Page 60 of A Late-Blooming Rose
“Once you’ve seen to the horses, come on into the house. We’ll have a place set for you at the table.” He grinned. “Just wait until you get a taste of my wife’s cooking.”
“Will do, Mr. Flanigan.”
“Seth,” he corrected, extending a hand to help Rose into the wagon.
“Oh—” she glanced toward the coach “—just let me fetch my reticule and lap desk.”
Andre tilted his head in the direction of the vehicle. “I’ll see to them.”
Rose nodded and placed her hand in Seth’s. She gathered up her skirts, stepped where he indicated, and hoisted herself into the seat. She glanced over at Andre, grateful his back was to her, and he’d missed her ungainly climb.
“Sorry.” Seth patted the seat. “Didn’t take the time to put on the cushion that my wife insists upon before she’ll ride anywhere.”
Rose felt the hard boards under her bottom.I understand why she wants padding.“I’m just thankful you came so quickly.”
Stepping close, Andre handed her the reticule and placed the lap desk on a cushion of hay in the wagon bed. He returned to the coach for the basket, which he set next to the desk, before climbing up next to her, settling in with his arm resting on the seat back behind her.
Rose’s neck prickled.
Once Seth sat on her other side, Rose realized how narrow the bench really was. She was pressed between the men. Aware of Andre’s closeness, she inhaled a deep breath, grateful they didn’t have to go far. She slid him a sideways glance and, at the jerk of the wagon starting forward, faced the homestead.
They made good time to the house—a clapboard foursquare. A woman and several children waited on the four-columned porch.
As the wagon drew close, two children and a dog came running toward the wagon. Another one toddled after, white gown fluttering, arms flung wide.
The brown and black dog barked and yodeled, dashing to Seth’s side of the wagon.
The horses, obviously well used to the exuberant welcome, tossed their heads but didn’t shy away.
Andre leaned toward her ear. “Anna and George,” he said in a low voice, indicating the eldest children. “The dog looks similar to Sheriff Granger’s new puppies.” He scrunched his eyes shut and furrowed his brow, obviously thinking. “What is that little one’s name? Ah!” He opened his eyes. “Min. Although I’m not sure what that’s a nickname for.”
Seth drew up in front of the house.
Once the brakes were set, Andre climbed off and helped Rose down.
The children danced around him. Anna looked like a miniature version of her father, George had blond curls, while Min’s curls matched Anna’s. “Mr. Bellaire, Mr. Bellaire,” they chanted.
Andre patted his pockets, faking a frown. “Why, I do believe I have something for you three.” He sounded very Southern. “That is if I can find—”
“What?” George demanded.
“George,” Anna scolded, in what must be her mother’s tone. “Mind your manners.”
Andre pulled out three peppermint sticks and gave one to each child. “Don’t eat them until your mother says you can.”
Rose couldn’t believe he’d thought to bring the children candy. She glanced over and saw a merry expression on his face.On second thought, such a gesture is entirely like him.
The three children gazed at Andre with shining eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Bellaire,” the two older ones chorused, and the toddler belatedly chimed in. They looked from the candy to their mother with pleading glances.
Trudy, a pretty, blue-eyed woman with red-blonde hair, shook her head. “Not until after supper.” She walked toward Rose and extended a hand, not waiting for a formal introduction. “You must be Miss Collier. I’ve heard you’re doing wonderful work for the library.”
Rose briefly clasped the woman’s hand. “Mrs. Flanigan, so lovely to meet you. I hope we aren’t interrupting….”
Seth joined them in time to hear the comment. “We’re just doing this and that,” he teased.
His wife gave him a repressive look, but the corners of her mouth turned up. “Call me Trudy. Contrary to my husband’s joking, having visitors is always special, for few people drive out this way.”
With a little bow, Andre took Trudy’s hand. “The last month being an exception.” He released her.
