Page 22 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“What should we make Uncle Flint for dinner?” Bryn held out her hand to the child.
“I don’t care.”
Which was just as well for Bryn had been too busy outside all morning to bake or cook. Leftovers from last night were soon simmering as soup while biscuits browned in the oven.
The house was warm, so she opened the door to let cooler air in. The fact that it allowed her to watch the barn was a pleasant side effect.
Everything was ready and still no approaching riders. What if the rustlers had overpowered Jayce and Flint? Would the outlaws decide there were things at the ranch worth stealing?
She slammed the door closed and leaned against it. What hope did she have if ruffians rode into the yard and threatened her and Susie?
Flint could barely restrain himself from pushing his horse into a gallop. It had been a long morning. The rustlers appeared to be gone, but neither he nor Jayce was comfortable with simply believing it and followed their trail for a couple of hours. From a high point, they studied the view. Saw nothing of the men. Not even a bit of dust to suggest riders in the distance.
Jayce settled back in his saddle. “Guess they’ve moved on. Hope they kept heading north. We don’t need that sort of trouble around here.”
They returned the way they’d come, but it was well past noon when home came into sight.
“Poor Bryn.” He half whispered the words not expecting Jayce to hear.
“I agree. Why don’t you take the rest of the day and spend it with her? Show her around.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” They’d hardly had any time together.
They reached the barn and took care of their horses before they made their way to their houses.
The aroma of something savory greeted him as he opened the door. “Hello?” Not a sound. He looked into each bedroom. No one was there. Where could they be? A glance out the windows didn’t reveal either of them.
Susie’s voice carried to him, and he looked down the path to see her at Bryn’s side, hurrying toward him.
“I was with Addie,” Bryn explained as soon as she was close enough to not have to holler.
“Glad to know you’ve made her acquaintance.”
She nodded. “Food is ready.”
He held the door for her as she stepped into the house. Her skirt swept against his leg as she passed. How strange. He could feel the same swishing sensation inside.
“I confess I was a little nervous being here by myself so fled to Addie.”
The look she sent him was part apology, part embarrassment. And served to make him want to make her understand he had no objections to her seeking Addie’s company.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here.” He really didn’t mind her going to the other house. But he did regret he hadn’t been there to make Bryn feel safe.
Her hand flicked. “Don’t apologize. I know you have work to do. I’m fine.” She waved him toward the table. He pulled out his chair and sat.
In minutes she served soup and biscuits. After his short grace, they dug in.
Susie’s head nodded before she finished.
“I’ll be right back.” Bryn lifted sleepy Susie and carried her into her room. Bryn came back almost at once, a smile as sweet as morning dew on her lips.
It was all Flint could do to not stare at her mouth. Something about her smile and quiet contentment held his attention.
“She’s sleeping.” Bryn took her chair again.
Flint turned back to the food. She was a fine cook and he said so.
“Thanks.” She slathered syrup on a biscuit. “Did your morning go well?” The biscuit sat on her plate, her dark eyes watching him.
