Page 33 of Montana Groom of Convenience
Although her answer tickled his funny bone that he thought he no longer had, it also brought him back to reality. He’d almost let himself believe she’d like to behis wife, but her words reminded him of the terms of their agreement.
She turned back to the house. “Jill, come and meet everyone.”
Jill hesitated a moment, then made her way slowly to Sawyer’s side.
Carly introduced Jill and then began introducing their visitors. “These are all Marshall men, Annie’s brothers.” She went around the group, naming each one.
“Dawson and Isabelle and their daughter, Mattie, who is six years old. Logan and Sadie with their children: Beth, fourteen, Sammy, seven, and Jeannie, who is three. Conner and Kate and their baby, Ellie.” Each adult shook Sawyer’s hand, welcomed him, and congratulated him on his marriage to Carly. Then, they extended a warm welcome to Jill.
He acknowledged each introduction and hoped he’d be able to remember them when he met them later.
The women returned to their wagons and lifted out baskets.
Annie explained. “We brought a party.”
Carly pulled Sawyer to the side and waved the visitors in. Then she and Sawyer followed. Jill had joined the children, though he noticed she held back, taking her time. He could hardly blame her. So many strangers, and all so enthusiastic. It was a bit overwhelming even for him. He expected it was the same, or worse, for his little sister.
Everyone greeted Mr. Morrison and inquired about his health. The old man beamed with pleasure. “This is just like when yer Mother and I married,” he said to Carly.
“Not quite,” she murmured to Sawyer.
He bent close to answer. “Let everyone have their party. Our agreement was between you and me. No need to share the details.”
She met his gaze, her eyes dark and—why did he think she sought something from him? What could it be? If he knew, he would do his best to give it. She smiled. It ricocheted in his heart, setting free a dozen or more fluttering butterflies of awareness.
He smiled as the feelings flapped upward. Told himself it was only because he wished to offer her encouragement. Not because he couldn’t keep his feelings stuffed away. He considered the last thought. That couldn’t be right. After all, he had only met her this morning. Hardly time for anything to change...especially his long experience of not having feelings.
Since this morning, he’d met her, married her, and now was about to celebrate their marriage with a host of friends. He promised himself he would do his utmost to make it a party she would remember. Seemed the least he could do, considering she’d given up any hope of a romantic union.
Soon, a feast of cakes and cookies and two pies filled the table. Chairs, a bench from under the hooks for the coats, and a stool or two provided seating for all the adults. The children were content to sit on the floor as they enjoyed the repast. Jill joined them, though she sat at the edge of the gathering. He recognized the feeling because it was familiar. He distanced himself from people, too. With a start, he looked around the crowded table and realized that might no longer be possible. Or even desirable.
Dawson, the eldest Marshall brother, lifted hishand to get attention. “I’d like to hear more about Sawyer than what Annie told us.”
Sawyer stiffened at the question. He sat next to Carly, pressed tight to her elbow. She must have felt his reaction, for she laughed and answered in his stead. “Why not let the poor man enjoy an evening of peace before you all start on him?”
A chorus of protests greeted her request. “We haven’t started anything,” Dawson said above the uproar.
“Only because I stopped you.” Carly’s grin never faltered, yet he detected a fierce warning note, and perhaps the others did, too.
“I expect we could tell him a little about you,” Conner—the middle brother—said.
Carly groaned. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
Sawyer leaned forward. “I’m all ears.”
He ignored the way Carly poked her finger into his ribs. When she did it a second time, he captured her hand and held it firmly enough she couldn’t escape.
The others noticed and nudged one another. Annie whispered loudly, “She’s already learning submission.”
Carly jerked her hand free and scowled at them all, saving her fiercest scowl for Sawyer. “No one lords it over me.”
“Now, now, lassie,” her father said. “Give the man a chance to show you how pleasant it can be to have someone to help you and take care of you.”
“I don’t need anyone to take care of me.” She began to push to her feet but Annie, at her other side, pulled her down.
“Carly, sit down and enjoy the party.” She leanedclose to whisper. Sawyer heard her words. “Set a good example for the children.”
They all glanced toward the youngsters. Several watched the adults with interest. Sawyer noticed that Jill seemed particularly drawn to the conversation.
