Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,126

making their own lives. That’ll just leave thirteen-year-old Remy at home.” Ingrid’s mind seemed to be whirling with all the possibilities. Addie loved seeing her mother’s excitement build, like a child’s at Christmas.

Ridge chuckled softly. “If your other daughters are as pretty and as capable as Addie, I can vouch that the men in this town will beat a path to your door, Mrs. Jancy.”

“Please, just call me Ingrid.”

“All right, Ingrid. If Denver’s old house doesn’t work, I’ll build one. That’ll take a while longer, of course.” He stood and took her hand. “We’re family now. It’s really good having you here, and I’ll help get you settled any way I can.”

Tears filled Ingrid’s brown eyes. She squeezed Ridge’s fingers and whispered, “I had forgotten there are good men left. I’m very happy Adeline found you.”

Addie swallowed the lump in her throat. “Me too, Mama.”

With that settled, Addie turned her thoughts to the other telegram they’d sent—the one to Ben Halsey. They’d gotten no reply yesterday, but perhaps one had come this morning.

The screen opened and Bodie strode in. “Breakfast smells good.” He went straight to the coffee. “Is it about ready? I’m starving.”

Addie watched a grin spread on Ridge’s face. The bond between him and Bodie grew stronger each day, and they were more like a real father and son than either knew.

“You’re always as ravenous as a bear after hibernation, son.” Ridge’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Pour me another cup while you’re at it.”

“Yes, sir.” Bodie brought the pot to the table, along with his cup, and sat down. “I got up early and did the chores. Do you need anything else done? Sawyer and Henry want me to go fishing.”

The respect Bodie always showed Ridge never failed to warm Addie’s heart. She turned back to her cooking, a mist in her eyes. Through watching these two men form a relationship, the trust grow between them, she’d learned to trust as well. She’d opened her heart and let love inside. Addie had kept it locked for so long. Self-preservation made a person do strange things.

“You go and have fun,” Ridge urged. “I can’t think of anything else I need doing. You’ll have to ride three miles over to the Washita River to find water deep enough to sink a hook.”

“I reckon so.”

“I’ve always wanted to dig out the little creek that runs through our land, widen and deepen it, but haven’t found time.”

Interest showed in Bodie’s eyes. “Let’s do it—you and me. Maybe Sawyer and Henry would help too.”

Addie couldn’t miss the excitement in the kid’s eyes. He asked for so little.

“I ’spect we could. We’ll tackle that once we’re through with the work in town.” Ridge caught Addie’s stare and winked.

Warmth stole over her, and she came near to dropping an egg. He made her feel like a schoolgirl making eyes at the teacher. She hurried to finish breakfast. She had two hungry men waiting, and she loved them both with every fiber of her being.

* * *

Hope’s Crossing had never looked more welcoming when Addie rode in, sitting between Ridge and her mother. The sun’s rays cast a golden glow over the town she’d grown to love.

She glanced toward the back entrance where only a few large boulders remained. “Ridge, I didn’t notice how much you’d gotten done yesterday. I guess the excitement over the bank holdup took my attention.”

“We should finish today.” He parked the wagon in front of his land office. “Then we’ll begin to clear a road.”

“It makes such a big difference. Amazing.” Her glance fell on the outdoor strap-iron jail. Texanna Starr stood at the locked door, gripping the bars and staring. Addie felt a little sorry for her, although Texanna had gotten what she deserved. “Ridge, what is Jack going to do with that woman? She looks so forlorn.”

“He’ll take her to Mobeetie as soon as he’s able.” He lifted her down from the seat and went around to help Ingrid. “She deserves to pay for the poor choices she made.”

“I know, but it just seems a little harsh to put her outside where everyone can jeer at her.”

“I love your soft heart. We can’t lose our compassion for one another. That’s what separates us from wild animals.” He kissed her temple. “I’ll get the key to Denver’s vacant house.”

In short order, they walked over to the church. The building also served as a school, the schoolmaster’s house tucked in behind. Addie had never seen it before this, but she was