Page 65 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“Who shot that one?”
“I did.”
“Mr. Addington, would you stay with them while I take a statement from Mr. March?” He didn’t wait for Jayce to answer.
Flint dismounted and followed the marshal inside. Mr. and Mrs. Luckham watched with open curiosity, but Flint followed the marshal into the back room to a small desk. The marshal conducted business there when he was in town, but Flint never thought he’d be sitting across from him.
“Can you write down what happened?” the marshal asked.
“Can’t write much.”
“Fine. You tell me and I’ll write it.” He dipped his pen in the ink and scratched out the words as Flint talked. Twice, the marshal interrupted to ask a question.
“That’s it?”
“Yup.” Flint signed his name. “Guess they’s in your hands now.”
“I’ll take care of them. Thanks for stopping the pair.”
Flint nodded. He and Jayce left the rustlers with the marshal and rode from town.
“Wonder what brought the marshal to the Bar-B-Bar,” Jayce said.
“Can’t imagine.” Though they knew the place was in trouble. It was why they’d left to start their own ranch. Plus, it was a dream they both had.
It was long past noon when they rode into the yard, but neither of them had cared to stop and eat.
“Cold beans.” Jayce shuddered.
Flint chuckled. “From a can.”
They both laughed. “Sure glad we don’t have to eat that way anymore.” Jayce pushed his hat back, grinning widely.
“Me, too,” Flint echoed. He was glad for a number of other reasons. A warm house. A warm welcome. A wife and a child.
Life was good. He touched the bandage on his head. Although it had been threatened by outsiders.
Flint meant to guard his home and family against any other dangers. Nothing must be allowed to rob him of this joy.
Chapter Sixteen
Bryn prepared a cake, biscuits, and a bowl of carrots right from her garden... scrubbed and served uncooked for the July Fourth picnic to be held at the Shannon ranch. Every woman was to bring food to contribute. She had prepared cold venison in gelatin. It had turned out rather nicely, she thought.
She smiled as she worked. A smile was never far from her face. The last few days had settled into blissful peace. Flint’s wound had healed nicely though he had a red scar that, for the most part, his hair hid. He’d told her of the promise he’d made himself on his ride back from town after turning the rustlers over to the marshal.
“I intend to keep my home and family safe. I won’t let anythin’ steal our joy.”
It was a noble plan, but one that made her struggle with her promise to God to tell Flint about Rowena. Thankfully, she had not promised when and with every passing day thewhengrew farther away. Although a part of her wanted to believe the truth would not destroy what they had between them. But it wasn’t a chance she was prepared to take. She didn’t want to be responsible for ruining the peace they had.
And the longer she put it off, the more reason he’d have for being angry.
What a pit she’d dug for herself.
But why was she letting those troubled thoughts bother her on this day of all days? They’d enjoy the picnic without the intrusion of her secret.
The rattle of harnesses announced the wagon drawing up to the house. Flint came through the door to help her carry food out. Susie came from her room, pulling the door closed behind her. They’d had a long discussion about Kitty. Bryn wanted to leave the cat outside while they were away. The cat would be safe, having been outdoors many, many times, but Susie was beside herself, afraid Kitty would get lost. Bryn had relented and agreed the kitten could stay in Susie’s room. They’d left food and water, and a box of dirt.
Out in the bright sunshine, she saw that a second bench had been put in the wagon. She and Flint were to sit there as Jayce and Addie were in the front seat. Susie sat on the bed of the wagon, among the boxes of food.
