Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,53

kiss, he explored the soft lines of her back, waist, and hips. And when she slid an arm around his neck, he knew she welcomed his caresses.

Finally, he let her go—and that’s when he saw her tears.

“What’s wrong, Addie? Did I hurt you?” He didn’t think he’d held her that tightly.

She shook her head.

“Are you sad?”

Her nod indicated yes.

“What are you sad about, my love?”

She pointed to her mouth.

“Because you can’t speak?”

She nodded, and more silent tears fell.

He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes. “I’m sure there are things you want to say, and that must really frustrate you, but this isn’t forever. You’re making great progress. It’s just going to take patience.” She rested her head on his chest, and he rubbed her back. She had to be so tired of having things she couldn’t voice. “We’re going to get through this. You and me—together.”

Several long moments passed, then Addie stepped back, angrily dashed away her tears, and resumed target practice, all business.

He shot her an admiring glance. “Good. I think you’re a natural, but I don’t understand why you shot so erratic when we had the fight with the bounty hunters.”

Her smile wasn’t all that wide, but she was trying. Addie motioned to the horses and made tracks down her face like tears.

Of course. “You were afraid you’d hit the horses.”

Her eyes bright, she nodded and raised the Colt. Ridge stepped behind to hold her arm steady, and this time she hit the can. By the time they quit for the day, she’d hit the target fifty percent of the time, which was darn good in his opinion. Especially since the misses weren’t that far off.

Relief swept over him. If the bounty hunter dared show his face, Addie would be ready.

* * *

Over the next few days, Addie sewed bunting and made enough streamers for the dance to decorate the entire town. Ridge complained of the fabric lying about everywhere, said he felt like he was living in a dance hall.

One morning she put it all aside and went to visit Eleanor Crump again. He was glad to see them becoming comfortable with each other. But Addie returned, fretting that Eleanor had been no more forthcoming than before. It seemed the two women had spoken about religion mostly, and both shared a certain opinion of a lot of preachers.

Ridge kissed Addie and told her not to give up. When she was ready, Eleanor would tell her secrets.

Life together moved from one day to the next as the opening petals of a flower. He lived in anticipation for what each morning would bring. He’d seen no more signs of the watcher, whoever he was, and could only pray he’d given up and moved on.

He looked forward to Addie’s kisses and nightly embraces more and more. He’d gotten bolder, let his hands roam a bit more than usual, and she hadn’t seemed to mind. Touching her had become his new favorite pastime. He couldn’t get enough of her velvet skin, her smiles, and her kisses. She was like a drug he craved. It was as if he spoke to her with his touch. A light brush of her cheek could say more than any words. She, in turn, found ample opportunity to take his arm, hold his hand, or melt against him when he kissed her.

And deep down, more than anything, he loved the interest she’d taken in Hope’s Crossing and the upcoming dance.

Bodie’s leg had almost healed, and the kid had gotten rid of the crutch, his limp barely noticeable. He, too, was becoming comfortable. In the time he’d been in town, he’d already struck up a friendship with Clay’s daughter, Violet, who was three years younger.

Ridge sat the kid down for a talk. “Always be respectful of girls, son. Never force Violet to do anything against her will.” He gave Bodie a stern look. “You hurt her in any way, I’d best not hear about it. I’ll kick your rear end from here to the Rio Grande, and after I’m finished, Clay will take over.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Just think of Violet as your grandma.”

Bodie shook the hair back from his face. “My grandma was as mean as a skunk-bit coyote.”

“Good. Picture her face in your mind when you’re talking to Violet.” So much for the man talk. Ridge hoped Bodie listened.

A few days later, Ridge accompanied Addie to the doctor for her session, then headed to work, thinking about his wife. She accepted his kisses and caresses, eagerly