Della: Bride of Texas (American Mail-Order Bride 28) by Trinity Ford Page A

were bidding everyone a farewell. Della noticed Hank exit the church before her. He stood chatting with a group of businessmen, obviously immersed in a serious discussion. She was glad he hadn’t approached and teased her about her behavior—it would have been terribly embarrassing.
    “Della,” Mabel said as the last of the congregation exited the building. “I’d like you to meet Mr. Milton Tidwell.”
    Della looked up and drew in a sharp breath. He was not attractive like the other men—rather wiry looking and pale. He wore a black suit and top hat, which he removed, revealing a receding hairline that led to a stark display of slicked back, oily hair. He was also many shades paler than the other men, which contrasted with the thin mustache defined above his upper lip. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tidwell,” Della fibbed, hoping that despite his physical appearance, he would have a soft heart and engaging personality that could help her fall in love with him. At the very least, he had to be a better man than Hank Hensley!
    “Yes, I’m sure,” Milton replied in a nasally voice, shaking her hand weakly.
    As Mabel explained the meal she was preparing for their supper, Della noticed Hank watching the encounter. “Oh, that just sounds lovely ,” Della said a little too loudly, smiling and touching the arm of Milton, who tensed up at the unusual contact. When she looked back at Hank to see his reaction, he was gone. Della’s face burned with humiliation and regret. She was relieved when Pastor Littlejohn approached and guided them across the street to their home.
    “Well, I see we’ve all met,” Pastor Littlejohn said. “Shall we?”
    The foursome crossed the road and made their way into the comfortable home.
“Please, have a seat,” Mabel announced. “I just have to set the table.” A delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen where Mabel had been cooking earlier in the day.
    An uneasy silence settled over the room when Mabel exited. Milton and the pastor waited for Della to be seated before sitting down across from her in the parlor. “So, how do you like Fort Worth so far, Della?” the pastor inquired.
    “Oh I just love it,” Della said, grateful for the conversation to begin. “It reminds me of home somewhat.”
    “Back in Massachusetts?” the pastor asked.
    “Florida,” Della said.
    “I thought you were from Massachusetts,” Milton said accusingly as his nose twitched in a very unattractive manner.
    “Oh no,” Della explained. “I was only there for a week before the unfortunate fire. I’d come straight from Florida with my sister and her husband, Charles. I’m hoping she can come visit here soon.”
    “She’ll need to wait until after the arrangements are complete,” Milton stated emphatically. “Then she’s welcome to the house anytime during the day while I’m at the bank, as well as to have supper after church on Sunday. Evenings, I prefer no visitors. I’ll have my secretary, Emily, send over the hotel details for you to send to her.”
    “Um…well, I reckon that’s fine,” Della said, shocked at the firm and mean spirited manner in which he made his wishes known. He certainly didn’t seem shy, as she’d imagined. More likely, Mary hadn’t witnessed his kindness because there was very little to be found! Mabel called them over to the table, and Della watched as Pastor Littlejohn pulled Mabel’s chair out for her. Milton didn’t do the same for her—he simply walked to his chair and waited to sit until she’d seated herself.
    “How are you two getting along?” Mabel asked, passing the plate of chicken to Della.
    Della stayed quiet. She was afraid if she opened her mouth, all sorts of unkind things would come flying out of it, spoiling her chance at a future here in Texas.
    “Everything appears to be agreeable to me,” Milton said without enthusiasm as he wiped the corners of his mouth. “If all continues to go well, we’ll need your services for the wedding six