Page 69 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
Her throat worked as she swallowed. She opened her mouth, but only a croak came from her lips.
Lightning flashed, followed within seconds by thunder. Rain pounded on the roof.
“Bryn?” The tightness in his chest would not release until he had an answer.
Chapter Seventeen
Bryn couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t swallow. Could not speak. Had she really said Rowena’s name? She knew she had if only because of Flint’s demand to know her last name.
“Bryn?” The harshness of his voice echoed in her head. “What was her last name?”
“Sanderson.” Would he even hear her tortured whisper?
Boots thudded on the floor as he took a step back. He blinked twice then squinted as if he couldn’t focus. Couldn’t believe what he’d heard. “Rowena Sanderson?”
Misery claimed every bit of her body as she nodded.
He stepped back again. “She was your sister?”
What could she do but nod and pray he’d understand?
“You must have known I’d met her when she was out west. And ya didn’t think ta tell me?”
She managed to rock her head back and forth.
“Why? Why did ya think it should be a secret?”
“I was afraid you’d dismiss me if you knew. I wouldn’t measure up. I couldn’t hope to replace her.”
His expression didn’t change. Hard. Cold. Disappointed.
“I know how much you must have loved her. She said you begged her to stay. I thought you’d find me a poor substitute.” Her voice cracked but she forced herself to continue.
She glanced around. Susie was in her room humming as she played with her cat.
“I was also afraid you’d not want Susie when you learned she was Rowena’s.” Or worse, he’d want the child of the woman he loved and endure Bryn solely as a caregiver. But he’d not been like that. She saw it now. It was something she should have acknowledged before.
“I wasn’t looking for a substitute. What I wanted was a woman I could trust.” He stepped past her, grabbed his hat, and opened the door. “The rain has stopped. I’ll ride out to check on the herd.” His last words before the door closed behind him were, “What else are ya not tellin’ me?”
“Flint.” The whispered word would not carry to him. Nor would he see her outstretched hand, begging for understanding.
She collapsed to the nearest chair. She’d made a terrible mistake that could not be corrected by sitting there feeling sorry and regretful. The kitchen needed to be tidied. And supper planned. Not until she stood with her hands in dishwater, did she realize that if he’d gone out to the cows he wouldn’t return tonight.
Tears joined the hot water. She’d brought this on herself by not telling him from the start.
But how was it going to end? Would he forgive her? Accept her?
A sob caught in her throat. Her own father had rejected her. Perhaps that had influenced her decision. The truth was she feared every man would reject her whether because she didn’t put aside her own dreams for them or simply because she was a woman. A plain one at that. One who longed for things that had proven over and over to be beyond her grasp.
“I’s hungry.”
Bryn was startled at her niece’s voice. Had she forgotten the child would need to eat?
“Honey, I’ll have our supper ready in a few minutes.” She prepared sandwiches for them both.
“Where’s Unca Flint?”
“Gone to check on the cows.” The words were heavy on her tongue.
