Free Libbie: Bride of Arizona (American Mail-Order Bride 48) by Linda Carroll-Bradd Page B

pictures…Oh, you’re so kind to think of this.” Libbie lifted the nosegay of unknown flowers to her face and inhaled a sweet fragrance. The white blossoms were long and trumpet-like, and the pink ones were clusters of tiny blooms. Maybe holding something would hide the shaking of her hands. Her thoughts drifted to what might be happening with her birds and how they were making the adjustment to their new home. Just as important was the fact she needed to inform Dell about their presence.
    When she’d arrived at the livery the second time, she’d inquired, and William informed her he’d had the freight wagons loaded with the crates and her luggage driven out to the Bar S Ranch. She knew Jomo would be sure the birds were settled, but she hated leaving all the work to him. After all, her parents had entrusted her with caring for the ostriches. The flock represented the last present she’d ever receive.
    “What’s that sad expression for, miss?” Hazel removed the parasol from Libbie’s hand and folded it.
    “Sorry. My thoughts were with my family who are not here.” Her breath caught at the partial lie and how her words might sound ungrateful. “But I’m glad my new family is present. Thank you for all you’ve done.”
    Emitting a giggle, Maida threw her arms around Libbie’s shoulders. “I’m glad to finally have a sister in my life.”
    For a moment, Libbie closed her eyes, and wished she could absorb some of this curvy woman’s enthusiasm. She lifted a hand to place on top of Maida’s and gave a squeeze. Their circumstances of being the only daughter in a family of sons was similar. Like the bond she’d had with Grace on the train, Libbie viewed this young woman as her ally—with developing ties already stronger than those she’d had with her Boston cousins.
    Hazel and Maida then tugged and smoothed the fit of Libbie’s dress, chattering about the cut and the fabric, and lamenting the lack of a veil. The hem of her dress was shaken to remove as much reddish Arizona dirt as possible. Their attentions distracted her from her earlier sadness and flutters settled in her stomach.
    A throat clearing alerted them to William’s presence a second before he appeared in the open doorway. “I’m here to escort the bride.”
    After accepting final best wishes from the women, Libbie took a deep breath and smiled at the older man. “I am ready.”
    “You look right pretty, Miss Libbie.” William extended an elbow in the same fashion his son had.
    “Thank you.” Her throat grabbed tight and she could say no more.
    With measured steps, they advanced down the church’s center aisle.
    Libbie thought of making her family proud and walked with her shoulders back and her head up, focusing her gaze on the waiting tall, dark-haired man.
    Beside him stood a middle-aged man wearing a black suit and a gray scarf that hung past his waist.
    During the last few steps, she glanced at the glowing sconces on the back wall and two tall candles burning on a side table next to the thick book Hazel had carried.
    “Good afternoon, young lady. I’m Pastor Reynolds.” He smiled, and the skin around his blue eyes crinkled.
    “P-Pastor.” Libbie dipped her chin, embarrassed at the catch in her voice. Now that the moment was here she couldn’t fight the anxiety. What if this choice was the biggest mistake of her life? Maybe she should have fought harder to stay in Boston, at least until she’d received word from one of her brothers.
    “Normally, I would already know these details, but special circumstances exist today.” He leaned forward and whispered, “Please tell me your full given name.”
    “Libbie Anke Van Eycken.”
    “And, miss, seeing no family to speak on your behalf, I must ask. Do you assert you have no encumbrances preventing this marriage from taking place?”
    What can he mean? Frowning, she angled toward Dell and looked upward.
    One side of his mouth quirked, then he winked. “He’s asking if you’re