Page 52 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
Olivia shifted so she faced him full-on. “What happened?” Her words were a barely audible whisper.
“She was struck by the wagon. She died.” Did he hear a wail in his tone? He certainly felt it in the depths of his being.
“Oh, Riley. How awful.” She slipped her hand from his grasp and pressed it to his face. “I’m so sorry.”
He studied her upturned face, her eyes awash.
“I shouldn’t have told you. I didn’t mean to make you sad.”
“I’m sad because of the pain you have endured.”
* * *
Olivia wantedto wrap her arms around him and croon soothing sounds. Now she understood why he was afraid to marry her. She was a city girl, just as Nina had been. No wonder he guarded his heart. It was obvious neither she nor Riley cared to endure more pain by giving their affections to one another. And yet here she sat, pressed to Riley’s chest, listening to his confession, hearing his thudding heart beneath her cheek, and wishing she could help him heal.
His arms around her kept her warm but they did so much more. His protection and caring melted a layer of ice that had formed around her heart at the way Gerald had treated her. Not that she expected she would ever again be able to love freely as she had done with him.
Gerald had wounded her deeply with his rejection. The rumors he either spread or allowed to be spread had permanently destroyed something inside her. She understood Riley’s resistance to love and yet she wanted to convince him he was wrong.
“Riley, not all city girls dislike the West or ranch life. I don’t.”
His chest muscles tensed.
Had she pushed too hard? Expected a change too soon?
“You say that now but…” He stopped.
She sought for a way to convince him.
“There’s more to my story.”
“Tell me.”
“I had to wire her father to come. He arranged for the body to go back to Ohio. She never even got to the ranch.” His voice was thick as a storm. “He was angry and grief-stricken, but I’ve never forgotten his words to me. He said I should find a wife who was used to this sort of life. Someone who could handle the challenges. I vowed I would do that.”
“Riley, he was right except for one thing.” She waited until he asked her to explain. “You don’t have to be poor, or not from the city to enjoy the West and ranch life.” She faced him again, trailing a finger over his lips.
He kissed the tip of her fingers then pulled her hand to his chest. His gaze went beyond her.
She wished she knew if he was looking at his past or considering his future. But she dropped the subject, choosing rather, to enjoy this forced closeness.
The rain continued, driven by a cold wind and she shivered. Riley adjusted the slicker around them bringing it up to her neck. She pressed to him as tightly as she could, trying to keep him warm. But more than combined body heat warmed her insides. This close contact, him sharing about Nina had removed an invisible barrier between them.
“Did you get the cows back to where they belong?” Her voice was muffled against his chest.
“Met up with two cowboys who took over.”
“Good. I’m glad you didn’t neglect your responsibilities to rush back here.” She’d seen how lathered his horse was and knew he’d ridden hard. But she had to make sure he understood she knew his work came first.
He shivered. She still clung to his shirt front. She’d wished for the rain to last so they could enjoy these moments of closeness but now she wanted it to end so they could get home where Riley could get warm.
“What did you do while I was gone?” His voice rumbled beneath her ear.
“I found tiny yellow flowers. I have a botany book. I’ll have to see if I can identify them with it. They were huddled against a rock as if seeking shelter.” She smiled as she talked. “Sort of like I am right now.”
“You’re calling me a rock?” he growled.
“You should be flattered.”
