Page 48 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
He sandwiched her hand between his. No words came to his thoughts. Only a steady beat of his heart, pushing blood through his body, reminding him of what he hoped for when he decided to get a mail-order bride. Already Bryn had given him many of those things.
Warmth pooled at his shoulder when she pressed her head to the spot. He dipped his head to her hair and breathed in the scent of wild roses.
They sat with their hands together, her head on his shoulder. He couldn’t say what she was thinking, but he found it comforting.
“Guess it’s time ta go ta bed.” He said the words but neither of them moved. Seemed she might have enjoyed the moment as much as he. “Now we can make new memories.”
She sat up and faced him. Eyes wide. Shocked at what he’d said? Or objecting to it?
His heart beat a solid protest against his ribs. He had spoken without considering how she’d react, but he couldn’t take the words back. But he could keep hold of her hand.
“That’s a nice idea.” Her smile lit up her face and filled his heart.
She pulled him to his feet. Not that it took any effort. He pulled her to his chest. Could she feel the pounding of his heart? He would have held her longer, but she edged toward the bedroom.
He closed the door behind them and gazed into her face. “You have pretty eyes.” Brown, intense, and full of memories of her past and maybe even love.
“So do you.” Her breath whispered over his skin.
His knees threatened to bend. He forced them to stiffen. What was the last time he’d heard anyone say something nice about him? Nice eyes. He liked that.
From the other room came a cry.
Both he and Bryn turned toward the sound.
She sighed softly. “I’ll go see what’s the matter.”
He didn’t want to let her leave. “I’ll come with you.” They hurried to the next room. Moonlight washed it in silver. Susie lay curled in a ball under the covers, crying and moaning.
“She’s having bad dream.” Bryn slipped from his side and went to the child, pulling her into her arms. “Susie, honey, wake up. You’re here with us.”
Susie jerked awake and grabbed hold of Bryn. “I thought you’d goned.”
“Shh. I’m here. I won’t leave you.”
The kitten trotted over to the bed. Flint scooped up the furry animal and handed him to Susie. “This might help.”
Susie pulled the kitten close, sobbing as she continued to cling to Bryn. The sound ripped through Flint. No child should be so sad. It weren’t fair, but then what made him think it should be. Though Mrs. Murphy had said that God held him in the palm of His hand. Guess God did the same for Susie and Bryn.
“You go on to bed,” Bryn whispered. “I’ll be along as soon as she settles.”
He rubbed at his chin. Didn’t seem there was anything he could do here. Might as well wait for her in bed. “I’ll be waitin’ for ya.” In the bedroom, a patch on his pa’s book reflected the moonlight reminding him that there was a time the cover had shiny letters. The spot felt smooth beneath his fingertip.
A spot of bright in the dark.
Chapter Twelve
“Auntie Bryn.”
Bryn sat upright. Early morning sunlight filled the room with gray shadows. Oh no. She’d fallen asleep with Susie. This was not what she’d planned. How long had Flint lain awake waiting for her? Would he be upset?
“My kitty sleeped with you and me.”
The kitten curled up in Susie’s arms, purring loudly.
“Susie, honey, stay in bed with your kitten.” Bryn had to fix things. She slipped from the room running her hands over her dress hoping to smooth out some of the wrinkles. Her efforts made little difference. Her hair would certainly be untidy, and she finger-combed it back from her face. Having done her best, she twisted her hands together and breathed deeply hoping in vain to still the hammering of her pulse in her jaw. Could she make him understand her failure to go to his bed last night wasn’t intentional? Before she reached the door to the other bedroom it creaked open. Flint looked at her, his eyes shadowed by the gray light.
“I’m sorry.” The words rushed out. “I fell asleep with Susie.”
