Stephen’s Bride by Callie Hutton Read Free Book Online Page A

Nothing like the kiss he’d given her three days ago when she’d been feeling the results of the whiskey. But, all the same, it was a definite joining of lips. He attempted to have her open for him, but she pulled back. “We better leave or we’ll be late for church.”
    He felt a certain amount of satisfaction at the breathlessness in her voice. Despite her initial insistence that theirs was to be a marriage in name only, he was confident he had the ability to someday soon have her in his bed for activities other than just sleeping.
    “Does Melrose generally attend church?” Once Stephen lifted Calliope into the wagon, he climbed into the other side and started off toward the church.
    “Yes. I’m sure he’ll be there today.”
    “Good. I’ve gone to his farm twice in the past three days and he’s always not at home, out in the field. I intend to have a talk with him today.”
    Calliope laid her had on his arm. “No fighting?”
    “Not unless he starts one. I want to lay down the law. He is not to come near you unless I’m standing right beside you.” He covered her hand with his. “You wanted a husband to chase him away. I fully intend to do that.”
    “I don’t think Reverend Michaels would appreciate a brawl breaking out at the picnic.” She tried to remove her hand from his arm, but he held fast.
    “Remember, I’m the one who does the worrying. I want you to enjoy the day. You work hard. You need time to relax.”
    The short ride to the church got them there well before the service started. Stephen regretted not taking more time for kissing.
    A quick scan of the congregation as they arrived confirmed Melrose attended church. The man sat two pews from the back and glared at them when they’d passed by. Stephen grinned and took note of his bruised chin and nose. Perhaps church was not the best place to relish the man’s injuries, but he’d pray a little harder during the service.
    The church filled up quickly and soon Calliope was flush against him, shoulder to shoulder. He and Calliope shared a hymnal and he was pleased when he took her hand during the sermon and she didn’t pull away. Baby steps.
    The sermon was neither too long nor too short, and soon they found themselves in the queue to greet the pastor. He’d also noticed several glances in their direction, and two older ladies whispered behind their hands to each other.
    Calliope held Stephen’s arm and smiled at the preacher. “Reverend, I would like you to meet my husband, Mr. Stephen McCoy. Stephen, this is Reverend Michaels.”
    “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, young man. We had all thought it was time our Calliope took a husband. Especially since her Pa passed away.” The man’s booming voice carried over the crowd so that those who hadn’t noticed them before now looked their way. More raised eyebrows and murmuring.
    “I’m pleased to meet you as well, Reverend. I enjoyed the service.” Stephen shook the man’s hand, which was a strong as his voice. They moved away, and down the steps of the church.
    “Can you get the basket from the wagon? And bring it over to those tables.” Calliope waved in the direction of a collection of long tables that had been set up under a grouping of trees. “I’ll help the other women set up.”
    Stephen strolled to the wagon and retrieved the basket Bertha had packed for them. He could already smell the chicken, biscuits and apple pie. He hadn’t realized he was hungry until that moment.
    Calliope was apparently well known to the people of Sterling. She was having a lively conversation with a number of women who were emptying baskets as fast as the men laid them on the table. He added theirs to the assortment of baskets, buckets, and burlap bags.
    Once again Calliope took him by the arm and introduced him to the ladies. An older woman she had introduced as Mrs. Martindale held out her hand and actually tittered. “So you are the man who stole our Calliope’s heart.”
    Stolen her