Page 23 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“Yup. No sign of those men. Hope if they continue their stealin’ that they get caught and turned over to the law.” Seeing her eyes widen, he wondered if he sounded hard. “Never did care for a body takin’ what wasn’t theirs.”
She nodded. “I quite agree.”
“These are good.” He chewed his mouthful of biscuit. “What did you do all mornin’?”
“Addie showed me her garden. Said I still had time to plant one of my own, so we pulled weeds from a spot she said had once been a garden.” She tipped her head to the west. “I plan to break up the soil this afternoon.”
“That’s a big job.” He paused to rethink his words. “I’ll help ya unless you want ta do it yerself.”
Her smile was wide and generous. “I’d love to have some help.”
“Good.” She welcomed his company. The warmth in his chest had nothing to do with the coffee he drank.
By the time they finished the meal and Bryn had tidied the room, Susie was awake and the three of them left the house. They went to the barn first where he chose a shovel.
“I thought we were going to work together.” Her tone made him think she wanted to help with the work, and he took anothershovel down and handed it to her, smiling just a little because it made him feel so good.
They crossed to the house, and passed it. He saw right away where the ladies had worked. “Big pile of weeds.”
Her laughter rang out. “Thank goodness Addie lent me some gloves.” She held out her hands to show him what she meant. Lifted her eyes to his and her smile flattened.
Everything faded against the look on her face. Was it welcoming? Measuring? Something else he wasn’t familiar with?
“Can I go see Daisy?” Susie’s question jerked Flint’s attention back to the garden and the world around him.
“I think you should wait until Mrs. Addington is outside. Why don’t you see how many flowers you can find?” Bryn’s gentle voice gave the answer.
With a quick nod, Susie bent over the grass beyond where the ladies had pulled weeds and began her search.
Flint jabbed the shovel into the soil with less effort than he’d expected. Beside him, Bryn did the same. He slowed his pace, so she stayed at his side. Working slower gave him time to talk and he sorted through his thoughts to find one to start a conversation with.
“The Shannons grow a big garden. I’ll have to take you over there to meet them.” Really, what he wanted to ask was had he met her approval? Could she be happy living here? With him?
“That’s what Addie said.” Bryn paused to glance toward the other house. “She said she’ll help me learn how to be a gardener.” The smile she flashed at him caused him to believe she looked forward to it. “She told me about the Shannons. It sounds like they’re a wonderful family.”
“Guess so. I know they’s good neighbors.” Yes, he should take her over soon but not until he’d enjoyed a few days with her.
They continued digging, the area of turned sod growing steadily bigger.
The door to Jayce’s house clicked shut loud enough to draw his attention. Jayce waved as he strode toward the barn. The cat also left the house. It trotted toward them, going directly to Susie.
Flint chuckled. “Sure hope we ain’t stealin’ Addie’s cat. Might have to get Susie a pet real soon.” He shoved his hat back to consider the idea. Seemed likely the Shannons would have more kittens to give away. Maybe he’d make a trip over there with Susie and Bryn. They could make a special day of it. A picnic. Maybe a side trip to the river. Or even to the falls. They were something to see.
“Did you ever have a pet?” Bryn’s question jerked him from his meandering thoughts.
“Always got my horse but guessin’ that ain’t what you mean.” He jabbed the shovel into the ground. “Once had a dog.”
Her digging stopped as she studied him. “What was its name?”
“Mutt. That’s what Pa called him.” Long-forgotten memories rushed into his head. “Mutt was a brown and white dog. Can’t remember when I got him. Seems he was always with us. Ridin’ in front of me.” His presence was warm comfort.
“What happened to him?”
“He got old. Passed on about the time Pa died.”
“Flint, that’s sad.” She squeezed his forearm. Sort of felt comfortin’ like when Ruff leaned against him. “To lose them both at the same time. How old were you?”
“Can’t rightly say but maybe ten.”
