Page 17 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
An unfamiliar noise wakened Flint. He cracked open his eyes and groaned at his uncomfortable position. Why was he sleeping on the couch? Remembrance jerked him to a sitting position and his gaze found Bryn standing in the doorway of the bedroom, looking at him.
“Glad to see you got back safely.” Her tone seemed a little… he wasn’t sure what he heard but it was enough to send guilt through him.
“It was past dark when we got back. Ya was sleepin’ and I didn’t want ta disturb ya.” He pulled on his boots as he talked and raked his fingers through his hair.
Bryn remained where she stood. Her eyes darted from the window behind him to the table to the floor at his feet. 'Peared there was something on her mind.
“Ya gonna tell me what’s botherin’ ya?” His booted feet hit the floor as he rose. They stood ten feet apart. Something on the floor continued to hold her interest, but he wasn’t fooled into thinking there was anything there and he waited for her to answer him. “I don’t want misunderstandin’s or secrets between us.”
Her head came up. “Very well.”
He almost backed up from the fire in her eyes. What had he done wrong? Nothing came to mind.
“Are you planning to make a habit of sleeping on the couch?”
His mouth opened but not a single word came out. Seeing she was about to head for the kitchen, he forced words. “No, ma’am. No such intention. None a’tall.” A grin he couldn’t control tugged at his lips.
Bright red cherries appeared in her cheeks. She blinked but didn’t shift her gaze away.
He chuckled. “Good to know you was waitin’ for me.”
The red spots brightened. Like a fire beneath her skin. “We are married.” Her protest was airy.
“Mama.” Susie’s pain-filled cry jerked Flint’s attention to the bedroom.
“I’m coming, little one.” Bryn rushed past him.
Shifting so he could watch, he saw Bryn scoop the child into her arms, perch on the side of the bed, and rock the little girl. Bryn’s gaze met his. So filled with sadness that he took a step forward, driven by an unfamiliar need to comfort them both.
Susie shuddered. Her cries ended.
Bryn shifted so she could wipe tears from Susie’s face. “Are you hungry?”
“Umm hmm.”
“I’ll help you get dressed.”
Flint turned away to give them privacy and scrubbed at the back of his neck. A family of his own had been his dream even before he admitted it. A wife and child. And more children if God saw fit. But he’d not considered that their hurts would be his hurts. Though gladly he would carry them if it helped in any way.
While he waited for them, he started the fire and put the coffee to boil.
“I meant to do that.” Bryn crossed the room toward the stove, Susie at her side.
“Been doin’ it myself a long time.” Was she annoyed? He backed away. “Just tryin’ ta help.”
“Thank you. I didn’t mean to be sharp. Everything is strange and I confess I feel a little uncertain.”
This was one time he could make things easier for her. “Bryn, you’ll figger things out as ya go along. We both will.”
“And me?” Susie demanded.
“Yup. All of us.” Sensing that Bryn needed a little space, he headed for the door. “I’ll take care of some chores and return for breakfast if’n that suits you?”
“Suits me fine. Give me half an hour or so.”
“That I can do. And thanks for the supper.” He indicated the empty plate on the table before he ducked outside.
“You’re welcome.” The words followed him as he made his way to the barn.
