Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,23
to rid herself of the memory.
The men dismounted, and Ridge strode toward the back door. She unlocked it as he got there, then stepped back.
He poked his head in. “Can you come out for a minute, Addie?”
She nodded and went outside.
“Nice to see you again, Miss Adeline,” Clay called, touching the brim of his hat.
She waved and smiled. Clay was such a good friend to Ridge and seemed very nice.
Her hand got lost in Ridge’s big, calloused palm as he led her to the horses. “Take your pick, Addie. Whichever one you like. A wedding gift from me.”
Sudden thickness clogged her throat. She tugged free of Ridge and ran to the tan buckskin with a black mane and tail, laying her face against the animal’s neck. Tears filled her eyes. The buckskin belonged to her. Only her. She hugged the powerful animal, and his muscles quivered against her chest.
Ridge touched her shoulder, his voice soft. “I thought you’d like that gelding. He’s a beauty and has already been gentled. He’ll make a faithful companion.”
She turned and flung her arms around his neck, clinging to this man who’d seen her value when no one else ever had.
As the overwhelming emotion started to fade, Ridge’s heartbeat, steady and true, pulsed in the corded tendons of his neck. His breath was uneven and ragged, and the fragrant scent of the land that clung to his clothes rose to fill her senses. He folded his arms around her.
Embarrassed, she released her hold and stepped back. His somber amber gaze, his expression held something she’d never seen before. He didn’t exactly smile, but this man she’d married seemed happy in some strange way. If only she wasn’t so ignorant about things. Her tongue worked but no sound came out. She flattened her hand to her mouth and gave the sign they had worked out to mean “thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad I can make you happy.” He cleared his throat. “You are very special to me. Always.”
A warm glow swept over her. She turned to the buckskin and caressed the space between the animal’s eyes, vowing silently to love him. The buckskin stared into her eyes, seeming to feel the hurt inside her. The deep connection moved her and she marveled at the love that came through her fingertips. That such a beautiful horse could love her was amazing to consider, but she felt the same way about the gelding.
Adeline prayed she would come to love Ridge as she did this buckskin. What had Rebel said? Salt of the earth. Yes, that was it. He did have that fundamental goodness that made him rise above all others.
By pointing to Clay and Ridge, then pretending to drink from a cup, she told them she’d make coffee.
“That’ll hit the spot,” Ridge answered. “We’ll take the horses to the barn. Won’t be long.”
Inside the kitchen, she quickly grabbed the paper she’d written on and took it to her safe room. Then she got coffee on to boil. Soon, the two men filled the space with their large bodies. They sat at the table, talking, and Adeline listened quietly.
Clay took a sip of coffee. “You’ll soon have this place set up the way you want.”
“I suppose, but it’s not moving fast enough to suit me. I’ll pick up our cow and chickens tomorrow, and the peach trees should arrive in the spring.” Ridge turned to Adeline. “We still have time to put in a small garden—some fast-growing things like onions, turnips, beets, and squash. I’ll help you.” He grinned. “Between the buckskin and the garden, you won’t have time to get bored.”
“What are you going to name that buckskin?” Clay asked.
She shrugged. The matter of a name hadn’t even occurred to her.
“We’ll think of something tonight.” Ridge brought the cup to his mouth and took a swig. “I’ve always been partial to Soldier or Ranger. My red sorrel is Cob. But you’ll find the perfect name.”
Pondering the subject, Adeline rose and, with the cats following, went out to the barn to spend some time with her new friend. A name needed to mean something special.
* * *
Ridge’s gaze followed his wife as she went out the door, glad he’d made her happy. Adeline needed more reasons to smile. He dragged his attention back to Clay and the news that his friend was buying five hogs to raise. “They’ll provide a lot of food,” Ridge agreed.
“I’ll get plenty of scraps from the café to feed them.” Clay drained his cup