Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,14
mere sprinkle, but puddles stood between them and the door. He swung her up and carried her over the water, depositing her in the dark entry.
“Wait here while I light the lamps.”
When he returned, Adeline was still standing there. She stared up at him with those shimmering green eyes. In the flickering light, they looked like bottomless pools. His heart skittered sideways like a frightened stallion, and he worked to speak. “Would you like something hot to drink?”
She indicated no, then turned and went to the little space she’d claimed beneath the stairs.
Ridge hurried to get a blanket and pillow. He found her inside sitting against the wall, her legs pulled beneath her. “If you’re determined to sleep here, take these. Anytime you want to come out, you’re welcome. All of this house is yours, not just this space.”
When he set down the lamp he carried, Adeline shook her head vehemently and tried to push it away.
“No, ma’am.” Ridge set his jaw. “I’ve given in to you on everything else, but you will have a little light in here. I insist. Just to banish the ghosts.”
He didn’t know if the sound she made was a huff or a resigned sigh. Maybe a little of both. At any rate, she scowled, taking the pillow and blanket.
“I have to go see to the horse. You know where the kitchen is if you’d like some water or anything.” He turned and left, leaving the door open.
In short order, he had the horse fed and warm in the barn, then returned to check on Adeline. The door of her little safe room was still open, surprising him. He’d have bet money she would’ve shut it, not trusting anyone. She was stretched out on the blanket, asleep. And wonder of wonders, the lamp still burned, casting a soft glow over the sleeping form on the floor.
Ridge went for the quilt off the bed and covered her. Then he kissed her forehead. He didn’t know what this new life of his would look like, but he’d try to give Adeline a happy home. A place where she mattered and was wanted. And maybe somehow in all this, he’d find his way through the darkness that lived inside him, shadows where no lamplight could reach.
Alone and dog-weary, he turned toward the parlor and the sofa where he would sleep.
* * *
Their wedding day dawned, plenty of warm sunshine to mark the occasion. Ridge drove his bride back to town and dropped her off at Tally’s house, since her hotel room was still scorched. Then he went to check on the condition of the bluff. As expected, it was muddy. He and the men went to work, covering the ground with hay.
“How did Miss Adeline do at the house?” Luke asked.
“Real good after we got a few things straight. She was in the kitchen cooking breakfast when I got up.” Ridge didn’t mention the tiny room under the stairs.
“Good. She’ll fatten you up.”
“What are you saying, Luke?”
His friend grinned. “That it’s damn good to have a wife. You need someone to take care of your bony rear.”
Clay and Jack Bowdre each pulled out a bottle and passed them around, along with a lot of good-natured ribbing. Ridge took one swallow, done for the day. He wouldn’t start off his marriage to Adeline on the wrong foot.
Figuring her out was going to take keeping his wits about him.
* * *
Adeline was a bundle of nerves about a great many things, but not where Ridge was concerned. It was herself she worried about. What man would want to stay with a mute wife? Conversing in written form was a terrible way to begin a life together. Before long, this silence would start to grate on him. It would on anyone. Then what?
Her gaze went to the white box on the table, her wedding dress inside. Josie had tried to talk her into a fancy dress of white satin, but Adeline had insisted on practicality and chosen this simple, spring-green frock, void of lace, frills, or a train. She’d relented on the short, lacy veil though.
After all, it seemed to be a rule for brides to cover their faces. Maybe it kept the groom from running as hard as he could until the woman had him caught good and proper in her snare.
Laughter bubbled up in her chest but stopped at her mouth, and the thought hit her that she’d made a joke. A smile curved her lips. It had been