Page 43 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
His chuckle was as self-mocking as amused. “They’ll tell me that everything I’ve done is wrong. They’ll have suggestions about how I should proceed. Their suggestions will sound more like orders, but—” He shrugged. “They’ll have to live with our decision.”
Della seemed extremely interested in her hands, coiled in her lap. “I’ve made things difficult for you.”
He left the reins slack on his knees and turned to her. He lifted his arms, wanting to pull her to his chest and comfort her, but he lowered them without doing so. It wasn’t as if he had the right. Not really. “Della, I didn’t do anything I didn’t want to. And I don’t regret it.”
Her gaze searched his.
He stayed motionless, letting her eyes probe deep. Didn’t turn away from her intensity. Released a tiny sigh of relief when she nodded indicating she had found what she wanted.
“I hope I never give you a reason to regret it.”
This time, he followed the urging of his heart and pulled her to his chest to hug her gently. “I’m sure you won’t.”
She relaxed at his assurance, and after a sweet moment of joy, he released her to turn back to guiding the horses who needed no help from him. They knew they were going home.
The sun dipped behind the mountains, flinging sprays of color across the sky. Then the sky faded to gray. Soon only the stars and thin moon lit the way.
They crested a rise in the road.
“Look.” He pointed. “See the light. It’s from my house.” It was only a flicker in the distance. “We’re almost there.”
She leaned forward. “I wish I could get a good look, but it’s too dark.”
“You can make out the barn over there. There are smaller outbuildings behind the barn. Wally’s cabin is to the left. My brothers’ homes are behind my house.”
She kept her attention on the light as the wagon rolled onward. Soon he turned off the road to the laneway leading to the barn.
As they approached the buildings, Wally trotted from his cabin, a patch of light behind him. “See ya finally made it home.” He saw Della. “And brought company. Howdy, miss.” He touched the brim of his hat.
“Wally, this is Della. I married her in Dundare—”
“Dundare? I thought you was goin’ to Gunders Corner.”
“I was. I’ll explain it all when we get inside and have something to eat. Can you look after the outfit then let the others know and join us? Thanks.”
“Certainly. Welcome, Mrs. Andy Shannon.”
“It’s not quite that way.” Andy needed them all to understand the truth of his marriage to Della.
Wally shook his head. “Not sure what ya mean.”
“I’ll explain it at the house.” Andy helped Della to the ground and taking her hand, led her across the yard.
Her fingers mashing his together.
“Everything is going to be fine.”
“I’m not thoroughly convinced you believe that,” she murmured.
He wouldn’t admit that she was right. He wasn’t looking forward to facing his brothers and explaining his situation. They’d been known to have strong opinions about things—especially things he did.
* * *
Everything was goingto be all right. He’d said so and she tried to believe him. Soon this chapter of her life would close, and she could go on to the next one.
A shudder shook her. If only she knew what the next one entailed. In the last few days, all her plans had fallen by the wayside. Not that she hadn’t enjoyed the interlude. There’d been excitement and adventure. Fear of Mr. Hartman dogged her, but in contrast, there’d been beauty and enjoyment.
What was this next event going to hold? More of danger? More of excitement and adventure? Disapproval? All of these things? She was about to find out.
