The Rancher and the Runaway Bride Part 3. Сьюзен Мэллери

her.

      “Everything I told you about my past is true,” she began. “My mother is very interested in the Grand Springs social scene. I’ve always been a disappointment to her.”

      “Gee, I know what that feels like,” he said.

      She winced, then continued. “I never had serious boyfriends. There were a couple of guys in high school, but nothing I wanted to pursue, and a relationship or two at college. When I came home after graduation, my mother started inviting Hal over. I knew what she was doing, and I even knew why. Hal has a political future. If her daughter was related to the mayor, or the wife of a future state legislator, my mother’s social position would be guaranteed.”

      “None of which excuses what you did.”

      “I know.” She pulled one leg to her chest and rested her forehead against her knee, then closed her eyes. It was easier to confess her weakness in the dark. “I just sort of went along for the ride. I suppose I kept thinking something would happen to stop things, or that I would find out I really liked Hal. But it didn’t stop. We were dating, then engaged, and one day I woke up and we were getting married.”

      She sucked in a breath. “I never loved him. I didn’t know what love was.” Until now. Until a strong, noble man had entered her life. But she didn’t say that. Brady wouldn’t believe her. Besides, it was a cheap trick and she was determined not to resort to that.

      “There I was, alone in the bride’s room, listening to the music. As I stared at myself in the mirror, I knew I couldn’t do it.”

      “So you ran.”

      “Yes. Yes, I ran and it was wrong. I was young and stupid and I’ve grown up.” She raised her head and stared at his stiff back. “I made a mistake. A huge one. I was afraid that if I tried to get out of it my mother would convince me to go through with the ceremony.”

      He turned to face her. The fury remained, as did the contempt. Her heart sank.

      “That’s it?” he asked.

      She nodded. “I’ve changed, Brady. I’ve learned my lesson. I’m not that young woman anymore. I’m responsible. Look at the job I’m doing for you. You don’t have any complaints, you’ve said so yourself. Please try to understand.”

      His gaze narrowed. “If you’re so grown up, why didn’t you go back?”

      It was the one question she couldn’t answer. What was there to say? The truth?

      “Forget it,” she said. “There’s no point.”

      “Yes, there is. Rita—” He grimaced. “Randi, why didn’t you go back?”

      “I couldn’t.” She lowered her foot to the floor and stood up. “All right, if you want to know the reason, I’ll tell you. You’re not going to believe me, but it’s the truth. I swear it is.” She drew in a breath and squared her shoulders.