Page 5 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
Luke considered her. “I assume you and Riley got married in Crow Crossing.”
Before she could answer, Andy shook his head. “Why would he marry her, leave her there and then ride out of here like his pants were on fire?”
Four pairs of eyes bored into her.
“Riley was in town earlier. Why didn’t he bring you himself?” Andy demanded. Clearly, he meant to have a satisfactory answer.
Wally and the other brothers waited but Olivia wasn’t naïve enough to think they weren’t equally determined to get to the bottom of this situation.
She drew herself up tall hoping she looked completely confident and did not reveal the way her insides trembled. These men could load her up in a wagon and have her out of here in the blink of an eye if they chose to. “There was a misunderstanding.”
Luke hooted. “I’d say so.”
Matt nodded, a wide grin on his face. “Are we to guess he didn’t care for a substitute bride?” He didn’t wait for her reply. “And you’re planning to convince him to change his mind?”
“I read his letters. I can be the wife he wants.” If he’d give her a chance.
Andy shook his head. “Riley ain’t gonna like this.”
The twins grinned widely. “Nope.”
Wally leaned against the doorjamb. “We’re about to find out what he’s gonna do.”
All eyes turned toward an approaching horse and rider.
Olivia clasped her hands together, stilling the turmoil within. What would she do if he insisted on taking her back to town?
Well, he’d have a fight on his hands.
Could she count on anyone but Alfred to be on her side?
2
Riley spotted a wagon headed toward town. It was possible but highly unlikely that the occupants had come from a place other than the ranch. Had company arrived while he was out riding, trying unsuccessfully to clear his brain?
He rode into the yard to discover no one at the barn. They must be busy elsewhere. Thinking to grab grub and head into the mountains on the excuse he needed to check on something…anything, he continued to his house where he found his brothers and Wally standing in the doorway. Staring inside like a bunch of awe-struck boys.
He swung from his horse. All eyes turned toward him with a mixture of interest and warning. As he strode forward, they parted. He got as far as the door and everything in him stopped. His feet. His mind. And likely his heart ceased to beat. For certain, his lungs froze up like a winter lake.
He sucked air into his reluctant chest. “What isshedoing here?” The words came out louder and harsher than they would have if he’d given his question a moment’s thought.
“Appears she plans to marry you.” Trust Luke to see this as highly amusing.
“How come she came here on her own.” Andy sounded downright offended. “I thought you’d gone to pick her up.”
“And get married,” Matt added for good measure.
Thankfully neither Wally nor the man she’d brought with her had anything to say. Though the way they stood with their arms crossed and their eyes on him, said plenty.
He paid the others no mind but focused on Miss Olivia Mullen. How had she gotten here? Well, no doubt the wagon he’d seen leaving explained the how. But why? Hadn’t he been clear that he didn’t intend to marry her?
His brothers nudged him. Luke chuckled. Riley wasn’t going to have this discussion before an audience. “Boys, run along to your own business.”
They shuffled their feet and appeared ready to refuse then Andy sighed. “Guess you got a few things to settle.” He left and the others followed.
Olivia spoke to her servant. Steward. Whatever term she used. “Alfred, would you wait outside as well?”
The man gave Riley a hard look. “I’ll be within earshot.” He closed the door behind him.
