Page 18 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
Jayce was there already, pumping water to the trough for the pen of horses. “How’s married life treating you?” His voice had a teasing tone to it. Jayce knew it was way past bedtime when they rode home.
“So far, it’s great. Bryn’s makin’ breakfast. Susie’s up.” He leaned on the top rail of the fence, his attention on the horses. Or so he wanted Jayce to think.
“Sorry we were so late getting home last night.”
“The job had to be done.”
“Yup. Guess we should ride out again today and see if that bunch kept riding.”
“Yup.” Flint’s gaze was not on horses. Nope. He looked toward the little house that now held a family for him.
Jayce cleared his throat, but Flint paid him no mind.
“Think I’ll see if breakfast is ready.” Flint strode toward the house, Jayce’s soft laughter following him. Not that he cared one little bit.
Bryn looked up at his entrance a smile on her face. “Perfect timing. Everything is ready.”
Susie sat at the table, her feet swinging. “You gots cats out there?”
“Mrs. Addington has a cat.”
“I can see it?”
“If’n Mrs. Addington don’t mind.”
Susie jumped from the chair.
Bryn caught her. “Not right now. We’re going to have breakfast.”
“Aw.” Susie hung her head as she returned to her chair.
Flint chuckled. “Someone has a one-track mind.”
Bryn rolled her eyes. “Maybe she’d like to see the horses.” Under her breath, she muttered, “Or anything else.”
“That’s a great idea. Why don’t I take both of you out and show you around.” Seeing Susie about to get off her chair again, he added, “After we’ve eaten.”
The chair at the end of the table scraped on the floor as he pulled it out and sat down. Watching Bryn carry food to the table was a pleasure he hadn’t imagined he’d feel.
She sat to his right, Susie bouncing in her chair to his left.
His pleasure deepened. Realizing they waited for grace, he bowed his head and offered a quick prayer. Silently adding thanks for something he figgered would satisfy a need other than to fill his stomach. Having a family had made him aware of hungry feelings gnawing in his heart.
Susie barely waited until Bryn had put food on her plate before she turned to Flint.
“Where’d you go last night?” The way her chin jutted out, he guessed she didn’t like him being gone. The thought pleased him.
“Susie, mind your manners,” Bryn scolded.
“Sorry.” Susie ducked her head but shot him a look from the corner of her eyes that demanded Flint answer.
Grinning as he spoke, he explained what he could to her. “Some of our cows were in trouble and we had to rescue them.”
“Can I see the cows?”
“Of course. But not this very minute.” He grinned at Bryn who shook her head, but smiled at the same time.
Their lips curled upwards, and they met each other’s gaze for a long happy moment as Susie announced she was done.
