Read Online Mail Order Mishap: Christian Romance (Kansas Brides Book 1) by Barbara Goss - Free Book Online Page A

with their dinner. She walked into the house with him.
    Amber couldn’t help but wish all during dinner and even while lying in bed that night that she were married to Garrett instead of Charles. Garrett had feelings, she could tell, but Charles didn’t seem to care about anyone other than himself, his hotel, and Clint.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 8
     
     
    Garrett was getting dressed for the day when he overheard Amber telling Charles she was going to the general store to buy the things she needed for the garden. He was shocked when he heard Charles tell her it was fine.
    Fine?
    Walking alone in Hunter’s Grove was not a thing an attractive woman should do. Ever. He opened his door and gave Charles a look of displeasure.
    Amber had already walked back to her bedroom, and Garrett stood with his hands on his hips to confront his brother.
    “You’re going to escort your wife to the store, right?”
    “She’s a married woman and it’s daytime. She can walk herself,” Charles said, not looking up from his eggs.
    “Where’s Clint?”
    “He’s already left for the hotel. Won’t you be late for work?” Charles asked.
    “I’m on my way, but I’m going to escort your wife to the store first. Heaven knows how she’ll get back home, not that you give a care.”
    “It’s none of your business, Garrett.” Charles picked up his dishes, put them in the sink, picked up his bucket, and moved to the door.
    “I hate what you’re doing to that poor woman,” Garrett said.
    “I treat her well. She has a nice home and doesn’t have to do any housework. Some people would say she has it made.” Charles slammed the door behind him when he left to go to the well for some water.
    Amber came out of her room, dressed for the store.
    “I’m going right past the general store. I’d be happy to escort you there safely,” Garrett offered.
    “Thank you,” she said, with relief evident in her voice.
    Garrett walked with her while leading his horse. At the store, he bid her a farewell with a wave of his hand, and he hopped onto his stallion. He rode across the road and down the street a little ways to Edna Smith’s house, dismounted and went to her door and knocked.
    When Edna opened the door, she said, “Why Garrett, this is a surprise.”
    “I need a favor,” he said.
    “I’d be happy to help if I can,” she said.
    “I just escorted Amber to the general store. Could you possibly see her safely home?”
    “I’d be happy to. Let me get my shawl.”
    Garrett proceeded on to work, happy that he’d been able to help Amber out in some way. Women Edna’s age could walk the streets alone, but attractive young women, even married ones, couldn’t do it as safely.
     

     
    Amber selected the items for her garden and was at the counter telling the clerk to put them on her husband’s account when Edna came in and greeted her.
    “Edna! How nice to see you.” Amber said, returning the greeting. “Are you shopping today, also?”
    “No. I’ve come to walk you home,” she said.
    “You have? That’s very kind of you, but how did you know I was here?”
    “Garrett stopped to see me on his way to work and asked me to escort you safely home,” she said.
    Garrett? How thoughtful. Here she’d thought him so uncouth, but he turned out to care more about her than her dear husband. Garrett’s kindness warmed her heart. How could one brother be so sensitive and thoughtful while the other was cold and unfeeling? She regretted that she’d certainly chosen the wrong brother, but she'd have to make the best of things now.
    “Let’s go then, I’m ready,” Amber said, carrying her parcel in one hand, and linking her arm through Edna’s with the other.
    As they walked, Edna said, “How strange that it would be Garrett who asked me to escort you and not Charles. I suppose Charles must have put him up to it since he’s so busy with the renovations at the hotel.”
    “That must be it,” Amber said, but she