A Country Affair(51)

“We were that obvious?” It still troubled Rorie that Kate had known, especially since both she and Clay had tried so hard to hide their feelings.

Skip’s shrug was carefree. “I don’t think so, but I don’t care about love and all that.”

“Give it time, little brother,” Clay murmured, “because when it hits, it’ll knock you for a loop.”

Mary stepped into the room, carrying a platter of meat. “So the two of you are getting hitched?”

Their laughter signaled a welcome release from all the tensions of the past weeks. Clay pulled out Rorie’s chair, then sat down beside her. His hand reached for hers, lacing their fingers together. “Yes,” he said, still smiling, “we’ll be married as soon as we can get the license and talk to the pastor.”

Mary pushed the basket of biscuits closer to Skip. “Well, you don’t need to fret—I’ll stay for a couple more years until I can teach this child the proper way to feed a man. She may be pretty to look at, but she don’t know beans about whipping up a decent meal.”

“I’d appreciate that, Mary,” Rorie said. “I could do with a few cooking lessons.”

The housekeeper’s smile broadened. “Now, go ahead and eat before the potatoes get cold and the gravy gets lumpy.”

Skip didn’t need any further inducement. He helped himself to the biscuits, piling three on the edge of his plate.

Mary playfully slapped his hand. “I’ve got apple pie for dessert, so don’t go filling yourselves up on my buttermilk biscuits.” Her good humor was evident as she surveyed the table, glancing at everyone’s plate, then bustled back to the kitchen.

Rorie did her best to sample a little of everything. Although the meal was delicious, she was too excited to do anything as mundane as eat.

After dinner, Skip made himself scarce. Mary delivered a tray with two coffee cups to the living room, where Clay and Rorie sat close together on the couch. “You two have lots to talk about, so you might as well drink this while you’re doing it.”

“Thank you, Mary,” Clay said, exchanging a smile with Rorie.

The older woman set the tray down, then patted the fine gray hair at the sides of her head. “I want you to know how pleased I am for you both. Have you set the date yet?”

“We’re talking about that now,” Clay answered. “We’re going to call Rorie’s family in Arizona this evening and discuss it with them.”

Mary nodded. “She’s not the woman I would’ve chosen for you, her being a city girl and all, but she’ll make you happy.”

Clay’s hand clasped Rorie’s. “I know.”

“She’s got a generous soul.” The housekeeper looked at Rorie and her gaze softened. “Fill this house with children—and with love. It’s been quiet far too long.”

The phone rang in the kitchen and, with a regretful glance over her shoulder, Mary hurried to answer it. A moment later, she stuck her head around the kitchen door.

“It’s for you, Clay. Long distance.”

Clay’s grimace was apologetic. “I’d better get it.”

“You don’t need to worry that I’ll leave,” Rorie said with a laugh. “You’re stuck with me for a lot of years, Clay Franklin.”

He kissed her before he stood up, then headed toward the kitchen. Rorie sighed and leaned back, cradling her mug. By chance, her gaze fell on the photograph of Clay’s parents, which rested on top of the piano. Once more, Rorie felt the pull of his mother’s eyes. She smiled now, understanding so many things. The day she’d planned to leave Elk Run, this same photograph had captured her attention. The moment she’d walked into this house, Rorie had belonged to Clay and he to her. Somehow, looking at his mother’s picture, she’d sensed that. She belonged to this home and this family.

Clay returned a few minutes later, with Blue trailing him. “Just a call from the owner of one of the horses I board,” he said, as he sat down beside Rorie and placed his arm around her shoulders. His eyes followed hers to the photo. “Mom would have liked you.”

Rorie sipped her coffee and smiled. “I know I would have loved her.” Setting her cup aside, she reached up and threw both arms around Clay’s neck. Gazing into his eyes, she brought his mouth down to hers.

Perhaps it was her imagination or an optical illusion—in fact, Rorie was sure of it. But she could have sworn the elegant woman in the photograph smiled.



Country Bride




Contents




Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue



One


“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

A burst of organ music crescendoed through the largest church in Nightingale, Oregon, as a murmur of shared happiness rose from the congregation.

Standing at the altar, Clay Franklin claimed his right to kiss Rorie Campbell Franklin, his bride.

Kate Logan did her best to look delighted for her friends, even though she felt as if a giant fist had been slammed into her stomach. Tears gathered in her eyes and she lowered her gaze, unable to watch as the man she’d loved for most of her life wrapped his arm around his new bride’s waist.