The Unexpected Bride by Stella Clark

Author:Stella Clark [Clark, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Mail-Order Bride Series, marriage of convenience, Novella Length Story
Publisher: Aryn House Publishing
Published: 2019-06-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“You’re real sweet,” Bryan leaned over his horse to give Emma another dashing smile when she finished laughing at his joke. At least, that’s what it looked like he was trying to do. All she could see was how much it looked like he wanted to bite her, chew her, and swallow.

Her throat constricted as she forced a smile. “You’re too kind.”

“Just honest,” he winked.

Taking a step back, she dropped her gaze to look at the horse. That’s why they were really talking, after all. It was beautiful, with a gray coat and white spots. She cocked her head to take another good look at the animal and wished he would stop staring. “He really is beautiful.”

Bryan Jackson’s arm slid around the horse’s back, awful close to where her hand had been. “We could always go for a ride.” That’s when it struck her what felt so strange. This cowboy, however young and charming, reminded her of her landlord. There was something about the look in his eyes and the way he smiled that made Emma want to run far away.

She stiffened and glancing around, realized were not alone. Relief danced across her shoulders. Jay was there, watching them with that stern expression as he held Slade in his arms.

“Jay!” Emma yelped and cleared her throat. “There you are. I-I’m sorry. I couldn’t find the chair, and …” she didn’t know what to say, but she motioned vaguely towards Jackson.

The cowboy waved. “Howdy, sir. Bryan Jackson. Just putting up my horse.”

Her husband gave a short nod. “I know.” Then he turned to her. “Nathaniel must have moved the chair.”

“Oh.” Emma hesitated, suddenly wondering if his brow was creased more than usual. “Well, that’s all right.” She had looked forward to lunch with her husband, but perhaps another day. She started for the door, but propriety stopped her from walking through it before addressing Jackson one last time. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jackson.”

She led the way back to the forge, everyone quiet. Jay’s plate was empty, already used. Had she been gone that long? Emma sighed, wishing she’d thought through her plan a little more carefully to spend the afternoon with her husband.

“I’m sorry,” she volunteered again. “Would you still like to join me?”

Her husband glanced around the forge. “I’m done.” Jay gestured to the chair. “Go ahead. Maybe next time.”

She wanted to protest. She wanted to tell him no, that’s not what was supposed to happen. They were supposed to sit and talk together. Instead, Emma swallowed. She accepted the chair but had lost her appetite.

Twiddling with the fork, she watched Jay show Slade how to use some of his tools. Jay made a good father, a good protector. Emma found herself studying him as usual. There were few men like Jay. He was careful in everything he did, taking care of his work and his family.

After all, he had taken her in. There had been no reason to commit to such a delicate and binding decision.

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