Shane's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas #3) Read Online Free Page A

leave her somewhere? Sometimes women in your condition aren’t right in the head.”
    Addy laughed.  “Cookie is keeping her entertained.”
    Edith patted her hair.  “I mustn’t keep Cookie waiting, or dear Peg either.  Come, Addy, I’ll walk you to my place.”
    Addy stood and winked at Cecily.  “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
    “It was nice to meet you too.” She watched them walk to the door and was shocked when Edith glanced over her shoulder and glared at her.  Obviously, Edith didn’t like her, but she took things too far.
    Cookie was an older cowboy who worked for Cinders.  What he saw in Edith she’d never know.  He was the kindest, most nonjudgmental man, and Edith was his opposite.  What did they find to talk about?
    “Everything all right?” Shane’s soft voice came from behind, and she jumped.  Staring at him, words failed her, and her body began to shake. 
    He slowly walked to her, concern etched on his face.  “I scared you, didn’t I? I’m sorry,” he said in a soft voice.  Reaching out he cupped her shoulders in his big hands.  “I want you to feel safe here.  You were lost in thought.” He cocked his brow and slightly tilted his head as though waiting for an answer.
    “I suppose I was.” She took a big step back, escaping his hands.  His hands didn’t scare her as much as her reaction to them.  A warm tingling feeling coursed through her body.  Her heart continued to beat fast, but now it wasn’t out of fear.  “We’ve had company.  Poor Boy brought your purchases.  Edith stopped in.  Did you know she has a key and she used it to get in? Oh and I met a very nice woman, Addy.  She has one child and is expecting another.” She quickly glanced away. 
    “I’ll get the key from Edith.  She has no reason to let herself in.  Addy Quinn is a very nice woman.  Both her and her husband Keegan are pillars of the community.”
    “Yes, I couldn’t help but notice that Edith approves of her.”
    “Honey, Edith is just one person.  Don’t let her get you down.  So, did you like it?”
    Frowning she wondered which item he meant.  “You bought a lot of stuff.  You spent more than you needed to.  I can make butter and candles.”
    “I figured as much, but I thought we’d start off right with everything you’d need.  We still need to get a cow and some chickens.  I picked everything out myself.” He studied her face. 
    What was he looking for?
    “You did an excellent job.  Thank you.”
    Shane smiled and gave her a slight nod.  “I’ll see you later.”
    “Yes, later.” She went back to unpacking the boxes, waiting for Shane to leave.  As soon as he did, she quickly locked the door and checked the windows yet again.  She hoped she didn’t end up spending her life checking windows. 
    One last box and it contained clothes.  With great excitement, she took out the dress on the top.  It was pretty blue calico with ornate buttons on it.  She marveled at it.  Her clothes had always been hand sewn.  Under that dress lay two more.  One was green while the other was bright yellow.  She caressed the pretty fabric.  He had gone too far.  She’d have to pay him back, and she’d never be able to save any money and the box wasn’t even empty.  She found shoes, stockings and undergarments.  On the bottom was folded cloth unlike anything she’d seen before.  It looked to be sheer.  Reaching in she admired the softness of the fabric as she took it out.  Unfolding it, her heart dropped.  It was something she imagined a whore would wear.  You could see right through the material. 
    She re-folded it and put it back in the box.  He expected her to wear it to bed.  How could she have been so wrong about him? He was the town sheriff.  What was all that talk about his integrity? He certainly had everyone fooled.  She covered her mouth as her eyes widened.  Edith knew what he bought. 
    Back into the box went everything he had purchased for