Free Bride Gone Bad by Sabine Starr Page B

for water,” Ludmila continued. “Beef jerky. Crackers. Cheese.”
    â€œDouble that food,” Lucky said.
    â€œAnd here is the holster and belt for your new Smith &Wesson. I thought black would match your boots.”
    â€œWhat new S&W?” he asked.
    â€œThe one you’ve been admiring,” Tempest said. “Won’t you want me as backup when we cross the Red River?”
    â€œCan you even shoot a gun?”
    â€œYou’re going to teach me.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI recommend the pearl stock,” Ludmila said. “And a box of cartridges.”
    â€œYou said to get whatever I need for the trip.”
    â€œOkay. Just don’t accidentally shoot either of us.” Lucky tapped the merchandise. “Are we done here?”
    â€œNot quite,” Ludmila said. “There’s the matter of the red gown. Nothing in the catalogs is good enough, but I can order fabric and a pattern. Yet we do not have a local seamstress who can do justice to such an undertaking.”
    â€œAny red dress will do,” Lucky said.
    Ludmila frowned. “Certainly not. This is important to Delaware Bend’s reputation.”
    â€œReputation!” Lucky shook his head, laughing. “I’m not sure anybody around here will recognize or appreciate fine art.”
    â€œWhat about the bar?” Tempest asked.
    â€œBut that’s—” He glanced from one woman to the other, and then snapped his mouth shut.
    â€œWill you trust me to select the pattern and fabric?” Ludmila asked.
    â€œYes.” Tempest had a sudden idea. “I know two wonderful seamstresses who could do the job.”
    â€œAre they in town?”
    â€œNo. We’d need to send the material, pattern, and payment to them.”
    â€œWhere are they?” Ludmila asked.
    â€œJefferson. And we can ship by train.”
    â€œ Gut. But they do not know me.”
    â€œOnce we let Elmira and Lamira know it’s for me, they will be happy to help. Besides, I’d like to send a double eagle to them.” She glanced over at Lucky, and then held out her hand. “First payment.”
    When she closed her fingers around the eagle, she felt its warmth from his body heat. So much about him was hot, too much for her peace of mind. “I’ll write a letter to go with the coin and explain my situation. I’d also like to leave the artist’s payment here.”
    â€œI will write you a receipt and put your money in the bank,” Ludmila said. “And I’ll get your letter right in the mail.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œIs there anything else I can get you?”
    â€œThis is all perfect,” Tempest said.
    â€œWait.” Lucky pointed at a jewelry display. “I promised her a bauble.”
    â€œOh, no,” Tempest protested. “I have everything I need right here.”
    â€œI suggest a lovely pin that she can wear on everything.” Ludmila selected a pin and set it on the counter. “This one is eighteen-karat plate lace with a real porcelain pansy. It matches her eyes. Only thirty-nine cents.”
    â€œBeautiful.” Tempest resisted the temptation to pick up the pin and admire it. “But I don’t need jewelry.”
    â€œThat’s the point,” Lucky said. “Let me have it.”
    â€œBut Lucky—”
    â€œNo telling when you might want a pretty pin.”
    Tempest watched as Ludmila slid the delicate pin into a small cloth bag, pulled the drawstring, and handed it to him.
    Lucky quickly paid the bill.
    â€œThank you both. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” Tempest said.
    Ludmila patted her hand. “I’m grateful for the big sale.”
    â€œIf we can get on the road, I’ll be eternally grateful,” Lucky said.
    Tempest glanced from one to the other, feeling warmth in her heart that she hadn’t felt in a long time. If she could stay in the Bend where people appreciated