A Mail-Order Escape Page 4

  At least, he always had been up until she’d said, “I do.”

  She looked back at Owen, openly scrutinizing him now. Who was the true Owen, the one that no one else saw? If she let herself get to know him more, would she find out?

  She shook her head and turned away. There was no point going down that road. She wouldn’t have the kind of love some of Ivan’s other brides had found. While she wanted to have a love like that, she knew not everyone got their happy ending, and she wasn’t willing to take the risk again. And she certainly wasn’t going to risk any man hurting her son.

  She had a home, she was financially secure, and she had Jack. What more did she need?

  She ignored the pull Owen had on her and focused on her work.

  She had to be content with what she already had and leave it at that.

  The Spring Festival was in full swing when Sawyer, the town’s sheriff, and his wife, Clara, another of Ivan’s mail order brides, arrived. Jack was tucked snugly in Clara’s arms above her curved stomach, but that didn’t stop Clara from giving Sadie a quick squeeze.

  “Everything looks amazing! You all outdid yourselves.”

  “I couldn’t have stopped Juliette from her flower making if I wanted to. And I really wanted to.”

  Clara spun around. “Well it looks incredible. I’m sorry I wasn’t more help.”

  “You helped plenty.” Sadie reached for her son with a meaningful nod at the sleeping bundle. “I couldn’t have hung nearly as many flowers if I’d needed to take care of him too.” She glanced to Sawyer. “I hope he wasn’t any trouble.”

  The sheriff wrapped his arms around his wife and smiled down at Jack. “He was great. I only hope our son sleeps nearly as well.”

  Clara pinched his stomach playfully. “It could be a daughter.” She arched a brow in challenge.

  Sawyer winced dramatically. “Then we’re sure to get no sleep at all.”

  Sadie and Clara both laughed.

  “I’ll have you know”—Clara poked him again—“my mother told me all of her girls were far easier than the boys. And after twelve kids, I think she knows.”

  Sawyer clucked. “Can’t argue with that.” He smiled and placed a soft kiss on Clara’s lips, before putting his hand on her stomach.

  It was such an intimate moment; Sadie had to look away. There hadn’t been anyone to share her pregnancy with. The other women had helped her, of course, but they couldn’t take the place of a husband who was as excited as she was about the new life growing inside her. For that matter, her own husband couldn’t have taken the place of the husband she wished he’d been.

  Sadie hated her late husband, but none of those feeling had ever trickled over to Jack. He was his own person, a miracle sent from Heaven, and he was all hers. But looking at Clara and Sawyer, she wondered what it would have been like to share that experience with another. To have someone jump with joy at the realization they were going to have a child, to celebrate the first kick, or be in awe at the first sight of them.

  Sadie’s eyes trailed beyond Sawyer’s shoulder and connected with Owen’s. Her breath escaped from her lungs in a rush as their eyes met, his eyes seeming to devour her, as if he could hear her thoughts and feel her deepest desires.

  Heavens, what was wrong with her? Why was he affecting her this way? Every time she told herself not to think of him in any intimate way, she found herself doing exactly that. But he’d helped her deliver Jack, for heaven’s sake! She couldn’t just brush that away as if it didn’t matter.

  And if she were honest, a part of her didn’t want to anymore. He’d been there for her; he was her friend. She simply needed to accept that and stop fighting it.

  Owen said a quick goodbye to the couple he’d been chatting with and made his way over to where she still stood, frozen.

  Sadie twisted her fingers together, trying to even out her breaths now that her heart and lungs had kicked up a beat.

  “Sawyer, Clara, it’s good to see you!” Owen clapped Sawyer on the back, and the sheriff gave him a huge grin, before shaking his hand.

  “You as well. How are things on the ranch?”

  “Everything’s running smoothly.” Owen looked at Clara. “I heard you watched Jack this morning. Lucky you.”

  Clara’s soft laughter floated on the air, and Sadie noticed a few people glance their way. Clara had always been able to put others at ease. She’d been the mother hen of the group, and had taken care of them all when they’d first arrived. Sadie wasn’t at all surprised she’d been the first to marry.

  Clara winked at Owen. “You should try it sometime. I bet Sadie would let you.” Clara looked to Sadie for confirmation.

  “Of course. If you ever wanted to, that is.” Sadie didn’t know what else to say. She didn’t necessarily need Owen to watch Jack, there were always plenty of volunteers, but she wouldn’t stop him if he wanted to.

  “I’d like that.”

  Clara beamed, as if she knew what his response would be all along.

  A slow tune floated through the air, and couples squealed in delight, Clara included. She gripped Sawyer’s arm. “You have to dance with me. It’s been too long.”

  The besotted man smiled lovingly at his wife’s upturned face. “How could I deny you?” He looked to Sadie and Owen. “It was nice seeing you.”

  “You too,” Sadie said, waving them off.

  Everyone looked so happy pairing up with their loved ones, and as she was foolishly wishing she had someone of her own, Owen stepped in front of her, holding out his hand. “Would you dance with me?” When she hesitated, he leaned forward and added, “It’s been years, so I figure I should give it another shot with a partner who won’t yell when I step on her feet.”

  A laugh bubbled up and replaced any misgivings she had about dancing with him. “I’m more likely to step on yours.”

  “I have thick boots.”

  “What about Jack?” She glanced down at the sleeping bundle, realizing she couldn’t dance while holding him.

  As if on cue, Violet came to her side. “May I take Jack? I don’t want to dance, and I doubt anyone will ask if I’m holding him.”

  The blue-eyed, dark-haired beauty had been a shrew when she’d first arrived, scaring off most of her potential suitors with her behavior. If she really wanted to avoid dancing, she wouldn’t need Jack to do that, but Sadie was grateful. She did want to dance, at least this once. “He’s all yours.”

  Violet’s icy-blue eyes landed on her son, and she softened as she cooed at the baby. “Thank you, you’ve made my life easier. Come here, you sweet boy.” Violet took the bundle and cuddled the baby close for a moment, before placing a kiss on his nose as she turned to leave. “You and Auntie Violet are going to have the best time.”

  When she was gone, Owen asked, “Auntie Violet?”

  Sadie shook her head and held up her hands. “I have no control over it. All the women seem to have taken on the title.”

  “That’s wonderful. Jack has many people in his life who love him.”

  “He does.” And although he wouldn’t have the love of a father, he would have Owen to stand in his place.

  Owen glanced to the floor and held up his hand in offering again. “Shall we?”

  “Yes.” She placed her hand in his, relishing their connection for once, instead of shying away. What was it about him that made her so aware of him? What made her notice things such as the rough callouses on his palms…and how they would feel on the rest of her body?

  She watched him closely, but he didn’t show any reaction at all from her touch. Maybe it was only she who was affected.

  That was a relief actually. She didn’t feel as skittish when she thought his feelings were purely platonic. Maybe she’d been thinking too much about it. Her feelings and attraction could’ve easily clouded the situation. He’d only ever stated he was her friend, nothing more.

  He led her onto the floor and confidently swept her close in his arms, surprising a gasp from her. “I tho
ught you said you hadn’t done this in years.”

  “I haven’t.”

  “Could’ve fooled me. You’re a natural.”

  He leaned forward and his breath tickled her ear. “Maybe with the right partner.”

  Before she could react, he’d already leaned back and reestablished some space between them. He took off with a twirl, and she giggled at the extravagance. “I think you’re pulling my leg.”

  “Honestly, I’m not. However, I did dance a lot when I was younger. My mother forced me to learn so I could sweep a lady off her feet.”

  “You certainly could.”

  “Thank you.”

  He guided her into a series of steps that would normally have her stumbling, but with Owen, it felt natural, easy even. She seemed to know where he would lead her, what she should do, before he guided her there.

  “You’re pretty good at this yourself. Did you dance a lot back home?” he asked.

  “Not at all. I usually avoided dances like the plague. You might have been joking about stepping on toes, but I certainly wasn’t.”

  Her gave her an amused glance. “You haven’t stepped on my toes yet. I’m not certain I believe you.”

  “It’s true,” she said, laughing when he twirled her again.

  He must’ve liked her reaction, because he continued to twirl her until she thought she might get a stitch in her side from giggling so much. “You win!”

  He pulled her in close, but this time, she didn’t freeze. She was too amused by his antics, and simply stood in his arms, relaxed and enjoying herself, while they smiled at one another.

  He reached up and tucked a loose auburn curl behind her ear. “We should do this again.”

  “I’d like that.” And she meant it. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun or laughed as much. She needed more of this in her life.

  “Good.” The song ended and transitioned into a two-step. “How about one more?”

  Sadie glanced over at Violet and saw her turn down a potential partner by nuzzling Jack a little closer and looking over-dramatically regretful. Sadie snorted in amusement and turned back to Owen. “Absolutely.”

  He whooped and swung her into a jig which set off another round of giggles.

  Chapter 5

  “You really didn’t need to drive all the way to get me. I could’ve taken our wagon,” Sadie said, cuddling Jack as Owen helped them out of his wagon.

  “Absolutely not. I need to know you both are safe to and from my home. I would have ended up following behind you in another wagon just to be certain you made it all right.” And he would have too. There was no way he’d feel comfortable leaving Sadie to drive that stretch after dark, with or without Jack, while predators were out in full force. She was strong and capable, but Owen didn’t want either of them fending for themselves.

  Sadie rolled her eyes, but smiled gratefully. “Well that would have been a waste.”

  “Exactly. So I appreciate you letting me drive you.” He nodded toward the house. “Head inside and get comfortable. I’ll take care of the wagon.”

  It was getting dark earlier than expected, and Owen glanced up to view dark, rolling clouds quickly moving their way. With any luck, he hoped they’d blow right past them.

  He put the wagon in the barn and handled the horse with care, before doing the rest of the needed chores as quickly as he could. He wanted to spend as much time with Sadie and Jack as possible. He’d been trying for weeks to get her to have dinner with him at his ranch, and he’d finally persuaded her. There was no way he wanted to miss a moment more than necessary.

  He walked inside and found Sadie in the rocking chair, snuggling Jack. She peaked up at him sheepishly. “I hope you don’t mind. I don’t have a rocking chair at the house, and I couldn’t resist.”

  The rocking chair had been in Owen’s family for generations. His mother had rocked him in it, and it seemed right to see Sadie and Jack there now. During the short three days she’d recovered at his house, she’d stayed in her room most of the time and hadn’t sat in it. “I’m glad you did. It doesn’t get much use.”

  “You don’t sit in it?” She leaned her head against the high back and closed her eyes as she rocked. Her expression was pure bliss.

  “No. But with how good it’s looking right now, maybe I should.”

  She opened her eyes and gave him an amused smile. “I’m a little jealous.”

  “Why don’t we take it back with you? You could borrow it until you don’t need it anymore.”

  She stopped rocking. “I couldn’t. It looks like it’s been well loved and must have been in your family a long time.” She ran her hands over the smooth, worn hand rests.

  “It has. But it seems a waste to have it sitting here when you could be enjoying it. It would just be a loan.”

  She bit her lower lip, and he could tell she was contemplating it. “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?”

  He knew then that she was going to take it, and pride filled his chest. Jack wasn’t his son by blood, but it felt good knowing he’d be rocked in the chair meant for Owen’s children. “Of course. We can take it back with us tonight after dinner.”

  She started rocking again and let out a deep, satisfied sigh. “All right. I really don’t want to fight against taking it. I’d love to use the chair. It would make my time with Jack during the night so much easier.”

  He imagined it would. It felt good to provide her with something that would make things better for both her and her baby. It made him want to give them even more. “Excellent.”

  Owen offered a hand to help her up. He glanced at Jack and noticed his slack jaw a moment before he started making a sucking motion in his sleep. They both laughed softly, sharing the sweet moment. “I made sure a bed was set up for him in one of the spare rooms. Looks like it’ll be put to good use.”

  She met his eyes. “You didn’t have to do that. I don’t mind holding him.”

  “Who would? But I wanted you to have the option.”

  “Thank you,” she said softly. “That was very thoughtful.”

  She looked surprised by the fact that he’d thought of their needs. Didn’t she realize how much they meant to him? “Of course.”

  Her eyes darted to the hall leading to the bedrooms. “I think I’ll lay him down. He’ll probably rest easier, and then we won’t have to whisper as much.”

  “Take your time. I’ll be in the kitchen, if you need anything.”

  She nodded, then walked toward the bedrooms.

  Owen watched her disappear down the hall with Jack, and he rubbed a palm over his heart. He didn't realize how much it would affect him to have them here again. Everything just looked right, felt right. He wanted to see Sadie walk down that hall with Jack often.

  Were his feelings progressing too quickly? He certainly didn’t think so. His dad had always said he’d known Owen’s mom was the woman he would marry the moment he first saw her.

  Owen couldn’t say he’d known the minute he’d seen Sadie, since he’d gone straight into emergency mode to help deliver Jack, but he’d had an inkling right after. And every time he’d seen her and Jack since then has only deepened that feeling.

  He wanted to care for them. He just hoped she’d let him.

  Sadie finished laying Jack in the crib Owen had set up. It had the same look of the rocking chair in the living room and she realized it too must have been in his family for about the same length of time. Perhaps a grandfather had made the set. She loved the thought of someone making something each generation could enjoy. She didn’t have anything like that. Her family’s means had been modest, and at times, it had been hard just to get by.

  She had been given a necklace with a single pearl, which had belonged to her grandmother, but Gerald sold it soon after they were married, and her heart had shattered from losing the treasured link to her past.

  She walked down the hallway to the kitchen, and her pulse fluttered as Owen dished up plates of food for them. It
was still such an odd sight to see a man doing those kinds of things. Her parents had a very traditional relationship, and her mother had waited on her father hand and foot. Her own marriage had been the same, though by force more than by choice.

  She didn’t know what to think when Owen did little things like this. She stepped into the kitchen. “Would you like me to finish doing that?”

  He smiled at her over his shoulder, before continuing to pile on the food. “No, I’m almost finished. Go ahead and have a seat.”

  “Thanks.” She could tell he truly didn’t mind doing it. He seemed at ease, and she wondered if he didn’t mind only because he’d been alone for so long. Unless his cook served him dinner, which she seriously doubted by the looks of it, he was obviously used to fending for himself. “I’m still not used to being served like this.”

  He placed the plate with a generous serving in front of her. “Does Sylvia not serve you dinner?”

  “Sometimes.” She picked up her fork. “But she works so much that we usually tell her it isn’t necessary.” She tasted the food and closed her eyes in bliss. His cook was amazing. Sadie studied the next forkful for a moment, trying to figure out what had been added to the pot pie to make it so delicious, but decided she’d just have Owen ask for her.

  He took a seat with his plate. “That’s nice of you all.”

  “A lot of us aren’t used to having the help. Frankly, a lot of us were the help, so we’re understanding.” Sadie snorted in amusement, before taking another bite. “I think even Violet is coming around.”

  Owen raised a brow, but Sadie rolled her eyes. “She’s come a long way.”

  “I’ve seen how good she is with Jack.”

  “That surprised us all.” Sadie took a sip of water. “I don’t think she’s ever been around children before. She was nervous at first, but after a time or two of holding him when we forced her to do it, she’s taken with him. She’ll make a wonderful mother someday…if she can meet the right man.” And Sadie was confident that she would. She just didn’t know if that man was in Promise Creek.