MINDY'S MAIL ORDER HUSBAND by Cia Leah Page B

hardly any money for
anything since her pa died and the men let the land go to waste.   Her cattle were living off the land and even
they were showing neglect.
               “Is
the mercantile open on Sunday?”
               “Yes,
Mr. McGreedy is always open.   He says
people needs things on Sundays the same as any other day and he figures the
good Lord knows it.”
               “Then
let’s stop and get some supplies.”
               She
wiggled in her seat, turned, and stared at him as he pulled the buggy to a stop
in front of the store.   “Brett, I don’t
have any money for supplies or anything for that matter.”   She lowered her head wishing she didn’t have
to tell him.
               “You
didn’t mention that in your letters, but I had a feeling that all was not well
on your ranch.   Don’t worry about
money.   I’m not a rich man, but I can
afford things for the ranch and for you.”
               She
watched him hop down and reach up his arms to help her down.   He lifted her from the seat.   She held his arms and felt the steely
muscles beneath his shirt.   He was
strong and she was happy about that because some of her men would challenge
him, especially when he started giving them orders.
               “Come
on, let’s go inside.”
               He
held the door for her and she walked into the mercantile and smiled at Mr.
McGreedy.   She liked the middle aged
burly man.   He was always nice to her.
               “Well
if it isn’t Mindy Sue Tanner coming to see me.”
               She
walked up to the counter.   “It’s Mindy
Sue Connors now.   We just got wed in the
church.”
               “You
don’t say?   Well that’s the best news
I’ve had in a while.   So this is your
husband?”
               Mindy
nodded.   “Mr. McGreedy, this is Brett
Connors.”
               “Nice
to meet you, Sir.”   Brett shook his
hand.   “My wife will give you a list of
things we need out at the ranch.   I’ll
be paying cash.”
               “That’s
right fine.   I’ve offered Mindy credit,
but she wouldn’t accept it.   I can start
an account in your name if you would like.”
               “I’ll
pay cash today, but appreciate you opening an account for my wife and I.   I want her to be able to get what she needs
when she comes to town.”
               “Mindy,
it looks like you chose the right husband.   I bet he gets those lazy cowboys out at your ranch off their behinds and
working again.”
               “I
hope so.”
               Brett
took her hand.   “Tell Mr. McGreedy what
you need.”
               “I
don’t know where to begin.”   She just
wanted to fall through the floor.   She
needed everything it seemed.   So many
nights she tossed and turned unable to sleep because there wasn’t enough food,
not enough supplies to keep the ranch running.   By the time she paid the men, there was nothing left over, and with the
ranch not being prosperous because the men weren’t working it, she wasn’t
making any money.  
               “Is
it really that bad, Mindy?”
               She
looked into Brett’s concerned face and felt tears slip down her cheeks.   She nodded.   “I’m sorry.   If you want to back
out of our marriage, I’ll understand.   I
wasn’t quite honest with you.”
               “I’m
not going anywhere but home with you.   You go over there and buy you some women things you need and get you
some fun things like knitting supplies and embroidery.   Material for dresses and curtains and
whatever else you take a fancy to.”
               She
gasped.   “I can’t do that!   It costs too much money!”
               Brett
shook his head.   “You let me worry about
that.   I’m going to get the supplies we
need,