Free The Payment by Mysty McPartland Page B

before we reach home?” Tuff asked as he looked over her
attire and grinned.
    Her gaze going back to Tuff’s, India
shrugged her shoulders. “I did actually think about it, but if they
are going to accept me at all they may as well see me like this. I
don’t think a pretty dress would make that much difference to them,
do you?”
    Tuff chuckled and nodded his head. “Yeah you
could be right; those boys won’t care what yah wearing.”

 
    SIXTEEN

    As each mile brought him closer to home,
Dane could feel the lingering happiness he felt earlier slowly
evaporate. He started to feel dread take its place. It sure isn’t
going to be easy; in fact, it is going to be nearly impossible to
have his brother’s accept India. He also knew she most likely would
be hurt over what would take place once they arrived home.
    He could only pray that she would be strong
enough and at least cared for him a little. Cared enough to stand
beside him and fight for their marriage.
    When the house came into view, India sat up
straighter as her eyes took in everything. As they passed through
the gates of the Bar M and moved down the long drive, she noticed
the huge two-story house. Painted white with dark blue shutters at
all the windows and on the front veranda, there were many chairs
and potted plants. Making it a welcoming haven. She noticed a huge
barn, a large bunkhouse and a cook shack, along with corals full of
horses. The place was so much bigger and lovelier than she ever
imagined and very well kept.
    She could feel her nerves grow and the
sick feeling in the pit of her stomach intensifying. Please Lord let things work out, don’t let me
loose Dane and please, please don’t let him have to choose between
me and his brothers. She whispered the prayer over and
over in her mind until they finally pulled up under some large
trees in front of the house. She tried to smile down at Dane, who
came to help her from the wagon.
    Dane saw the anxiety on India’s face and
tried to give her a reassuring grin but his own apprehension
increased by the minute. He reached up, placed his hands around her
waist and swung her down. When her feet touched the ground, he kept
one of his hands around her waist. “Try not to worry too much
sweetheart and no matter how much they upset you, don’t let them
see it. Just stay by my side, and I’ll do everything I can do to
make them accept you.”
    India blinked back the tears, lifted her
hand and cupped his cheek. “I know you will but don’t be goaded in
to saying something you might regret. Things may take a few days to
settle so don’t act rashly. Promise me.”
    Frowning over her words, Dane wondered why
she wanted him make such a promise.
    “ Come on you two let’s get this
business over and done with. The sooner it’s all sorted out, the
better we’ll all feel.” Tuff came around the wagon and saw the
worry on both Dane and India’s faces.
    Dane dropped his hand from around India’s
waist and grasped her hand in his. “Jasper it might be best if you
wait here for a short time. Then we’ll get you settled for the
night.” He said over his shoulder, turning back to the house he
drew in a long breath then led India towards the house.
    Just as they stepped on the veranda, the
front door flew open, men and boys of all ages and sizes come
flying out of the house only to stop and gape in open mouth
shock.
    India’s hand tightened around Dane’s as she
noticed the surprised looks on all the faces turn hostile.
    “ Well I thought at least one of you
would be happy to see we’ve returned home.” Dane forced a grin, he
felt India tremble slightly beside him. Letting go of her hand, he
placed an arm around her shoulders.
    Everyone one of the boys noticed their
brothers possessive action towards the woman at his side, and they
glared even more.
    “ Boys this is my wife India.
Sweetheart these are your new brothers.” Dane tried to sound
cheery, but he could see his brothers were not listening.