Page 33 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
He shuddered as he recalled Nina’s reaction to the growing discomforts as they made their way west. He’d tried to warn her, prepare her for the things she’d encounter but she’d assured him her love was enough to overcome any challenges. Instead, all too soon, she’d realized the challenges were far more than she anticipated. The dust. The smell. The loudness of the cattle and horses being transported on the same train. The many uncouth men they encountered. The list grew daily.
He stared at the town before them but he wasn’t seeing Crow Crossing. He was seeing another small town the train passed through. There had been a rockslide on the tracks ahead and the train had been delayed. It required that Riley unload the horses he was transporting back to the ranch and tend them.
Nina had cried at the delay. At the fact Riley had to be occupied elsewhere which meant neglecting her.
She’d said she couldn’t take any more of this sort of life and had dashed away…
Right into the path of a moving wagon.
He shoved the memory away, knowing it would darken his thoughts no matter how hard he tried to prevent it. He drew in one deep breath and then another. A third one settled him and he turned his attention back to Olivia.
“Olivia, I expect you to be welcomed and treated kindly.” His words were firm, meant to encourage but perhaps they sounded more like an order than he meant. He continued, softening his tone. “Now let’s join the others.” They waited by the wagon.
Her chin lifted. Her eyes blazed. “Yes, let’s.” And she marched toward the church. At the wagon, where they joined the others, she tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and smiled at the waiting group. “I hope I’m not holding you up.”
Honor and Gwen glanced at each other and exchanged approving looks. He agreed. Olivia was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
He grinned down at her as the family climbed the steps and entered the sanctuary. A dozen or more heads turned toward them and watched as they made their way down the aisle to a pew. Matt and Gwen went in first, Lindy between them. Riley stood back for Olivia to go next. The others sat beside them or behind them.
Opal and Vern Dixon and their two children, neighbors to the Shannons, sat in front and turned to greet them.
Riley introduced them to Olivia. Opal smiled warmly. “I heard Riley had gotten himself a wife. Congratulations. I know you will be very happy.”
Olivia nodded. “Thank you and I agree.” She nudged Riley with her elbow.
He decided to ignore Olivia’s comment for now. Instead, he needed to correct the Dixon’s misunderstanding but before he could, Pastor Ingram took his place behind the pulpit.
The pastor’s wife played as they sang several hymns. He’d never noticed before, but her fingers did not dance over the piano keys like Olivia’s did.
The pastor spoke on the importance of truth and honesty. It was a good sermon, but Riley was always truthful, so he didn’t feel the words applied to him.
After the service ended, Pastor Ingram went down the aisle, pausing a moment to murmur to Riley, “You and I need to talk.”
Riley nodded while wondering what he’d done. Pastor Ingram’s gaze rested on Olivia before he moved on. Riley resisted an urge to pound his fist to his forehead. Of course. He’d neglected to inform the pastor last week that his bride hadn’t arrived.
He rose and they were immediately surrounded by friends. He introduced Olivia. She greeted each person politely and showed interest in everyone, winning approving smiles and nods.
The Luckhams came down the aisle. Riley introduced them. “They run the mercantile store. You can get whatever you need there.” Though with all the trunks she’d brought, and the well-stocked supply shed at home, he couldn’t imagine what she’d need.
“We also provide postal service.” Mrs. Luckham reached into her pocket and withdrew a letter. “This came for you yesterday.” She handed a wrinkled and soiled envelope to Riley.
“Thank you.” Riley saw it was from Sylvia. No doubt where she informed him of the substitute bride she was sending. How had she explained her choice? He pocketed the missive to read later.
The others had gone outside. Riley took Olivia’s elbow as they made their way to the door where Pastor Ingram waited.
Riley introduced Olivia to the preacher but didn’t give him a chance to mention Riley’s oversight. “My apologies for not informing you that I wasn’t coming to be married the other day.”
“What happened? I see you have a young woman at your side.”
Feeling like he was under kindly, but keen observation, Riley glanced around. Everyone else had moved away. “I don’t want this to be a matter of speculation, but Olivia is not the one I meant to marry. She’s been sent as a substitute.”
The pastor nodded. “You’re wise to take your time to get to know each other but bear in mind her reputation must be protected.”
Olivia gave a sweet smile that Riley guessed opened many doors for her. Too bad it hadn’t stopped the cruel things said about her at her home.
“Pastor Ingram,” she said in a soft tone. “I have Alfred Black and the other women at the ranch as chaperones. I don’t believe I could ask for better.”
The man nodded and Riley and Olivia moved on to join the others. They began the return journey.
