Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,105
as a gift. Or did Dr. Mary have other surprises of her own?
“O’Connor looks like a fine gentleman,” Ridge decided aloud. “Let’s quit gawking like a bunch of folks fresh out of the sticks and let me get back to showing off my beautiful wife.”
“You give the best compliments, dear.”
They stepped on the dance floor, Ridge whispering all kinds of maddening, suggestive things in her ear. She floated on air, counting the minutes until they’d be home in their bed.
An hour later, Addie had an occasion to waltz with Angus O’Connor. In a thick Irish brogue that she found so romantic, he complimented her red dress.
“Thank you, sir. I love Dr. Mary’s as well. I’ll have to ask where she got it.”
“I brought it with me. A gift for Margaret.”
“Oh, you have excellent taste!”
Laughter sprang from O’Connor’s lips. “Nothing brings me greater joy than making my woman happy.” His gaze sought Dr. Mary, and a smile curved his lips when he spied her.
That was true love if she ever saw it. “Have you known each other very long?”
“Margaret is an old, very dear friend. We met while she was in medical school, then later when she came West. I hear you’re a newlywed. How are you liking married life, Mrs. Steele?”
“It’s been two months, and I find myself more in love with Ridge every day. I never knew men like him existed.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re so happy.” O’Connor expertly swung her around. “That’s how marriages should be.”
“Are you a doctor as well?” Addie glanced up into a pair of the bluest eyes she’d ever seen and found herself unusually flustered.
O’Connor chuckled. “Far from it. She used to come into my saloon to play cards. I own a place in Kansas City.”
Addie trampled his feet. “I’m so sorry. I still have a lot to learn about waltzing.”
“Don’t give it a thought. Everyone has to start somewhere.”
“You’re very kind. How long will you be in town, Mr. O’Connor?”
“That depends. I’m trying to buy Hope’s Crossing’s establishment. I want to turn it into a showcase like in San Francisco and Denver.” A grin curved his mouth. “I like it here so far. And if things go well, I’ll move my business here and open up an opera house next door.”
“Oh my. You’re a very ambitious man.”
“So I’ve been told.”
They lapsed into silence and swept across the floor to “The Blue Danube.” Addie scanned the crowd, and her heart swelled to see Eleanor in a pretty dress. Not only that, her friend was dancing with the lonely stage driver, George Finch. This was truly a night for surprises. And miracles.
On the far wall, Bodie sat with Violet, talking and laughing. He’d finally gotten his chance, and it appeared he’d taken full advantage of the short time.
Ridge went by with the rounded Mrs. Truman and winked. After eleven children, she was still quite spry and having a lot of fun. Tait and Melanie were sitting on the sidelines, which wasn’t surprising. Melanie would have her baby any day.
Angus O’Connor glanced down at Addie. “I’ve always wondered if outlaws had time for this sort of thing. I’m glad they do. I think I’ll love it here. Everyone is so happy.”
Addie smiled. “Mr. O’Connor, outlaws live normal lives. Home means everything.”
“I see that, Mrs. Steele. My visit has been most enlightening.”
The music ended, and he kissed the back of her hand. “This has been lovely.”
“Good luck, Mr. O’Connor. I hope your plans work out. You can make a real difference here.”
“I hope so.”
Addie watched him head back to Dr. Mary, then turned to find Ridge striding toward her. She relayed what she’d learned.
“If the man does what he proposes, he’ll put us on the map, and we’ll have a boom town. It’s even more crucial to open up the back entrance.”
“I agree.” Yet worry gnawed at her. Ezekiel was coming. He could waltz right in.
Before the music started, Todd Denver stood and got their attention, his dark red hair slicked straight back. The young man was quite dapper in a suit and his customary bow tie. “Sorry to interrupt, but this will only take a moment, then you can get back to the party. As you all know, I’m going to have to resign my teaching position in order to get married. What you don’t know is that I’m leaving by dawn. I’m already packed and ready to ride out.”
“We’re sorry to see you go!” a voice in the back yelled.