Page 12 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
“Is he going to be at supper?” Her eyes sparkled.
“I expect so. He doesn’t mind others cooking for him.”
“This ought to be interesting.”
Interesting? What did she mean? As they resumed their journey Matt wondered if he’d done the wrong thing to reveal so much about his older brother. But he couldn’t take back his words, and they reached the big house without him warning her to be cautious of what she said.
All his brothers were there waiting. Wally was at the stove. “It’s about ready,” the older man announced as he pulled a roasting pan from the oven.
Matt guided Gwen to the far side of the table and held the chair for her. Lindy sat between them as Wally placed loaded platters and full serving bowls in the middle of the table.
Matt looked around the table taking in all the changes. No doubt the others were noting the same thing. Ma had been gone for some time, Pa just a year ago, Merry and Roscoe a short time ago, and now a newcomer in their midst.
“This is different,” Andy commented.
“But nice.” Luke nodded his approval.
“Mama used to sit there.” Lindy pointed to Wally. “Papa sat there.” She pointed to the spot across the corner. “Said it was so’s he could help.”
Silence followed her words.
Gwen shifted her gaze to Matt, but he didn’t know what to say. She waited a moment then turned back to Lindy. “I’m glad you told me.”
Lindy nodded then with the quick changes she often exhibited said, “I’m hungry.”
“I’ll say grace.” Riley cleared his throat and then murmured a short prayer.
Matt couldn’t help but think of words his pa had spoken over each meal.We are blessed beyond reason. Never lose sight of that.They seemed appropriate today with someone here to help with Lindy.
They passed around the food, everyone loading their plate. Except for Lindy who chose only her favorites—potatoes and gravy, but no roast beef. Peas but no turnips. No one said anything about what she ate. He’d need to tell Gwen that Lindy had refused food for so many days after her parents’ deaths that he was happy to see her eat anything at all.
Riley turned to Gwen. “How was the trip?”
“Long.” She chuckled. “I met some interesting people and saw some beautiful country.”
“What kind of people do you consider interesting?” Andy asked.
“Most people are, I suppose.”
Matt thought that might about sum up what he’d observed about Gwen’s personality. People and life, itself, appeared to be fascinating to her.
“For instance,” she continued. “There was this older man. Gray hair, gray whiskers, reedy voice. He told me he was once a gunfighter. Then he held up his hand. Now he shakes too much.” She chuckled. Her eyes flashed with amusement. “There was a younger man. Much younger. I suppose you would say he was wet behind the ears. He overheard the old gunfighter and wanted to show him how fast he could draw. I thought we might have a shoot out right there in the train car.”
“What happened?” Lindy sounded far too eager in Matt’s mind.
Gwen glanced around the table, her gaze stalling at Matt. “The old guy sat down, crossed his arms, and said that was his past. He only cared about the present and where he’d get a good cup of coffee.” She laughed, a cheerful sound.
Lindy joined in. Her laughter higher pitched but full of amusement that went right to the depths of Matt’s heart. It was good to hear that sound.
“That’s funny,” she said.
The others also chuckled then they concentrated on the food.
Andy looked up from his plate. “There any more bread? Oh, I see it.” He pushed back and went to the cupboard to cut several thick slices, keeping two for himself and putting the rest on the serving plate.
Riley waited until his brother sat down again then spoke to Gwen. “Tell us about yourself.”
“What do you want to know?” Gwen’s grin widened as if she had information that would amuse them.
