Free Desperate Lola (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 2) by Carré White Page A

husband, then who shall I confide in?”
    He touched my hair, gazing at my face. “All right. Say what you wish, but save it until after the ceremony.”
    “I’ll try.”
    “Get dressed. I’ll meet you in the foyer.”
    I felt my hair realizing most of it had come loose. “I need Mrs. Boles. Can you send her up?”
    “Certainly.”
    The appearance of his grin transformed his face. In good-humor, he looked far younger than his age. I waited for him to leave, but he remained where he was, staring at me. I wondered what it was he thought, but he broke the spell by turning for the door then, leaving me to make myself presentable. After Mrs. Boles refastened the pins, I joined Mr. Kelly in the entranceway, where he held out his hand.
    “Shall we try this again?”
    “Yes.”
    He led me to the front steps, where the carriage waited. Henry had opened the door. “We’ve had the practice run. Things should go smoother now, don’t you think?”
    What a difference an hour made. “Yes.” I stepped into the conveyance, and, to my surprise, he sat next to me, his arm going around my shoulder.
    “Drive on, Henry!”
    “Yes, sir.”
    I gazed at Mr. Kelly, feeling something akin to crickets jumping in my belly. My hand remained on his chest, feeling the heat of him through several layers of clothing. I scarcely looked out the window, the only view of interest being his face. Whatever cologne he wore teased me with hints of citrus and sandalwood. It was the same aroma that lingered around my face, as I had not washed after kissing him. It was like a brand of sorts, reminding me of the far too brief moments in his embrace.
    “We’re nearly there.”
    My arm slid around his neck. “So soon?”
    He patted my back. “Yes, my dear.” Pushing me away gently, he pulled out a watch that hung on a thick, gold chain. “We’re considerably late. I hope Pastor Kinsley’s still about.”
    I could only stare at him, marveling at how different he seemed now.
    His arm tightened around my back. “I want to be deserving of that look.”
    “What look?”
    “Trust and love.”
    Is that how I appeared? My emotions had altered so drastically, from outrage to despair to hope and affection. “Isn’t this better than anger?”
    “Yes. Your words bothered me.”
    “Which ones?” I giggled.
    “How I was not kind or warm. I didn’t realize I was so severe.”
    “But you’re right. We don’t know each other. We only met yesterday. You’re practical. I’m far too sensitive. I’ll try to not be that way.”
    “I find I might like your passion, Lola.” He glanced at me. “Don’t change at all. Don't change a thing.”
    The carriage had stopped before the church, Henry having come around to open the door. I had been utterly enthralled with Mr. Kelly, ignoring the sights of Boot Creek, although, from the looks of it, there wasn’t much to see.
    “Well, maybe there’s some hope for us after all,” I murmured.

Chapter 9
    P astor Kinsley had been expecting us; the tall, thin man waited by the door with a smile on his face. “Hello. You made it.”
    “Yes, there were some bumps in the road,” said Mr. Kelly, casting a smile my way. He held my hand, leading me up the wooden steps. “I think we’ve gotten over the worst of it.”
    “Mrs. Hershey was here earlier. She’s arranged a small reception at the hotel.”
    We stood inside the doorway, while the aroma of incense pervaded my senses. “I’d like to meet her. She brokered this marriage, after all.”
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Pastor Kinsley held out his hand.
    I shook it. “It’s good to meet you as well.” He was younger than I thought, with hair nearly the color of my own. His blue eyes shone pleasantly, the look boyish, yet charming.
    “Mrs. Hershey’s pet project gives me headaches. She believes she’s performing an invaluable service with this match making scheme, but the last time nearly ended in disaster.”
    “It did?” My eyes