Page 14 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Luke stood before Matt, his arms crossed, a scowl darkening his face. “Matt, have a thought for the girl’s reputation.”
Andy let out a long, impatient sigh.
Great. Now Matt was about to hear from his baby brother.
“Why didn’t you leave her in town while you do this assessing and deciding?”
“I don’t have time to run to town and visit her. Besides, how would that help with Lindy?” Each word burned his tongue. Mrs. Ingram had warned him against bringing Gwen to the ranch, but he hadn’t expected opposition from his own family. In fact, he’d counted on them to support his decision. They were all honorable men. Gwen was safe with them. But they made it clear that wasn’t enough.
The delay was only to see if she could handle Lindy before they made such an important decision. He had no need of or desire for a wife. Working during daylight hours left him only evenings to spend with Gwen, sharing Lindy’s care, and assessing her abilities. Seems that wasn’t going to happen if he cared about her reputation.
Now, what was he going to do?
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Gwen kept her peace though she was prepared to suggest they return to Crow Crossing and get married thus solving this quandary. On the other hand, she was pleased to think there was concern for her reputation. Here she was on a ranch some distance from town and, as Mrs. Ingram had pointed out, surrounded by men. Lindy would hardly be considered as any sort of chaperone. Surely, Matt would see that marriage was the best solution.
Matt raked his fingers through his hair. “How are we supposed to learn about each other if she’s over there and I’m here? That isn’t going to work.”
Wally shuffled over from where he’d been wiping the table. “Take the girl home. Lindy can stay there so she and Miss Gwen can get to know each other. You help her put Lindy to bed. Stay a while and talk. Then git yerself over here for the night.” He flicked the wet rag at them. “How hard is that?”
“Guess that’s all right,” Riley allowed, crossing his arms and looking for all the world like a stubborn parent ready to separate the two of them.
Luke leaned toward Gwen, a wide grin claiming his lips. “You come running if you need someone to straighten him out. I’m an old hand at dealing with him.”
Matt grabbed Gwen’s elbow. “Let’s get out of here before my brothers come up with any more harebrained ideas.”
Gwen trotted at his side out the door and down the path, laughing so hard, she had to stop partway to their house. She gasped for breath and wiped the tears from her eyes.
Matt studied her with narrowed eyes. “I’m not sure what’s so funny.”
Unable to speak, she shook her head. Her gaze jolted to his and her laughter choked off at the look in his eyes. She wasn’t sure how to describe it. Perhaps surprise at her unexpected mirth or maybe a touch of approval as if he liked seeing and hearing her laugh. Whatever it was, she felt it clear to the bottom of her heart where it settled with a welcome warmth. As if she’d enjoyed a sweet cup of tea after a long, cold outing.
She blinked and slid her gaze away. She’d never been given to such fanciful thoughts and put it down to the strangeness of the situation.
“Ain’t you home yet?” Wally’s call from behind them broke the spell and they both hurried down the path until they reached the house.
“Where’s Lindy?” she asked.
“I was wondering the same thing.” He cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted her name.
They waited as Gwen eyed the nearby bushes, the trees, and Shannon Valley. She’d glimpsed the barn and some animals as they drove up to the house. How was she to keep a child safe amidst all these possible dangers?Calm down. Lindy has lived here all her life and is no doubt well aware of what was appropriate. She’d likely find city life held much more risk.
“Lindy!” Matt bellowed again.
The little girl came running, her arms flapping like featherless wings.
She skidded to a halt in front of them and balanced on her toes. “My name is Yellow Bird.” Her voice was squawky as she pretended to be a bird.
Amusement, intermingled with a fondness for the child, swelled inside Gwen’s chest. Lindy had an irrepressible spirit that she admired.
“Time to come in.” Matt opened the door and stepped aside.
Lindy rocked back and forth on her toes, her fingers in her armpits as she continued to flap. “Yellow Bird not like going in house. Yellow Bird scared.”
Gwen beckoned with her finger. “Come on, Yellow Bird. There’s a nice warm nest here for you.”
Matt rolled his eyes and leaned against the door frame. Gwen could tell he didn’t have a lot of patience with the child’s delay. But Gwen understood Lindy was expressing her fears at the change before her, and she spoke to Matt. “I think Yellow Bird would like some bedtime stories.”
