back.” He held out a hand to pull her to her feet and retained his hold as they started down the trail.
He should have headed home sooner while they could still see what was ahead, but the absence of light made her hold tight to him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how dark it’s grown.”
She clung to him. “No need to apologize. I’m not afraid but I’m not sure what’s on the path.”
She needed him. Had turned to him for protection. He grasped her hand tighter and edged closer to her. Unfamiliar—or were they long-buried? –emotions climbed up his throat and clung to the back of his tongue. They made his words husky. “Hang on. I won’t let you fall.”
“You won’t have to ask me twice.”
Lights from Luke’s house threw a square of light ahead of them.
Olivia let out a scream that made his ears hurt. She practically crawled into his arms. His heart pounded in his ears as he looked around to see what had alarmed her.
He held her tight. “What’s wrong?” He could see nothing in the deep shadows.
“Something brushed against my leg.”
“Was it cold?” Had they run into a snake? Or a wild animal? Hadn’t Luke mentioned seeing a bobcat in the valley a few days ago? He tried to assure himself a wild cat wouldn’t attack but something had frightened her, and he wasn’t dismissing any possibility until he could discover the cause.
“I don’t know. It startled me so badly I didn’t pay attention.”
“Let’s get you home then I’ll come back and have a look.” He eased her away slightly so they could resume the journey. They hurried past the other houses though Riley wondered that Olivia’s screams hadn’t brought them all out to investigate.
Alfred waited in the kitchen. “I was beginning to worry about you.” He noticed Olivia’s face. “What’s happened?” The look he gave Riley suggested he thought him to blame for her fearful look.
“We were out admiring the sunset.” She shuddered. “I encountered an animal on the path as we returned.”
Riley took down the lantern in the entryway and lit it. “I’ll see what it was.” He took the rifle from its spot over the door.
Olivia caught his arm. “Be careful.”
“I will. I promise.” He stepped into the yard, the darkness shattered by his lantern.
Matt came out of his house. “What’s going on? I thought I heard a noise.”
Riley explained. He thought of calling the dog. Scamp would be asleep in the barn. It was best if he stayed there. They’d be more likely to find whatever caused Olivia’s fright without the dog’s barking.
Matt fell in with him. “I’ll help you look.” He took the rifle from Riley.
Luke came from his house. He joined them when he learned what was going on.
