Page 7 of The Bride's Desire

“Hey, Mom. Is there anything you forgot to tell me?”

There was silence for a moment.

“Well, dear. You and I have discussed your wanting to get married, and last time we talked, you showed your frustration because you didn’t have any time to look, so I decided to help.”

“You’ve put us both in a very uncomfortable situation. She wants to walk back to town.”

His mom gasped. “You can’t let her do that.”

“I know that, Mom. What do you expect us to do?”

“Get to know each other, dear.”

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Don’t tell me you don’t think she’s beautiful. I’ve seen several pictures, and I’ve learned she’s from a very respectful family. I didn’t get to talk to her in person, but she seemed like a lovely young woman. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about doing the same thing. You’d also say you didn’t have time. Well, I did, and I chose the one I thought would fit you.”

He caught the wince Naomi couldn’t hide and wondered about it.

“So, you want me to try her on for size, and if she doesn’t fit, what?”

“Oh, for God’s sake, where are your manners?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Have I ever led you wrong?”

He snorted. “One word—rabbit.”

“Oh, for God’s sake. You were six years old. How was I supposed to know you thought he’d like to play outside with the dogs?”

Naomi covered her mouth, horrified.

“If I had gotten a puppy as I wanted, it would have been fine.”

He almost laughed at the frustrated growl that came over the phone.

“One of these days, when you have your own children, you’ll be calling me, apologizing and thanking me for not throwing you in with the cows.”

He did laugh at that.

“Now, tell me what you thought of her?” his mother asked.

He looked at her, winked, and grinned. “I think she’d be able to carry a child with a little difficulty. She’s not very big, but I can fatten her up a bit.”

“What did I do wrong?” His mother sighed to no one in particular.

“Fine. She’s beautiful.” He laughed and looked directly at Naomi. “She has the cutest little blush when she’s embarrassed. Her green eyes are so expressive, and the color is unlike anything I’ve seen before. She’s got beautiful long dark hair with a bit of curl.”

“Is she nice?”

“I think so.” He paused and grinned again. “Are you nice?” he asked so his mother would hear.

He chuckled when his mother gasped in outrage.

“She’s sitting right there and listening to us talk about her—that poor dear. I’m so sorry to put you through all of this. I’ve got a few other men in the community I think would take you. My son will let you sleep over and then have one of his men take you to Mr. Simmons in the morning. I’ll call him right now to make sure it’s okay.”

An unreasonable streak of anger darkened his eyes.

---