The Unbridled Bride by Leah Atwood

Author:Leah Atwood [Atwood, Leah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Leah Atwood Books
Published: 2014-05-31T05:00:00+00:00

They came to a stop at the head of a valley. Below her, an artist’s pallet of colors was spread before her eyes in the form of the season’s first wildflowers. Indian paintbrush, primrose, kitten tail and varieties she couldn’t yet identify. The blend of color created a beautiful, peaceful vision. At the bottom of the valley was a small steam, crystal clear and gently rippling. She had no idea something so pristine, so ethereal existed so close to the homestead.

“It’s beautiful.” She gazed in awe. Wildflowers at her parents' then Tom’s, ranch had been minimal, nothing ever in a display like this.

“My parents called it Lagniappe Valley. At least once a week, I come out here for quiet time before getting started on the day. The flowers usually aren’t out for another few weeks, but they came early this year. When I saw them this morning, I knew I wanted to bring you here.”

Winnie shifted, still in the saddle, surprised at the soulful side of Lyle. “What does lagniappe mean?” The odd word felt strange on her tongue.

“My mom was born in New Orleans and it’s a word she brought with her. It’s a small gift given by a merchant, a bonus. When they settled on this land, the wildflowers were in full bloom and Ma said this valley was their lagniappe of the claim.”

Lulled to a calm by the tranquil valley, Winnie dared broach personal conversation, taking Hazel’s advice to talk about something other than the ranch. “How did your mom end up here from New Orleans?”

“My dad was a union soldier and spent some time at Fort Pike toward the end of the War Between the States. My ma was the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner. Their relationship was met with blatant disapproval, even going so far as to threaten their lives. They never spoke much of that time, but I know it came down to dissolving their union or running away. The choice was more difficult for my ma, as it meant leaving behind her entire family and life. Ultimately, she chose love and through a series of events they settled here.”

“Did she ever regret her decision?”

“Not that I’m aware. Ma was a firm believer that love and faith would see you through any obstacles.”

“She must have been a strong woman.”

“You’re a strong woman also.”

Winnie blinked in surprise, his words flooding her with unexpected emotion. Lyle brought his mount closer to hers so they were mere inches apart. He reached over and took her hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I believe it also…about love and faith.”

The conversation was becoming too personal, with the way Lyle stared at her, his eyes boring into her as if he could see into her soul. A tickle fell to her throat and she coughed, clearing it. “Our hour is almost up.”

This brief distraction had turned into a firebrand she was ill-equipped to handle. Releasing her hand from his, she nudged Lollygag and took off, not looking back.

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