Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,36
so proud of you, Addie. One day you’ll talk as well as anyone.” He squeezed her palm.
A warm feeling blossomed from deep inside, bringing a smile to her lips. She threaded her fingers through his, happier than she’d been in a very long time.
He swung to the kid. “Bodie, I’d like to hire you on as my number-one hand. That is, unless you have other plans.”
Bodie’s eyes widened. “I’d like that just fine, Mr. Steele.”
“I have one rule—you have to call me Ridge.”
The young man grinned like a fool donkey eating briars. “Okay—Ridge.”
“I’ll have you a place to sleep, so don’t worry about that.” Ridge squeezed Bodie’s shoulder. “Addie and I are heading to the mercantile now, so we’ll all go and get you what you need in the way of clothing and other items.”
The grin disappeared from Bodie’s face, replaced by an obstinate frown. “Only if you take the cost out of my wages.”
Dr. Mary chuckled. “That boy drives a hard bargain.”
“That he does,” Ridge agreed.
“Addie, in case you’re interested, a dressmaker has come to town,” Dr. Mary said. “I hear she’s very good. It won’t be long until she has more business than she can handle, so if you want to order something, best do it soon.”
Addie nodded cautiously. Her own sewing was only passable, and she’d love to have something made by a professional, but there was the cost to consider. Though Ridge hadn’t yet limited her, she didn’t want to put him on hard times.
“What’s the woman’s name, Doctor?” Ridge asked. “It slipped my mind.”
“Tara Quinn. A very friendly woman, from what I hear.”
They were on their way to the mercantile with Addie leading the buckskin when she remembered she hadn’t told Ridge the name she’d chosen for her horse. She pulled some paper from her pocket and jotted King, then handed it to Ridge, who’d stopped to wait for them. She pointed to the horse and grinned.
“That’s a fine name, Addie. I like that, and it fits him well.” His warm gaze brought heat to her face.
Bodie stopped to pick up a rock. He rubbed it on his shirt and studied it, then stuck it into his trouser pocket. “I had a black roan named Prince a long time ago. Then my ma and pa died, and a man took Prince away.”
Addie wanted to ask him why he was keeping the stone, but it didn’t seem like the time. She just listened to his sad story instead.
“Where did you live after they passed?” Ridge asked.
“First one relative then another, but nobody really wanted me. They said I was a bad seed and nothing but trouble. I don’t know, maybe I was. They claimed it so much, I decided to make it true.” The kid wiped his nose on his sleeve and his crutch clattered to the ground. “I just wanted someone to care whether I lived or died.”
A deep ache settled in Addie’s heart. She’d known such a feeling. She retrieved his crutch and handed it back, then put an arm around him. Bodie needed her and Ridge more than she’d realized at first, and she figured she needed them both just as much.
They browsed through the mercantile, and Ridge helped Bodie with clothes, while Addie picked up yarn and needles, a notebook, and enough heavy broadcloth in navy blue to make a riding skirt.
“Nice to see you, Mrs. Steele.”
She’d been in deep concentration, her attention on the bolts of fabric, and almost didn’t hear the soft voice at her side. A glance revealed the woman who’d sat beside her in church. No name came to her mind, though Addie remembered the older woman’s disheveled appearance.
Ridge evidently noticed Addie’s predicament and came over. “Good morning, Eleanor. I trust you’re doing well.”
“I am, Mr. Mayor. And you?”
He met Addie’s gaze, and she felt her cheeks warm again. “It’s been an unbelievable morning.” His smile warmed his eyes, and Addie could see how happy her teetering steps had made him. He seemed very different from the somber man she’d married.
Eleanor set a bag of sugar on the counter. “Mrs. Steele, I’ll visit soon.”
Addie nodded and gave Eleanor a smile. Ridge provided the words, “Come anytime, ma’am. You’ll be welcome.”
After Eleanor paid and left, Ridge spoke quietly in Addie’s ear. “I don’t know her full story, but I think she would like a friend.”
Addie could be that. Everyone needed someone, and doing what she could for the woman would ease the quiet of the long days. Addie laid