Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,25

ground, the breeze on her face and sun on her back. And it was all due to Ridge.

The buckskin was an amazing animal and responded to the lightest touch. An odd feeling had come over her the moment she’d rested a hand on his neck—a deep connection she couldn’t explain. A sense of sadness and pain had passed through her, but had it been hers or the horse’s? Maybe he could read her also. She didn’t understand but knew she would always treasure him.

The horse wasn’t the only one who seemed to be able to sense her feelings. Both Miss Kitty and Squeakers reacted to her moods. Maybe all animals had this ability and she’d never noticed.

In some strange way, upon pledging her troth to Ridge, her world had opened up like an unfurling rose to all sorts of new ideas and sensations.

He rode a length ahead, allowing an unhindered look at the man she’d married. Ridge sat tall in the saddle, alert, scanning the land ahead. Muscles played across his broad shoulders with the slightest movement, his arms stretching the fabric of his shirt taut. He breathed in the fresh outdoor air as though he took it all the way down to the bottom of his lungs.

This man who lived outside the law seemed to care for her and had seen to her comfort. Ridge treated her as an equal, as someone of worth. Her stomach quickened.

Be careful, she scolded herself. You don’t know him. His kindness could be a trap to get you to let down your guard. He could be just as ruthless, and trusting him could bring more pain.

Addie tried to keep herself focused on her buckskin and the amazing ride but soon found herself studying her husband again. Ridge was a part of this land, at home in the barren vastness, rocky ravines, and craggy mountains in a way she might never grow to appreciate. She missed trees and lush greenery, but she wouldn’t trade what peace she’d already found for anything.

Ridge dropped back beside her. Shadowed by his worn black Stetson, his face seemed carved by the wind and sun—or maybe it had simply been chiseled by hardship. “A little creek lies just ahead. We’ll stop there for a spell. Our northern-most boundary is a half mile beyond that point.”

Adeline nodded. She loved how he included her as owner of this parcel. She hadn’t just gotten a husband; she’d become a landowner too. Something—and someone—that was hers to keep. She finally had a place to be. Despite her need for caution, a thread of happiness curled along her spine.

She was still contemplating that when Ridge stopped. Alarm knotted in her stomach as he slid one of his guns from the holster. Two figures stood near some horses about fifty yards ahead. No, it was three people, counting the one sitting on the ground.

Ridge’s whole demeanor changed. He stiffened and stared at the intruders through narrowed eyes, his grip tight, back rigid. A cold and frightening chill went through her. Whatever was wrong, she had to be ready to react.

“Wait here and stay in the saddle. I need to find out what they’re doing on our land. If they shoot, ride to town as fast as you can.” He pulled the other gun from his holster and handed it to her. “If they get past me, shoot to kill.”

Addie swallowed hard, taking the weapon. The unexpected weight pulled her hand down and she almost dropped it. She’d never shot a gun, much less killed a person. But if the strangers harmed Ridge or came at her, she’d try her best to send them to eternity.

Her gaze followed him as he trotted away, and fear tightened in her chest until she could scarcely breathe. Two of the men raised their weapons at his approach. Addie sucked in her breath and held it.

Would this be the day when her world collapsed yet again?

* * *

“Howdy.” The hair on the back of Ridge’s neck stood as he stared at the two heavily armed strangers and the three horses tied to the branches of a scrub oak. Then his gaze shifted to the wounded man on the ground. He was young, barely looked old enough to shave. “I’d like to ask what you’re doing on my land. And you can lower those weapons anytime.”

“Didn’t realize we’d left open range, mister, and we needed water.” Dirt and blood caked the speaker’s trousers. The interloper, his long hair tied back with