Whirlwind Bride

Before he could ask when the baby was due, Tony Santos rushed up. Doffing his hat, he gave Riley a quick hello before turning to Susannah. “Miz Phelps, did you get the telegram all right?”

“Yes, thank you, Mr. Santos.”

“I sent my nephew as soon as it came in, just like you asked.”

“I appreciate that.” She smiled, not showing any signs of the impatience clawing through Riley.

He cleared his throat, giving the older man an expectant look.

Tony shifted from one foot to the other, then smiled at Susannah. “I hope you’re having a nice day, ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

Riley stared hard at him until the older man stammered a goodbye.

As Tony walked away, she glared at Riley. “There’s no need to be rude.”

“How far along are you, anyway?”

“Just at five months,” she said tightly, flushing a dark rose. “I hardly think this conversation is appropriate.”

“Honey, you tried to hitch up with me. It doesn’t get more appropriate than that.”

“Must you keep bringing that up? We were both there. It’s not as if I don’t know what an idiot I made of myself.”

“I wouldn’t say you were an—what is that?”

“What?” Still sounding vexed, she looked over her shoulder.

“On your hand.” He’d caught a glint of something shiny, something gold. On her third finger. Lifting her left hand, he felt his jaw drop. “What is this?”

“A ring.”

“A wedding ring,” he clarified, his gaze shooting to hers. Her hand was stiff and hot. And tiny. Surely she hadn’t already married? He’d dropped her off at the hotel less than twenty-four hours ago!

“Yes, a wedding ring.” She snatched her hand away.

“You move fast.”

“It’s none of your concern.”

“I may not be marrying you, but I am still a friend of your family. I can’t just let you—”

“You have no say, Mr. Holt. None.” Color blazed in her high cheekbones, turning her eyes the color of heated sapphires. In spite of the irritation spiking inside him, Riley’s body hardened. She scrambled his thoughts quicker than a kick to the head.

He gestured to the ring. “What about this poor clod? Did you tell him? Who is it? One of the Baldwins?” For some reason, the possibility made him sick.

“I’m not married. I’m … a widow.”

For a full two seconds, he stared at her. “You’re what?”

“A widow.

A woman without a husband.”

“I know what a widow is!”

“Keep your voice down,” she whispered, looking around nervously.

“You’ve never been married.” What did he really know about her? “Have you?”

“No.” She stepped closer and he felt anger and desperation pouring off her. “But I refuse to let people know my baby as a bast—as illegitimate. The child is the innocent party here.” Riley agreed. Susannah’s delicate scent tugged at something inside him. How long had it been since he’d smelled anything besides himself and horse sweat? He cleared his throat. “Your condition will be obvious soon—”

“And by then people will have seen the ring.” She touched the band on her finger. “Hopefully, they’ll draw the conclusion that I’m a widow.”

“Who’s gonna believe that? You didn’t have the ring on yesterday.”

“I wore gloves,” she said defiantly. “Except at your ranch. Don’t you think this has gone on long enough? We’re starting to draw attention. Surely you can’t like that.”

He glanced around and noticed several people walking past with curious looks on their faces. Others stopped in the street, watching openly.

Riley lowered his voice. “What about your last name? It’s the same as your brother’s.”

She looked stricken for a moment then brightened. “I’ll say I married a distant cousin.”

“That would work.”

Jake Ross, a widower whose ranch adjoined the Rocking H, ambled up. Tipping his hat to Susannah, he said, “Mighty nice day, Miz Susannah.”

“Yes, it is.” Her eyes lit with hope, as if she thought Jake might rescue her.

Riley exchanged greetings with the typically shy man, waited until he’d moved on before turning back to Susannah. “I want you to tell me why you cooked up this scheme.”

“I don’t owe you any explanations.”

“Lady, you came here because of me.”

“Only because Adam assured me you wanted to marry me.”

“And you would’ve gone through with it, too. For that reason alone, I deserve an explanation.”

The color drained from her face. “All you need to know is that I’m posing as a widow so that I won’t bring disgrace to my child. I know how cruel people can be.”

Pain flared in her eyes, then was gone. Riley wondered what experience she’d had with cruelty. If Adam had sent her all the way to Texas, there must’ve been some. No doubt from wealthy families who called the tune in Susannah’s circles.

She was so delicate looking. His voice softened. “What happened to the father?”

“That’s none of your business.” Her face closed up. “I have it in my power to protect my child and that’s what I’m doing. You know what it’s like for an unmarried woman in my condition. Adam sent me here because of the scandal in St. Louis. This is my chance to start fresh, a place to give my baby a life where he or she isn’t shunned because of being illegitimate. I’m asking you to keep this between us. Please.”