Page 60 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
“Let’s go home.” His words were accompanied by a chuckle. He rose and pulled her to her feet.
Only a sickle moon hung in the sky, partially covered with drifting clouds providing Della an excuse to cling to Andy’s arm.
“Thank you for sharing the sunset with me. I’ll never forget it,” she said.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
The unfamiliar path at her feet was rough and she concentrated on stepping carefully. But her toe caught on something. Before she tumbled, Andy pulled her to his chest. His arms held her tight.
Her heart lurched. Her breath caught partway to her lungs.
Oh, to feel this safe, this protected, to be free to lift her face to him and invite a kiss.
Forcing air into her lungs, willing her heart to return to normal, and with a murmured word of thanks, she straightened.
She must remember she was only a temporary wife.
15
As soon as he’d finished a hurried breakfast the next morning, Andy trotted out to the barn to join his brothers. He’d seen the silent question in Della’s eyes at his rush over the meal. Mrs. Bennet had asked him where the fire was.
“We need to check the pastures today,” was his reply and his excuse.
He saddled Amigo while ignoring his brothers who protested that he should stay home and entertain his wife. Little did they know how badly he wished he could. Wished things were different between them.
Riley held the reins of his horse and leaned against the fence. “You might be interested in the verse I found the other day.‘When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.’” He wore a smug look.
Andy straightened and hooted with laughter. “Have you forgotten that the three of you have married recently? Guess we might as well shut down the place if we’re to follow that verse to the letter.” He led Amigo past the others and swung into the saddle. “I’m checking the west side.” The rest of them could argue about where they would go.
“I’ll go with you.” Luke rode after him.
Andy groaned. “I can manage on my own.”
“Sure you can. You never need advice from an older brother because you never get yourself in over your head.” A pause for dramatic effect. “Like entering into a temporary marriage that you now regret.”
Andy’s insides bristled but he answered calmly. “I don’t regret saving her from Mr. Hartman.”
“Nope. Your regret is that it’s temporary.” With that Luke rode away, his laugh trailing after him, mocking Andy.
“Huh. What do you know about it?” The words he mumbled weren’t meant to be heard by anyone else. So what if he enjoyed Della’s company more than he should? So what, if catching her last night made him want to kiss her and hold her close to his heart forever?
All those feelings would pass once she was gone.
Determined to prove to himself forgetting was possible, he concentrated on his surroundings checking for wandering cows and wild animals. The grass was dry but would provide decent grazing and although the water was low in the stream it was sufficient for cows.
Both he and Luke dismounted at noon to eat a quick lunch. Andy searched the horizon, always aware of the danger of fire especially under these conditions knowing that Luke did the same.
A swirl of dust or smoke hovered to the west.
“Isn’t that about where the line shack is?” Luke asked.
“Yup.” Without another word, they both mounted up and raced in that direction. Their horses were lathered when they reined in a short time later. The cloud of dirt had twisted into the air and dissipated.
“It was only a dust devil.” Luke sat back, relieved.
Andy did the same. “Thank God.”
“Sure could use some rain.” Luke swung his horse around. “Or snow.”
