Page 35 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
They moved in that direction.
He let out a long, loud sigh. “Did you hear what the preacher said to me? He said we should take our time getting to know each other.” Not exactly what had been said but close.
Andy grunted. “I like what I see. How about the rest of you?”
They spoke at once, making it impossible for Riley to make out what was said. Almost.
He got the general gist. She was an eager learner, did her best, and was willing to help anyone and everyone. Moreover, she was kind.
All things he knew.
The door to the big house opened and Mrs. Bennet and Alfred stepped out, carrying a basket and a quilt. Hmm. Were the pair going on a picnic? Courting? Guess you were never too old for romance. Though he didn’t wish to wait until he was their age.
Not that he wanted romance. He simply wanted a woman who would be content to stay on the ranch and give him… He rocked on his heels. A home. Hot meals. Children. That’s all he wanted. No need for feelings to be involved.
Alfred and Mrs. Bennet reached the lingering crowd. They looked at each other. Mrs. Bennet gave a little nod and Alfred spoke.
“We’ve prepared a picnic for you and Olivia.”
“Thought you two should do something fun,” Mrs. Bennet added, and she and Alfred put the picnic basket and quilt in the back of the wagon.
Fun. Riley managed to keep the word from exploding from his mouth. They’d done fun things. Gone for a walk, read the Bible together. He’d enjoyed listening to her play the piano.
He couldn’t avoid remembering their evening stroll of the night before. Things had shifted between them on their walk home. Was it because of the dusky light? Would things be different in the daylight? One way to find out.
“Very well. I can see none of you are going to give me peace until we go on a picnic.”
Before he gained the wagon seat, Andy leaned close and squeezed his shoulder.
“Maybe you should explain to her why you’re gun shy.”
“I am not gun shy!”
“Of marriage you are.” All three brothers nodded. Their wives gave gentle smiles. Alfred and Mrs. Bennet looked curious.
Deciding the comment needed no response, he climbed to the wagon seat and drove to his house.
A picnic might be fun.
* * *
Ignoringthe need to put out food for lunch, Olivia went directly to her bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. Her heart lay like a boulder in the pit of her stomach. Riley had every opportunity to make arrangements for their wedding when he spoke to the reverend. But he hadn’t. Seeing the pastor’s concern, she’d gone out of her way to reassure him her reputation was protected. But the best protection was marriage. And that’s why she’d come.
She kicked her heels against the floor. Her conscience bothered her that she’d assured the preacher that things couldn’t be better when, indeed, they could have been.
Riley could have gone ahead with wedding plans. She had proven her ability to live on a ranch and cook his meals. Still, he refused to marry her. What was it that Uncle Harris said?Once bitten. Twice shy. That certainly could be said of her as well as Riley. She’d loved Gerald. Admired his work habits. Believed every word he’d said. And learned that love was only words in his mouth. Not a devotion in his heart. Love, she decided, was a fickle emotion.
Riley had grown morose on the trip back to the ranch. She wouldn’t think about what had caused his change in mood. She’d seen him take the letter from Mrs. Luckham. She’d seen Sylvia’s script. Perhaps reading it would convince him she was what he needed.
Doubt troubled her. What was another thing Uncle Harris used to say?He that is convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.No words in a letter would change his mind.
She bowed her head.God, only You can change him. Help him to see that I can make a good rancher’s wife. Please help me be patient and most of all, please don’t make it necessary for me to go back east.
She stared at the floor before her feet. One thing was certain. She would not go back to Kellom. She jutted out her chin. Not that she meant to leave. She’d stay until Riley begged her to remain. The outer door rattled as someone entered.
“Olivia.” Riley bellowed her name.
She jerked to her feet. If he meant to suggest she should go back to town, he would have a fight on his hands. She wasn’t going anywhere. Her mind made up, she hurried out of her room.
