The Baker's Arranged Bride by Rose Andrews

Author:Rose Andrews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Western Historical Romance
Publisher: Mythobooks Publishing
Published: 2017-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

8

WILLA DIPPED HER toes in the frigid creek waters, shivering as she immersed her entire foot all the way up to the ankle. She sucked in a breath when the cold hit her senses. It rushed in and around her flesh, dissipating the pain. She gave a little moan of relief.

“Better?” Julian smiled from the horse, rummaging through the saddlebags.

“When I can finally walk again it will be.”

He plopped down next to her on the ground and slid over dried bacon wrapped in a cloth. “Eat this for now. We’ll stop by the mercantile and grab some goods on the way home.”

Willa groaned. “My head is killing me. Why did I listen to you?”

“Because you had no other choice?”

She made a clicking sound. “The doc has no idea what he’s doing, does he? I mean, just soak it in the creek, he says. You just need to give it time, he says. Grr.”

Julian pressed his lips together to stiffen a smile. “At least you got more of that salve. Seems to be helping.”

“I hate sprained ankles.” She lifted her foot out of the water and shivered. “Sorry to be such a burden.”

“Well, it’s kind of my fault.”

“Suppose I didn’t have to run the way I did, though.”

Quiet settled between them.

The day was cloudy and humid. Mist hovered above the valley like a thick blanket. Everything was so still, so hushed except for the rustling of leaves from a faint breeze.

“Seems like it’ll rain today,” Julian said. Eyes downcast, he broke a piece of bacon in half and stared at it. “Have you given thought to what I said last night?”

Willa bit her tongue and dunked her foot in the water once more. It would be best if she didn’t say anything at all instead of being rude. But his question begged for an answer and she caught his lingering eyes.

“Yes,” she said quietly.

“Are you okay with it?”

She blinked tears away. “I understand our marriage is a business arrangement.”

“Good.” He stood and brushed grass off his trousers. “Let’s get to the mercantile then.”

“Just a minute,” she said, gazing off into the distance. “I’d like to soak a bit longer.”

Julian nodded and returned to the horse, Nelly. He stroked the mare’s sweaty, glistening hide the color of cocoa. Why did Emily have to be such trouble now? He didn’t know what to do.

Feelings were feelings but poor Willa was caught up in the maelstrom of his sentiments.

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