Page 238 of Conveniently Wed
Bruce would have gone immediately to her side, letting the visitors know she had the protection of a man, but he worried about Donny. If the riders were unfriendly, it would be best if they weren’t aware of a child, or children, on the place.
“Donny, climb through the fence and run to the barn. Stay there until we know who this is.”
“Ah.” The word carried a world of disappointment, but the boy obeyed.
Bruce waited until Donny was out of sight then kept his pace to a walk as he crossed the yard and joined Stella to watch the riders. “You know them?” he asked.
“Too far to tell.”
She might have tried to sound at ease, but he heard the tension crackling in her voice.
“You’re worried?” He could make out a big black horse and a smaller sorrel one but couldn’t identify the riders.
“A little. I thought I saw—” She sighed in relief. “It’s Flora and Kade.”
“How do you know that? They’re still too far away to tell.”
“The red hair. Flora has red hair.” She ran to the edge of the yard to wait for them.
The pair cantered closer. The red hair was now clearly evident on the woman who rode astride. The man riding beside her was tallish. As they neared, Bruce saw that he had dark eyes and dark hair and an expression that warned he would brook no nonsense.
Bruce hoped the man saw the same in Bruce’s face.
The gal jumped to the ground without reining in her horse and rushed to Stella. “It’s you. I can’t believe it.” The two women hugged. “When did you get back?”
“Today, and I’m not alone.”
The redhead chuckled. “I noticed.”
The other rider dismounted and studied Bruce.
Stella turned to Bruce. “This is one of the Kinsley sisters, Flora, and her husband, Kade. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas.” She grinned as she continued. “This is my husband, Bruce Reynolds.”
Bruce held out a hand to Kade. “Pleased to meet you.”
The man stared and slowly took Bruce’s hand. The shake was quick and not exactly welcoming.
Flora stared. “You’re married? When did this happen?”
Stella chuckled. “This morning.”
Donny raced across the yard toward them. “Aunt Flora. Uncle Kade. We’re home to stay.”
Kade caught the boy and lifted him to his side. “Is that a fact?”
Flora grabbed Stella’s arm. “I can’t believe you got married without us there. You have some explaining to do.”
“First things first. Thank you for tending my stock and planting a garden.”
Flora guffawed. “Garden? What are you talking about?”
“Come and see.” Stella led them to the fenced-in area. “Someone has planted it and tended it. If not you, then who?” She patted her pocket and glanced about, tension lining her face.
Bruce could understand how unsettling it was to wonder who had planted the garden. Who would have done it? What had she been about to say? Something about having seen something?
Flora looked about too. “Maybe a kind neighbor?”
“Like who? You’re our nearest neighbor.”
