Once Upon a Mail Order Bride - Linda Broday Page 0,90
Wintersby wasn’t stuffy or imperious like she’d imagined most bankers would be. Still, she also didn’t fit the image of a professional who dealt with large sums of money. Who knew? Maybe Charlotte would surprise them all. “I’m curious about your traveling companion. I think you called him Mr. O’Connor.”
“Yes. Angus O’Connor. He has the most delightful Irish brogue.”
Now, Addie was even more curious about why the man was in Hope’s Crossing.
Ridge took Charlotte’s bag from the stage driver and arranged to return for the large trunk. “Let’s get you settled in the hotel. I’m sure you’re tired from the journey.”
Addie’s attention wandered back to the dapper man disappearing into the hotel. Curiosity pricked at her again. No one that well dressed would ever be connected to her father. Still, there was something about him that drew notice. No one had met him, so maybe he was passing through, like so many who arrived these days.
“Yes, I’m a little tired.” Charlotte gave the town another stare. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I love what I see here.”
“And why did you want to come to a town formed by outlaws, Miss Wintersby?” Ridge held the door for her and Addie. “Didn’t you consider that it might be a little…how shall I put this…dangerous?”
Addie wondered the same and moved closer so as not to miss the reply.
“Not really. Who is more naturally suited to protecting their own money and investments? I begged father to let me take this bank. San Francisco had become stifling.” Charlotte straightened her shoulders, stepped inside, and headed straight to the registration desk.
The mysterious Mr. O’Connor strode toward the stairs, carrying his bags, evidently having already checked in.
Dragging her attention back to their new banker, Addie whispered to Ridge, “What do you think of Charlotte?”
“She’s young. Inexperienced. But I suspect she has a good head on her shoulders.”
“That’s my impression too. I like her and can’t wait to get acquainted. I’ll make a nice welcome supper for her tomorrow night and invite the Colbys, Bowdres, and Lassiters.”
“Sounds good, Addie. Thank you for stepping into the role of hostess.” He threaded his fingers through hers, his gaze searching her face for something. “We never talked about dinners and entertaining you’d have to do.”
She grinned and shrugged. “We’re in this together, and I’m happy to do whatever you need, whether it’s a dinner party or”—she lowered her voice—“be a lovestruck wife.”
“Are you? Lovestruck, I mean.”
“You have to ask?” Her voice came low and husky.
“Some things a man likes to hear spoken aloud.”
“I am utterly lovestruck,” she whispered in his ear. She rested a palm on his vest, met the dare in his eyes, and pressed a long kiss on his lips.
Soft laughter broke them apart. Charlotte stood nearby, smiling. “I take it you haven’t been married long.”
“A little more than a month,” Ridge admitted. “I didn’t think it showed.”
“Mr. Steele, it’s beautiful to see people in love.” Charlotte tugged off her kid gloves, also brown, one long finger at a time. “Maybe one day, if I meet the right man, I’ll know what it’s like. Mother’s about to lose all hope for me.”
To say something of that nature to strangers struck Addie a bit odd, but she released a light laugh and, instead of breaking apart, wound her arm around Ridge. “It’ll happen. Did you get a room, dear?”
“I did. It’s Number 204.”
“I’ll collect your trunk and bring it up.” Ridge kissed Addie’s cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
Addie nodded and went upstairs with Charlotte. “I’m giving a dinner for you at our house tomorrow night. Nothing real fancy, as we’re not fancy people, but I think you’ll enjoy meeting some of us in a private setting. We’ll introduce you to the town founders.”
“That sounds like fun.” Charlotte unlocked her door.
“I think you’ll be happy here. Everyone is so friendly. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived to marry Ridge, but they made me feel really glad I came.” Addie appraised the room and found it similar to the one she’d almost stayed in that first night. “One thing you’ll discover is that we all have a past we’re not that proud of and that it doesn’t matter.”
Charlotte turned, an odd expression on her face. “Then I should fit right in.”
Addie didn’t know how to reply. It sounded like Charlotte carried some sort of baggage, but she wasn’t about to ask any questions. An awkward silence filled the room.