Page 69 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
“We’ll be careful. Besides the sun is warm. See how steam is rising from the ground.”
He laughed and took her hand. “We should have no trouble getting to the falls. I’ll leave the basket and come back for it.”
“I could carry the quilt. The trail looks easy enough.”
“You might change your mind in a few minutes.” He waggled his brows. “In fact, you might be begging for my assistance.”
She grinned. If only he knew how readily she would do that.
He continued. “I’ll come back for it.”
They began the ascent. Before long, she did indeed reach for his hand, clinging as they climbed over rocks and navigated between boulders. The trail gave way to soft footing that squished under her feet. The roar of water had been evident since they started the climb and grew louder with each step. They passed a little shelter and stood on a granite ledge to look across at the river. It had split into two and roared down the rocks. Spray dampened her face and she laughed. The sheer power of the water, the warmth and comfort of Andy’s hand holding hers, and the anticipation of spending the afternoon with him all combined to flood her soul with joy.
She didn’t intend to spoil one minute by thinking it was likely her last outing with him.
She might have stood there even longer except Andy tugged her hand. “There’s more.” He pulled her back to the shelter she’d noticed.
“This was originally built by Pa for Ma. She would spend a day or two here. Said she was refreshing her soul.”
“I can understand how she’d feel.”
He nodded. “I expect my brothers were quite a trial for her.” He shook his head, the perfect example of dismay.
Knowing he joshed, she laughed.
His wide grin blessed her in a way she couldn’t explain before he returned his attention to the shelter. “Have a look inside.” He held open the narrow piece of wood that served as a door and she preceded him in.
“It’s so small yet inviting.” A wooden pallet for a bed. A tiny hewn table and hewn logs for stools. There were two pictures hung on the wall.
Seeing her interest in them, he explained, “Olivia painted them.”
“Beautiful.” One was a scene of the falls, viewed from a higher vantage point than what Della had seen. The other was a field of flowers at the foot of a mountain. “Seems a shame to leave them here to be destroyed by the weather.”
“I think she brought them up for the night they spent here when they were first married.” He perched on the bed frame and looked around. “Riley fixed it up pretty well. With the window boarded over and the door properly closed, it’s weather tight.”
She sat beside him. “This reminds me of the first place Ma and Pa talked about living in when they were first married. They said it was so small they had to step outside to change their minds. Pa would say it was about as weatherproof as a nest high up in a tree. If it rained outdoors, it rained inside. He and ma would laugh as they told how they would run around moving their belongings to keep them dry and catching drips in pans. Ma said it was like an orchestra. How they loved to reminisce about something that must have been a challenge. Pa said it was their love nest.” Heat collected in her cheeks at the mention of a love nest. He must surely think her foolish.
Instead, he leaned over his knees. “I know you have promises to keep, but is there any chance you might think about coming back after your trip to Europe? You could bring your mother. There’s always room for more at the ranch.”
His invitation shattered through her thoughts. She could think of nothing she wanted more than to come back here and bring her mother with her, but the Europe trip would take six months. Before she could even depart, she had to help Ma find a better situation. She couldn’t leave her without help for that length of time. Nor did she expect that Andy would wait that long.
Not that he’d offered. Annulment seemed to be still the plan for them.
If only she didn’t have obligations to honor.
Before she could sort out her thoughts and form a response, Andy burst to his feet and rushed through the door. “I’ll get the lunch.”
She followed more slowly, her feet leaden, and watched him scramble down the trail and out of sight.
* * *
In his headlong rush,Andy skidded much of the way back to the wagon. He leaned over the wooden tailgate and groaned. What had he been thinking to ask her to come back?
Huh. The answer was easy enough. He didn’t want her to go but staying wasn’t possible. Returning was the next best thing. Having enjoyed her company for a few days left him wanting more. He couldn’t imagine life without her there. Her smile greeting him each morning. Her laugh accompanying him throughout the day. Her soft lips bidding him good night.
He groaned again and banged his hand against the unforgiving wood of the wagon. He had no choice but to let her go. Maybe forever.
Although no cloud hid the sun, the world grew dark and shadowed.
