Page 6 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
The bushes parted and eyes peered out. Like two blue birds.
She stood, brushing leaves and twigs from her hair. “You’re sure no one followed you?” She looked past him, still clinging to the axe.
“It was a man and woman on a wagon. They continued down the road.”
Her breath whooshed out. “Not Mr. Hartman?”
“I doubt it.” Though he could walk past the man, brush elbows, and not know it was him. “Was he driving a wagon?”
A shudder shook her. “I don’t know.”
“Let’s go back to the fire. I have cookies that will go well with tea.”
Cool air came from the river. Pink stained the sky. Andy had been anticipating a quiet evening on his own, listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying his own thoughts. But now he had a problem to deal with.
He slapped his forehead. “I should have stopped them and asked them to give you a ride.” It would be appropriate for her to spend the night with a couple.
She caught up to him. “Why didn’t you?”
“My only thought was to make sure this Mr. Hartman didn’t find us.” An angry man might consider shooting Andy.
Her steps slowed and she fell back.
His boots nudged a clump of grass as he turned to study her. The pink sky reflected on her face. Or perhaps she finally realized the awkward situation they were in.
She sighed. “I am between a rock and a hard place. I’ve no desire to return to Gunders Corner, but you say there is no other town close by.” She kicked a rock toward the water. Her expression brightened as she brought her gaze back to him. “Is there a family nearby I might stay with? At least overnight?”
“I’m not familiar with this part of the country, but I know homes are far apart. I could drive around until it’s so dark I couldn’t see where I was going and still not find a place.” The evening chill made him long for the warmth of the fire and he signaled her to follow.
The flames had died down to coals and he threw on more wood. The tea was still warm. He filled both cups and set hers within reach. The cookies were in his grub box, and he pulled out a handful, put two by her tea, and kept two for himself.
She reached for them and the cup. The axe lay across her knees. Her expression grew thoughtful. A cookie part way to her mouth, she stopped. “I don’t see there’s any choice but for me to spend the night here.” She swallowed audibly. “I will sleep with the axe in my hands and my eyes wide open.”
The warning was meant for him! He’d been nothing but a gentleman. He sat upright, his eyes hot with protest. “Lady, if I meant you harm, I’d simply take that thing from you.”
She dropped her cup and lifted the axe with both hands. “I once saw a man with half his chin gone. Figure he threatened a lady who defended herself.”
He sank back. “Huh. How am I to know you won’t come after me in the night? Chop my head off in sheer spite.”
“Guess you don’t.”
“Well, isn’t that reassuring?”
The axe lowered marginally. “I don’t suppose it is.”
The flames cast eery shadows as they glowered at each other over the fire. Neither of them relented. He couldn’t say what she was thinking but he, for one, was not prepared to take any chances with a young lady who made such awful threats. He’d sleep with one hand on his rifle and one eye open to watch her.
3
Talk was easy, Della realized. But where was she going to sleep? Or could she stay awake all night? The yawn that threatened to unhinge her jaw provided her answer. But she would try.
Dusk closed in on them. Dancing shadows caused Della to jerk from side to side, thinking someone had stolen close. Flames reflected off the sharpened edge of the axe head and she ran her finger back and forth on the cold metal.
“Guess we might as well settle in for the night.”
She jolted at the sound of his voice.
“You should sleep in the wagon. You’ll be safer there.”
