Page 50 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
“Olivia, what did—?” He broke off as four cows and calves entered his field of vision. He was instantly on his feet. He waited several minutes but no cowboys rode toward the animals. He hadn’t expected to do any hard riding with Olivia at his side but couldn’t ignore the wandering cows. “I need to turn them back. You stay here. I’ll move them and then return for you.” He could be gone for at least an hour. “Will you be all right?”
“I could go with you.” Then her gaze went to the distance where the cows ambled along. “But I’d slow you down. I have pencil and paper. I’ll be fine. Go do your job.” She waved him away.
He still hesitated but seeing she was already drawing, he swung into the saddle and galloped down the hill.
The cattle changed directions easily enough, but he had to push them over a rise, and they rebelled at that and made him and his horse work. They finally reached the top where he discovered two cowboys herding a larger bunch back. Riley assisted them until the animals were well on their way then said goodbye and prepared to return.
“Looks like we’re in fer a soakin’” One of the cowboys nodded toward the sky.
Riley looked overhead and groaned. He’d noticed the sky had darkened as clouds moved in, but now those clouds twisted and rolled. He’d left Olivia in the open without so much as a slicker for protection. He wheeled around and raced back.
King was winded by the time they returned. Olivia stood at the crest of the hill, holding Star’s reins. As he neared, he saw her shiver.
Riley was off the horse and jogging toward her. “We have to find shelter.”
She turned toward him. Her eyes sparkled. “I’ve been watching the storm. Such power.”
Now might have been a good time for her to show fear or worry such as he’d expected. He grabbed her hand. “Come on.” There was an overhang down the hill to the right that would provide a degree of protection. He led both horses with Olivia following. He worried about her on the downslope but had his hands full and was unable to offer assistance.
They stumbled over rocks and roots as they descended to the bottom. He let out a relieved sigh when they made it safely. He tied the horses to trees and took his slicker from behind his saddle. Good thing he always carried it with him. He caught Olivia’s hand and they bent into the wind as he led her into the hollow of the bank.
“It won’t protect us completely but it’s the best we can do.” He sat with his side to the dirt bank. The wind battered his back. Drops of rain blasted against him. From experience, he knew there was worse coming. He opened his arms. At least he could keep the rain off her. “Sit close. We have to share the slicker.”
She hesitated but a blast of cold air convinced her, and she huddled against him. He fitted the slicker around them as best he could, making sure she was covered. His back would get soaked but he was tough. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d been drenched.
Lightening flashed. Seconds later, thunder roared. The sky lit up in flash after flash. Roar after roar echoed along the ravine. Rain beat against him. He drew her close and bent his head, doing his best to shelter her from the elements. Her hair brushed against his cheek enveloping him with the wildflower scent he associated with her. It felt right and good to have her in his arms. The thought made him shiver even more than the cold did. But protecting her was more all that mattered at this moment.
A flash and roar came almost simultaneously. His scalp prickled. The smell of gun powder filled the air. Close by a tree cracked and crashed to the ground. The horses snorted and reared. If they broke the reins, he and Olivia would have a long walk.
She turned and wrapped her arms around him. “Are we safe here?”
“I hope so.” He tightened his hold, sheltering her.
“I could use a little more than hope at the moment.” Her words were muffled against his chest.
“I’ve never been killed by lightning yet.”
She laughed, but it didn’t sound convincing.
He grinned at her attempt. It was nice to be able to lighten the mood.
Her hands explored his back. “You’re wet.” She began to pull away.
He held her tight. “Don’t move or we’ll get wetter. Besides, I’ve never died from a good soaking either.”
She stopped trying to escape his arms but splayed her hand across his back as if by doing so she could keep him from getting thoroughly soaked.
He didn’t tell her the gesture offered little protection because he found her touch comforting. The flashes came less frequently. Thunder grew more distant.
He began to relax. “The storm is moving away.”
“It’s still raining buckets.” She pressed her hand more firmly to his back.
“Yeah. We’ll stay here until it quits.”
She shifted; as if getting more comfortable. “How long do you predict that will be?”
“Who knows? Maybe an hour.” An imp of mischief prompted him to add, “Maybe overnight.”
