Whirlwind Wedding Read Online Free PDF Page B

blonde and he smiled, one ofthe few Catherine had seen. “Hi, Miz Holt.” His gaze moved to Riley and Davis Lee. “Mr. Holt. Sheriff.”
    The two men greeted him warmly.
    Catherine put an arm lightly around her brother’s shoulders, pleased and a little surprised when he didn’t pull away. “This is Lieutenant Jericho Blue. I don’t think the two of you have been formally introduced.”
    â€œHello, Andrew.” Jericho’s voice was nearly hoarse.
    Beneath her touch, her brother stiffened slightly. “Hello.”
    â€œSo you’ve been to school today?”
    He nodded, staring in rapt fascination at the big man.
    â€œHow old are you?”
    â€œTwelve.”
    Catherine thought Andrew’s voice shook slightly. Maybe he was as intimidated by Jericho Blue as she was. Well, the man was imposing, even laid up in bed.
    As Jericho thanked Riley and Susannah for coming, Catherine noticed how her brother studied the Ranger. Perhaps his interest was due to the fact that Jericho was a lawman. Or the way he dwarfed the bed with his door-wide shoulders and long legs.
    Jericho didn’t seem to notice her brother’s unrelenting study, but Catherine gave his shoulder a warning squeeze. She walked Riley and Susannah to the door, biting off the silly urge to ask them not to leave her alone with the big man in her room.
    She wouldn’t be alone with him. The sheriff was still here. And so was Andrew, though she instinctively knew it would take more than those two to discourage Jericho Blue if he decided to cause trouble.
    Surprisingly, Andrew followed her to the door.
    Riley helped his wife into the buckboard. “Please let us know if you need anything,” Susannah said.
    â€œOr if Jericho gets restless.” Riley walked back to where she stood on the porch, tapping his gray hat lightly against his thigh. “We really appreciate all you’re doing. He said the doctor advised against moving him because of all the blood he lost.”
    She nodded.
    â€œHe also said you saved his life.” The big man extended a hand. “We’re much obliged.”
    â€œI’m glad I have some nursing skills.”
    â€œThank goodness,” Susannah interjected.
    â€œDavis Lee or I will check in every day,” Riley said. “Don’t want him wearing you out.”
    â€œVisitors will be nice. That will help him along.” Their presence would also keep her from being alone with him.
    The younger Holt leaned toward her and said in a low voice, “Don’t feel obliged to eat those biscuits. My wife hasn’t quite mastered the recipe.”
    â€œI’m sure they’re fine.”
    He chuckled. “If you break a tooth, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
    â€œRiley Holt, I can hear you.”
    Catherine smiled at the saucy grin on the blonde’s face as she shook a finger at her husband. The affection between the two glowed on both their faces.
    â€œGood day.” Riley levered himself into the buckboard and picked up the reins. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”
    â€œAll right.” She waved as they drove away, then turned to see her brother standing uncertainly with his hands jammed in the pockets of his trousers. “What is it, Andrew?”
    â€œNothing.” He shook his head and moved with her into the house. “I thought maybe they would take him.”
    â€œShh.” She glanced toward her bedroom. “You know Dr. Butler said he’s too weak.” Why did her brother’s young facelook so solemn? “Would you take the milk Miss Susannah brought and put it in the spring house?”
    He hesitated. “Will the sheriff be here for a while?”
    â€œI’m not sure. Did you want to ask him something?”
    â€œNo. Just curious.” He picked up the crockery jug and started out the door. “I’ll be right back.”
    Bemused, she nodded. What was going on in that