The Christmas Mail Order Bride (Holiday Mail Order Brides, Book One) (11 page)

Clayton closed his eyes a moment.  His mother did love Miss James, made her feel at home, doted on her, took care of her during the day, talked about her to Spencer and himself every waking moment.  Summer James had brought life back into his mother, and for that he was grateful.  Besides, he didn’t realize until that very moment
he
was
starting to have feelings for her.  At first he thought it was simple attraction. She was a beautiful woman, very beautiful and Clayton began to find it difficult to take his eyes off of her, found it difficult the last couple of days not to think about her during the day.

“I hate it when you’re right, Milly.”

“I know you do. Now stop you’re worrying.  I’ll have Doc stop by your place later this afternoon and check on her.  Will that settle you down?”

Clayton nodded.  “Thanks, Milly.  I knew I could count on you.”

“Count on me for what?”

“For doctoring me, o
r at least in this case my heart.  You’re right, I need to let it loose instead of keeping it corralled. I’ll court Miss James proper, then marry her.”

“Good.  Now, go fall in love. Doctor’s orders!”

Clayton smiled, winked, then got up and left the house.

* * *

By the time Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Quinn were done with her, Summer had in her possession four different sets of calico fabric, a new pair of shoes, a coat, several different colored yarns, two sets of knitting needles, a new hair brush and half a dozen different colored ribbons.  It was more than she’d ever owned in her lifetime and Clayton Riley had given it all to her.  Mrs. Riley was just paying the bill when the bell over the door rang.

Summer’s heart sank as Nellie Davis
strolled into the store like a queen, Charlotte close on her heels.  “Why there you are Leona!  I thought I saw your wagon in town.” Nellie crooned.

“How can you possibly miss it? It’s parked right outside.” Mrs. Riley pointed out dryly.

Nellie ignored her and glided up to the counter and eyed the purchases Mrs. Quinn was wrapping up in brown paper.  “My, my, what ever do we have here?  Is this all yours Leona?  Are we Christmas shopping?”

“No, I’m shopping for
Summer.  Clayton wanted her to have some new dresses and a few other things.”

“Summer?” Nellie asked feigning ignorance. “Oh, you mean that horrid creature staying at your house?  Don’t tell me you’re keeping her?”

Charlotte placed herself right next to Summer. “Mother, really now.  She’s right here!”

Summer immediately became suspicious at the girl who spoke in her defense.

Nellie turned. “Oh, so she is.  Well, I suppose if you’re going to be that stubborn about it, all we can do is help you out.”

“I don’t need any help from you, Nellie Davis.” Mrs. Riley said. “Mrs. Jorgensen can whip up anything we need.”

“Oh, but I’m afraid you’ll be out of luck. I just spoke with Mrs. Jorgensen yesterday and she’s busier than a bee this season making things for folks for Christmas. She couldn’t possibly take any more work on.”

“She doesn’t need to,”
Summer said. “I can sew my own clothes.”

Nellie looked her up and down with disapproval.  “Yes, we’ve all seen how well you sew, haven’t we?”

“Summer, you don’t have to worry about a thing, I’ll make whatever you need if Mrs. Jorgensen is too busy.” Mrs. Riley told her with a smile.

Summer caught the flash of anger in her eyes as she quickly glanced at Nellie Davis.  “I know you will, and I so appreciate it.”

“But what about your wedding dress?” Charlotte asked innocently.  “Mrs. Jorgensen is too busy and you can’t expect Mrs. Riley to make everything for you, that would be taking advantage of her, don’t you think?”

“I’m sure we’ll both be working on the dresses together.” Summer said diplomatically, though her hands were balling into fists in her lap.

“Still, that’s a lot of work to do,” Nellie began. “I’m afraid you’ll have to post pone your wedding until the dress is done.  Too bad Mrs. Jorgensen is so dreadfully busy or she could have finished it for you in no time.”

Summer was about to comment, as was Mrs. Riley, their mouths bo
th open when Clayton strolled through the mercantile’s door.

“Why Clayton!” Charlotte exclaimed and all but ran to him.  She quickly wrapped an arm around one of his and snuggled against him.  “It’s so nice to see you!  We were just talking about wedding dresses!”

Clayton looked down at her but didn’t pull away.  “Were you now?”

Summer watched and tried to fight against the sudden wave of jealousy that hit her like a fist to the gut.  Despair soon followed and pierced her heart, freeing the familiar fear. 
No, no, no!
She told herself.
Don’t let it take over!

“It’s too bad you can’t get married right away,” Nell
ie began. “What with the time it takes to make a dress and all.  A lot can happen between now and then.”

“I’m not worried about it.” Clayton drawled.

Charlotte tightened her grip on his arm before she stood on tip-toe to whisper in his ear. “You mean you’re not in any hurry to get married?”

Naturally, she whispered loud
enough for everyone in the room to hear.

Summer closed h
er eyes and took a deep breath. She then opened her eyes and looked right at Clayton.  “No,” he said as he met her questioning look.

Summer’s heart sank.  Charlotte stood straighter and then to everyone’s surpr
ise, kissed him on the cheek.  “I thought as much.” She then released him and sent Summer a triumphant smile before she turned to her mother.

“Well, I guess you won’t be doing as m
uch sewing as you thought, Leona.” Nellie said without looking at her and started for the door.

Clayton ignored both the Davis women as he made for
Summer.  He stood next to the chair she sat in.  She could feel the heat of his body, took in the sheer size of him, the broadness of his chest and shoulders as he towered over her.  “Is everything settled here?” He asked Mrs. Quinn.

“Yes, Clayton.  We’re all done.”  Mrs. Quinn said as she glared at the Davis women.

“Good,” he said and quickly scooped Summer up into his arms. “C’mon honey, lets go have us some lunch over at Hank’s restaurant.  Old Hank makes a mean bean soup!”

Nellie and Charlotte’s mouths dropped open at the same time. “You mean you’re going to carry her all the way down to Hank’s?”  Charlotte asked in shock.

“How else would I get her there? She can’t walk yet.” Clayton asked.

“You can’t carry her down the street in public!”  Nellie gasped.

“Why not?  The whole town knows she’s injured.  Makes perfect sense for me to carry her.”

“Clayton Riley!  You can
not
carry her!” Charlotte whined.

Clayton looked to Summer, her fear immediately disappeared the moment he lifted her into his arms.  His strength was incredible, the warmth of his body intoxicating. He smiled down at her. “I can’t think of anything I’d like to do more than carry this pretty little lady to lunch.”

“But everyone will see!”  Nellie scolded.

“Clayton sent her a wide grin. “Yes, Mrs. Davis.  I know.”

He winked at the woman,
turned on his heel and left the mercantile with his future bride in his arms. It was all Summer could do not to let the tears fall.  He’d just championed her in front of Mrs. Davis and her daughter.  He’d slapped them with the fact that he cared about her.  Summer took in a shaky breath as the cold and bright sunshine hit her. 

“Close your eyes honey and enjoy the ride,” he whispered to her.

Summer did, at least for a moment as she realized she could fall deeply and madly in love with Clayton Riley.

And she was.

Eleven

Thanksgiving dawned bright and cold.  Summer awoke early to the clatter of pots and pans coming from the kitchen as Mrs. Riley began her day.  She wanted to be in the kitchen to help her and struggled to try to get out of bed and dressed.  She could at least hobble about at this point but still had to be very careful. The doctor from town paid a surprise visit to her two days before and checked her foot.  In fact he kept checking her for fever but she knew well she didn’t have one.  At least not the kind the doctor suspected she had.  No,
Summer’s flushed face, rapid heart and goose-pimpled flesh was not from any sort of cold or fever, but from Clayton Riley.

The minute
Summer remembered how Clayton carried her through town to take her to lunch, her heart began to race, she blushed something awful, and delightful chills went up her spine.  She couldn’t stop thinking about it after Clayton drove them home, got her settled, then rode back into town to finish out his day at the Sheriff’s office.  It wasn’t long after that the doctor showed up.

But the doctor hadn’t seen what Clayton did, had no idea how he
’d championed her in front of the Davis women.  His actions made Summer feel much more secure and the look on Charlotte Davis’s face was priceless!  By the time Mrs. Riley joined them at Hank’s restaurant, Summer felt as if she were a beautiful damsel in distress just rescued by a handsome prince.  A silly dream she’d had so often as a child was just fulfilled and nothing could dampen her spirits.  It was the best day of her life and she knew she would treasure it always.

“Oh good, you’re up.” Clayton said as he poked his head into the room. “Ma could sure use some help in the kitchen.  I’d do it but Spencer and I have to run into town to check on som
e things, but we’ll be back in plenty of time for supper.”

Summer clutched at her nightdress and looked at him.  She noted how he nonchalantly studied her in the early morning light coming in through the window.
Heat shot through her like gunfire and she sucked in a breath.  Good Heavens but he was handsome!

“Do … do you have to go?” She asked, suddenly unable to bear the thought of him leaving her at all.

He smiled. “Ahhhh honey, I can think of better ways to spend my time than having a meetin’ with a tired out posse, but duty calls.” He stepped into the room.  Summer clutched the nightdress to her more closely as he bent to her. “In fact I can think of a
lot
of things I’d rather be doing.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand and smiled. “I’ll send ma in to help you dress, then I’ll help you into the kitchen.” His voice had dropped in pitch and Summer felt her stomach do a full somersault.  Her breathing slowed and she couldn’t get any words to come out, as if his touch had rendered her completely speechless.  All she could do was look up at him and nod. 

He lingered there a moment longer and quietly stared down at her.  He closed his eyes and turned his face away a scant second before he pulled his hand away from her face. “I’ll be back with ma. Don’t go anywhere now, ya hear?”

She smiled. “I won’t,” she managed.  He left the room and she let go a heavy sigh.  Oh Lord!  How could she stand it?  One minute she felt her heart flutter wildly in her chest, her whole being somehow engulfed by Clayton’s mere presence, no … his
essence
. Then just as suddenly the familiar cold fear would come over her, reminding her that it could all disappear in a puff of smoke and she’d find herself once again faced with the likes of someone like Mr. Slade.  But not today!  Summer forced her heart to still and let herself enjoy the lingering feel of his hand against her cheek. The scent of wind and soap and leather than surrounded him, the knowledge that soon she would be his, completely.

If only he would just marry her!  Why was he waiting?  Of course her foot, she knew that made him take pause.  He want
ed her to be able to stand for their wedding, but her insecurities would not still so easily, and she had to constantly fight to keep her emotions under control.  She hoped today they too would take a holiday and leave her alone.

Mrs. Riley helped her dress and soon Clayton had carried her into the kitchen where he sat her down at the table.
  He bent to her, and much to Summer’s surprise, kissed her on the cheek.  “See you later darlin’. Ma, don’t tire her out.” He then put on his hat and left through the kitchen’s back door. 

“My, my, that son of mine certainly is in a good mood th
is morning.” Mrs. Riley said then gave Summer a wink.

Summer swal
lowed and tried to come down from the cloud she was floating on.  She smiled as a furious blush crept into her cheeks.  “Yes, ma’am.”

Mrs. Riley laughed as she set a large pan down in front of her on
the table.  The turkey in it barely fit.  “Now, let’s stuff this bird and get things underway.  Those boys of mine are gonna be mighty hungry when they get home.”

Summer smiled as she took it all in.  The warmth of the kitchen, the smell of pies in the oven, the dinner they were preparing for the men and their guests coming later that day.  Summer’s smile widened as she realized this was the second most wonderful day in her life.

* * *

Clayton frowned at the news the posse brought back.  The men were tired, cranky, and hungry.  He told them to all go home and take a few days off.  They deserved the rest and time with their families.  He’d worry about Red Ned and his gang of cutthroats later, but he’d sure have to be thinking about them soon.  They’d been spotted not twenty miles from Nowhere, and that didn’t set well with Clayton. No, it didn’t set well at all.

“Red Ned,” he mumbled to himself.  “Who comes up with these names?”

“Locals usually,” Spencer commented from behind him.  He stared at the wanted poster over Clayton’s shoulder.  “Ned’s spilled enough blood to have earned the name, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah, well Ned had better not interrupt our dinner tonight that’s all I can say
,” Clayton grumbled as he reached for his hat. “Are you ready?”

Spencer grabbed his own hat.  “As ready as I’ll ever be. L
et’s do our rounds and make sure everything’s nice and quiet, then go home and eat!  I’m starved already!”

“Sure hope Billy’s enjoying his holiday supper.  I wonder if Miss Abbey will come down and bring him some pie this evening while he’s on duty.”

“Ha!  Not if her sister Charlotte can help it!  Now that you’re taken, she’s probably looking for some other unsuspecting prey!”
“Unsuspecting prey?”

“Yeah, as in any unmarried man within fifty miles of here!” Spencer said with a laugh.

Clayton eyed him before his face broke into a smile. “Well little brother that would include you. Fancy that.”

Spencer’s laughter abruptly stopped.  “Sam blazes you’re right!”

“Maybe I outta send you out with the next posse so Charlotte doesn’t have a chance to get a hold of ya.”

Spencer gulped, “That might not be a bad idea.”

The two men laughed, put on their hats, and left the Sheriff’s office to go make their rounds before going home.  It was the longest set of rounds Sheriff Clayton Riley could remember.  Spencer was in an exceptionally good mood which made the day go by much quicker but didn’t help Clayton keep his mind off of what was waiting at home.  He was beginning to enjoy the idea of getting married.  Even more so, he was enjoying the idea of courting Miss Summer James until she couldn’t stand it any longer and would have to be carried to the alter.  Not because of her foot or that he had to force her, but because she’d be so enamored with him she’d be weak in the knees and swooning.  Clayton smiled at the thought. Yes sir, he’d court her like no woman had ever been courted before.  He’d make sure she felt something for him and he planned on having fun doing it too.

Clayton smiled
and relaxed as they rode from farm to farm to give folks the warning to keep an eye out for the notorious outlaw Red Ned and to take no chances when it came to strangers.  But not even the news they delivered that day to the townsfolk and their families could dampen Clayton’s mood.  He was exceptionally happy and, for the first time in a very long time, didn’t think about the emptiness of his heart or the void left there after Sarah’s death. What Clayton did realize was he’d found something to fill it.

Yes siree, Summer James had no idea what was coming her way!

* * *

Thanksgiving came and went.  It was the most wonderful day of
Summer’s life!  The food was incredible and she helped to prepare it as best she could.  The Browns were delightful company and she enjoyed Milly and the stories she told of the Riley brothers when they were children.  Mrs. Riley shared her own stories much to Clayton and Spencer’s utter horror, and Summer had laughed until her sides hurt and she couldn’t see for the tears in her eyes. But the best part of the day came after the pumpkin pie and coffee, when Clayton carried her into the parlor while the others told stories around the dining room table.  He set her down then sat next to her, his body so close their shoulders were touching.

“That was a lovely meal, thank you, honey,” he told her, his voice soft and low. “I can’t remember when I’ve eaten so much.”

She smiled and blushed at the compliment.  The lamplight was dim and she didn’t wonder if he had slipped into the parlor earlier and turned it down.  The smell of pie hung in the air and mixed with Clayton’s own intoxicating scent.  She felt tired from the day’s labors, what few she was able to perform, and wanted nothing more than to rest her head against his shoulder, but she didn’t dare.  It would be too improper, even she knew that.  Growing up in the orphanage Mrs. Teeters taught her what was what.  But Mrs. Teeters hadn’t taught Summer what to do when Clayton put an arm across the back of the settee and leaned toward her.  His face was so close she could feel the breath escape his lips as he spoke. “Today was a might fine day, and ya know what would make it even finer?”

She melted at the sound of his voice, his face so close to hers.  She sat and looked straight ahead, afraid to look at
him, afraid the closeness of him would be too much for her to bear.  He’d been carrying her around for over a week!  One would think she’d be able to face him.  But Summer’s fear raised its ugly head just then, and she feared what she might see if she turned to him.  Would he be looking at her with lust or admiration?  With indecision or loving intent?  How
did
he feel about her, really?  He hadn’t said one thing about their wedding or more importantly,
when
.  Dinner had been taken up with talk of the outlaws they’d been searching for and stories of his childhood antics.  In fact not once did anyone at the table mention anything pertaining to their upcoming marriage.

Summer’s heart sank at the thought and she fought to still her racing heart and the fear that began to squeeze her chest so tight she wondered if she’d be able to breath.

“Is there something the matter, honey?” Clayton suddenly asked.

She closed her eyes and quickly shook her head.

“Are you sure?  You don’t look so good.”
“I’m sure.  I’m sorry, I guess I’m just tired.”

Clayton removed his arm from behind her, placed his hands on his legs and sighed.  “Well
then, maybe you outta turn in,” he said, his voice laced with sudden flatness.

No, no, no!  Summer!  Stop it!  Stop it now!
 
But the fear had her, and she felt her heart dive straight into disappointment.  The same disappointment that would grip her whenever she heard Mrs. Teeters say,
“I’m sorry she didn’t suit you, but we have other children who might…”  

Nooooo! 
She screamed in her head as Clayton let go a heavy sigh.
Oh please God make this stop!  Why does it always have to come and ruin everything?

“All
right then, let’s get you to your room,” Clayton said as he stood.  He turned to her, regret written all over his face as he unceremoniously scooped her up from the settee and turned toward the hall.

Oh please!  No!  Not yet! 
But it was as if an invisible gag had been placed on her and she couldn’t tell him to stop, tell him that she wanted him to hold her, tell him how she was beginning to feel.  Summer then began to wonder if she ever would …

  Her stomach knotted up and she felt the first hot sting of tears threaten as he pushed the door to her room open with his foot, went in, and set her on the bed.  Her entire body went cold and she felt the familiar bracing of her spine, the tightness in her chest, as he looked down on her, his face an expressionless mask.

“Are you sure you’re all right?”

She would
not
start crying!  How could she explain herself if she did?  What would he think of her?  She quickly nodded without looking at him. It was then he bent down on one knee in front of her, and took her face in his hands.  “You wouldn’t be lying to me now, would ya?”

Her eyes widened.  “No,” came out barely a whisper.

“Well then, you get some sleep honey, you do look plumb tuckered out,” he said.  But he didn’t let go. Instead he knelt, her face in his hands, and stared into her eyes as if searching for something.  His head cocked to one side as he studied her further.  His eyes then inadvertently went to her mouth, and stayed there.