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

pinned up and decorated with wildflowers. Carrie wore her same blue gown, but Esther gave her a lovely shawl, peach silk with tiny red, white and green flowers.
    “It came all the way from England,” she told Carrie. “A gift. For your wedding day.”
    When Carrie protested, Esther had smiled calmly. “I insist. The colors never suited me.”
    The Reverend led them in a simple ceremony, reading from his large, worn bible with small spectacles perched on his nose.
    Esther stood to the side with a posy of red flowers, and as soon as the Reverend pronounced the Donovan’s “man and wife” she threw handfuls of the petals all over her own parlor.
    Carrie wished she could stay with the Shepherds longer, but Miles wanted to be back to the homestead by dusk.
    Esther smiled at her. “We’ll see each other again, soon enough. We have a service every Sunday, unless Johnathan is called away for an emergency. But you’re welcome to come inside and read his bible, even if we’re not here.”
    “Thank you,” Carrie whispered. And Esther hugged her.
    “I’m so glad you’re here. You’ll be a good wife to him.”
    Carrie glanced over at her solemn-looking husband, shaking the Reverend’s hand. “I’m not so sure.”
    “I am,” Esther said. “He won’t admit it, but he’s been alone far too long. He needs a helpmate.”
    “I think I make more work for him.”
    Esther laughed. “That’s to be expected when you’re learning to work together.” She tucked Carrie’s arm into hers and they moved outside to the wagon. “Don’t worry, he’s already in love with you.”
    Carrie felt her heart clench at the thought. “You think so?”
    “Of course. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He’s happy.”
    Picturing Miles’ serious face, Carrie wondered how Esther could tell. Then the two women looked at each other and burst out laughing.
    “Come on now, Carrie,” Miles called.
    Giving Esther’s hand one last squeeze, Carrie went to her husband.
     
    *****
     
    “She’s wonderful,” Carrie sighed as the town disappeared from view.
    “I thought you’d like her. She’s taken to you.”
    “It seems she’d take to anyone,” Carrie said. Twisting, she saw the wagon was packed full, with sacks of grain and boxes and tins, and two finely carved chairs.
    “You got the goods,” she said in surprise.
    “The Reverend and I went while you were with Esther. He insisted on paying for a few things, too, as a wedding gift.”
    “What things?” she asked, eyeing the new chairs, and thinking they’d look perfect at their table, but Miles didn’t answer. Instead, he grinned at her. The sight took her breath away, and she was so shocked she forgot everything else.
     
    *****
     
    With all the weight bearing them down, the ride home was much less bouncy. The only surprise on their journey was Miles shifted and reached under the seat, drawing out a long rifle. Carrie sat up straight and tucked her legs under her, keeping quiet as a rider appeared ahead of them, galloping hard towards them on a black stallion.
    “Mr. Wilder,” Miles called out, but the black clad mailman didn’t slow or acknowledge them, just pounded past the wagon, leaving a cloud of dust.
    “So rude,” Carrie said.
    Miles said nothing, but set his gun down close at hand.
    “He’s our neighbor, correct?” Carrie asked.
    Miles gave her a sharp look. “How do you know that?”
    “I met him at the store. And again, when he came out to the homestead.”
    “When was that?” Miles’ deep, angry voice sounded like gunshot.
    “The first full day I was here. Before I went into the river.” Carrie quailed, drawing her arms around her. “I’m sorry, I should’ve told you. I meant to. I just forgot.”
    After a minute of strained silence, Miles sighed. “You’re not to blame. Wilder stirs up trouble for me when he can, is all. What did he say to you?”
    Carrie recounted the event best she could, and Miles looked thoughtful. “You did well,” he