Leaving from Louisiana: The Pioneer Brides of Rattlesnake Ridge Book 12 by Elaine Manders

Author:Elaine Manders [Manders, Elaine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-05-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

She wasn’t engaged to another man. Aaron steeled himself to keep from taking her in his arms and tasting her rosy lips. He wouldn’t, though. Something else was on her mind besides romance, but whatever it was, she was keeping it hidden. He’d bide his time, but as sure as Canadian geese flew north for the summer, he was going to court that woman before she left the ranch.

The sun had set the western mountains ablaze by the time Aaron and Gieselle got home from church. Thankfully, Wally had cooked supper. He brought in a savory ham and cabbage stew with cornbread on the side as soon as they entered the house. “The men have already eaten but Miss Liddy and I waited.”

Liddy was still in her wheelchair and Wally wheeled her in place at the table. “Did you two enjoy church?” Her voice sounded strained.

“Yes. Reverend Brown preached a wonderful sermon about loving your neighbor.”

Aaron seated Gieselle and took his place opposite, beside Wally. He gave the grace and noticed that Liddy didn’t look up after the amen, but continued staring at her bowl. He wasn’t sure what was going on. Maybe she’d stayed up too long and was simply fatigued.

Gieselle related everything that happened before and right after church, speaking in detail, as she usually did, but she didn’t mention her visit with the reverend. Not that she should have, since people didn’t usually discuss such matters.

“Did the new men get here all right?” Aaron asked during a lull in Gieselle’s one-way conversation.

“They seemed glad to be back. Said they preferred wide open spaces better than the forests that kept them busy in the lumberjack business.”

“I think I’d prefer the cattle business better myself,” Aaron said.

“Really? You’d stay on the ranch?” Gieselle’s tone held a touch of excitement.

“I might. My headquarters is in St. Louis, but it runs smoothly without me.”

“Papa has offices in St. Louis, too,” Gieselle said.

“I know. I’ve traveled on his boats a time or two. Much more pleasant travel than on a train.”

They finished the meal in near silence. Miss Liddy’s mood had soured and Aaron sorely missed the cheerful banter tossed between her and her niece.

Gieselle stood and began gathering her dishes. As if on cue, Aaron and Wally rose and Miss Liddy pushed her chair away from the table. Wally came to her assistance before Aaron could offer.

“I’ll help you with the dishes.” Aaron brought his dishes to the sink.

Gieselle glanced over her shoulder, her hands in the dishwater. “No, I won’t hear of it. Just set those dishes on the counter. I know you want to talk to those new men before bedtime.” She sidestepped, pushing him aside. A jolt of electricity shot up his arm where they touched. She gazed into his eyes, then lowered those thick lashes that seemed to go on forever. Her cheeks pinked and she quickly averted her head. Could be she also felt what had his pulse racing.

But she was right. He had to talk to the former employees of the Circle A.

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