Page 45 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“I believe we’re ready to go.” Flint winked at Bryn.
The man understood her amusement. But he also understood Susie’s need for reassurance.
This was not the kind of man she was used to, but he was the kind she had wished for all her life. Thankfully, Susie would experience what Bryn had been denied— a gentle caring father.
She again vowed she would not do anything to risk ruining what they’d found here.
Flint held the door open, and they walked side by side up the path to Jayce and Addie’s house.
Jayce opened the door as they approached. “Come on in.”
Flint introduced his partner.
Bryn had seen him and knew he was a tall man but he seemed even taller when she stood before him.
Susie pressed to Bryn’s side, wary of this big stranger.
“Welcome. Both to the west and to our home.” He ushered them into the warm kitchen where the aroma of cooking venison and fresh bread greeted them, bringing a flood of saliva to Bryn’s mouth.
Addie turned from the stove. “It’s about ready.”
This was what home should smell like. And feel like, she added as Jayce brushed his hand to Addie’s shoulder.
They gathered around the table. Jayce prayed and the food was passed.
“We went to the Shannons today.” Flint smiled at Susie. “Got a kitten.”
Susie edged forward on her chair. “I gots her for a pet.”
Addie clapped her hands. “That’s wonderful. Now we both have an extra friend.”
Susie nodded. “I hopes Daisy likes her.”
“I’m sure she will.” She turned to Bryn. “Did you meet everyone?”
“All the wives.”
“Only the wives?” Jayce gives Flint a questioning look.
“The men were out with the cows. ’Cept for Luke, His wife has a baby, so he stayed back.”
“Another baby?” Addie turned to Bryn. “Boy or girl?”
“A little girl they’ve named Anna,” Bryn answered.
“That’s two babies there.”
Bryn grinned. “It looked to me like there will be a couple more soon.”
“That’s wonderful.” Addie turned to her husband. “Isn’t it, Jayce?”
“The world can always use more Shannons.” Their gazes lingered with such intimacy that Bryn lowered her gaze to herplate. Were they thinking the world could use more Addingtons too? What about Marches? If God so chose to bless them. She cleared her throat. “I was surprised to learn that all the wives out here are mail-order brides.”
Addie gave a soft laugh. “I didn’t come as one.” She continued. “I came looking for my pa. Thought I was going to be a housekeeper for Mrs. Ingram.”
Jayce reached across the table to cup her hand with his. “I wanted a housekeeper, but Mrs. Ingram said it wasn’t appropriate. I’d have to marry.”
Bryn had heard the story from Flint, but it still amazed her.
