Free Ryder (Prairie Grooms, Book Two) by Kit Morgan

from a shelf and put it on her head. "There, now you look like a rancher's wife."
    She smiled, and then stared at the growing pile of goods on the counter as one question still burned in her mind. Where did he get the money? But she dare not ask him. It was like Grandma said, let him tell her, don't pester him about it. Trust him.
    He paid Mrs. Dunnigan and watched as she wrapped up their purchases in brown paper.  Constance felt as if she'd just had Christmas and suddenly realized how much she'd taken her life and the things she had back in England for granted. She and her sisters were always clothed in the latest fashions. They had food a plenty, shoes, books, lessons, carriages, servants, a cook ... she could go on and on. She never thought she'd be so happy for an ugly pair of boots, or oil for a new lantern. And blankets, she mustn't forget the blankets. If Ryder's cabin was this cold now, what would it be like in winter, even with the proper windows? She shuddered at the thought as Ryder began to gather up their packages.
    "Help me, will ya, Sugar?"
    She began to gather what she could as Ryder jerked his head toward the door. "I parked the wagon right outside."
    "You did?" she asked in surprise.
    "Yep, didn't think you'd want to carry all this down to the livery. Thanks for all your help Mrs. Dunnigan. See ya later!"
    Grandma waved at them and smiled, then elbowed Fanny to do the same. She'd been standing there watching their every move in silence. She raised her hand and gave them a weak smile and wave of goodbye. If Constance didn't know any better, she'd say the woman was jealous, but of what? Ryder didn't have much to be jealous of as far as Fanny would be concerned. Belle Cooke had told Constance and her sisters that Fanny and her husband Henry had a nice little place not a half-mile out of town. Pretty as a picture it was. If that was the case, then what could it be?
    She pushed the thought aside as she stepped out onto the boardwalk and took in the sight of their brand new wagon. "Oh Ryder, it's beautiful."
    "Yeah, they always are when they're new."
    Banjo was hitched to it, Othello tied at the back. She followed Ryder down the steps to the wagon where they loaded everything in the wagon bed. Just as they finished, the sound of booted feet clomped down the boardwalk. Colin Cooke sauntered toward them, chewing on a piece of straw. "Mighty fine wagon ya got there, Ryder," he said with a wink.
    "Why thank ya, Colin. I think so."
    "Mighty fine horse ya got tied to it too. I'll be seeing him soon," he added.
    Constance looked between the two men, wondering at the remark.
    "I'm sure Harrison will be looking forward to paying you a visit too. Maybe even before I do. Oh, and I'll be sure to deliver the message to Logan." Colin gave them both a dazzling smile before going into the mercantile.
    "What was that about?" Constance asked.
    Ryder grinned. "Well, I made myself a little business transaction with Colin. Caught him talking with Chase and got myself an idea in my head so strong, I just had to do it."
    "What sort of an idea?" she asked, he voice hesitant.
    "The Cookes have been waitin’ to breed some of their mares to Othello. I plumb realized that he's ready, and told Colin. So, we struck a deal, and he paid me in advance. Either he or Harrison will bring his mare out tomorrow if'n she's ready to have a little romance."
    Constance giggled at the thought, but knew what he meant. "So that's how you got the money."
    "Yep, all it took was some spit and a handshake."
    "Ohhhh," she grimaced.
    Ryder laughed. "It's how things are done around here, Sugar. Now, let me help ya up."
    She smiled at his light hearted mood. He was happy, and she could tell he felt proud of himself for the business transaction he'd worked out with the Cooke brothers. Grandma was right, things did go better when she didn't press him and just let him handle it.
    She let out a long breath once she was seated and waited for him to climb up beside her.