Page 55 of Conveniently Wed
Illuminating everything.
Illuminating her.
She glanced behind her to make sure no one was around.
She was utterly humiliated.
Edgar had come to her the night before. Had kissed her breathless.
And apparently found her wanting.
She didn’t want to go back to the cowboy camp. Didn’t want to drive that wagon all day, her shame visible to everyone.
How could she have kissed him back?
She was falling for him, that’s how.
He’d given her the protection of his name, offering her only that.
But in reality, giving so much more. He’d taken her and Emma in, given her a chance to prove herself on the cattle drive.
Helped her in getting away from what was chasing her.
Rescued Emma.
He was so much more than the aloof cowboy he pretended to be.
And she couldn’t help admiring him, couldn’t help wishing things could have been different. That they’d met under different circumstances.
That he was really attracted to her.
He’d certainly seemed to be, in the throes of that passionate kiss, but….
She froze, her swirling thoughts coalescing into one.
On the afternoon they were married, he’d said and she’d overheard several comments that indicated he never planned to marry. She knew he didn’t trust women, but she did not know the reason why.
What if hewasattracted to her? Even liked her?
But was still wary.
She’d been reacting to the circumstances in her life for what seemed so long. Her parents’ deaths, Daniel’s desertion. Then spiriting Emma away from Underhill’s reach.
What if she were proactive in…well, courting her husband?
What if she could make him fall in love with her? Or at the very least, realize that she could offer him a comfortable home, companionship. Friendship. Reasons they should stay together.
Time was not on her side. She’d overheard some of the cowboys the night before say they should reach Tuck’s Station later that day. That only left a day or so for him to finish the sale of the cattle before he tried to settle her and Emma in Calvin.
Could she change his mind in such a short time?
She didn’t know, but she had to try. Didn’t she?
“Ricky ain’t happy.”
Matty spoke in a low, concerned tone. Most of the other cowboys had left after they consumed their breakfasts, but some remained close, saddling up for the start of another long day.
Add him to the list of people who were unhappy with Edgar. Fran couldn’t be thrilled with him either, not after how he’d treated her the day before. Confusing her. Confusing the both of them.
