Page 36 of Willing to Wed the Rancher
Franz reached the wagon as it halted in front of the barn. From the bags and crates in the back, it was obvious she’d gone to town and purchased more supplies.
He should have done it for her, should have realized she might have needs that he could help with. But of course, he wasn’t accustomed to thinking about the basics as he had always left those details to the servants.
Had he ever overlooked things with Luisa?
In the middle of reaching for a grain sack, he paused. He’d always had a good relationship with Luisa, and she’d never complained about anything. But what if he’d had faults that might have driven her away? He’d always blamed Eric for enticing her, and he’d blamed Luisa for being unfaithful and fickle.
But maybe he hadn’t been kind and caring enough. Or maybe he’d been too selfish and proud. He’d certainly battled those sins over the past years as he’d tried to mature and grow into a better professor.
He could admit he still had a lot of growing to do. But at least at this point in his life he was more aware of his shortcomings, and he wanted to be a better man in a way he never had before.
“Uncle Franz.” Bianca was the first to stand. “I think you should know that you’re married.”
He smiled. “And I suppose you are still goats?” The children had internalized the make-believe too much yesterday. He would have to be more careful in the future to keep the mood lighter. He wasn’t sure what he’d been thinking when he’d arranged the marriage ceremony with Clarabelle in front of the children.
That was the problem lately. He wasn’t thinking clearly around Clarabelle. Or at least, he wasn’t thinking with his head and was instead letting his emotions rule him.
“Of course we’re not goats.” Bianca scoffed as he helped her off the wagon bench and steadied her on the ground. “But the reverend said you and Clarabelle are married.”
Franz arched a brow at the child. How was he supposed to respond to such a nonsensical statement?
Dieter jumped off and landed beside the girl, wary, as if anticipating a reaction.
Clarabelle descended and, still avoiding his gaze, reached into the back of the wagon and lifted out one of the grain sacks.
“I will carry it.” He started around the wagon.
“It’s not overly heavy.” She hustled forward into the barn.
He chased after her. “I would like to.”
Her shoulders were stiff, and she didn’t stop to smile at him like she usually did. Somethingwaswrong. Shehadheard about his dinner with Clementine and was upset at him.
He dodged a chicken, then reached for her arm and halted her before she could go too far. “Wait, Clarabelle. I would like to apologize.” He took the grain sack from her arms.
Although she relinquished it, she didn’t turn to face him. “No, I should be the one to apologize to you.” Her voice held a note of frustration. At him? Or herself?
The children had moved into the open barn door and were watching the interaction.
“Children, unload the wagon and take anything into the house that belongs there.” He spoke firmly, expecting their obedience the same way he did with his students. While he might have unconventional teaching methods, he considered mutual respect to be just as important as creativity.
Dieter nodded, reached for Bianca’s arm, and then began to lead her away.
Once the children were no longer in sight, Franz set the bag of feed on the ground and gently turned Clarabelle to facehim. Even then she kept her focus on the hay and the lingering chicken that was strutting around their feet.
“I apologize,” he said softly. “I should have told you before going.”
She lifted her eyes, and the green was dark and filled with confusion.
He hesitated. She was offended over his dinner with Clementine, wasn’t she? Or what if she didn’t care whether he’d called upon her sister?
For a moment, he was tempted not to say anything more, but he had to finish the conversation he’d started. “Clementine invited me for dinner last night, and I went.”
“Sheinvited you?” Clarabelle didn’t seem too taken aback, more curious.
“Yes, she invited me to pay her a call. Perhaps it was to make another young man at the store jealous. I cannot rightly recall. But I never should have agreed to it.”
“Really?” The one word came out breathless and filled with hope.
