“It was thank you, Mr. Allen,” said Addie. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
In the background, once the mountain of a man stepped aside, was another man with vacant, scowl. Addie flinched. He was so mean looking.
“My brother,” smiled Galen. “Don’t mind him. He’s been a bitter pill for about a month. Kind of rubs him the wrong way I asked him to come and help me with your bags.”
Addie stuttered. She just left trouble. She didn’t want it twice.
“Mr. Allen?” she asked her intended for clarification.
Galen whispered. “He got stiffed by a bride. Sent money out to a gal, who lived out your way. She kept the money and said no thanks.”
Addie swallowed hard. That story hit a little too close to home. She knew her Emory was from Great Falls but he himself said the population was twelve hundred. Surely the world could not be that small.
“Yes, he begged me not to correspond with any Chicago gals but what was done is done,” he said practically. “Don’t worry. He’ll be alright. We both welcome you.”
But Addie wondered if she would be. It never occurred to her when she was stealing some man’s money just to save her own hide, that she would be ruining his life. But why wouldn’t it? Someone ruined her life by swindling. It would be too small a world if Galen’s brother was indeed the same fellow whose ticket money she gave to the blackmailing magistrate. But the odds of that happening in were too far-fetched. Montana was big sky country.
Up to now, it also never occurred to her she would have to come face to face with the kind of damage she might have done to someone. It just didn’t sit right with her. Now that she realized that somewhere out there, she might have hurt someone, she had no peace.
“You picked a good time of year to get hitched. This is some of our pleasantest weather,” said Galen pleasantly as he snapped the reins of the wagon to encourage the team.
Addie felt like blurting out, she didn’t pick the time; the time picked her. Travel and regret were catching up with her. She was already getting homesick.
He and his brother loaded their wagon and Addie along with it. They did not stop for a meal. They headed straight for home. Once they got outside the town proper, Great Falls was sprawling. It was like someone scattered marbles across the prairie. Except for the road and the occasional house, there were no signs of life. Addie had chosen a place to relocate about as far out as she could have.
It was a long, quiet ride out to the brothers’ place. Addie didn’t know Galen had a brother. Of course there was only a quick exchange and not really any time to learn anything about one another. Finally, Galen said something.
“So I was really quite surprised that you accept my proposal so quickly,” he said.
“Well I am girl who knows what she wants, Mr. Allen,” she replied.
And that much about her was true. Addie liked what she saw in him. He was handsome without question. A girl could do worse but she could do no better. Galen Allen was dreamy. But if the living situation was not tolerable, Addie already planned her escape. She made note of the town while she could and of the route to and from, so that if she had to depart in the night, she could.
“Is that so?” he asked with a smirk curling his lip. “Just so you understand once we’re married, I am here to know your mind for you.”
That remark made Addie’s stomach churn. Her father, God rest his soul, had always given her free rein. The two of them connected at meal time but apparently she didn’t know any more about his goings on than he did hers. He didn’t pry or interfere. Life on the farm was pleasant.
As they meandered, there was a noise off in the distance. Soft and yet unmistakable. Maddening in a way. It sounded like applause and drums at the same time. Addie had to ask.
“That’s Black Eagle Falls,” he chuckled. “Can drive you crazy if you aren’t used to the sound. All the greenhorns complain. Are you a greenhorn, Miss Addie?”
It was the closest thing to a flirtation that they exchanged. And it was very effective. Addie’s stomach had butterflies. A new kind. She had never had a reaction to a man before. Mild attraction maybe. Strong attraction to Galen and even to his brother, whose name he had yet to disclose. But never had she had a reaction to a man in a pleasant way. This was the first pleasantry of the entire drama for Addie.
But then again Addie’s husband to be and his brother were bullish. Like muscled long horn cattle themselves. They both brought out an animal stirring in her that was both new and yet somehow recognizable. It was definitely welcome.
Until a fear gripped her. It was an element to her plan she had not counted on. If Addie developed genuine feelings for her husband to be it would make it so she couldn’t just pick up and leave if she needed or wanted to.
It was her plan that if things didn’t work out, she was going to rob and run. Feelings spoiled everything, especially the involuntary kind. She already learned that she had a tender heart. That personal element could really muck things up.
“You have a funny look on your face,” remarked Galen. “Careful, or you’ll freeze that way.”
“Mr. Allen, I come from Chicago. We laugh at freezing,” she said.
Galen nestled into her and in front of his brother said, “Then it will be warmth that’s your undoing.”
Again Addie shivered from the inside out. Just the mere contact from a handsome man, and she was putty. His touch was like fine whisky in her system. Made her feel drunk and warm. And she was pretty certain her britches were damp. She threw opened her eyes wide with embarrassment and shock.
Galen laughed out loud which was more than his brother did. The brother didn’t utter a sound or change his expression an iota. Galen’s laughter bounced over the prairie and was for a moment, louder than the menacing falls.
“Miss Addie you are going to be a joy to have around,” said Galen.
When they pulled up the rig Galen clarified the wedding arrangements.
“I know I should have the preacher out this evening but he just can’t make it and I figure you would want to be fresh on your wedding day. Therefore we will stay in the bunk house over yonder and you can have the house, until tomorrow that is,” he said. “But I fixed us some supper. We all can sit around the table.”
Addie was delighted with the appearance of the brothers’ home. Their property was small - a new fence marked the perimeter around a few buildings and a pen. The house itself was very neat and tidy and sweetly appointed for not having a woman’s touch. There was blue gingham on the windows and matching oil cloth. The floor was swept. Everything was squared and it is place.
There were two bedrooms. One that was clearly the master bedroom and a smaller room that was probably the brother’s. She felt a little guilty kicking them out of their rooms since they looked so comfortable and inviting.
But Addie was relieved. The house was wonderful. She would have no choice otherwise, since she was on the lam from a greedy magistrate in Chicago. It was a mercy that both her husband and their place were so lovely.
So far.
It did stick in her craw she had not been introduced to the brother. She was going to work her nerve up to ask but since the entire ride out to the house from the stage elapsed before she did so, it was more than a little awkward now. And the brother didn’t look too receptive to questions.
She heard the noise of dishes being set out on the table. She rushed to her husband to be to take over the chore.
“That’s my job,” she said, brushing his body.
He looked at her like he was going to eat her in a single bite.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said. “Mighty pleasant to have around.”
He let her take the bowls from him and Addie finished up. Galen ladled chicken and dumplings into the bowls all around. A stack of biscuits set in the middle of the table. Addie was famished. And even if she were not, the cooking could not have been better had she prepared it herself.
“Which one of you is the cook here?�
� she said preparing to compliment.
“That would be me,” said Galen.
The brother didn’t even stir. What was he even there for? thought Addie getting a little steamed at his lifeless act. It was hard to get him to talk and it was hard to avoid him. She hoped this changed. She thought she would help this along.
After most of the supper had been eaten, Addie rose to clear the table.
“Mr. Allen, may I take your dish?” she asked Galen’s brother.
He didn’t respond. Galen boisterously intervened.
“Now now, let me help you with those dishes. It’s nigh on sun down. We will leave you alone for come tomorrow you will be my bride,” he said.
Galen’s hand touched hers as he took the plate from her. Their connection sent ticklish streamers of pleasure through her body. It stunned her. Heat rose from deep within and burned her cheeks.
“Are you alright there, Addie?” he asked.
His voice was smooth like honey. It made her want to open herself up and let him have his way. It made her want to press her body to his. Addie had no idea where this was coming from. Perhaps the wear of the travel was catching up to her and taking its toll. Addie watched herself.
As quickly as the three of them filled the main room of the Montana ranch house, they dispersed. The two giant brothers left, Galen parting with a chaste kiss on Addie’s lips. She closed the door and readied herself for bed realizing that despite all the chances in the world, Galen and his brother avoided a decent introduction.
It sort of felt like they had planned that on purpose. But exhaustion pulled Addie against the eiderdown until she could no longer keep her eyes open or worry.
Chapter Three
Despite the gravity of being completely worn out, Addie Filcher sat straight up in her strange new bed. There were shadows outside her window where there ought not to be. She was terrified. There was no man within earshot. She had no weapon. At the moment she had no voice. Fear constricted her throat and wouldn’t let any out.
She made some noise that was a cross between a moan and whine. It came out like something of a chant. Whatever it was she was not communicating to anyone for help. She was doing nothing but give herself away.
Indians she thought. They didn’t have that problem in Chicago. She was going to scalped or whatever they did to blond women. Or worse. Sold into slavery. Addie was going to be an Indian slave. Her body would be used to appease military men and traders.
She hid her face in the calico spread and willed either Galen or Emory to come to her. To know her plight and to save her.
But what if it was the magistrate? What if he tracked her all the way out to Great Falls? What if he discovered that she swiped the money of a marriage prospect and jilted him? Addie wondered if such a thing was a crime. It did not matter. She paid off her father’s debt. She had proof of that.
Addie heard a rifle report. It cracked the sky as loud as thunder. People were rushing the house. Addie crawled under the covers and didn’t breathe. She didn’t move. She prayed. Someone rustled her foot.
“I know you’re in there,” came Galen’s soft voice. “You can come out now.”
Addie sobbed beneath the quilt. It was the best she could do. Galen peeled back the covers.
“Shhhh,” he said pulling her shoulders up to his massive ones. “It’s over now.”
“What was it?” she howled.
Then she asked in a low whisper. “Was it an Indian?”
“No it was not an Injun,” he hugged her a little tighter.
“How do you know?” she stuttered.
“Well because the Black Feet and I have an understanding and for two, I caught him. Rustler,” he said.
“Is he dead?” she asked not lifting her face from his iron hard shoulder.
“No. But he’s wishing he was. This feller does not want to be caught. Does not sound like he’s from around here. We’ll send him back to town with the preacher,” he said.
“What were they rustling?” she sniffled.
Galen laughed.
“I have a thousand head of cattle,” he said. “Did I fail to mention I was a rancher?”
“I wasn’t sure what that meant exactly. The fence was small and I didn’t see any animals except the horses,” said Addie.
“You really are a city gal, ain’t you?” he said. “I own everything outside the fence too. That scalawag was trying to steal my beef.”
“All by himself?” asked Addie.
“No but I have ranch hands and Emory and we’ll all stand watch. There’s likely to be a few of them. But when this feller doesn’t return, they’ll get the message,” he said.
The notion that Galen Allen was potentially rich warmed Addie involuntarily. Or perhaps it was his physical closeness. He was having that effect on her again. It wasn’t travel. It wasn’t the upset of losing her father and being chased by the magistrate. It wasn’t her unfriendly brother or the rustler. It was him. There was no mistaking. Galen’s effect on her was dark and mysterious and delicious.
“I can’t go back to sleep now,” she said with a tremble.
“Can’t you now?” he asked wickedly. “Come with me.”
Galen took her hand and led her through the shadowy dark. Off in the distance was the filtering light of a lantern. Addie froze. There was someone sitting out on the porch.
“Careful,” he assured her. “It’s only my brother.”
Galen felt around in a cupboard and pulled out a bottle.
“Let’s go out front, shall we?” he said.
Addie really didn’t want to after all but she didn’t have the nerve to tell him. He was going to be her husband after all. It was time she practiced her obedience. Galen led the way and she followed. His brother eyed her as they stepped outside.
Addie realized at that moment, now that the smoke of terror had cleared, she was in her night gown. Oh well, she thought. She hunched over as she sat, to protect her modesty.
Galen de-corked the bottle and swigged. He gasped afterwards. Addie could smell it was whisky.
“Brothah,” he said, passing the bottle to his brother.
He encouraged Addie to sit. He sat beside her. He took the bottle back. He swallowed again and handed it to Addie.
“It will help you sleep,” he said.
She took a delicate taste and braced herself as she flushed with the aftertaste. Galen chuckled. Even his brother reacted. She took another sip.
“How’s that?” he asked.
“It’s nice,” she said, feeling soft and melty.
Galen was looking more and more attractive to her. Even his brother was making her yearn. She was going to take another but Galen stopped her.
“Two sips that’s enough,” he said.
Galen helped her to his feet.
“Night brother,” he said.
Galen stomped off to the bunk house. Something made no sense about him. It was like Addie’s very presence bothered him so. Galen shadowed her as he corralled her into the house. His hands gripped his waist as they maneuvered into the bedroom.
“I’ll tuck you in,” he said gruffly.
But something within her wanted him to stay with her. She knew they were not married yet but they would be. By her coming to his house, she had made her promise to him. Addie turned to Galen in the darkness and silently asked him to say.
He heard her. He felt her. He leaned his tall form towards her and kissed her. Addie had no experience with men but some kind of natural force guided her. That magical good feeling her stirred in her when he sat next to her in the rig all the way out to the house from Great Falls, was all the more powerful within her now. It was not the whisky. It was him. It was them.
Galen’s hands roamed her. His breath was hard through his nose like a bull ready to charge. Addie never knew a human body could be so hard. Galen’s was as hard as the floor they stood on.
Galen unfastened the single mother of pearl button hat held her neckline in place. He smoothly slip
ped her gown from her shoulders. He nudged her back onto the bed. Even though she had never done this with a man before and she had had no schooling, Addie was at ease. She knew what he wanted to do somehow. She lifted her hips and he slipped the bloomers from her body.
Galen looked enormous from where she lay. His entire upper body seems to be a canopy across the ceiling above her. She could see faint outlines of him as his hair caught the shimmer of the moonlight. He leaned down and kissed her. His kiss was warm and soft and made her belly melt.
Addie’s legs sought the small of his back. She wrapped her ankles around him and drew him to her. Galen chuckled.
“Did I do something wrong?” she asked.
“Hold on there, wild cat,” he said. “No you didn’t nothing wrong.”
He pressed his lips to hers again and this time, he slipped his tongue inside her. She shivered at the new invasion. His pace was patient and slow as he explored her. She adjusted to the sensation and even liked the taste of him.
They wound their heads this way and that as they sought to almost fuse together. Galen drew his head back as he broke the kiss.
“You’ve never been kissed before, have you?”
“No,” she said. “Not like that.”
Galen growled. And renewed his kiss. It was more passionate than before. And while he tasted of her, he situated himself deep between her thighs. He expertly removed his pants by kicked and wriggling. His hands never left her. When he was naked, Addie felt the soft yet hard length of him, nudging at her wetness.
Galen cupped her generous, doughy breast. He planted his hot wet mouth on her nipple maker her arch off the bed. Addie cried out. He wedged his face deep into the crevice of her enormous bosom and kissed her on the delicate sensitive spot there.
Addie was grunting with passion. It was all so new to her. Galen showed her more of her magical places, suckling the ticklish dip at the base of her neck.
“Dear God,” she whimpered.
Galen kissed her again. It was now familiar and comforting. He pressed his need between her thighs as they had closed in around him. He touched her. Addie thought she would faint with utter shock. She supposed he knew what was decent to do.
Romance: Yes, Stepbrother! Page 35
