Page 46 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
Alfred came to the barn. “Mrs. B says breakfast is ready.”
Riley let the others go ahead and then followed, restraining his steps to a saunter as he went to his house.A safe place for his heart.The best way to keep his heart safe was to choose a bride who belonged on a ranch because she was used to simple living. It seemed he was having to tell himself that a lot lately, but he couldn’t allow his growing attraction to Olivia to make him change his mind.
He kicked at a clump of dirt. What was wrong with him? He had never been one to waffle on his opinion and yet despite the serious talk he just had with himself, he couldn’t wait to get back to the house.
Breakfast was ready when he stepped into the kitchen. Alfred had gone to help Mrs. Bennet…which he did a lot. That left only Riley and Olivia. Not that he minded.
He said grace and helped himself to the food she passed. The biscuits were good. Almost as fluffy as Gwen’s. Wally had bagged a deer and they were enjoying venison. This morning, she’d fried chops, seasoned well. She was getting good at cooking.
It wasn’t reason enough to change his mind. “Joe and Andy will be leaving soon. Do you want to see them off?”
“Are Gwen and Honor going?” She looked at the dishes on the table and her gaze went to the stove where water heated.
“I would expect so. It’s tradition that we say goodbye to our horses and their buyers.”
Her eyes widened and then she smiled. “That’s a nice tradition. Who started it?”
“Pa. He said selling horses we raised was about more than money.”
She nodded. “It sounds like something my uncle would have said.”
He waited. When she didn’t explain, he prodded. “What did he say?”
“He believed money didn’t last but friends did so every business transaction should first of all be about people.” She lifted one shoulder dismissively. “I guess it isn’t really the same thing. Horses are different than goods to be bought and sold and shipped.” Her voice trailed off.
“Olivia, I think it’s the same concept. Our horses…” He broke off partly because he couldn’t think how to explain that the horses were more than simply animals. Each had a unique personality and Pa had taught them to work with the strengths of each horse. But also because he was surprised to understand that her uncle’s belief matched his pa’s.
He had to finish the sentence he’d begun and though it sounded weak, he added, “…deserve a proper goodbye.”
They finished the meal. She quickly put things away and stuck the dishes in a basin of hot water. “I learned how hard it is to wash dishes with dried-on food.”
“Matt and Gwen are going by. And here comes Luke and Honor. The children are going past too.”
She dried her hands. “I’m ready.”
They followed the others to the barn where Joe and Andy stood. Each had two of the young horses on lead ropes. Andy also had the pack horse.
Riley and his brothers shook hands with Joe and thanked him for his business. Riley pocketed the money Joe gave him. He’d take it to the office in Andy’s house after their goodbyes were over.
Joe bowed before each of the women. Then he and Andy mounted up and rode away to calls of goodbye. They remained at the pasture fence until the riders were out of sight then Riley turned to his brothers.
“Come on, boys. Time we got to work.”
Luke squinted at Riley. “We? Or do you mean us? While you hang around making eyes at Olivia?”
Matt nudged his twin. “Do you recall how he recently came down on us for spending too much time at home?”
Luke snorted. “Still does if you care to notice.”
Riley shot his brothers a warning look which only made them grin widely. “I’m planning to go check on the north range if you must know. I’ll get food for the day and head out.”
He strode toward his house ignoring the mocking laughter from the others. Olivia followed, catching him before he entered the house.
“Take me with you.”
He skidded to a halt and stared at her. “You want to go riding?”
“I’d love to.”
