She swallowed back the emotions that tightened her chest and stung her eyes with tears.She would have a good cry when she was alone to release the tension that tightened her chest.That and a good night’s sleep, and she’d be back to normal.
“What’s he like?”She hadn’t realized she’d said it out loud until Daniel started to answer.
“He’s a good man.I’ve known him practically my whole life.He’s honorable and trustworthy.He looks and sounds like he eats nails for breakfast, but he’d never raise a hand to you.I can swear to that.”
Sky relaxed.That was one worry off her mind.If she was safe with him, she would be forever grateful.She didn’t expect love or even affection from the man, but if he could make her feel safe, she’d be the best wife a man would want.
“Do you want children, Sky?”
Her face brightened as she turned to look at Daniel.
“Oh, yes.I know it sounds old-fashioned, but I never dreamt of having a career, just having a family of my own.”
“No, ma’am, it doesn’t.I think you’ll fit in here just fine.Out here, you’ll find people also tend to be old-fashioned.”
“Thank you, Daniel.You have put my mind at ease.When my father pus...”she stuttered and then stopped for a brief second.“I mean, when I found the ad, it seemed to be what I was looking for.”
Daniel threw a smile at her before looking back to the road.
“Anytime.If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.You’ll always find me knee-deep in manure, but I’ll be here.”
Sky giggled and then turned her attention back to the scenery that whizzed by.
“It makes it easier to know I already have a friend here.I like knowing you’re there.Thank you.”She settled back into the seat, hoping to rest before they made it to the ranch where she would meet the man her father forced her to marry.She wished she had the backbone to walk away from her father, but she didn’t.He hadn’t given her any more money than it took for her to get there, and she didn’t know what the first step was to independence.She’d been kept isolated her whole life and was now unable to make a simple decision for herself.She hoped that with a little bit of freedom, she’d grow and learn how to take care of herself and eventually a child.
Chapter Three
The truck slowed andturned into a long driveway.Sky took in a calming breath and held tight to her emotions.She didn’t want him to see the fear, disappointment, and fatigue that were slowly dragging her down.She wiped her hands down the front of her dress to try to smooth it out a bit.She knew she must look awful.Spending three days on a bus in the same dress and light pink blouse would make anyone feel grungy.
Daniel parked in front of the house and pointed toward one of the barns.“Right there is your soon-to-be husband.”
Sky dragged her eyes to the spot Daniel indicated and sucked in a breath.“Which one, the tall man or the tree beside him?”
Daniel laughed.“The tree.”
Sky shivered.Her dad was big, but this man was at least a head taller than him.The beatings her father had given her had sometimes taken days to recover from.She couldn’t imagine the damage this man could do to her.He could kill her with one swipe of his fist.
