Page 25 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
Bryn edged forward, sticking to Flint’s side. Using the excuse that the tall weeds blocked her from moving away any distance.
Flint leaned close to whisper, “She’s so busy playin’ she didn’t hear.”
“I’m just glad she’s all right.”
Daisy noticed them and picked her way through Susie’s tiny fence to come toward them.
“Don’t go,” Susie wailed.
Before Bryn was able to intervene, Flint went to the child’s side. “Daisy isn’t leavin’ you though you know she belongs to Mrs. Addington.”
The wails increased.
“We’re gonna have a look around. Do you want a piggyback ride?”
The crying stopped and Susie scrambled to her feet.
Flint squatted down to let Susie climb to his back. He bounced her as he stood, earning him a giggle.
There was no mistaking the pleasure on Flint’s face. Bryn felt an answering pleasure. This sweet child deserved to be given the attention of a man. If not by her own father who thought girls and women were useless except for one thing— producing male heirs— then by someone willing to fill that role. Flint seemed ready to provide that.
“Would you like to see the barn and horses?” Flint looked at Bryn as he spoke, but the answer came from behind his head.
“Yes, please.”
Bouncing Susie and bringing giggles, Flint led the way across the yard. The barn door stood open, and he went in, Bryn at his side.
Warm air rose from the floor. Flies buzzed against the windowpanes. The scent of hay and horses wafted to her nose.A smile filled her heart and curved her lips. The place had a comforting feeling to it. She could imagine spending pleasant hours here, watching Flint work, discussing plans, sheltering against a storm, playing with Susie, and even… should the good Lord see fit… more children.
“You shoulda seen this when we moved here.”
Her imaginative thoughts crashed to a halt. “Addie told me you and Jayce have put a lot of effort into improving this place.”
“It needed some work, fer sure. But it’s been well worth it.” His gaze circled the interior of the barn. “All the buildings are solid. Good grazing as far as the mountains.”
They wandered down the alley past pens that had been repaired. They circled back to the door and out into the afternoon sun.
“Where’s the horseys?” Susie asked.
“Yer about to see them.” They arrived at a rail fence. He lifted Susie from his back, so she stood with her toes on the middle rail as she leaned over the top.
Was she imitating Flint who rested his arms on the top rail? It pleasured Bryn to think so.
Horses grazed a distance away. Flint whistled, a sharp sound that made Susie giggle and Bryn widen her eyes before she laughed.
At the sound, half a dozen horses galloped toward them. Some tossed their heads. One trotted close and then shied away. Another stopped just out of reach, breathing in the scent of unfamiliar people before racing away.
“They’s a little shy ’round strangers. But they’ll get used ta ya. Then they’ll come right up ta the fence begging for a pat on the neck or maybe a treat.”
“What they like for treats?” Susie asked. “I gots no sweets.”
“Wait here.” Flint trotted back to the barn and returned with a bucket of oats. He rattled the pail and again whistled. Thehorses again trotted toward him. Again, they paused at the sight of strangers. He tossed oats over the fence and the bravest one edged closer and began to eat them, his lip curling around the treat. Soon four more joined him, nudging and nipping at each other for a larger portion.
Susie giggled. “They needs to learn to share.”
“Yup. They do. Wanna ride again?” Flint turned to let her climb to his back, and they continued their journey. He pointed out the mares and their babies. Indicated other horses in the distance.
Lots of horses. Handsome creatures, but— “I thought you had cows.”
