Page 66 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
Addie turned to speak to Bryn as they headed down the road. “I can’t wait to see what the Shannons have planned.” She must have seen in Bryn’s expression the nervousness weaving through her excitement. “You’ll be welcomed by everyone.”
Flint patted Bryn’s clasped hands. “Nothin’ but good people 'round here.”
She slanted him a disbelieving look. “Have you forgotten about the rustlers?”
He shrugged. “They wasn’t from 'round here.”
His reasoning both surprised and pleased her. She laughed softly and shifted her hands more fully into his grasp.
As they drove into the Shannon yard a bit later, Bryn saw by the number of wagons and saddled horses that many had been invited. She recognized the Luckhams and several others fromtown. She was introduced to so many cowboys she’d never keep them all straight.
Except for one that Addie drew forward to introduce.
“Bryn, I’d like you to meet Shorty. He guided Jayce and me up the mountain to where we hoped to find my father.”
The man was short and stocky, dark except for light gray eyes. His look was steady. A man not to mess with was her assessment. And yet his smile was kindly.
After exchanging greetings, he moved on, in step with a cowboy Flint had introduced as Buster.
Flint watched them. “They’re looking mighty pleased about somethin’.”
“Maybe because they’re having a day off and attending a picnic,” she teased.
“Could be.” He chuckled and pulled her to his side. “Is that why ya look so pleased with yerself?”
“Partly.” The smile and secret look she gave him said far more than her word.
He laughed aloud, drawing curious looks in their direction.
Let people think what they wanted. She grinned widely. Hopefully, they were happy to realize she and Flint enjoyed each other’s company.
Riley, the eldest of the Shannon brothers, called them all to attention. “What better way to celebrate than to have some fun. Everyone pick your partner. We’re going to have a three-legged race.”
Flint put his arm around Bryn and pulled her tight to his side. “I got mine,” he murmured.
Matt squinted at his twin brother, Luke. “Our wives are in no condition for this sort of thing.”
Honor smiled down at her baby daughter and Gwen patted her tummy.
“So, brother, let’s show them how it’s done.”
Cowboys paired up and tied legs together. Bryn rested her hand on Flint’s shoulder as he bent over and tied his ankle Bryn’s. Tingling ran up her body from contact with him. She drew in a steadying breath and scanned her surroundings. A dozen and a half couples lined up at the rope Riley had placed. She and Flint hobbled to join them.
“On your marks,” Riley called. “Get set. Go.”
Bryn stumbled as she tried to adjust her steps to match Flint’s. He caught her around the waist and held her steady. They tried again, found their rhythm, and headed for the finish line. Maddie and Wally were ahead of them. A couple of pairs of cowboys ran beside them.
One pair stumbled and fell into a heap, shouting with laughter.
Another couple of bowlegged, bewhiskered men tripped on each other but they didn’t laugh. They started hollering and fighting. Riley ran over to intervene.
It struck Bryn so funny she stopped to watch and laugh which put Flint off balance and they fell in a tangle of arms. Unable to separate their legs, they simply lay facing each other.
“Mrs. March, you have caused us to lose the race.” He might have thought he sounded scolding but ended with a laugh.
“Who cares about a silly race.” She leaned in closer, tempting him to give her a kiss.
“Bryn.” His voice was husky. His gaze lingered on her lips. “We’re in public.”
