Page 45 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
The indrawn gasp of each adult sucked the air from the room.
Feeling disadvantaged by her position, Della got to her feet. Andy drew her to his side.
“My temporary wife,” he added.
A cacophony of voices swelled, pushing at the walls, crowding at the ceiling, escaping out the open window.
Riley held up a hand. “Let’s hear his explanation.”
Andy waited for quiet to descend. “I married her to save her from a scoundrel. There was no other way.” Bit by bit, the details came out. As he talked, the men lounged against the walls or door frame and the women stood near their husbands. At first, the children listened then drifted away. “I intend to see she gets home safely then arrange for an annulment,” Andy concluded. Voices again rose to vie with each other for prominence.
Honor’s voice was clear among the others. “You’ve had quite the adventure.” She smiled at Della.
At that moment, Della forgot the arguments rising around her.
“It was amazing. If not for always looking over my shoulder for that man—” A shudder shook her. Unwilling to leave such a thought in the minds of others, she continued, “The country is wild and beautiful.” She thought of the places Andy had talked about—the trails, the lake, the waterfalls farther to the west. Just waiting to be explored, he’d said. Something unfamiliar pressed to her ribs. It took only a moment to recognize it as her longing to see and explore although it was ancient castles that called to her.
More blurred conversation.
Matt held up his hand. “You realize that the train isn’t running here either. Not until that trestle is repaired. They said a week, but I think that’s optimistic.”
“Maybe you’ll both change your minds.” Olivia sounded serene as if it was the most logical thing to consider.
But her words threatened to knock Della’s knees from under her. “I have promises to keep,” she whispered.
“I gave my word.” Andy’s voice was strong.
“Ma and Pa would be disappointed in you making a farce of marriage,” Riley spoke but the twins nodded, and Wally shook his head sadly.
Beneath her tense fingers, she felt the muscles in Andy’s forearm twitch. Her heartbeat hammered against her eardrums. A hollowness ground out her stomach. She could no longer feel her feet.
Would Andy decide a pretend marriage was wrong and dishonored his parents and God? The thought has certainly crossed her mind. Pa would be disappointed in her on so many levels—not the least of which would be this arrangement. How often had he spoken with fervor on the sanctity of marriage?Not to be entered into hastily. Remember that, dear daughter.She hadn’t forgotten but circumstances had driven her to this place.
But at the words from Riley and the expressions on the faces of his brothers, she wondered if she had foolishly entered into a temporary marriage from which she couldn’t escape.
Were her legs about to forsake her and leave her face down on the floor?
12
Della clung to his arm so fiercely he knew he would have bruises from each of her fingers. The poor gal must be shocked at the opinion of the others and afraid that he wouldn’t keep his word.
“I don’t agree. I think Ma and Pa would have been proud that I did what I had to in order to protect her.” He eased his arm from under her grip and wrapped it around her shoulder to pull her close. “I intend to do exactly as I promised Della.”
“She might change her mind and decide she wants to stay.” This from Honor in the softest tones, almost pleading.
Gwen spoke before Andy or any of the others could give their opinion. “Della, you look like the kind of woman who would appreciate the challenge of life in the west.”
Olivia nodded. “If you decided to stay, you’d be most welcome.”
Andy doubted anyone other than him would realize that Della gulped in air and held it. About the time he wondered if he should pat her on the back to get her lungs working again, she eased the breath out, slowly, quietly.
“It’s very generous of you.” She addressed the Shannon wives. “But I have plans. And Andy only married me to keep me out of Mr. Hartman’s clutches.”
He wanted to say that wasn’t the only reason although it might have been at the time. But things had shifted. He’d enjoyed her company. Admired her courage.
She gave a low laugh that stalled his thoughts and drew every eye in her direction. “I must admit that I have certainly liked what I’ve seen of the west. Not only is it beautiful and wild, but it’s full of unexpected… challenges. It’s been nothing but one adventure after another since I stepped off the stage at Gunders Corner.”
There was not an eye among the adults that didn’t show admiration.
