Pioneer Love: Damaged Hearts Head West: Mail Order Bride 5 Bundle (9 page)

After the couple had left the band struck up and the music was loud and merry and went on well into the night. Ryan could not believe his little brother was married. What’s more that he was married to Ryan’s Mail Order Bride. But he was happy for Ian and could understand how the two had fallen so deeply in love. They seemed to be made for each other. Now he needed a break, needed to get away from the pressure of relatives who kept asking him when he was going to find his own wife. Looking around the room he saw a person alone, looking sad and lost and he knew just the person to escape with.

Straightening his back Ryan walked up to Jolene. She was sat alone in a corner and looked regal and yet somehow damaged. It brought out the man in him and he wanted to pick her up and whisk her away from here. Perhaps she was not used to such large gatherings. "Miss Jolene,” he said. “Anna's father has retired for the evening, but I am too wound up to be able to sleep anytime soon. Are you ready to retire, or would you like to give me the pleasure of your company?"

Jolene looked worried for a second before she smiled. "I could not sleep right now either,” she said. “So I'll give you my company if you give me yours."

Ryan grinned at her. "That is a deal,” he said. “If you'd follow me, it's a bit too loud in here for my taste." And he led her deep into the house to the quiet and seclusion of the library.

Chapter 3

Jolene bee-lined to the nearest sofa and sank gratefully down. She leaned her head back and sighed contentedly. Her eyes were closed and she let her mind relax without the sound of the piano and musicians. "Thank you for getting me out of there,” she said. “I love a good ball and dancing, but my feet were hurting really badly and for some reason I am just so tired. It feels great to get out of the noise and give my feet a proper rest."

Ryan chuckled, as he sank into another sofa nearby. "I could tell,” he said. “You had a slightly scrunched look on your face. I wanted to get away as well. I enjoy a good party but after a while you need to escape all the hassle about when I am going to marry."

Opening her eyes, Jolene turned her head toward him without actually raising it. Did he really say that?"I don't have a scrunched up look. How unladylike would that be?"

"Well I know what I saw,” Ryan said, “and you had a scrunched up look. Your nose went all crooked, your forehead creased and you were looking for an exit."

"I guess, maybe I was looking for a way out, but I still refuse to accept that I had a scrunched look."

Ryan guffawed and slapped his hands on his pants. "If there's one thing I've learned from Anna, it's that you do not argue with a lady."

"You've forgotten that a lady is always right,” Jolene said and then her eyebrows rose and she sat up to attention. “I can't believe Anna would ever argue or contradicted anyone, she's one of the meekest people I know."

"I'm afraid the Anna you know is very different than the one I know,” Ryan said and Jolene could see the amusement in his wide smile. “I made the mistake of assuming the same when I first met her, but she put me right in my place. I'd rather tackle a hundred wild mustangs than an angry Anna, so trust me I’ll never make that mistake again."

Jolene laughed in a twinkling voice and exclaimed, "I can't believe she stood up to you. She really has grown a lot since moving away."

"Ian has been good for her, I guess. I've heard a little about what it was like back in her old town and I can see why she was compliant then. But she's a real fireball now though so, I wouldn't mess with her if I were you."

Jolene laughed again. "I'd love to see her take on either one of you. It'd be fun to watch." In a more serious tone, she continued, "You have both been good for her, I can tell and I'm glad she found you as her new family. I'm sure the two of you will take care of her, and keep her safe."

"I love her like my own sister and Ian worships the ground she walks on, so you have nothing to worry about. It is us who are the lucky ones for having her come into our lives. I couldn't be happier for the both of them. Now tell me all about you and your upcoming wedding."

Jolene managed to keep the smile on her face. "I'm glad to hear that,” she said. “It’s getting late though and I think I'd best head off to my bed. See you for breakfast?"

"Yes, it would be nice to have your company. Mr. Montgomery is going to be having breakfast with me as well and I'd love for you to join us."

"Well, it’s settled then. Goodnight, Mr. Gellman." Jolene said, getting up to leave.

"Call me Ryan. Goodnight, Miss Tisdale," Ryan replied and they both left the room.

Chapter 4

The next morning, Ryan, Mr. Montgomery, and Jolene had breakfast together. Jolene and Mr. Montgomery laughed around as if they were father and daughter. Mr. Montgomery told Ryan stories of Jolene and Anna when they were little and the mischief they got up to.

Jolene teased Mr. Montgomery, saying "So, what is going on with you and Mrs. Hawkins?"

Ryan looked up curiously and said, "Mistress Hawkins? The Mail Order Bride agency lady?"

"Yes, that's the one. I saw some sparks flying between the two of them yesterday at the wedding," Jolene giggled.

Mr. Montgomery went red in the face, he was blushing so hard. Looking at his plate in earnest, he mumbled, "There was no such thing happening Jo. You'd best get that notion out of your head and don't mention this nonsense to Anna."

Jolene giggled but didn't continue teasing him and soon the topic was forgotten. They had a lovely morning laughing about and talking of Anna and life back home. Later, Jolene went out to meet the other guests and get to know them. She spent the day, moving from room to room, being friendly with everyone and joking around, amusing everyone. She had dinner in the guest dining hall with all the new friends she had made and had a great time talking and laughing with them all. It was so easy to fit in here and she could forget about home, about duty and marriage. Here she could just be herself even if only for a short while.

The next day she was in the activity room, playing the piano for a bunch of guests, who had gathered around. They were to leave soon and she was giving them a sort of sendoff. Jolene was talented and her fingers ran across the keys of their own accord, creating music that tantalized the senses.

She had just finished another piece when she looked up to see Ryan standing by the door, watching her with a look that could only be perceived as awe. Jolene found herself blushing at his gaze and she quickly looked away. She heard applause around her and nodded her head in thanks, smiling at her admirers.

She turned back towards the door, but Ryan had left. Confused by the way he had looked she turned back to the guests around her and accepted the compliments on her music skills.

Soon, it was time to say goodbye to all the friends and relatives who had come for the wedding. Jolene was going to miss them. With so many people in the house, it was full of bustle and hardly gave her time to think. Now they were going maybe it would soon be time for her to go home. But not before Anna came back, she had a few more days when she could catch up with her old friend.

Ryan came as well to see his extended family and friends off and the two of them bid everyone a safe journey. Now, only she and Mr. Montgomery remained from the wedding guests.

That night at dinner, Mr. Montgomery, Jolene and Ryan sat together enjoying a meal. Mr. Montgomery and Ryan had been in a deep discussion about sheep and the wool business for most of the dinner. Jolene was lost in thought and didn't realize that the two men had finished their discussion.

"Miss Jolene,” Ryan said jolting her from her thoughts. “I never knew you had such a hidden talent. You should've mentioned it earlier, I really enjoy music."

Jolene looked up from her plate and into Ryan's eyes. He was gazing at her with such intensity and Jolene felt her cheeks redden. Slightly uncomfortable with his stare, she looked away. "I enjoy music as well,” she replied. “I’m just not that comfortable talking about it."

Ryan frowned at her awkward reply and wondering what it was about. Before he could investigate further, Mr. Montgomery said, "She's a musical genius. She can not only play the piano but the harp and the violin too. She would often play for Jonathan though he could be a hard taskmaster." He gushed, pride showing in his eyes.

Ryan looked at Jolene with his eyebrows raised, clearly impressed. "I must hear you play sometime. You are very talented from the little I heard today and I'd love to hear more."

Jolene grew more uncomfortable by the minute. She had escaped home and did not want to hear about it here. While here she wanted to forget her old life, if only for a little while. "Yes, thank you,” she said standing. “I will play for you some other time. If you'd excuse me, I forgot there was something I needed to do." And with that she quickly vacated the room, leaving Ryan confused about her behavior.

Chapter 5

The next morning, Anna and Ian returned from their short trip. Jolene rushed to hug her best friend as she stepped inside the house. Laughing, Anna hugged her and turned towards her father and after hugging him, she greeted Ryan. They all went to the private living room for family members only and sat down to talk and catch up. Mr. Montgomery would be leaving the next day so Anna wanted to spend as much time as she could with him.

This left Jolene with an entire day to herself. She helped around the kitchen, but there wasn't much to do since all the guests had left and the paying boarders hadn't yet arrived. So she found herself wandering with nothing much to do. At last she craved fresh air and went out to the stables. The weather had been good this last month or so she had been told. There was none of the famous snow which Jolene had rather looked rather to if she were honest. There might even have been a chance of them getting cut off. Now how exciting would that have been?

Walking past the stalls she came to the horse that was Anna’s. Quickly she fed him an apple and then taking a brush she began brushing Lighter's coat. Lighter, was Anna's very own horse, a gift from Ian. He was a fine beast and Jolene had found herself instantly drawn towards this gentle creature. After a good brush and some apples, Jolene saddled him up with the help of a stableboy and was just climbing on when Ryan walked in.

She settled herself on Lighter securely and was turning him around to walk out the gate when Ryan came and stood in front of her. She pulled on the reins, stopping Lighter and glared at Ryan. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Lighter, could've stomped on you or trampled you or something."

Ryan grinned up at her, unfazed by her anger. "Lighter's very perceptive,” he said tipping back his hat so she could see his eyes. “He'd never stomp or trample or anything of the sort. Are you off for a ride?"

Still glaring at him, Jolene sarcastically replied, "No, I thought I'd take Lighter for a stroll. Let him stretch his legs."

Undeterred, Ryan smiled at her. "That’s a great idea,” he said. “I think Bella needs to stretch her legs as well. Mind if we join you?"

Jolene wanted to say no, she wanted some time to think, to decide what to do. But she could not do that it would be rude. "If you make it quick, I guess I can wait for you to saddle up," she said knowing that she sounded like a petulant child and cursing herself for being rude to this handsome cowboy.

Smiling at his small victory Ryan tipped his hat and raced for the stables. What had gotten into her, he wondered and why was she behaving this way? It didn’t matter she was beautiful beyond any woman he had ever seen and there was something about her that drew him. “Like a moth to the flame,” he said and laughed at himself. Quickly he saddled up his horse and soon was trotting out alongside her. They sauntered side by side for a bit, in silence before Ryan turned to her and gave her his best smile. "So, how good a rider are you?"

"I'm pretty good. Why do you ask?" she said.

"Well, if you're as good as you say then I'm sure you can easily catch up." And with that he kicked Bella into a gallop. The Chestnut horse leaped forward as fast as her legs would carry her.

Laughing, Jolene urged Lighter into a canter and then leaning over the horses gray neck she kicked and whispered to urge him even faster. Soon the horse was streaking across the green plain as fast as he could and she urged him on to try and catch up. This was such fun. With the wind in her hair and the exhilaration of the ride she felt so free. Jonathan would think it so unladylike and would not allow her to have such fun. He would never even allow her to ride astride at home. Luckily she had a riding habit and had remembered to pack it. Urging Lighter even faster she pulled up to Ryan and then they were neck and neck. She flashed a smile at Ryan and the grin he gave her in return sent shivers down her back. Turning forward she leaned over even further and whispered to Lighter to run. Lighter pulled ahead. Laughing and having a hearty time, Jolene didn't slow down until Ryan called out that he was done and that she had won. Then, she eased up and turned Lighter around in a big circle. Feeling real joy for the first time in over a month she trotted back to where Ryan had tied Bella to a tree and had sunk to the ground to get some rest.

For a second she wondered if it was right to sit down with him. They were not chaperoned, how would it look? But she was supposed to be engaged and no one would imagine anything would happen. Tying her horse next to his, she sat down next to him and took a moment to catch her breath and enjoy the sights around her. A grass plain stretched up to snow topped mountains. In the distance cattle grazed, and a buzzard circled above them. Catching the thermals and drifting lazily like a cloud. It was amazing just to stare and wonder what it must be like living here.

After a couple of minutes of peace, Ryan broke the silence. "Is there anything you're not good at?" he asked.

Jolene turned to him and laughed. "Lots of things, really," she said.

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah, like what?"

"I can't think of anything at the moment, but I'm sure there has to be." They both laughed at that and silence fell once again. It was relaxing and comfortable and she felt at ease with this big man. He would never hurt her of that she was sure.

After another few minutes, Ryan coughed. She turned her eyes to him. There was something in his eyes that made her stare.

"Can I ask you something?" he said.

He had lowered his gaze and was staring at the leather chaps that covered his legs. This was curious, for he looked shy. "Yes. Go ahead," she replied but there was a catch in her voice, did she want to hear this?

Ryan picked a blade of grass and twirled it in his fingers before looking up. "You’re engaged, right?"

Confused, she nodded. "Yes." Why was he asking and where would this lead?

"So, why did he not come with you?" He looked up to see the pain in her eyes.

Seeing him watch her, she looked away.

"It's as I said before, it would've been inappropriate for him to come along," Jolene said, averting her eyes.

"It wouldn't have been inappropriate and you know it. I saw your face and I don't believe that’s the reason he didn't come. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but maybe you should, maybe you need a friend."

Jolene looked into his caring eyes and saw the concern there and before she could think about it, she blurted out, "I broke off the engagement."