Romancing The Runaway Bride. Karen Kirst

She was the epitome of earnest innocence. He couldn’t decide if it was her countenance, her demeanor or a combination of both that made him want to be her protector. Was it all a clever act?

      She studied him more closely. “I’m beginning to believe you’re not the ideal person for this task. Kind of like having a fox in the henhouse.”

      He smiled. “I do have a sweet tooth.”

      He’d mulled over the scant personal information she’d revealed. The fact that she was from St. Louis bothered him. She could’ve easily met Ogden there. He could’ve preyed on her feelings of incompetence in order to woo her into working with him. He needed to remember the reason he was here, and find out more about her. “Who taught you to bake?”

      “That credit goes to my father’s trained kitchen staff. Frederica, the head cook, imparted her knowledge of herbs and spices. Louise and Wanda taught me the basics of pastry.” She rescued a pastry that was too close to the platter’s edge. “You should’ve seen my first attempt at a peach pie. Even the dog turned his nose up at it. But they were patient with me.” Lost in memories, her expression turned pensive.

      Who was it that had made her doubt herself? he wondered. Her father? Mother? Both?

      “Your parents must’ve appreciated the outcome of their efforts.”

      “My mother died when I was ten. Unfortunately, my father does not approve of my efforts.”

      Any further conversation was cut off by the approach of Sadie Shriver, on the arm of a tidy gentleman with wavy, dark blond hair and blue eyes. His observant gaze swept the space in slow inventory.

      “Adam, I’d like to introduce you to my particular friend, Walter Kerr.”

      Walter dragged his attention to Adam, who felt like a sample under a microscope. The man did a rapid study of Adam’s clothing and face.

      “I feel as though I’ve met you before,” he said at last.

      Adam racked his brain and came up empty. He’d traveled the country, working in multiple cities. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibility that their paths had crossed. He hoped not, for the sake of his ultimate goal. “I’m afraid I can’t say the same.”

      Sadie aimed an adoring smile at her beau. “Walter’s a renowned photographer. He has an uncanny ability to remember faces.”

      “I would’ve recalled meeting a famous person,” Adam said.

      Walter’s features relaxed. “Famous? Not quite. While Sadie’s estimation of my skills is quite flattering, I’m simply a man with a passion for capturing images for perpetuity.”

      She patted his arm. “He’s being humble.”

      More guests arrived, and the pair made their excuses and crossed the room to speak to the hosts, Daniel and Leah Gardner. Deborah reached for her rolling pin brooch, only to discover it wasn’t there. Clouds of anxiety dulled her brilliant eyes.

      “You’re going to be fine, you know.” He gestured to the room of guests behind him. “They won’t bite.”

      “You never know.” With a long-suffering sigh, she removed her apron and stowed it behind a squat vase dominating a side table. “Who would you like to meet first?”

      “Pink is your color,” he murmured, partially to knock her off balance and partially because it was true. “You should wear it every day.”

      Her tasteful dress was crafted of a delicate crepe fabric that lent her fair skin a pearlescent sheen. The bodice boasted a demure scooped neckline, short, ruffled sleeves and embroidered roses at the waistline. Ribbons edged the hem of the substantial hoop skirt. Her dark brown tresses were confined in a neat bun, allowing him a generous view of her swanlike nape and curved shoulders.

      Her small, pink tongue darted out to moisten her lips. “Thank you. I arrived with only one satchel. Hannah Johnson—she’s our premier dressmaker—made it for me.”

      “Only one? Most ladies I know wouldn’t dream of leaving home unarmed with their entire wardrobe.”

      “My departure wasn’t planned in advance.” She must’ve realized her slip, for her brows drew together in a frown. “There’s Hannah’s father, Reverend Taggart. We’ll start with him.”

      She led him to the opposite corner of the long, rectangular room, maneuvering around stuffed couches and intricately carved coffee tables to reach a dignified, brown-haired man peering at a painting of a ship at sea.

      He turned at their approach and offered a kind smile. After Deborah introduced them, the reverend invited him to the upcoming services that Sunday. Adam accepted with sincere enthusiasm. It had been years since he’d worshipped with his family.

      His breathing hitched, and he barely concealed a grimace. He wouldn’t be worshipping with his mother or brothers. He couldn’t take the chance of someone connecting the dots, especially the person in league with Ogden.

      A familiar laugh drew his attention toward the parlor’s main entrance, a broad doorway topped with a transom window. The papered hallway beyond was filling with guests, his brother among them. Russell chatted with the guest of honor, Mayor Will Canfield, as if they were old friends. Adam belatedly noticed the woman standing off to the side. Afternoon light shining through the many windows glinted off the silver combs in her golden-brown hair and the tasteful jewels at her throat and wrists. Her beauty and youth were enhanced by the sophisticated cut of her sapphire dress, which didn’t quite hide her pregnancy. Anna Halloway, his sister-in-law, another new addition to the family.

      His head still spun with all the changes. During the years of their separation, he’d given only fleeting consideration to the idea of Seth and Russell starting families of their own. Now Seth had a wife and four kids. Russell was about to become a father for the first time.

      Adam recognized the flare of envy and smothered it. He may have grown weary of his solitary life, but he couldn’t entertain thoughts of courtship and marriage—much less pursue them—until Zane Ogden was where he belonged. Rotting in a cell.

      Deborah nodded toward the trio. “That’s the lawyer I told you about, Russell Halloway. You should meet him, considering Will is grooming him to take over his job.”

      “He’s angling to become mayor?”

      “You sound surprised.”

      Adam chased the shock from his features. He had to be more circumspect. “Your description of him made it sound like he was devoted to his profession. I’m wondering how he’d be able to juggle the responsibilities to both his clients and Cowboy Creek’s citizens if he were elected.”

      “He strikes me as a competent man. I’m certain he’s considered the future and would adjust to the demands.”

      The pinch of jealousy that her obvious esteem for his brother produced was both startling and unwelcome. Please God, I must maintain professional objectivity. Your Word promises to give us wisdom if we but ask. I’m not asking. I’m begging.

      Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, he guided her across the room. Russell’s flare of surprise was quickly masked. He moved to his wife’s side while Will Canfield greeted Deborah.

      “Good afternoon, Miss Frazier. I can’t tell you how happy I was when I learned you’d be here today.” Dark eyes twinkling, he gripped the silver handle of his walking cane. “I told Tomasina that we could easily meet our goal if we’d auction off your desserts one by one.”

      “I was happy to do it.”

      When she failed to introduce him, Will prompted, “Who’s your friend?”

      “Oh, I apologize for not...” Her fingers dug into Adam’s suit sleeve. “This is Adam Draper. He’s new to town and boarding at Aunt Mae’s.”

      “Pleased to meet you.” Adam covered her hand and gently squeezed it in a silent bid for her