Read Online Rocky Mountain Bride (Rocky Mountain Bride Series Book 2) by Lee Savino - Free Book Online

up to a fine white house with red flowers growing in front of it, a woman with bright yellow hair rushed out into the street.
    “Mr. Donovan,” she called, waving.
    Miles leaned down to tell Carrie, “That’s Mrs. Shepherd, the Reverend’s wife. Go to her. I’ll see to the horses.”
    Carrie sat frozen, staring at the lovely woman coming to greet them, until Miles’ shoulder nudged her.
    The Reverend’s wife was stunning, with pretty green eyes and a pleasant complexion. “You must be Miss Winters.” She came smiling to Carrie, both hands outstretched.
    Carrie felt very small and drab next to the beautiful woman. “Soon to be Mrs. Donovan.”
    The woman’s smile broadened. “So everything has gone well.” She spoke with immense satisfaction. “I’m the Reverend’s wife. Call me Esther.”
    An hour later Carrie sat in Esther’s tiny parlor, chattering happily about the homestead, the horses, and Miles.
    “He doesn’t smile much, though he seems to be a good man.”
    Esther looked pleased. “He is. It will be a good match.” She leaned closer. “I don’t mind telling you that Johnathan and I met the same way. Only I was in Maine, and he was in Rhode Island.”
    “Really?”
    “Indeed.” Mrs. Shepherd’s smile broadened, and out popped a dimple. “We’d both written letters to the American Missionary Board, requesting a post out West. They wouldn’t send us alone, so they put the two of us together.” Her laughter brightened the room. “So, you see, I did very well, and wanted to pass on the blessing. I’m the one who encouraged Miles and my husband to write the letter.”
    “You did?”
    Esther’s laugh rang out again. “He didn’t tell you? Miles can’t read or write. Johnathan penned it for him, and I approved every word.” She must have seen the disappointed look on Carrie’s face, because she added, “Miles dictated much of it. We only helped by asking questions. I suggested the part where he speaks straight to you, and Johnathan had the idea to add his favorite verse.”
    “Oh.” Carrie couldn’t think of more to say but felt relieved that the letter was still from Miles’ heart. She had so little insight into him.
    Again Esther seemed to understand Carrie’s thoughts. “He’ll warm up to you, Carrie. You’ll be good for him.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “Because Miles barely lets on to anyone what he’s thinking, and you wear every emotion on your face.” Esther smiled gently to show she was teasing. “You’ll balance each other out. You’ll see.”
    “The townspeople seem to think Miles’ very stern.” Carrie went on to explain Mr. Martin and Wilder’s words about him, and then Esther looked fierce.
    “Those old gossips. They’re just jealous of the result of his hard work. Also, Lyle bears a grudge. He and Miles had a falling out.”
    “Why?”
    “That’s something you should ask Miles,” Esther said, sadness crossing her face. “Although I can tell you that Miles has a reputation for being picky over who owns his horses. More than once, Miles has refused to sell one to a buyer.”
    “Truly?”
    “Yes, and it makes the buyers quite cross. His horses are the best, you see, and he won’t sell to anyone he thinks lacks character. So what does that tell you about Mr. Martin and Mr. Wilder?” Esther winked at Carrie, then leaped to her feet. “Enough of this talk. Let’s get you ready for your wedding.”
     
    *****
     
    The Reverend Shepherd was a very, very tall man with a quiet voice. Quite an opposite to his lovely, cheerful wife, but the two seemed to work well together. Esther took her husband’s arm every chance she got, and he gave her fond looks so often Carrie found herself wishing Miles would do the same with her.
    When they all met together in the parlor, Carrie took Miles’ strong arm and leaned on him. Touching him felt natural, ever since the evening when he carried her.
    Esther had spent an hour weaving Carrie’s hair into a crown