Page 49 of Montana Groom of Convenience
“Did I get soap in your eyes? I’m sorry. Let me wash them out.”
Jill rocked her head back and forth. “No soap.” She sniffled. Finally, she spoke. “Nobody has washed my hair since Mama.”
The child was finished bathing. Carly wrapped a towel around her and lifted her to her lap. She pressed Jill’s head to her shoulder and rubbed her back. “I’m glad I could be the one to do it for you. You’re aprecious, sweet child, and I’m honored to be part of your family now.”
Jill’s stiffness eased.
Carly continued talking. “We might not be the kind of family each of us started out to be, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be good together. It’s been so much fun having you help me with the baking. I can tell your mama has taught you many things. I think she’d be happy that you’ve remembered them.”
Jill nodded.
“We’ll keep learning together, doing the things we know our mothers would want us to. You know...” She leaned back so she could look into Jill’s face. “I think both of our mamas would be pleased to see us working together to make a happy family.”
Emotions raced across the child’s face...hope, uncertainty, and then the blank look that she used so often.
Carly pushed back her disappointment. It was early yet. In time, Jill would learn that they could be as happy as they chose to be. All of them. Together as a family.
“You think about it.” She finished drying Jill and helped her into her nightgown. She dried Jill’s hair in front of the stove and braided it, still damp, to keep it tidy. “Do you want me to read you a story before you go to sleep?” She’d asked several times and always Jill had said no, thanks. She would keep asking until Jill agreed to let her.
Jill hesitated.
Carly waited, hoping for agreement. Then Jill shook her head.
“Fine. You get to bed. I’ll come and tuck you in.”
She let out a slow sigh when Jill didn’t tell her not to. One step forward. She hung the wet towels as shegave Jill a few minutes to get into bed, then went to the bedroom.
Jill had the covers up to her chin.
Carly tucked them tight around her, then leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “Have a good sleep, sweet Jill.” Seeing the wariness in the girl’s eyes, she left the room before Jill could protest.
In the kitchen, she sucked in air. It was progress. Thank You, God. Help me show love every day and in every way. And let that love help us build a new family.
Sawyer and Father spoke outside.
Carly couldn’t help but smile in anticipation of seeing Sawyer after a dip in the river. She shivered. She’d take warm water any day.
She added hot water to the tub, pulled a chair near, and put the soap and towels close at hand.
“Father, would you like a bath now?” She allowed herself a quick glance at Sawyer. His hair sparkled with dampness. His skin glowed like freshly blossomed roses. Her ‘quick glance’ had become an all-out stare.
Father pushed to his feet. “I’ll do me best.”
Carly remembered to breathe as she brought her attention to her father.
Sawyer leaped forward. “Do you need help? I don’t mind.”
Father’s face crinkled in appreciation. “Thank you for the offer, son, but I’ve been managing on my own.”
“How does he do it?” Sawyer asked after Father went inside.
“He sits on a chair and leans over the tub. Seems to work for him.” She chuckled. “He’s particular about keeping his beard clean. He once told me a story about an old bachelor who didn’t wash as often as he should.Claims the man found a mouse in his beard one day.” She met Sawyer’s surprised look. “Now, I can’t say if it’s really true, I’m simply repeating what I heard.”
Sawyer grinned. “I don’t expect your father would spin a wild tale, would he?”
She lifted one shoulder. “Never known my father to tell a lie. Though I’m not saying, he saw this firsthand. I suspect it was a story told to him, and he only relayed what he’d heard.”
Sawyer’s gaze held hers like a steel clamp. She couldn’t have turned away if she wanted and she didn’t want to. His smile gave way to a deep-throated laugh. Still, their eyes remained locked.
