Bride of the Wild Read Online Free PDF Page B

I stared at him.
    “We’re off!” Pa grasped the lines and released the brake. “Don't dally, honey. They’ll start the meeting without us. We can’t miss this one.” The wagon creaked, the wheels turning, crunching over gravel.
    The Indian mounted his steed, encouraging her to trot alongside. Most of the mourners had already left, but the McAllisters remained, grieving by their children’s graves. I had been abandoned, as my family expected me to travel with Micah Blaylock, who was still essentially a stranger. Already in poor spirits, I failed to hide my displeasure, the corners of my mouth turning down.
    Noting this, Micah said, “I’m hardly anyone’s prize, but I won’t bite. I promise.”
    “I … I normally don’t ride with strangers.”
    He waited patiently for me to step into the stirrup, and, seeing how far the wagon had gone already, ambling up the street, I sighed deeply, placing a foot into the metal ring. I sat sidesaddle, although it wasn’t designed for it. To my astonishment, Mr. Blaylock stepped up, tossing a leg over, while an arm went around my midsection. Stunned, I stared at him, noting our proximity, his face no more than a few inches away. Hints of leather and coffee lingered in the air between us.
    “Are you comfortable?”
    “Hardly.” I hated that I sounded so shrewish. “I could’ve walked, sir. This wasn’t necessary.” The horse trotted into the thoroughfare, heading towards the middle of town where the hotel and the shops were.
    He held me even tighter, digging in his heels, propelling the horse forward into a brisk trot. “We should hurry.”
    I bounced upon the saddle, and the leather dug into my backside, while I feared I might fall to the ground. “Oh!”
    Within moments, we approached pa’s wagon, Tom waving to me, a lopsided grin splitting his face. “Ha! Look at Saffron.”
    No one seemed to care about my plight and the fact that I had been left in the clutches of a stranger. Mercifully, the ride had been short, because Micah’s horse arrived at the hitching post that ran the length of the front of the hotel. Others had tethered their animals, and pa set the brake on the wagon, glancing at me over his shoulder. My beau was nowhere to be seen, having disappeared into the building.
    “I think I’ll dismount now,” I murmured, wanting to be let down so I could join my family. When Micah failed to loosen his grip, I glanced at him. “Sir?”
    “Micah. Call me Micah.” Hazel eyes roamed over my face. “You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”
    Bewildered by that bald statement, I pushed against his chest, sliding to the ground, my booted feet meeting gravel. “I’m … I’m spoken for.”
    He nodded pragmatically. “I apprehended as much.”
    Pa glanced my way, waving. “Come along, Saffron. Must you distract every man in Fern Valley?”
    Embarrassed, I could not look at Micah, my eyes darting to the hotel. “Oh, dash it!” I muttered, hurrying for the door.
    Amelia waited for me. “Did you enjoy your ride with Mr. Blaylock? He certainly seemed entertained. He can’t take his eyes off you.”
    I brushed past her, entering the building, where I stood in the lobby. “Hush! Stop that. You all abandoned me. I had little choice in the matter. He seemed determined to bring me here.” People had gathered in the dining room from the sounds of it. “We’re going to be late.” I spied Mr. and Mrs. Hefferman, who might soon be my in-laws, if Silas would ever propose. We had waited long enough now.
    Tom and Amelia and Lucy and I stood at the back of the room, while pa waded through the throng to sit amongst the sheriff and several deputies. Every family within a fifty-mile radius had joined us, along with their servants, ranch hands, and the pastor, Roger Boyd. Silas and his family were to the front, my beau gazing raptly at those in authority, waiting to hear what they would say. To my chagrin, Micah Blaylock came to stand behind me, the hairs on my