Cinders' Bride: Mail Order Brides of Texas Read Online Free Page A

reins and nodded to Cinders. He seemed to be bigger than Cinders with brown hair and dark brown eyes, which were now trained on her. His whistling stopped and his jaw dropped. “You finally found us some entertainment? I know I mentioned it a time or two, but I never thought you’d do it. Now we won’t have to go to town so often, we’ll have our own gal to give us relief. What’s wrong with her face? Is she hiding a wart under that bandage?”
    She gasped and her hand instantly lay on her cheek.
    “Tramp, this is my wife, Shannon.” His voice was slow and steady but the warning was clear.
    Tramp didn’t apologize or acknowledge her, but kept his gaze on Cinders. “Sure, Boss, just glad you’re back.”
    “I’ll be out in a few,” Cinders said.
    Tramp shrugged. “Take your time.” He then winked at her when Cinders wasn’t paying attention.
    She’d have to put him on her list of lowdown snakes. The list only had John Hardy on it and now there were two names. She hoped her list didn’t grow any longer.
    Cinders grabbed her reticule out of the wagon and led her to the front door. He opened it and ushered her in. “I, um, I didn’t expect to have a guest. It’s a busy time of year.”
    She winced in pain when she tried to smile. “It’s fine. Nothing some soap, water, a duster and broom won’t fix. It’s lovely actually.”
    “I built it myself.”
    “You did a great job, Mitch.”
    “Mitch?” His eyebrows rose.
    “I’m trying out first names for you. I figure if I keep at it I’ll get it right.”
    “You’ve had a bad few days yet you still are able to find humor. I think we’ll get on just fine. Make yourself at home. The bedroom is through the door on the right. If you need, well if you need the necessary, the outhouse is out the back door. I’ll bring in some water for you in a bit and I’ll send Cookie in to help you put away the grub I bought at the mercantile.” He hesitated as though he was afraid to leave her alone.
    “I’ll be fine. I’m sure you have a cow or two to milk or something.”
    He laughed. “There you go with that sense of humor. Okay, I’ll be by in a bit.”
    The door closed behind him as she made mental note. He doesn’t milk cows.

 
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
     
    Cookie muttered when he brought in the supplies. He muttered while putting things away and he really muttered when he grabbed the things Shannon had put away and put them where he thought best.
    They didn’t talk to each other and she was beginning to get annoyed. She was the wife of the house and she could arrange the kitchen the way she wanted. But she bit her tongue the whole time Cookie muttered.
    “Coffee?” she asked.
    “Are you offering or ordering some?”
    Putting her hands on her hips, she stared him down. She wasn’t sure if her stare worked on grouchy old cowboys, but it did work in New York City.
    “What’s that look for? Got you skirts all twisted or something?”
    Gasping, she grabbed the coffee beans. She meant to make it all along. How can one person be so infuriating? “You know, you haven’t said one word to me this whole time. And don’t think I can’t hear you muttering about interfering women because I can. No my skirts are not in a twist and no I’m not ordering you around. I wouldn’t even know how to act if someone made coffee for me. I’m usually the one who does for others.” Her face heated as she tried to curb her temper.
    “Kinda feisty aren’t ya?”
    “Listen Mr. Cookie— what? Why are you laughing?”
    “It’s Cookie, no mister. I do believe that boy has finally found a good match. Yes you will do just fine.” He smiled until his dimples showed.
    “I’m glad to meet you approval.” She put down the coffee, turned and picked up her bag, then marched into the bedroom and slammed the door. The resulting laughter had her shaking her head. “Grouchy old bear.”
    After she set her bag on the floor, a feeling of unease come over her. There were