Page 44 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
Andy’s fingers crushed hers informing her that he was tense about confronting his family.
If he was nervous, she was terrified.
The distance to the house shrunk. She could see enough to make out a rambling one-story building. The shack she and Ma had shared would fit in a corner of the place. He took her around to the back entrance and stepped inside. She tried to disappear behind Andy. That was impossible without uncurling her fingers from his, but her grip tightened rather than loosened.
Lamplight pooled on the table and caught the rose and ivy in the wallpaper on the upper half of the wall. Two people sat at the table and looked up at their entrance.
The lady pushed to her feet. “Andy, you’ve made it home. And you’ve brought company. How nice.”
Della took in the woman who sounded so welcoming. An older lady, with gray hair and a gentle smile. She knew, even before Andy made the introductions that this was Mrs. Bennet, who ran his home.
Her attention shifted to the older man who came to Mrs. Bennet’s side. Again, she placed him from Andy’s description. Alfred Black… the man who had accompanied Olivia to the ranch as her chaperone and had taken a liking to Mrs. Bennet. He welcomed Della too. Although they had to be curious, neither asked for any explanation. But their glances darted to her death grip on his hand. She forced herself to release her hold and step back.
Andy drew her forward with a touch to her shoulder. “I’d like you to meet Della. Della, you’ve probably guessed this is Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Black.”
Her neck muscles crackled as she nodded.
The two murmured greetings. Their smiles seemed genuine enough.
Andy continued, “I’ll explain everything as soon as the others get here. In the meantime, I’m hoping we can eat. We’re hungry.”
“Indeed. Sit. Both of you. I’ll have food ready shortly.” Mrs. Bennet trotted through a narrow door near the stove while Alfred opened the nearby cupboard.
Andy guided Della to a chair and held it for her.
Her legs bent reluctantly as she sat.
He lingered behind her. “Don’t look so frightened. You’re safe here.”
His calm reassuring eased her tension.
China thunked as Alfred placed a plate before her and another kitty corner. A chair scraped on the floor as Andy pulled it up to the table where the second plate had been placed. Cutlery clanged. Behind her a clank indicated Mrs. Bennet putting something on the stove. Soon the aroma of food filled the room and Della’s mouth flooded. Alfred placed a tall glass of water before her and another before Andy.
“Thanks,” she murmured. Seeing Andy drink, she lifted her glass, did the same, and swallowed cool, refreshing water. She drank deeply and when she put her glass down, Alfred refilled it from a pitcher.
Mrs. Bennet brought a pot to the table and dished portions of stew to their plates. She gave them each two scoops, then at Andy’s nod, gave him two more.
“I’ll pray.” Andy’s grace was short. Distracted by the aroma and the insistent growling of her stomach, all Della heard was the ‘Amen.’
“Dig in,” Andy said, attacking his own food.
Della didn’t need a second invitation. She savored the flavors. Rich brown meat, and a variety of vegetables. It reminded her of what Andy had said about the bounty of the ranch.
Thankfully, her plate was clean when the door opened because at that moment, her throat closed off.
A young couple entered the kitchen and stopped. It was obvious they tried not to stare, but Della felt their curious gazes upon her. She studied them out of the corner of her eyes trying to guess who they were. The man was tall and lean with dark brown hair. Of course, Andy had not described their looks, so those observations were of no help. The woman at his side seemed self-assured and looked at her with steady gray eyes.
The man spoke. “Wally said you were back.”
Andy cleaned the last mouthful from his plate before he answered. “Della, this is Riley and Olivia.”
Before greetings could be exchanged, the door opened, and two couples and two children rushed in. Wally followed on their heels.
Della knew the two men had to be the twins although they looked nothing alike. One was darker and shorter.
Andy pushed to his feet and moved to stand beside Della’s chair as he introduced each of them. She tried to sort them out. Matt and Gwen and little Lindy. Della immediately liked Gwen with her welcoming smile. She seemed matter of fact. Luke and Honor were a sweet-looking couple. He with his flashing smile, she with her blonde hair and sprinkle of freckles. Kit was watchful.
Andy filled his lungs before he answered the curiosity in their eyes. “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Della Shannon, my wife.”
