Page 46 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“You might say she married me by mistake.” Jayce’s deep laughter brought a pink tint to his wife’s cheeks.
“I had banged my head and didn’t quite know what I was doing when I said, ‘I do’ and signed the papers.” Though her words were meant for Bryn, Addie’s eyes never left Jayce.
“I’m sorry you weren’t able to find your pa.”
Addie folded her hands together. “I was able to learn what happened to him and that satisfied me.”
Jayce leaned back with the look of a man who was pleased with life. “But she found me.”
Bryn laughed along with the others.
Flint told them of the invitation to the July Fourth picnic that included Jayce and Addie. It still amazed Bryn that the invitation had been extended when it was several weeks until that day. But then she wasn’t used to not being able to see her neighbors often.
After they’d discussed that, Jayce changed the subject. “I’m uneasy about the herd. I don’t think Jeff and Joe would stand a chance against the rustlers if they’ve decided to return. I think we should check on them tomorrow.”
“I agree.” Flint’s jaw hardened.
Bryn didn’t need to be told that it would mean she would be alone for the day.
Addie turned to Bryn. “I can help you plant your garden tomorrow.”
“I’d appreciate that.” Not only did it need to be done as soon as possible as it was getting late in the season, it would help pass the time.
Before they had finished dessert, Susie’s head nodded.
Bryn met Flint’s gaze over Susie. “She’s tired.”
He pushed his chair back and pulled her to his lap. She rested her head against his shoulder and slept.
Tears burned at the back of Bryn’s eyes at how readily the child trusted Flint, and he’d done nothing to earn it except be himself. Be kind and interested in her. Find her a kitten.
Her attention was drawn back to the conversation.
“We need to get firewood in.” Jayce’s gaze went to the woodbox by the stove.
“Yeah. Guess so.” Flint shifted Susie. “Hate to leave the womenfolk unattended though.”
Addie’s gentle laugh surprised Bryn. Why did she consider that amusing?
“Don’t recall the same concern when you and Jayce rode away to get the cows.”
Flint’s face darkened. “Things is different now.”
The way Jayce and Addie looked at each other made Bryn’s own face grow hot as she understood that what was different was not any danger but the fact that Flint was now married.
Not for the world would she say she didn’t fancy being alone. Especially when what she really meant was having Flint gone.
Susie shifted and fussed. Flint adjusted her and she stirred restlessly. “We better get this little one home,” he said.
“But I should help with dishes first.”
Addie waved away her offer. “Jayce will help me, won’t you?”
Jayce waggled his eyebrows. “My pleasure.”
Bryn looked away from the obvious affection between the two. She was encouraged to know that mistakes could be corrected.
Susie’s hair tickled Flint’s chin as he carried her home. He’d never held a child before Susie. It felt like a dream come true. A wife and a child. A home that didn’t pack up and move so often he couldn’t remember where he was. He took Susie to her bed and then stepped aside to let Bryn slip off her frock.
