“It certainly is magnificent,” Jenny said, reminding Austin he still needed to assist her. How could one touch from a woman who isn’t his fiancée turn him into a mindless ninny?
He reached out to Jenny and helped her to the ground. Why did her touch not affect him like her sister’s? It made no sense. He yanked two satchels from the boot of the buggy. It didn’t matter. This morning Jenny had assured him she was willing to marry him, and she was the one he intended to wed.
Cody jogged out of the barn and headed toward them. He pushed his hat back and suddenly stopped, staring at the ladies. As if suddenly remembering his manners, he pulled off the hat, revealing his blond hair. His blue eyes twinkled, and a slow grin spread across his face. “I do believe I’m seeing double, boss.”
Austin glared at the cocky young cowboy. “The buggy and horses belong to the livery in town. Cool them down, then groom and feed them. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have someone return them. But first, I need the ladies’ baggage unloaded and set on the porch.”
Cody nodded. “Will do, boss.”
Austin didn’t like the way Jenny smiled at the good-looking cowboy. Austin narrowed his eyes. Was she actually batting her lashes at him or did she merely have dust in them? The cowboy paused and watched as she strolled around the front of the buggy to join her sister.
He walked up to Austin, his eyes still stuck on Jenny like a burr to a pant leg. “Whoo-wee, boss,” he said in a loud whisper. “Is one of them going to be your bride?”
“Never you mind that. Just tend to the horses. Have you seen my pa?”
Cody nodded. “He went for a ride about an hour ago.”
Austin hadn’t said a word to his pa about sending for a bride. He was looking forward to surprising him for once.
Cody walked away several steps then swung around. “So, who’s the other gal for?”
Austin lifted his eyebrows and stared at the ranch hand.
“Oh yeah. The baggage.” Cody led the team toward the porch, but his gaze kept flicking back to the women.
Austin sighed. He sure was glad most of his brothers had married, so he wouldn’t have to battle them for Jenny’s heart. They were all younger than him and nice-looking men. He feared if given her choice, Jenny would have picked a different Hart brother. Not liking the direction of his thoughts, he pushed his feet forward. There was no sense in dwelling on the senseless. His brothers were married and not a threat, except for Bowie. But he was gone to who knows where. As Austin stepped onto the porch, he was surprised to realize that he missed his cranky brother. Being the two oldest, he and Bowie had been closer to one another than their other brothers—at least until Bowie changed so much—a result of the war. Take care of him, Lord. Heal his hurts, and bring him back home when the time is right.
Chapter Five
Jenny sucked in a soft gasp, and Rebekah had a hard time keeping her mouth from dropping open as they entered the Hart home. Shiny walnut wainscoting lined the walls, and the oak floors gleamed as the light from the open door reflected on them. Past the vestibule was a wide hallway with several open doors, although the one to her left was closed. The place was fancier than any building she’d seen in a long while.
“I’ve never seen anything so lovely.” Rebekah turned to Austin.
“Me, either,” Jenny murmured.
“My pa doesn’t like to do things halfway. That’s something you’ll learn quickly.”
The strawberry-blond woman Rebekah had seen at the hotel bustled around the corner with a half-grown boy at her side. The woman halted suddenly. Confusion flashed across her face for a brief moment, before a smile replaced it. “Welcome to El Regalo, ladies. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” She turned to the boy. “Robbie, would you please inform Perla that we have guests?”
Rebekah waited for Jenny to respond to the woman’s greeting, but her sister’s eyes were lifted to the coffered ceiling. “I believe the pleasure is ours. This place is quite impressive.”
“It certainly is. I remember being as equally amazed the first time I came here. I’m Annie, in case you didn’t remember.”
“I’m Rebekah Evans, and this is my sister, Jenny.”
“Would you like to have a seat in the parlor while I have some tea prepared?” Annie looked at her for a moment then shifted her eyes toward Austin.
He stepped around them. “Actually, I’d appreciate if you could show them to the bedroom at the back of the house, if you have time. I’m sure they’d like to get settled and rest before lunch.”
“Of course. I’m happy to. I’ll also confirm with Josefina that the room is ready for visitors and let Perla know we have two guests.”
“I appreciated it.” Austin glanced at Jenny and Rebekah. “I’ll go ahead and set these bags in your room then have the others brought in. Oh, and so you know, Perla is our cook and housekeeper. Josefina, her cousin, helps her at times. Both are like family to us.”