Libbie: Bride of Arizona (American Mail-Order Bride 48) Read Online Free PDF

Dance. Although this year, I won’t be hanging around on the perimeter of the gathering with the other bachelors and widowers.” Sudden anxiety attacked him and he had to swallow hard against a tight throat. “This year, I’ll be escorting my new bride, Libbie.”
    Silence reigned for several seconds, and then voices erupted, one person talking over the other.
    “Who is—?”
    “What about—?”
    “When was—?”
    “How did—?”
    Dell held up his hands and waited for them to stop, struggling not to react to their shock. “She’s coming in from Chicago on Bullock’s train and should be here on Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest.”
    “Wednesday of this week?” Hazel sat forward and stared wide-eyed.
    “Yes, whenever the spur line arrives. You know the schedule is somewhat erratic.”
    “Dell, how did you ever meet a woman who lives in Chicago?” Maida turned in her chair to stare, her brows wrinkled tight.
    Now that the announcement was made, he felt a bit light-headed so he slid back into his seat. “Actually, she lived in Boston, but Chicago is where she changed railroad lines.”
    William cleared his throat. “Perhaps you should start at the beginning and tell us everything.”
    “Oh, not to worry. I’m not letting the boy leave here today without knowing each and every detail.” Hazel leaned back and crossed her arms over her middle.
    Dell winced at his mother’s use of “the boy”—a term that meant he or Skip were in hot water. His dad was always the logical one, but his mom’s curiosity ruled her. “The idea took root when Ted gave notice of his and Daisy’s departure from the Bar S to work her folks’ land in Colorado Territory during her pa’s illness. I sent them off with my best wishes, but their absences created a big hole in my ranch operation. At the same time, I know my strengths and weaknesses, and keeping house is not one of my strengths.”
    Hazel snorted and then rolled a hand in the air for him to continue.
    “So I thought about my situation. I’m a man in good health with a ranch that provides an adequate living. Thanks to you folks, the house and the outbuildings are sturdy and well-built. I’m strong, a hard worker, and have a good head for business.” As he spoke, he glanced around at his family, making brief eye contact with each. “More than one young lady has mentioned I’m handsome.”
    “And modest…don’t forget that.” Skip chuckled then twisted fingers over his lips in a locking motion.
    If only Skip would keep quiet . Dell knew he was due for a bit of ribbing about this decision when they were away from their parents’ house. “No woman in town has captured my fancy, at least not like we’ve always heard Dad wax on about the way Mom caught his.”
    “What about Trudy Mathieson?” Hazel spoke up. “I always thought you two were sweet on each other.”
    Dell scoffed at the notion of him and Trudy as a couple. Sure they’d shared a few kisses, and he carved their initials in a tree by the creek years ago. “When we were about fifteen or sixteen. But that was puppy love.”
    “I’m not so sure”—Maida reached out a hand but pulled it back—“um, never mind. Please continue, Dell. What’s her full name, and what’s she like?”
    “Easier for me to read aloud the letter she sent, actually it was a telegram.” He stood and dug the envelope from his back pants pocket.
    “A telegram? That’s costly. So maybe she’s not a gold-digger.”
    Hazel snapped around her head. “Skipton Stirling, watch your tongue.”
    Skip raised his eyebrows and fanned his open palms in front of his body but remained silent.
    “How did she know where to write you?” William scooted his chair sideways to the table and crossed an ankle over the opposite leg.
    “I placed an ad in a newsletter called the Grooms’ Gazette . Months ago on a business trip, I saw a similar publication in Phoenix.” Plus he’d overheard a recent conversation at the Cabinet Saloon