Page 38 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“We’re safe now?”
He edged closer so his shoulder pressed to hers. Offering encouragement. “We’s safe.” He was pretty certain she leaned toward him. It was a nice feeling. Thinking she trusted him. Maybe even needed him. He’d had the same feeling last night. Like the Bible said, the two becoming one. Nothing between them.
Her arm and shoulder softened as she relaxed. Everything was good. Safe. Maybe she’d settle back and continue talking about her life back east. He liked hearing about her early years. Strange she never mentioned her sister’s name but then it mighthurt too much to do so. Some day he’d ask but not now. No point in spoiling the contentment between them.
“Tell me more about your childhood,” she said.
“Ain’t much to tell. I worked as cook’s helper for a couple of years. By then I had growed some and the trail boss told me to get on my horse and do some real work.” Amusement brought a chuckle. “Ridin’ after cows was a whole lot easier than jumpin’ to try and please the cook. When that outfit broke up, I got a job workin’ for another. Went from job to job. Now I got my own place.” Would she detect the catch in his throat?
“Thanks to you I now have my own home too.”
“Reminds me of a verse I heard a time or two. ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me ta lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.’ The preacher said it meant God gives us peace and safety. I kinda think that sometimes it means He gives us a home where we are—” He didn’t know what he meant to say though the word love had sprung to his mind.
“Valued?”
“That sounds about right.” Though in his head there was much more. Things he didn’t have words for. Didn’t want to give words to for fear he’d be disappointed if he admitted them. Safer to take what was and enjoy it.
“It’s part of the Twenty-Third Psalm.” She said the rest of it, the words like honey to his heart. Sweet, healing, soothing, and promising.
The words fell into silence, and he let them sit undisturbed for a few seconds. “I like that.” He squeezed her hand and pressed his shoulder a little closer. They were alone. Would she welcome a kiss in the middle of the day?
“Me too. Mrs. Blake said my mother found great comfort in those words. When I said I’d like to remember it for Ma, she helped me learn it by heart.”
The sun’s rays poked through the trees and almost blinded him with brightness. Made him realize how late it had become. If he was going to do what else he planned, he needed to get at it.
“Do ya think Susie is old ’nough for a pet?”
Her chuckle barely disturbed the birds in the leafy branches overhead. “Are you thinking of catching some bugs and taking them home for her?”
His laughter burst forth. This time the birds rose from the trees, chattering and scolding. “It’s a far cry from what I had in mind.”
“Really?” The skin around her eyes crinkled, informing him that she was amused at his reaction.
“Didcha know that Jayce got Daisy at the Shannon ranch?”
She waited for him to explain why that mattered.
“They always have a litter or two of kittens. Thought we could stop by and see if they have any they’s wantin’ to give away.”
“She’d love it. But are you sure? Knowing Susie, she will want the cat with her day and night. You might find that annoying.”
“Bryn, I’ve slept beside horses and when Mutt was alive, I slept with him. Don’t see how it’s gonna do any harm if’n she wants to sleep with her cat.”
“Then I think it’s a wonderful idea. And thank you.”
The way her eyes lit up and the way her smile filled her face was the best reward Flint could have hoped for.
“As soon as little Susie wakes up, we’ll get on to the Shannon place.” In the meantime, he was happy to sit under the trees, Bryn’s arm against his.
Bryn shifted and pushed to her feet, leaving a cold spot at his side.
“She’s awake.” She hurried toward the child.
Susie sat up, rubbed her eyes, and looked around. Poor little thing would be scared to find herself alone. The leaves brushed his head, and the bark on the tree scraped at his shirt as Flintscrambled to his feet and crossed the trampled grass to Bryn’s side.
“We’re here.” Bryn’s voice sang over the clearing to her little niece.
Susie pushed to her feet and ran toward them, little legs disappearing in and out of the tall grass. Wheat-colored hair fanning out from her head. She reached them and flung herself into Bryn’s arms.
