Pony Express Courtship by Rhonda Gibson

little, but mostly she calls looking at pictures reading.” Rebecca smiled proudly. “But she’ll be reading real books in no time.”
    Seth cocked his head to one side and studied her profile. She pushed back a wayward strand of dark hair, her fingers strong and slim, her face a perfect oval. She had a strength that did not lessen her femininity one bit and she carried herself confidently. The wind lifted one of her curls and his eyes followed the movement, making it difficult to concentrate on her words. No woman had affected him like Rebecca seemed to.
    She looked at him expectantly and he reined in his thoughts to their conversation. After a moment he said, “I’m sure she will be reading soon. Joy’s a very bright child. She’s old enough to go to school now, isn’t she?” As casually as possible, he stood and walked to the porch rail.
    The smile slipped from her face and sadness filled her voice. “John and I had talked about letting her start this fall.” She sighed heavily. “I think I’ll continue with our plans and let her attend. Even though I hate letting my baby go.”
    Seth didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t meant to make her sad.
    As if she realized her mood had changed the atmosphere around them, Rebecca offered him a bright smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes. “So, did you and Mr. Bromley have a nice visit this afternoon?”
    â€œWe did. He gave us extra money to buy the barn supplies and seemed pleased with the boys’ progress. Not a bad visit at all.” Seth knew his words echoed his thoughts from earlier in the day.
    â€œI’m glad.” She paused then asked, “What do you think about the stage stopping here? You didn’t say a word during dinner about it.” She worried her bottom lip with her pretty white teeth.
    â€œI think it’s a great idea,” he answered. He’d had a thought earlier and maybe now was the time to ask Rebecca for a favor. Before he could mention it, she spoke.
    â€œIf the offer still stands, I need to go into town tomorrow after all. I don’t have enough ingredients to make cookies and I’d like to pick up some tea. Ladies seem to like tea more than coffee, I think.”
    Seth remembered Jacob’s words about the townsfolk talking about them. He’d planned on going for the needed supplies but now thought he’d send Jacob instead. “The offer still stands. I’ll ask Jacob to hitch up the wagon in the morning.”
    â€œThank you.” She started to get up.
    â€œBefore you go inside, I’d like to ask a favor of you,” Seth blurted out, afraid she’d leave and he’d lose his nerve.
    Rebecca eased back into the swing. “All right.”
    He took a deep breath. “I know you don’t know me very well and I probably shouldn’t even ask, but since the stage is coming through here, it might be a good opportunity.” Why did he feel so breathless?
    Caution filled her voice as she asked, “What might be a good opportunity?”
    Seth rolled his shoulders and started again. “Let me start at the beginning. A few months ago my grandmother asked me to find a nice girl and get married.” He saw the shock on her face and held up his hand. “Hold on, let me finish.”
    At her nod, he continued, “So I placed an ad for a mail-order bride.” Seth watched her relax and pressed on. “My grandmother’s dying wish was that I get married.”
    Rebecca asked, “Why would she ask you to get married, if she was dying?”
    â€œShe didn’t want to leave me without anyone to take care of me...love me, I guess you could say. Anyway, now that my grandmother has passed on, I have no other relatives that I know of.” Seth glanced at her face to see if she understood.
    Rebecca nodded. “That makes sense. Did you get a mail-order bride?” she asked, looking up at