Wild Texas Rose by Martha Hix

Author:Martha Hix [Hix, Martha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2015-08-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen,

“Jackie Jo, we sure could use that tea,” Gail said into the café’s stony silence, and the proprietress set to her duties.

There would be no more wondering about Whit’s absence, Mariah seethed. He had been dressing–undressing!–Barbara Catley. His womanizing was all the impetus she needed to go on with her wedding plans without regret. Heck, sans souci . . . ! No, she wouldn’t go that far.

Jackie Jo returned with their order. Thankfully she offered no more gossip.

Gail stirred sugar into her beverage. “Are you all right? Your face was positively colorless a minute ago.”

“My pantaloons were crawling up my backside,” she lied.

“I don’t think that’s the problem at all. You’ve been acting funny since Whit’s name was mentioned.”

Determined to steer the conversation in another direction, Mariah voiced a question that had edged at her thoughts since Gail had confided in her. “Did you have a talk with your husband?”

“You don’t want to talk about Whit?”

“Right.”

“Something happened between the two of you,” Gail concluded.

“Did you have a talk with your husband?”

“All right, have it your way.” The heart-faced young woman sighed and placed her spoon on the saucer. “Yes, Ed and I had a talk. A very successful talk. We’ve both promised to work harder at saying how we feel.”

“Oh, Gail, I’m so pleased.” She reached to squeeze her friend’s hand. “I hope everything works out.”

A becoming blush flowered in Gail’s cheeks. “I think it will. Oh, Mariah, I’m so happy! The last two nights have been heaven on earth. The days, too, of course. Not once have I had the urge for a drink.”

“That’s the ticket!”

“Now let’s get back to you,” Gail said, riding the crest of happiness and wanting to infuse it in Mariah. “How was the wagon trip from my brother’s ranch?”

Knowing her friend, Mariah was certain that skirting the subject of Whit would be an impossibility, so she gave in to a small degree. “We encountered nary a bull.”

“Damn, you can be so close-mouthed when you’re set on it. Evidently you and Whit didn’t work out your differences.”

“Exactly.”

“You know, Mariah, nothing pleases me more than to find you here in Trick’em,” she said over the rim of her cup, “but does this mean you’re going through with your wedding?”

“Exactly.”

Gail studied her free hand, which rested on the tabletop. “I trust you’ll be happy.”

“I plan to.”

“Have you set a date?”

Up to this point Mariah hadn’t agreed to anything definite, but, still angered over Whit’s quick turn to Barbara, she now came to a decision. “I think this Saturday at noon would be an ideal time.”

“Two days from now.”

“That’s right. And I want you to attend.”

Uncertainty passed over the brunette’s face. “I can’t promise anything. Ed ... well, you know how it is around here, ranchers versus farmers.”

Mariah tried to disguise her hurt as she said, “Then I won’t pit you between us and your husband.”

“I appreciate your consideration, and I’m sorry it has to be this way.”

“Think nothing of it. You’ve only just begun to have a real marriage and you shouldn’t be asked to jeopardize it.

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