Page 17 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Then she drew in a long breath and shifted her attention past him. “I truly like what I’ve seen of your ranch. I’m already fond of Lindy.” Her gaze returned to him. “But I’m not sure what to expect in the coming days.”
She was asking for a schedule. He certainly approved of that. “Lindy’s an early riser and likes to be outside most of the day.”
“What about meals?”
He blinked. “I assumed you would cook.”
She chuckled. “I assure you I make excellent meals. But is Wally going to expect us?”
He didn’t know her well enough to be certain, but it sounded like she wouldn’t like that. “Tonight, he only took on the chore because of the circumstances. Normally, the three of us would eat here.”
“Good. We need to function as a family. What time do you want breakfast?”
“Umm.” His throat tightened at the thought. He wanted a mother for Lindy and taking a wife had seemed the best solution. A marriage in name only. To guarantee permanency. He wanted nothing to do with anything more. Corine’s death had shattered his heart. Losing his parents and then Roscoe and Merry guaranteed it would never mend. But sitting at the table, watching Gwen—and Lindy, of course—offered something that beckoned him and, at the same time, rattled the walls around his heart. It suggested something he’d once enjoyed.
He dismissed the foolish thoughts, said good night, and returned to the main house. Luke and Riley had gone to their homes, Wally to his cabin, and Andy to the room he’d had since the house was built. Matt went to the room he’d once shared with Luke, grateful not to be questioned or teased.
He tried to recall what Gwen had said to his offer of marriage in name only. Having her letters with him, he pulled them from the valise and read them again by the light of the lamp. She’d agreed to his offer. Said she wanted a home and being married assured her that it’d be permanent. But she hadn’t been the one to say it would be in name only. That was him. All him. He put the letters away. A marriage of convenience still seemed best. They could share a home, take care of Lindy and keep their feelings out of the business. Seemed the surest way to make sure no one got hurt.
He realized nothing more had been said about a routine or schedule. He would remedy the matter at breakfast.
How was Gwen managing Lindy? Would she waken if the child took to wandering in the night? He’d warned her but had he been clear enough? He would not forgive himself, nor overlook Gwen’s failings if Lindy wandered out into the dark.
See, this was the rationale behind his decision to delay the wedding for a month. He had to make sure this was the right thing to do. For Lindy’s sake.
And Gwen’s, of course. After all, she was a city girl who might find ranch life did not suit her. Far better to learn that before they made a commitment.
He, Matthew Shannon, only wanted someone to care for his house and the child. Someone he could live with in peace. He did not need or want anything more. Certainly not love. Experience had taught him it left him vulnerable. And powerless.
He did not care to repeat that feeling.
5
Gwen lay awake a long time, the silence intense. An occasional intruding, unfamiliar sound was like a trumpet blare. Someone or something coughed, and she jerked upright. Then came a moo. A cow, she assured herself. Just a cow. She hadn’t expected to be sleeping alone—apart from a young child—in a strange house. Would any of the men hear her if she called for help?
She smiled into the darkness. It was hard to believe that Luke and Matt were twins. They didn’t look alike nor act alike. Luke seemed to be a tease while Matt was…
She cupped her hands beneath her head. How would she describe him to someone? Like Maurice. She’d write her brother in the morning and let him know she’d arrived safely. Perhaps she wouldn’t tell him yet that they weren’t married. Maurice would be shocked to know her living situation. But as she’d said to him when she announced she was heading west, they had to move on, each in their own direction and this was the route she had chosen.
He’d wanted her to explain why she would go so far away and to strangers. All she could say was it seemed best to make a clean break. How could she tell him that she didn’t want to watch Patricia take over the house that had been Gwen’s for six years? How could she explain how devastated she was by losing her home without hurting him? And she didn’t wish to do that. A new start in a new locale, with the promise of forever, seemed best.
She was determined she would still get the marriage she’d been offered.
A sound jerked her from her reminiscing. She strained toward it and decided it was the wind through the trees causing a sigh and murmur. She focused on the task ahead. A month? She would prove to be such a good mother and homemaker that Matt wouldn’t be able to think of life without her.
Her first impressions of Matt were that he was a man who liked routine and order. Perhaps more than she cared about, but she could accommodate him. She could organize the pantry like he wanted. She could keep a schedule if he so desired. But shouldn’t she put Lindy’s needs ahead of his wants? She had so many plans for the child. How she would play with her, read to her, and enjoy her company. Surely Matt wouldn’t object to that.
She liked the child. Sweet. Innocent. Gwen smiled thinking of how Lindy pretended she was flying. The book Gwen had chosen had been well received.Lord, help me find ways to help her and befriend her. This has to be very strange for her. Comfort her.
The next morningGwen wakened early to the sound of birds singing outside her window. She hurriedly dressed and went to the kitchen. There was no lack of supplies for making meals.
Lindy raced into the room and dropped to the nearest chair. “What’s for breakfast? I’m hungry.”
Gwen laughed. “Good morning to you too. How did you sleep?”
“Good. Uncle Matt likes pancakes and eggs. So do I.”
“Then we shall have that. How would you like to help?”
