Page 80 of Montana Bride By Christmas
She spoke those words in a way that caused him to know she looked forward to the day. Just when he thought his heart could hold no more, it flooded with joy unspeakable.
Annie tookher time making her way to Uncle George’s store. Would they be married Christmas day? She skipped two steps. Wouldn’t that be special? And Grandfather’s friend, the judge and his wife, planned to visit so there would be someone to marry them.
She’d left Evan playing with Jeannie at Sadie and Logan’s house so she could purchase a special gift for him. Uncle George had a Noah’s Ark along with pairs of many animals for sale. She’d told him she wanted to purchase it and was on her wayto pick it up. Wouldn’t Evan be pleased? And it was something Jeannie could play with when she came to visit him.
She rounded the corner on Mineral Avenue. Just as she passed the assay office, someone jumped in front of her.
“Annie, I’ve been hoping to see you.”
She knew that voice. She fell back three steps and stared at a familiar face. “Rudy. Where did you come from? What are you doing here?”
He grinned. So self-confident. So brash. The very qualities that had attracted her in the first place.
“I’ve come to spend Christmas with my sister.” He leaned close as if sharing a secret. “And to see my favorite gal.”
She sniffed. “And who would that be, pray tell.”
“Now, don’t get all annoyed at me.” He pretended to look repentant. “You should have known I would come back.”
“I knew no such thing.”
He nodded. “Yes, you did. My sister says you don’t have a beau. I know you were waiting for me.”
Why of all the nerve. How presumptuous and self-important could he be? Had he always been so annoying? She knew he had. How could she have been so blind?
“Why don’t you accompany me to Miss Daisy’s Eatery? I’m sure she’ll have a special treat for us.”
What he meant was she would have something for him. As if the whole town had been holding its breath waiting for his return.
“I’m sorry. I have other plans.” She tried to get past him.
“Let me change your plans.” He grabbed her arms and pulled her close, leaning toward her, intending to kiss her.
Anger scalded through her, and she fought not to slap him right there in the middle of the street. But she didn’t want to attract any more attention than she might already have. She pushed away his arms and glanced around, saw no onewatching and knew a moment of relief. She faced him, so full of indignation it was all she could do to speak calmly. What had she ever seen in this man? He was nothing but a blowhard buffoon.
“Rudy, I’m afraid your sister is mistaken. I am making plans to soon marry. I am no longer interested in you.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re angry at me.”
“I’m saying that because I’m in love with someone else.” The words were out before she could filter them. She pushed past Rudy and continued on her way to the store, though she hardly remembered what she meant to do.
Love was not part of their agreement and certainly not what she wanted.
She must continue to deny it, must hide it.
Hugh had madea call to an elderly widow woman two blocks from the main street. She was feeling discouraged and welcomed his visit. He’d prayed with her, and he felt her spirits had lifted by the time he left.
He strode toward Mineral Avenue and headed toward the Marshall store. He’d seen a pretty notebook with a flowered cover that he wanted to purchase as a Christmas gift for Annie. Might it also be a wedding gift? Her father would return any day now and give his blessing for their marriage.
He wouldn’t let himself think Mr. Marshall might object or forbid it. He and Annie were perfectly suited to one another.
He neared the corner and ground to a halt. Annie stood on the sidewalk not more than fifty feet away with a young man...a tall, slender man with a smile that would likely have any number of young ladies falling at his feet. Was this Rudy?
As if hearing his question and wanting to answer it, the man pulled her into his arms right there in front of anyone who cared to watch like they couldn’t wait to pick up where they’d left off.
Hugh ground around, a bitter taste in his mouth. He reached home and hurried inside. Evan wasn’t there. He didn’t worry about the boy. No matter what else was on her mind, he could trust Annie to take care of his son.
Grandfather snoozed beside the kitchen stove, and Hugh slipped by to the office where he sank to his chair, planted his elbows on the desk, and buried his face in his upturned palms. Oh, God, what am I to do? I want to marry her, but I can’t keep her against her will. Nor do I want to hold her to a promise she regrets.
