Once Upon a Mail Order Bride

by Linda Broday

  Dancing, like life, was all about learning the steps, making sure to avoid any obstacles, and not stepping in a pile of manure. He was still a work in progress, but he hoped he was getting better at dodging manure.

  Bodie went by with Violet and wore a dumb look on his face that was a mixture of sheer happiness and utter terror.

  Ridge probably wore the same expression on more than one occasion. He did for sure when he glanced down at Addie as they danced and a gap in her bodice allowed him to see the rising swell of her lush breasts.

  God in heaven! He’d be lucky to make it home before he lost every shred of sanity.

  As soon as the music ended, he pulled her out of the lantern light for a long kiss, his hands splayed across her back. She returned the kiss with equal passion, her fingers tangling in his hair. The music, the laughter, the crowd forgotten for the moment.

  When he let her up for air, he whispered in her ear, “You make me crazy with wanting.”

  She gazed up, her eyes staring into his, an arm around his neck. “I love you, my darling. There is no one else for me from now to eternity and even beyond, because my love is too large for just one life. You satisfy, thrill me, complete me in every way.”

  Twenty-Eight

  Addie leaned close. “Let’s go outside for some fresh air, dear.”

  “I’d follow you blindly through a pasture of giant red ant beds.” He kissed her neck, took her hand, and went outside. He gazed up at the stars. “It’s a beautiful night.”

  Now that Addie had him to herself, she didn’t wish to talk about the stars, the fall air floating on the breeze, or the prospect of rain. She stared up at him and cupped his jaw. “I think I’ll remember this moment for the rest of my life.”

  “Better believe it.” His voice was husky.

  She didn’t know if he pulled her or she fell into his arms by herself. Before she knew it, her lips were on those of her sensitive gunfighter’s, and the kiss was another scorcher. Addie’s heart fluttered, an insatiable hunger curling along her spine and sweeping upward. His touch left a delicious heat that made her blood race hot through her veins.

  Somehow, someway, Ridge had taken all her broken pieces and put her back together far better than she ever had been.

  When they broke apart, a smoldering flame burned in his beautiful amber eyes. “I told myself it didn’t matter that you hadn’t spoken the words, but I lied. I wanted to hear you say them to really know for sure.”

  She chewed her bottom lip. “I was waiting for the perfect time, only it never came. Maybe there’s no such thing as perfect.”

  “You’re a smart lady.”

  “You are my forever love, Ridge,” she whispered and closed the scant inches between their mouths. Trembling, she poured out all the love she felt for him.

  He ran his hands down the sides of her body. Heat flared hotter with each touch, and Addie knew for certain the power of love. Their kind would never fade or dull with time.

  The noisy dance filled the night behind them, but they were lost in each other.

  When he raised his head, emotion darkened his eyes. He lifted her hand and pressed his lips gently to the delicate underside of her wrist. “I didn’t know what I was getting when I told Luke Legend I’d marry you.”

  “Or me with you.” Addie inhaled a deep breath of the fragrant night air and toyed with the ends of Ridge’s hair. “I only prayed that you wouldn’t be mean like Ezekiel.”

  “You don’t have to worry there.”

  “I know. I saw your kindness and caring first thing. Even before I met you.”

  “Yes, that night in Fort Worth when you were beating the living daylights out of that drunk with your shoe.” Ridge laughed. “I knew right then you’d be a feisty woman. I just didn’t know you’d be mine.” He nibbled on the curve of her neck.

  Someone cleared his throat behind them. Addie’s eyes flew open. “Bodie?”

  Ridge kept her in the circle of his arms. “Do you need something, son?”

  “I missed you and thought you might’ve left for home without me.” The gangly kid’s face flushed to have to admit his insecurity.

  “We just came outside to get some air.” Addie touched his shoulder, sudden anger at Bodie’s kin rising. The way they mistreated him were the cause of this. “We wouldn’t leave without telling you. How are you liking your first dance here?”

  “I like it fine except for sharing Violet.”

  Ridge gave a soft snort. “I told you to expect that, but you didn’t believe me.”

  “I ain’t gonna cause a ruckus or anything. I like Violet too much to complain, being as how she has to depend on her hands to see. If she knew how ugly Henry Truman is, she might not take a turn with him.” Bodie thought a moment. “That ain’t exactly true. Violet is kind to everybody and cares about their feelings.”

  “That she is.” Ridge draped his arm around Bodie’s shoulders. “You know, there are a few other girls here about your age.”

  “Yeah, but they aren’t as pretty.”

  “Do you know what? You haven’t waltzed with me yet.” Addie put her arm through Bodie’s. “I know I’m far too old, but I promise I won’t embarrass you. Might step on your feet though. I’m not very good.”

  “Shoot, Addie, I thought you were only allowed to dance with Ridge. Except that wasn’t exactly what you were doing just now.”

  “Go on. I can live for a few minutes without my gorgeous wife.” Ridge’s mouth twitched. “I’ll try to restrain myself from getting jealous and fighting you.”

  “Thanks, boss.”

  Addie gave Ridge a kiss and walked to the dance floor, glad she could help ease Bodie’s loneliness. Once they started to dance, she found herself surprised at his skill. “Did your parents used to go to many dances?”

  “All the time,” he answered, sweeping her across the plank floor. “My papa played the fiddle, so we were always at a dance somewhere. I danced with my mama a lot because she never got to otherwise.”

  “She taught you very well. I think you’re probably the best here.”

  “You mean it?”

  “I do. I never attended a dance before I came here. It was a sin where I came from, so Ridge had to teach me what little I know.”

  “Everything was a sin when I lived with my aunt and uncle—even laughing.” Sadness oozed from Bodie’s eyes. “I walked on eggshells, afraid I’d break one of their rules and they’d kick me out. I miss my mama and papa.”

  “I’m sorry, Bodie. You got cheated.” They both had. She’d make an effort to laugh with Bodie more.

  “It’s okay.” He was silent a moment, and she watched his sensitive eyes, so full of despair. “Addie, do you think a girl could ever love me?”

  Tears filled her eyes, her heart breaking for the insecure young man who’d lost so much. “Bodie honey, one of these days the right girl is going to come along, sweep you right off your feet, and you’ll forget this conversation ever happened. You can count on that.”

  He broke into a wide grin. “You really think so?”

  “I know so.”

  “I’m glad. Thanks, Addie.”

  “You’re welcome. Just try not to get in a big hurry. You have your whole life ahead of you.”

  They waltzed to another song, then Bodie saw his chance to snag Violet, and Addie went for some punch. She was standing with Ridge when a stir raced through the crowd. The mysterious and very dapper Angus O’Connor entered the barn, and the woman on his arm gave Addie a start. Dr. Mary? Addie blinked and looked again.

  She almost didn’t recognize the lady doctor. Her brown hair hung in loose curls that tumbled around her shoulders, and the gorgeous dress of shimmering gold caught in the lantern light.

  “See, Ridge? I told you. Believe me now?”

  “Well, I’ll be. It does appear our Dr. Mary has gotte
n her a fellow,” Ridge murmured. “Good for her. She’s been alone ever since I met her. I wonder why he stayed away?”

  “You’ve never seen him once?”

  “Nope.”

  O’Connor dropped his silver-knobbed cane on a hay bale and led the good doctor onto the dance floor. The two made quite a handsome couple—he with his silver hair and close-cropped beard, and her absolutely glowing with happiness. Addie admitted to herself that she’d never viewed Dr. Mary as anything other than a professional woman and doubted anyone else in the town had either. Her hair was always pulled into a severe knot, and she never seemed to care for things like dresses, homemaking, or prettying herself up.

  They waltzed by, and Addie couldn’t help but notice how Dr. Mary gazed into O’Connor’s laughing eyes. Most of the couples stopped, open-mouthed, to watch their Dr. Mary looking young and carefree for the first time since they’d known her. There appeared to be a whole lot more to the woman than any of them had considered.

  Addie was no expert by any stretch, but the gold dress looked expensive. Maybe O’Connor had brought it with him as a gift. Or did Dr. Mary have other surprises of her own?

  “O’Connor looks like a fine gentleman,” Ridge decided aloud. “Let’s quit gawking like a bunch of folks fresh out of the sticks and let me get back to showing off my beautiful wife.”

  “You give the best compliments, dear.”

  They stepped on the dance floor, Ridge whispering all kinds of maddening, suggestive things in her ear. She floated on air, counting the minutes until they’d be home in their bed.

  An hour later, Addie had an occasion to waltz with Angus O’Connor. In a thick Irish brogue that she found so romantic, he complimented her red dress.

  “Thank you, sir. I love Dr. Mary’s as well. I’ll have to ask where she got it.”

  “I brought it with me. A gift for Margaret.”

  “Oh, you have excellent taste!”

  Laughter sprang from O’Connor’s lips. “Nothing brings me greater joy than making my woman happy.” His gaze sought Dr. Mary, and a smile curved his lips when he spied her.

  That was true love if she ever saw it. “Have you known each other very long?”

  “Margaret is an old, very dear friend. We met while she was in medical school, then later when she came West. I hear you’re a newlywed. How are you liking married life, Mrs. Steele?”

  “It’s been two months, and I find myself more in love with Ridge every day. I never knew men like him existed.”

  “I’m glad to hear you’re so happy.” O’Connor expertly swung her around. “That’s how marriages should be.”

  “Are you a doctor as well?” Addie glanced up into a pair of the bluest eyes she’d ever seen and found herself unusually flustered.

  O’Connor chuckled. “Far from it. She used to come into my saloon to play cards. I own a place in Kansas City.”

  Addie trampled his feet. “I’m so sorry. I still have a lot to learn about waltzing.”

  “Don’t give it a thought. Everyone has to start somewhere.”

  “You’re very kind. How long will you be in town, Mr. O’Connor?”

  “That depends. I’m trying to buy Hope’s Crossing’s establishment. I want to turn it into a showcase like in San Francisco and Denver.” A grin curved his mouth. “I like it here so far. And if things go well, I’ll move my business here and open up an opera house next door.”

  “Oh my. You’re a very ambitious man.”

  “So I’ve been told.”

  They lapsed into silence and swept across the floor to “The Blue Danube.” Addie scanned the crowd, and her heart swelled to see Eleanor in a pretty dress. Not only that, her friend was dancing with the lonely stage driver, George Finch. This was truly a night for surprises. And miracles.

  On the far wall, Bodie sat with Violet, talking and laughing. He’d finally gotten his chance, and it appeared he’d taken full advantage of the short time.

  Ridge went by with the rounded Mrs. Truman and winked. After eleven children, she was still quite spry and having a lot of fun. Tait and Melanie were sitting on the sidelines, which wasn’t surprising. Melanie would have her baby any day.

  Angus O’Connor glanced down at Addie. “I’ve always wondered if outlaws had time for this sort of thing. I’m glad they do. I think I’ll love it here. Everyone is so happy.”

  Addie smiled. “Mr. O’Connor, outlaws live normal lives. Home means everything.”

  “I see that, Mrs. Steele. My visit has been most enlightening.”

  The music ended, and he kissed the back of her hand. “This has been lovely.”

  “Good luck, Mr. O’Connor. I hope your plans work out. You can make a real difference here.”

  “I hope so.”

  Addie watched him head back to Dr. Mary, then turned to find Ridge striding toward her. She relayed what she’d learned.

  “If the man does what he proposes, he’ll put us on the map, and we’ll have a boom town. It’s even more crucial to open up the back entrance.”

  “I agree.” Yet worry gnawed at her. Ezekiel was coming. He could waltz right in.

  Before the music started, Todd Denver stood and got their attention, his dark red hair slicked straight back. The young man was quite dapper in a suit and his customary bow tie. “Sorry to interrupt, but this will only take a moment, then you can get back to the party. As you all know, I’m going to have to resign my teaching position in order to get married. What you don’t know is that I’m leaving by dawn. I’m already packed and ready to ride out.”

  “We’re sorry to see you go!” a voice in the back yelled.

  Denver smiled. “I’m sorry also. I loved every minute here. You have a great bunch of kids and a special town in which to raise them. Good luck finding my replacement. I know you’ll choose wisely.” He stepped away from the musicians and was besieged, everyone wanting to wish him well.

  The music, the laughter, all the new developments made the night truly magical. Addie felt as if everything was changing. But maybe it was she who’d changed—from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. She sighed and rested her head on Ridge’s chest. All those terrible nights in prison seemed like a distant bad memory. She’d fit into Hope’s Crossing like a foot into a slipper and had become one of them now.

  Here on the high plains of Texas, in the last outlaw sanctuary, she’d found love and the man of her dreams. She gazed up into his eyes. “Thank you for giving me this life, Ridge Steele.”

  Twenty-Nine

  Ridge strolled toward the barn early the next morning, whistling as the sky turned from dark gray to pink. He felt unusually happy, considering his former moods. The days and nights with Addie had made him a changed man.

  Yet he knew not to get too comfortable. Life could turn and bite a man.

  The wait to hear the judge’s decision on his reprieve was killing him. If this didn’t work, he’d have to go on the run—now that the law officially knew where he was. As much as it would destroy him to do so, he’d have to leave Addie behind. He wouldn’t drag her along and put her in danger.

  Ridge didn’t know how he’d live without her now. She’d saved him from utter despair and loneliness.

  His mind on Addie, he didn’t see the lurking figure until the man stepped away from the side of the house, a gun in his hand.

  “I finally found you,” Tom Calder grated out. The big rancher’s eyes were sunken and glittered with hate. “I followed Shiloh Duke but lost her trail a week ago. She’d told me she was coming to find you.”

  Ridge’s heart clenched, and he was glad he’d strapped on his gun belt. “You should know she gave a sworn statement about that night, and my lawyer has already taken it to a judge in Mobeetie. I didn’t kill Beau, and now everyone knows that. I wouldn’t have shot Wes either if you both hadn’t come hunting me. His death is on you.”r />
  “You took my boys, and don’t deny it,” Calder yelled. “You ain’t nothing but scum, pretended to be a big preacher, all the while nothing but the devil. You forced yourself on Shiloh and made out my son to be the violator.”

  Bodie stumbled from the barn with no shirt, barefoot, and tugging on his trousers.

  “Go back inside, Bodie,” Ridge barked. “This is between me and Calder.”

  “I’m finally going to get some justice for my boys!” Calder yelled. “And it’s going to be mighty satisfying to see you lying on the ground like they’re lying cold in their graves.”

  “You won’t find me the inexperienced man I was back then.” Ridge kept his voice as even as he could, but it dripped with sadness. It had been only a matter of time before the devil would demand his due. “I don’t want to fight you, Tom.”

  “Too yellow?” the man snarled, obviously not in any mood to listen.

  “I don’t intend to draw unless you force me. But if you do, know that one of us is going to go down. I really don’t want to die on such a fine morning, and I doubt you do either.”

  “You don’t know anything about me. Don’t pretend you do.”

  “Of course I don’t. It’s just that we have this special sunrise to enjoy. The birds are singing, and the air carries a hint of fall. I appreciate being able to see it.”

  Fury flashed in Calder’s eyes. “I have nothing left. You took it all.”

  “You still have your land, that fine ranch. I hear you have the finest cattle in all of Texas.” Ridge looked for some sign that the man heard anything he was saying but saw none.

  Except Calder hadn’t shot yet. What was he waiting on?

  “Wes left a wife and child behind, a little son without a father, but I don’t suppose that matters to you.”

  Behind him, Ridge heard Addie rattling around in the kitchen. He had to resolve this. She’d be out in a moment to feed her chickens that were scratching around in the dirt.

  “You hungry, Calder? Let’s go inside and eat. I already put coffee on. Smell it?”