Free Country Brides by Debbie Macomber

been half expecting to hear from him, since she’d left the Franklins’ number with his secretary the day before. He hadn’t phoned her back. But there was nothing new to tell him, so she decided not to call a second time.
    Hesitantly Rorie replaced the telephone receiver, pleased that everything was under control—everything except her heart.

    Dinner that evening was a strained affair. If it hadn’t been for Skip, who seemed oblivious to the tension between her and Clay, Rorie didn’t think she could have endured it. Clay hardly said a word throughout the meal. But Skip seemed more than eager to carry the conversation and Rorie did her best to lighten the mood, wondering all the time whether Clay saw through her facade.
    â€œWhile you’re here, Rorie,” Skip said with a sudden burst of enthusiasm, “you should learn how to ride.”
    â€œNo, thank you,” she said pointedly, holding up her hand, as though fending off the suggestion. An introduction to King and Hercules was as far as she was willing to go.
    â€œRain Magic would suit you nicely.”
    â€œRain Magic?”
    â€œThat’s a silly name Kate thought up, and Clay went along with it,” Skip explained. “He ’s gentle, but smart—the gelding I mean, not Clay.” The younger Franklin laughed heartily at his own attempt at humor.
    Clay smiled, but Rorie wasn’t fooled; he hadn’t been amused by the joke, nor, she suspected, was he pleased by the reference to Kate.
    â€œNo thanks, Skip,” she said, hoping to bring the subject to a close. “I’m really not interested.” There, that said it plainly enough.
    â€œAre you afraid?”
    â€œA little,” she admitted truthfully. “I prefer my horses on a merry-go-around. I’m a city girl, remember?”
    â€œBut even girls from San Francisco have been known to climb on the back of a horse. It’ll be good for you, Rorie. Trust me—it’s time to broaden your horizons.”
    â€œThanks, but no thanks,” she told him, emphasizing her point by biting down on a crisp carrot stick with a loud crunch.
    â€œRorie, I insist. You aren’t going to get hurt—I wouldn’t let that happen, and Rain Magic is as gentle as they come. In fact—” he wiggled his eyebrows up and down “—if you want, we can ride double until you feel more secure.”
    Rorie laughed. “Skip, honestly.”
    â€œAll right, you can ride alone, and I’ll lead you around in a circle. For as long as you want.”
    Rorie shook her head and, amused at the mental picture that scenario presented, laughed again.
    â€œLeave it,” Clay said with sudden sharpness. “If Rorie doesn’t want to ride, drop it, okay?”
    Skip’s shocked gaze flew from Rorie to his brother. “I was just having fun, Clay.”
    His older brother gripped his water goblet so hard Rorie thought the glass might shatter. “Enough is enough. She said she wasn’t interested and that should be the end of it.”
    The astounded look left Skip’s features, but his eyes narrowed and he stiffened his shoulders in a display of righteous indignation. “What’s with you, Clay?” he shouted. “You ’ve been acting like a wounded bear all day, growling at everyone. Who made you king of the universe all of a sudden?”
    â€œIf you’ll excuse me, I’ll bring in the apple crisp,” Rorie said, and hurriedly rose to her feet, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire between the two brothers. Whatever they had to say wasn’t meant for her ears.
    The exchange that followed ended quickly, Rorie noted gratefully from inside the kitchen. Their voices were raised and then there was a hush followed by laughter. Rorie relaxed and picked up the dessert, carrying it into the dining room along with a carton of vanilla ice cream.
    â€œI apologize, Rorie,” Clay said