Read Online Libbie: Bride of Arizona (American Mail-Order Bride 48) by Linda Carroll-Bradd - Free Book Online Page A

and to the edge of the platform. He looked around the immediate area and studied the pedestrians. Maybe she’d be lingering close by, and he’d see a flash of her white dress. Although most unchaperoned women didn’t linger long on town boardwalks, because they were protective of their reputations. A factor about his arrival he should have ranked as a higher concern. Sure was a lot to this acquiring a wife business than just benefiting from more help on the ranch.
    Biting back an oath, he slammed down the steps and untied Sparky’s reins from the hitching rail. After launching himself into the saddle, he rode as close to the edge of the boardwalk as he could get, leaning low over Sparky’s withers to peer into the windows of the stores and businesses he passed. But the roof overhangs were so deep they created shade too dark to allow for a clear view.
    At the far end of the block in front of the Cabinet Saloon sat the Bar S wagon. But no Sergio. Dell dismounted, tied off the reins, and propelled himself through the double doors. Squinting at the sudden interior dimness, he scanned the tables for his dark-haired farrier and sometime driver. He spotted him at the Faro table and wended his way through the small, mostly unoccupied, round tables. “Sergio.”
    “Yea, bossman.” The short man jerked his chin upward but kept his gaze on the cards on the gaming table.
    “Did you see a lady come out of the depot?”
    “A pretty blonde with a funny umbrella? Yea, I saw her.”
    A clue . “Where did she go? Did you see what direction she took?”
    He shrugged and leaned forward to place a bet. “Why would I, bossman? I don’t know who she is.” He straightened and looked upward. “I saw you dozing on the depot bench so I came here. Figured you’d see the wagon and find me. What supplies am I driving back?”
    Here the fallacy of him keeping quiet about his plans was proven. If he’d apprised the hands what to expect today, he might have received support in keeping track of Libbie. “Just be in front of the livery at half past one.”
    “Will do.”
    The dealer turned over the next card.
    Shaking his head, Sergio groaned.
    Outside, Dell took several seconds to gaze up and down the street before mounting and renewing his search. Partway down the street, he stopped, remembering that Libbie said she’d gone to the livery. Maybe she’d returned there. Had she mentioned knowing about the family connection between the two men? No, she’d only referred to him as “William,” not “your father.” Did he really want to dash around Prescott opening the door to every business, sticking in his head, and taking a quick look? People would label him loco. No, the smarter choice was to ask his father if he knew her whereabouts. Even if he’d have to confess that he’d misplaced his intended bride.
    With a flick of his wrist, he guided Sparky in the opposite direction. As he approached, he glanced at the shadowy doorway of the livery but saw no movements. Dreading every movement, he pulled the horse to a halt in front of his parents’ house and tied his reins to the iron ring in the post.
    This time, no admiring younger sister hurried to greet him at the door. His gut burned like he’d swallowed a fireball, but he forced himself to move forward across the porch. His customary double taps on the door before he turned the knob signaled his arrival. Once inside, he heard the hum of conversation and the clatter of silverware coming from the dining room. He shrugged out of his long coat and tossed it on the closest chair. By the time he reached the doorway into the dining room, he still hadn’t figured out what to say about the morning’s events. Since Sunday, his family had been aware of her upcoming arrival.
    With only one foot over the threshold, he saw her, almost as if his gaze was drawn to this particular woman. Libbie’s safe . The tightness he didn’t know he’d carried in his shoulders loosened, and he took his first