Free Violet: Bride of North Dakota (American Mail-Order Bride 39) by Heather Horrocks Page B

them.
    The other men at the table called out greetings to him, and Violet smiled, “Good evening, Mr. Lund.”
    Reluctantly Daniel crossed and took the only empty seat—the one across from Violet, who was sandwiched between the other two men. Amelia and Sven sat on either end of the table.
    After saying grace over the food, and the subsequent, “Amens,” Sven grinned. “Welcome to our home. Eat and enjoy. Amelia cooked a delicious beef stroganoff.”
    As the meal progressed, both Zachary and Paul seemed to hang on Violet’s every word, tentatively given as they were. They were making her pull into herself. Couldn’t they see that? Anger built within him. They were fools.
    And the topics they’d chosen to discuss—fashion, the town dance next week at the church, the newest arrivals in Minot—weren’t likely to keep her attention. He could tell.
    He focused on his food, but he couldn’t stop his ears from hearing their words and Violet’s tinkling laugh in response. Was she just being polite? Or was she actually enjoying their inane conversation?
    These men were trying to woo her right under his nose!
    He forced himself to relax. This was, after all, his sister and brother-in-law’s house, and he had no claim to the girl—something he had to keep reminding himself of. Every. Single. Day.
    But, still, the supper seemed to last a fortnight!!
    Finally, after they’d eaten a delicious peach cobbler, the conversation began again.
    But Daniel couldn’t sit here any longer. He started helping Amelia clear the table and she shot him a surprised look.
    When he finished placing the plates and silverware into the sink, he told her, “Thank you. The meal was tasty. And the cobbler delicious.”
    “Violet made the cobbler.”
    He turned to Violet. “Thank you.”
    She smiled— why did that smile clench at his heart so? —and he had to either grab her and kiss her—or leave. The room was closing in on him.
    He said his goodbyes, grabbed his coat, and walked to the door. Surprised, he heard Zachary excuse himself, as well, and follow him outside.
    When they had walked ten steps away, Daniel punched his brother in the arm.
    “Ow. What was that for?”
    “You stay away from her.”
    “I was just making polite supper conversation. Not all of us are woman-hating bachelors. I enjoyed her company. Didn’t you?”
    “I don’t hate women.”
    “Oh, right. Correction. Woman- fearing bachelor.”
    Daniel leaned in close. “I know you’re not serious about her, and I’m not going to let you break her heart.”
    “I wasn’t planning to.” Zachary looked serious. “What about Paul, though? He looked serious enough. Are you going to warn him off, too?”
    Torn, Daniel said, “No.”
    “Why me? Just because I’m your brother?”
    “No.”
    “Just because you want her for yourself but don’t have the guts to court her?”
    Confused, Daniel stuffed his hands in his pockets. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “I know more than you think I do.”
    “Why aren’t you courting Emily Burton, then?”
    “That is none of your business.”
    “I see how your face lights up when you see her.”
    “Her father says she’s marrying Ben Watkins.”
    “But she would rather marry you. Instead of giving me a hard time, you hypocrite, why don’t you follow your own advice?”
    Zachary’s eyes narrowed. “Good night, Daniel.” And he strode back toward the house.
    “I’m over Emily,” Zachary called out. “I like Violet now.”
    “Good night, Zachary. Stay away from Violet.”
    And he started walking to his own house.
    He was tired of being all alone except for one old yellow dog that wouldn’t last much longer.
    Zachary’s words haunted him. What if he did court Violet? She seemed interested in him, but that wasn’t the problem. He couldn’t court her because she might marry him—and that put her in a position to shatter his heart. If she decided she’d rather be with some young buck, more her