Jewel had steam pouring out of her ears. When he politely offered a hand to assist her up, she promptly slapped it away and got in under her own power. “Did you have to kick me so hard?” “I told you this was a harebrained plan.” “That you agreed to.” “I’m not speaking to you.” With her arms clamped over her chest she looked like a female version of her father. He held on to his grin. “Jewel—” She snarled, “If you don’t get this buggy moving, I swear I’ll drive off and leave you right here.” Knowing this was not the best place to have this argument, he climbed up onto the seat and drove the buggy out of town. He waited until they reached the countryside before saying, “I didn’t know he was going to stand up and say what he did. When he leaves town, we’ll tell folks it was a mistake.” “Yes, my mistake for saying yes. Good women do not go around pretending to be married when they aren’t.” “I think you’re getting more riled up about this than necessary.”
