Page 68 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
“Good morning.” The words almost strangled her. “How is your arm?”
His gaze broke from hers at the question. “Fine. It’s fine.”
Mrs. Bennet set a cup of coffee on the table. “Sit and enjoy,” she told Della.
Moving mindlessly, she sat.
“The weather’s cleared.”
At Andy’s comment, she glanced out the window. The sun shone. The snow was gone except for patches along the trees and buildings. Already, she could feel the heat through the glass.
Riley entered the house, Matt and Luke behind him. They scuffed their feet on the mat on the floor and then moved toward the table.
“Heard you got yourself shot,” Matt studied Andy assessing the damage.
Luke grinned. “First one of us to get shot. See you survived.”
Andy leaned back to consider his brothers. “Yes, I survived. Thanks for asking. What can I do for the three of you?”
Riley pushed the twins aside. Turned to Della. “Forgive them. Sometimes they forget to be nice.”
She grinned, liking the warmth among them despite the teasing.
“We’ll take the body to town.” Riley addressed Andy. “You take it easy.”
Andy studied his eldest brother for a moment. “Taking him in the wagon?”
“Nah. He’s strapped to his horse.”
Andy nodded. “Good.”
Riley considered him a moment then shrugged and left the house, the twins following.
Mrs. Bennet put food before them and sat at the table. Andy prayed, ending with, “Thank You for keeping us all safe last night. We are grateful. Amen.”
Thudding horse hooves informed them the others were headed out. At least some of them. Della wasn’t sure if all the brothers planned to go.
“I promised to show you Ma’s waterfall.” Andy’s words brought her from thinking of Mr. Hartman and how things could have ended so differently.
Thank You, God. “No need. You’ve been shot. I’m happy to stay here and enjoy the day.” She could spend time with him or go visit the Shannon wives.
“My arm is fine. A promise is a promise. Mrs. B, can you pack a lunch for us, please?”
“My pleasure.” She patted Della’s arm. “You go with him and enjoy the day.”
“Thank you.” The idea of being with him alone, free from worry about Mr. Hartman, seeing the beautiful scenery… She managed to keep back a huge smile and pushed the reminder of her promises to the back of her mind.
They finished breakfast quickly and while Andy went to get the wagon, Della helped Mrs. Bennet clean the kitchen and pack a lunch. One thing Della truly appreciated was the abundance of food. Never had she seen anyone look at the supplies and mentally ration them to last longer than they should have.
The wagon rumbled to the door. Mrs. Bennet handed Della the basket and a quilt. “Be sure you take a coat. It will be chilly up the mountain. And enjoy yerselves.”
Della grabbed the coat she’d worn last night. A flash of the fear she’d experienced filled her thoughts and then Andy handed her up to the seat and they drove down the trail. She faced ahead—physically and mentally. This was a day for enjoyment. One to tuck into a treasure chest of memories.
Although they’d been this way before, she drank in every detail, branding the scene on her mind. Perhaps Andy had the same agenda for he continually pointed out things. The glisten of moisture on a rock. The way the fluffy clouds rolled across the sky. The deer peeking out from the trees.
If only she could paint like Olivia. But she couldn’t. Except in her imagination where she’d hoard each moment.
They stopped. “From here, we walk and climb.” He paused, scrubbed at his chin. “I hope the trail isn’t slippery from the rain and snow.”
