Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,123
in town in the morning. Anything else bothering you? I’ll be glad to fix all your problems.”
“No, that’s about it.”
Her beautiful smile blinded Ridge. Without that dark cloud of her past hanging over her, he would bet that things were going to be even better than before.
Thirty-Five
Addie hummed as she rode beside Ridge in the wagon the next morning. Her mother had stayed behind at the property, unable to face people. Addie’s face was also a mass of bruises and cuts, but it didn’t bother her now. She saw her wounds as a badge of survival.
She smoothed the green dress she’d worn at her wedding. It seemed fitting to wear this one today. This was a new beginning as well, one free of her mad father. The slight breeze ruffled her hair, left down in curls the way Ridge liked it.
He leaned back and propped one boot on the high, wooden wagon box. “I’d better stay close by, or someone might make off with my pretty wife. You look especially beautiful.”
“Thank you for saying so, but I don’t think you have to worry.”
“No?”
She waved her ring finger. The morning sun’s rays caught on the silver band. “I’m spoken for.”
“Indeed you are, Mrs. Steele, and everyone had best take heed.”
Addie inched closer, and he put his arm across the back of the seat. She never tired of this game they played. Teasing and flirting had been sins all her life, and she’d never known why or the pleasure it gave. This man she’d married had taught her a lot about life and love and happily-ever-afters.
Although the day was just getting started, plenty of folks milled about the town. Addie and Ridge went straight to the telegraph office, sending a wire first to Addie’s sisters, telling them to get packed and ready to come. Then another to Zelda Law’s brother, inquiring about her and the boy. Addie prayed they’d get a reply soon.
“While we wait for the bank to open, why don’t we get some coffee?” Ridge suggested.
Addie laughed and wagged her finger. “You don’t fool me. You know if there’s any gossip, you’ll find it there.”
Ridge gripped his chest in mock horror. “I’m hurt. I just want to keep my finger on the pulse of the town. As mayor.”
When they opened the door, the racket inside the Blue Goose Café almost knocked Addie down. Everyone in town seemed to be at the eatery and excited about something. All the tables were filled, and they had turned to leave when Angus O’Connor waved them over. “Come and join us.”
Addie led the way, and they took the last two seats at the table for eight, greeting Dr. Mary, Jack, Clay, and the other two men. “What’s going on?”
O’Connor grinned from ear to ear. “We’re celebrating my purchase of the Wild Rose Saloon. But most importantly”—he took Dr. Mary’s hand—“our upcoming wedding. My Margaret agreed to marry me after all these years.”
“I had to wait until you got through sowing your wild oats, you old fool.” The doctor kissed his cheek. “And to settle down. I’m too old to follow you from pillar to post.”
“Congratulations to you both. I’m so happy for you.” Addie found tears in her eyes. Nothing reaffirmed life better than two people in love.
The waiter came and took their order, and Addie listened to the chatter going on, not only at their table, but around the entire café. These were the best of friends, many of whom had fought side by side to make a town from nothing.
Though everyone shot Addie curious glances, only Jack spoke, quietly enough for only them to hear. “You seem to have tangled with a wild animal, Miss Addie. Anything you and Ridge want to tell us?”
Ridge took her hand and told the story, after which everyone murmured that it was a good thing Ezekiel Jancy was already dead, or they’d string him up by his heels.
Dr. Mary leaned across the table to speak to Addie. “Are you all right? Maybe I should check you out.”
“Thank you for your concern, Doctor. I’ll be fine in a week or two.”
“If not, you come to see me.”
“I will.”
“Miss Addie, I hear you used to teach school. How about taking the position of schoolmistress?” Clay asked from across the table.
She shot Ridge a glance. “I don’t know. Can I think about it?”
“Sure. You can get back to me.”
The tea she’d ordered arrived, along with Ridge’s coffee. As she sipped, she realized that she’d never been happier than she