Page 11 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
Silence hung between them.
He cleared his throat. “Somethin’ wrong?”
The kindness and concern in his tone were almost her undoing. But she wouldn’t cry. Not when a new life lay ahead. She’d determined to put the past behind her. But it clung to her thoughts. Not only was Rowena gone, but Bryn must not speak of her in order to ensure acceptance for both herself and Susie.
Except she could talk about her without using her name.
“Not wrong exactly. But I couldn’t help but think how much Susie’s mama would have enjoyed watching her daughter chasing gophers.” She drew in a shaky breath. “I miss her.”
“Your sister?”
“Half-sister. I’m eight years older and was raised in a different home, but after Susie came along, I spent a lot of time with the two of them. We became close.” Her throat tightened so she couldn’t continue.
“I’m sorry fer yer loss.”
Her shoulders rose and fell as she sucked in the air. “Thanks. I am also sorry for your losses.”
“Me?”
“Your mother. And your pa.” Recalling the things he’d said about his pa, she added, “Sounds like he was a good father.”
“He done the best he could that’s fer sure.” He straightened. “We best be movin’ on. Susie girl, time ta go.”
Bryn understood he was moving on in other ways. From his past, it seemed.
The wheels rattled down the road as they continued on their way. The mountains glistened in the afternoon sun, deepening the purple in the crevasses, and highlighting the white crowns. Wildflowers dotted the grassy slopes they passed. The scenery was beautiful. Bryn knew she would never tire of the way the changing light affected the color of the sky, mountain, and nearby hills. But as they drew nearer to her new home, tension clamped down on her chest making it hard to breathe.
The moment they began their new life together as husband and wife, sharing home and responsibilities, she would learn how real Flint’s words were when he said they would be equals. Words were easy. Actions were what mattered. She’d come west and married hoping to find something missing from her past. Acceptance and value. Was she wanting the impossible?
Her fingernails dug into her palms, and she instructed herself to relax her fingers… to no avail.
Flint watched Bryn out of the corners of his eyes. Her hands knotted into fists. Nervous? Scared? Disappointed? He understood the first two. After all, she knew nothing about what she was getting into except for the few things he’d had Mrs. Ingram put in his letters. He chased around words in his head, trying to find a way to tell her she didn’t need to be afeared of her new home.
But if she’d found him lacking there weren’t much he could do. Except, hope she would be happy with the cabin and the situation of ranch living.
Susie broke the silence that hung heavy on Flint’s thoughts.
“Mama said I coulds have a pet when I’s older.” She directed her blue eyes toward Flint. “I’s older now. I’s free.” She held up three fingers.
“Uh-huh.” He smiled when Susie crossed her arms and looked like she wasn’t happy with his answer.
“You gots a pet?”
Did her tone mean she was curious or something else? Maybe building an argument. He had no way of knowing and turned to her aunt hoping for some help. Something ahead held her interest. But a study revealed nothing to him.
“Bryn?” He hoped he managed to sound kind, interested, and concerned when all the while he worried she might be wanting to change her mind. Like Addie had at first. Expecting to go back to town and tell the preacher to cancel the marriage.
Slowly, she brought her gaze round to him, her eyes so wide he wondered if she even saw him. “I’m sorry. Did you ask me a question?”
“Not really. But Susie is askin’ about pets. That’s all.”
She blinked and her eyes focused.
Something occurred to him. “Did she leave a pet behind?”
“No. Not at all. But the girl in the house next to us had a fluffy cat.”
“That was her name. Fluffy.” Eagerness filled Susie’s eyes. “An’ Mrs. Allen had a bird. ‘Member, Auntie?”
