Indiana Goes West (Mail Order Brides of Pioneer Town, Book 1) by Ruth Hartzler Page B

large, it definitely was just as beautiful, if
not more so.
    “Oh, I love this bridge!” Indiana said,
pulling away from Morgan and hurrying to the drum bridge. It rose
sharply, almost a perfect half circle, and ran over a small stream
with water rushing quickly enough to hear it easily. There were
steps in the bridge, and it made most Indiana feel somewhat like a
child again, as they marched with purpose over it.
    “It doesn’t make much sense to build a bridge
like that, does it?” Morgan said with a laugh.
    “I think it was built this way just because
of how much fun it is to cross,” Indiana countered, turning when
she was halfway over it to look at the man. “Come on, sir. The tea
shop is just over here.”
    “Sandwiches and tea can be had just about
anywhere,” Morgan said. “Though I have to confess to preferring a
steak and a big mug of black coffee.”
    “That might do out on the range, but here in
civilization, it’s much more common for a light touch at lunch
time.”
    Morgan laughed. “Civilization? Where exactly
do you think I’m from, again? It’s not another country—it’s only
about six hundred miles away.”
    Indiana laughed and turned when Morgan caught
up with her.
    The tea house wasn’t quite so busy an hour
after normal lunch time, so they selected a small table outside,
near a green bush covered in red berries. A tall man served them,
bringing them a kettle of tea along with two small mugs, and a tray
of delicate finger sandwiches.
    When he had left, Morgan held one up. “This
is food, right?”
    Indiana giggled and then sipped her tea.
    “So how long would it take us to walk around
the perimeter of this park?” Morgan asked.
    “A couple of days in my shoes,” Indiana said.
“It’s rather large. I heard there were over a hundred thousand
trees in the park alone.”
    “And here I am with just my one back home,”
Morgan said with an exaggerated frown.
    “Maybe we could loan you a couple,” Indiana
said.
    “That would be nice,” Morgan said.
    They spent more time looking into each
other’s eyes than eating, and it was apparent to both that there
was a mutual attraction there, and that it was strong. Finally,
their meal was over and they strolled through a section of the
park, keeping to a winding path that was near the tea house and
drum bridge.
    They spoke of many things, starting with
their childhoods, and ending as they returned to the front entrance
with the amazing technological advances that were being made all
around them. Morgan was particularly impressed with how powerful
and fast locomotives were getting, while Indiana was excited to see
people tackling the dream of flight. The first flight had been just
three years ago, and already others were continuing the work done
by the Wright brothers from Ohio.
    The carriage driver had parked a bit down the
street. When they came out, he was reading a paper. He must have
had one eye on the entrance, because as soon as he saw them, he
folded the newspaper and slid it under his thigh. He took up the
reins and got the horses moving. He stopped in front of them and
climbed down once more to open the door to help Indiana into the
carriage. Without something holding the newspaper, the soft breeze
caught it and sent it to the ground, where it blew away. The man
cried out, but he was still helping Indiana up, so Morgan gave
chase, running down the paper half a block away and stamping on it
with his foot. He scooped it up and jogged back, handing it over to
the driver. Then he climbed into the carriage and they started back
for Nob Hill.
    The ride home was a bittersweet one for
Indiana. She and Morgan had spent a few hours together, exploring
and talking, but she didn’t want it to end. They talked more while
the carriage climbed up toward her mansion, but she could hardly
pay attention. Instead, she looked into the man’s eyes, and found
herself day dreaming.
    Then they were home, and the driver was
there, opening the door, his