Page 50 of Montana Bride By Christmas
Grandfather chuckled. “At least it isn’t a talking donkey.”
Hugh and Annie laughed at Grandfather’s reference to Balaam’s donkey in the Old Testament.
Annie shifted to look directly at Hugh. “Will you help me heat water to bathe that pair?”
“You sure?” He meant, did she think it was possible?
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” she said. “I’ll get the washtub.” She went to the pantry, where the tub hung from a hook on the wall.
“I suppose there’s nothing to lose,” he murmured and began to pump water into a pail.
“I expect everyone in the house will feel better if they remove some of the dirt they are carrying around.” Grandfather was right. Both Evan and the pup were a bit ripe. Only a week ago, Evan had fought Hugh tooth and nail simply to get him home and the same to get him to bed. Yes, the boy had come a long way, but Hugh had no desire to see him retreat to those earlier days.
Annie brought the tub, put it on the hottest part of the stove, and gave Hugh an expectant look.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” He knew he sounded less than enthusiastic. Nevertheless, he poured water into the tub. Several times, he filled the pail and added it to the contents.
“That’s good,” Annie said. “Now we wait for the water to heat. In the meantime,...” She hurried from the room. Her footsteps receded down the hallway. Evan was too preoccupied to notice her absence, but Hugh felt as if life had been sucked from the room.
She rushed back in, holding out the new shirt and overalls she’d purchased for Evan, and hung them over the nearby chair.
Grandfather, normally half-asleep, sat up watching the proceedings. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” he chortled, glancing at Evan who finally noticed Annie’s activities. He sat back, a guarded look on his face.
“Grandfather, don’t be giving him any ideas.” Annie turned to Evan. “Your puppy needs a bath if he’s going to be inside. I don’t think he’s ever had a bath, so he might be a little afraid. Maybe you can show him how it’s done.”
Evan looked at Annie for several tense seconds, then shifted his attention to Happy. The puppy’s coat was soiled in many places. Evan touched the spots to point it out. Looked deep into Happy’s eyes as if they spoke silently to each other. Returned his gaze to Annie with a look of deep resignation.
Hugh chuckled. “I get the feeling he figures you’re going to get him into the tub whether or not he wants it.”
Annie tried to look as if the idea annoyed her, but her eyes gave away her amusement. “He’s pretty smart, isn’t he?”
Evan watched and listened and, at her praise, looked rather pleased with himself.
Annie looked about. “Let’s start a fire in the fireplace and put the tub there. It will be nice and cozy.”
Hugh nodded and headed for the living room, where he soon had a fire blazing. Annie stood beside him as he faced the flames. Rather appropriate words, he decided, both for the room and for his life.
“I’m going to check the water.” Annie turned back to the kitchen, and Hugh followed. She sipped her hand into the water. “It’s just right. Help me carry it into the other room.”
Grandfather poured himself another cup of coffee and sat at the table where he could see the goings-on in the living room.
Hugh and Annie carried the tub through and parked it in front of the fireplace. Towels and hard yellow soap were waiting nearby. She must have brought them out at the same time as she got Evan’s clothes. She rubbed her hands together.
“It’s time.” Her expression grew determined, and she marched back to the kitchen. “Evan, are you ready?” She held out her hand to the boy.
Evan studied her, gave a long sigh, and pushed to his feet. He took Annie’s hand and went with her to the other room.
Happy tumbled after them, tripping Evan in the doorway.
Hugh brought up the rear, his insides as tumbling as the puppy. This could go so very badly.
Evan stopped at the tub and stared at the water.
“You’ll have to take off your clothes,” Annie said. “Do you want me to help?”
Evan shook his head.
“Fine, you do it.” She gave Hugh a trembling glance, and he understood she was as nervous as he about how this would turn out.
