Texas Mail Order Bride

by Linda Broday

  Was it wise? Probably not.

  Did it offer peace and contentment to his soul? Hell, yes.

  Though he wanted to ride like a madman, he took it slower out of care for Rebel. He was desperate to see the one woman who’d accepted him as he was, wanting nothing in return but simply to matter to someone. She sure as hell mattered to him. Delta Dandridge had given his life meaning.

  When he rode up to the boardinghouse, a light glowed in her partially raised window. He looped the reins over a low limb of a spindly tree, then stood a minute to assess the lay of things. He’d about decided that climbing the trellis again was out, but if it was the only way, he’d do it in a heartbeat.

  The old boardinghouse looked different. He walked closer. Someone had begun whitewashing it and left a ladder lying against the side.

  Wasting not a second, Cooper lifted it. Once it was in place at her window, he climbed up and rapped on the glass.

  Unlike last time, he didn’t have to sweet talk Delta into raising the shade.

  “Cooper. I was so afraid.” She raised the window higher.

  Once inside her room, Cooper had doubts about his visit. Maybe he shouldn’t have come. He took off his hat and laid it aside. “I had some time to kill and wanted to see you. If you object, tell me and I’ll leave.”

  For answer, she threw her arms around his neck and clung to him. “I was hoping you’d come. I’ve missed you so much. Did you capture Early?”

  “First, I have to kiss you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dreamed of tasting your lips since I left here.”

  ***

  Love for this man who refused to break shook Delta to the depths of her being. She lifted her face and he crushed his mouth to hers with a savage intensity. Heat rushed to her nerve endings like a fuse to dynamite.

  Clutching his shirt tightly, she took all that he wanted to give, while giving back in return. She couldn’t get enough. She didn’t want to talk. She wanted to take him inside her and feel his flesh caressing hers. Savoring. Riding the stars.

  But evidently Cooper had other ideas.

  When the kiss ended, he sat down on the end of the bed and pulled her on his lap. “You, darlin’, are addictive. I couldn’t wait to see you again.”

  “I have so much to tell you, Cooper. But I’m dying to know about Tolbert Early.”

  “He’s still on the loose. We get close and about to slip a noose around his neck and he slithers away.”

  “I can see how weary you are of all this.” Delta caressed his stubbled jaw, taking in the deep lines at the corners of his strong, full mouth, the exhaustion in his gray eyes. “When have you last slept?”

  “Been so long, I can’t remember what a bed feels like. Catch an hour here and an hour there when I can. Rand, Brett, and I have covered every inch of this countryside.”

  “I’m so sorry. I wish I could help.”

  “You help by staying safe. Promise me you’ll take no chances.”

  “That may be difficult. I’ve bought the Zachary place.”

  He suddenly got to his feet, spilling her from his lap. She fought to keep from falling. Without a word, he strode to the window and stood looking out. Delta chewed her lip. He stood so straight, almost as though he had a steel rod running up his spine. She didn’t know what to do or say.

  “I was saving money to buy it. Almost had enough,” he said in a flat voice. “That land was all I needed to reach my dream.

  Tears welled in her eyes. She wished he’d turn around. She wouldn’t truly know how he felt until she saw his eyes. Those grays turned cold and icy when he was boiling mad.

  “Then it’s yours,” she whispered. “I’ll sign over the deed tomorrow. All my life I never had two cents to rub together or anything much of value. I always yearned to own a piece of land, become a woman of substance. It’s not important, though. Nothing’s as important as the thought of losing you.”

  “Where did you get the money?” He finally turned.

  Relief at the absence of anger bolstered her. “Mr. Parmer of Parmer, Hutchinson, and Mansfield appeared a few days ago with a bank draft. Seems a Mr. Merriweather paid quite handsomely for my mother’s property in Cedartown. He plans to build a fancy resort there. Parmer sent letters, but I tore them up. Thought they were from my father. When I didn’t reply, he came in person. Do you know what I can do with fifty thousand dollars, Cooper?”

  His eyes widened as he grinned. “You’re a rich woman, Miss Dandridge.”

  “I still can’t believe it. I’ve pinched myself until I’m black and blue. Are you mad?”

  “I’m happy for you. So you’ve bought yourself a ranch, and no, I don’t want you to sign over the deed to me. It’s yours, darlin’. The house looks in pretty good shape also. What are you planning to do with all that land?”

  “I want to buy some cattle and learn how to be a rancher.”

  “Do tell.” His grin widened as his eyes danced. “Anytime you want some lessons, I’ll be happy to show you a few things.”

  “Mr. Thorne!” She gasped and narrowed her eyes. “I have a feeling you’re not talking about cows and ranchland.”

  “However did you guess?” He sauntered toward her with that lazy walk of his. Picking up his hat, he plunked it on her head. Then he proceeded to show her a few “things.”

  Her breath hitched when he unbuttoned the bodice of her dress and peeled it off. Then he focused on the ribbons and lace, stripping away everything until she wore nothing but a smile and his hat. It didn’t take any urging to move her to the bed, relieving her of the hat on the way.

  Delta was all thumbs as she tried to unbutton his shirt. Finally he pushed her hands aside and yanked it over his head. Boots, gun belt, and pants hit the floor.

  No slow, tender caresses this time. They’d been apart too many hours and days to waste one second. He plunged inside her.

  This was about satisfying the burning passion inside.

  About taking and giving without fear or worry.

  They made love in a fiery frenzy, their breath mingling in the sultry air as their bodies joined.

  She climbed on the shuddering waves and rode them as they crested. Release came quickly and with all the power and force as before.

  Limp and spent, she turned to Cooper. “Thank you.”

  He kissed her palm. “So you liked the things I showed you?”

  “I did. Anytime you want to show me more, say the word.” She rose on an elbow and brushed back his dark hair. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d ever meet anyone like you. Or that you’d…we’d be doing this. I don’t know anything about love. Lord knows, I’ve never had occasion to see it between a man and a woman. But you’ve stolen my heart. I’ve found the man who can finally see me.”

  His brow furrowed and she wished she’d held her tongue. She’d clearly made him uncomfortable. And worse, she didn’t know how to make it better. While she tried to think of how to take back her declaration, he frowned, then pursed his lips. Why, oh why, hadn’t she kept silent?

  “Cooper, I’m…”

  “Don’t fret about it.” He nibbled on her ear and kissed the hollow of her throat. “Now, tell me the rest of your news, Miss Dream Squasher.”

  “What did you call me?”

  “Dream Squasher. Because you stomped mine under your pretty little foot. Now, let’s get to your news.”

  “I’m part owner of the mercantile. John approached me about it and said he was having some financial difficulty. So I said yes and made the first executive decision. We hired Emmylou to take my place running the store.”

  “Of all things.” His grin was back, which dispelled the pall. “I’m away for a few days and you’ve become a business owner in addition to rancher. What else have you been up to?”

  “The women’s club has taken off and we have almost forty m
embers. Everyone is so excited and wants to take part.” She paused to fully absorb the impact of Cooper’s mouth nuzzling her breast. If she’d been standing, her legs would have gone out from under her. “We’re…calling…ourselves…Women of Vision. Please don’t stop. I don’t think I could stand it.”

  Cooper raised his head and growled when her hand, boldly exploring lower and lower, brushed his erection. “You’re playing with fire, pretty lady.”

  “I do hope so.”

  They made love again. Achingly slow, smoldering love. All the sizzling urgency from before settled into slow hot touches and passionate kisses. Then he eased inside her again. She quickly adapted to his rhythm.

  Each shuddering wave arched higher and higher, carrying her along a raging stream with nothing to cling to except Cooper’s scarred back.

  They reached a shuddering climax simultaneously. A long minute later, Cooper rolled off and wrapped her in his arms. His ragged breath ruffled the loose hair at her temple.

  As Delta’s breathing returned to normal, she traced each scar.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” Cooper murmured, voice low.

  “I’m a most fortunate woman. I left Georgia with an empty purse and a few letters. Now I have everything I could hope for.” Except marriage. But maybe it would just take time for Cooper to sort things out.

  And if he didn’t?

  Lord help her, she didn’t want to consider that. How could she live as a fallen woman like her mother, shunned by society? She’d seen firsthand the difficulties of that type of life.

  Yet did she have the strength to let go of the love she’d found?

  Why did her choices always have to be all or nothing?

  For once, why couldn’t she just accept the things that were offered and not want more?

  Thirty-two

  Cooper lay on his side with one hand propped under his head, studying Delta’s face. To what did he owe the impact she’d made, not only in his life, but in those of Battle Creek’s citizens?

  This woman of vision, who’d grown up with so little, had given selflessly to everyone who touched her life. She’d endeared herself to this town in a huge way.

  He couldn’t answer for the rest, only for himself. He didn’t deserve her. If he tried for the next fifty or a hundred years, he could never repay the trust and faith and love she’d shown.

  Damn. He wished he could tell her he loved her.

  He truly did love her. No question about that. But what good did it do to say the words if he couldn’t offer the lifetime commitment that went with it? It wasn’t fair to her.

  Dear God! It would destroy his soul if he had to walk away from her or she from him.

  He rose and leaned to kiss her closed eyelids that hid her thoughts. “You are indeed a woman of vision, you know. What an accurate name for your women’s club. I’m so very proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. And in such a short time, no less. You took this town by storm and we haven’t been the same.”

  Delta opened her eyes and cupped his jaw. “I asked for nothing except a chance.”

  “Darlin’, your dream became everyone’s.”

  They talked more about her plans: the seed lending library and putting Abner Winchell in charge of it, the people who might apply for the school teaching position, and her desire to do something with the hotel.

  “I’ve spoken with Mr. Lexington, but he’s shown no inclination to fix up the Lexington Arms. That man frustrates me to no end,” Delta spewed.

  “Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Have you thought about asking to become a partner? If you were part owner, he’d be less likely to turn down money for renovations. Two things I know about Lexington: he’s miserly and he has his pride.”

  “I’ve thought about that. I need to take it slow, though, like you suggested. If I go waving my money around and trying to buy up all the businesses in town, it’ll only anger folks. I want them to be involved and feel pride of ownership in Battle Creek as a whole.”

  Cooper tweaked her nose. “When did you get to be so smart?”

  “Since you showed me the error of my ways?” Delta grinned.

  It seemed ages ago since they’d argued over the women’s club and shared that hug at Jenny’s insistence. It had changed his life.

  “And here I thought you weren’t listening. You’ll figure something out. I have faith in you.” Cooper lay back and wrapped his arms around Delta’s soft curves. She laid her head on his chest. His heart swelled with contentment. “I could get spoiled very easily.”

  “Me too.”

  “Although the urge is strong to rush out to your new ranch, promise me you’ll stay away. At least for now. It’s too dangerous with Early running loose.”

  “You don’t know how hard it will be.”

  “Promise,” he insisted.

  “All right. I won’t go out there.”

  They slept at last. The predawn hours came much too soon. Cooper woke, remembering he’d told Rand and Brett to meet him at daybreak. He lifted Delta’s hand from where it was splayed across his chest and eased out of bed. The respite hadn’t been near long enough. As he dressed and buckled his gun belt, he resolved to try harder to find Early.

  This would end. One way or another.

  ***

  Delta opened her eyes and looked for Cooper. But he was gone. In fact, there was nothing except a few wrinkled bed sheets to indicate he’d even been there.

  More stolen moments.

  More sidestepping any talk of the future.

  And more lonely days and nights ahead.

  Throwing back the quilt, she rose and got ready to face the challenges that would come. She had several things on her agenda before lunch.

  Four hours later, she located Abner Winchell sitting on his usual bench outside the hotel. Smiling, she sat down beside him. “How are you today, Mr. Winchell?”

  “Right smart, I reckon. Been waitin’ to see if’n you changed your mind ’bout things.”

  “If you’re talking about the seed library, no, I haven’t. You would be the perfect one for the job. We need someone with your knowledge. I hear you had a farm before the war and kept your acres in cotton and tobacco. I hope you’ll accept my offer.”

  Abner squinted. “Does it pay?”

  “I’m afraid it doesn’t. But you’d do this town a great service. In addition, you’d get to spend your days talking to all sorts of folks. The seed library could become the hub this town revolves around. Please say yes.”

  “Where would we put it? I’ll need some space so I can organize the seeds. In the war, they put me in charge of the bullets and food.”

  “Oh, Mr. Winchell, I didn’t know you were experienced.”

  His big, toothless grin stretched from ear to ear. “I won’t tell if’n you won’t. And call me Abner.”

  Delta shook Abner’s hand. “Deal. I was thinking we might set the library up in the abandoned feed store. It will be perfect. When we decide to stock the store, the seeds will fit right in.”

  “That place is a wreck. Rats in it as big as my crutch.” He shuddered. “I hate rats.”

  “I assure you, we’ll get rid of them when we fix it up.” Along with all the other buildings. All of a sudden, the enormity of what she’d tackled settled like a ton of bricks on her shoulders. Whatever had she thought? That it would be easy? That she’d need no time for eating and sleeping? Or making love to Cooper?

  “Then I reckon you got yourself a seed man.”

  “Thank you, Abner. I’m glad you agreed to do it.”

  Leaving Abner to his daily routine of watching the town, Delta paid a visit to Mr. Lexington. She found him at the Three Roses Café eating lunch. She recognized the same three-piece suit he always wore and his thick head of brown hair that stuck out in all directions like the quills of a porcupine. The though
t crossed her mind that he might not own a comb. He frowned when he saw her headed his way.

  “Hello, sir, may I join you?” She pulled out a chair at his table before he could reply. “I’d love to have a word with you.”

  “I’ve already told you the answer is no.”

  “I was hoping you’d reconsider.” Delta put her napkin in her lap and asked the waiter for a cup of bean soup.

  “Well, I haven’t, and I would appreciate it if you’d let me eat my lunch in peace.” He speared a bite of ham. “You women think you can railroad a man into doing what you want. Well, I’ve dug in my heels. Stay clear of my hotel.”

  “Would you consider selling it?”

  “It’s not for sale,” he snapped. “If you want a hotel, build your own. You can afford it, I hear.”

  Sudden sadness washed over her. If she followed his suggestion, it would only put him out of business. She didn’t want that. Besides, then they’d have a bigger problem. The Lexington Arms would be vacant and a bigger eyesore than when it’d been operational.

  “Are you married, by chance, Mr. Lexington?”

  “Not anymore. She up and ran off with a traveling medicine show and I said good riddance.”

  “Then you’re still married, in my way of thinking.”

  “Got one of those divorces, if it’s any of your business,” he snapped.

  “I’m so sorry.” Her soup came and she dipped her spoon into it. “Mr. Lexington, did you know your face has high color when you’re upset? You really should watch that. It’s bad for your health to get your temper up.”

  “Oh…oh…don’t you worry about that,” he spluttered.

  Delta’s brain whirled as an idea took root. It might be just the thing. Hurrying to finish her soup, she paid and left.

  The next stop was Granny Ketchum’s. The old lady was all smiles when she opened the door to see Delta.

  “Oh, you’re a sight for these poor eyes. Just this very morning when I was talking to my cat I told him that I sure would like to see you.” Granny moved aside to let Delta enter.

  She kissed Granny’s cheek and hugged her. “I’ve missed you. How have you been?”