Page 2 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Heat rushed up her neck at his frank assessment. But his words pleased her. Life with this man would not be unpleasant if he was always so generous in his comments.
“Where is the little girl I’m to take care of?” she asked.
“I left Lindy at the ranch. I thought it would be easier for us to take care of our business without her.”
His response made sense, but the words sank to the bottom of Gwen’s heart. She was anxious to meet four-year-old Lindy. Providing the child with a mother was the sole reason for their marriage. Gwen was satisfied the union would also provide her with a permanent home.
She swallowed down her disappointment before she answered. “I am agreeable to all your stipulations. A marriage in name only. A mother for Lindy. I’ll run your house. By becoming Mrs. Shannon your home becomes mine. I believe that was all.”
He rubbed his hands along his thighs.
Gwen sensed the movement signaled that he had something to say that she wouldn’t like. The skin across her cheeks tightened as she waited for him to say what was on his mind.
“We know little about each other.” He looked to her right as if unable to meet her gaze.
Her previous thoughts of sweet sharing threatened to fly away. “We can learn as we go along.”
“I suppose we could.” His eyes met hers, intense with—
The room was suddenly devoid of air. Her legs wobbled. She eyed the nearest chair but if she sat, he would tower over her. She stiffened her knees and waited.
He swallowed audibly. Which, her trembling heart warned, was not a good sign.
“It’s important that I don’t make a mistake.” A brief pause as if considering his words. “That neither of us do. Lindy needs a mother but, in all fairness, I think we should be sure our agreement will be a good fit for her.”
Agreement? Didn’t he mean marriage? Her fingers hurt and she realized she had twisted them into a knot and forced herself to relax.
Matt rushed on as if needing to get his words out before she spoke. Not that she could think of a thing to say.
“You’re a city girl and might find living on a ranch is not to your liking.”
She shook her head. It didn’t matter where she lived. Only that she could hope for it to be permanent. Now it looked unlikely. Her chin lifted. Her jaw muscles clenched.
Again, he hurried on. “I don’t want Lindy to have another person snatched from her life. She needs stability. Structure. Permanence.”
Gwen nodded. “I agree. It’s also what I want.” For herself as much as the child.
“Marriage is a serious, binding contract. I think before we take that step, we should be certain it’s what we both want. To make that possible, I suggest a one-month trial period.” His eyes steady, he waited for her response.
“One month?” The words shot from her mouth with a heat she couldn’t control. And then what? He’d send her on her way? She choked back disappointment. But she’d already decided she would stay in the West if he hadn’t shown up. It wasn’t what she wanted, nor what she’d planned. In her hopes and dreams, she’d envisioned a place where she could put down roots clear to bedrock. Roots so strong no one could ever rip her from her home.
He waited, a patient look on his face. Or was it stubborn? Determined? It was too early in their acquaintance to know for certain.
For a moment, she struggled to respond. Confusion and disappointment made thinking difficult. But she must state her opinion clearly. “It’s not necessary on my part. I’ve already made up my mind.” She smiled to ensure there was no sting or criticism in her words. “According to Mrs. Strong back home, Mrs. Ingram is an excellent judge of character and highly recommends you. That’s enough for me.” Besides this, she had no home to return to.
He no longer rubbed his hands up and down on his leg. Instead, he crossed his arms. “This is for Lindy’s sake. I don’t want her to be raised in a situation where there is arguing or anger.”
Shock at such an idea left Gwen momentarily speechless. She gathered her wits and shook her head. “I’m not like that. My mother said I was—” She shrugged. “Never mind.” She could remind herself of those words without blurting them out to everyone she crossed paths with. Though they hadn’t sprung to her mouth when the dog raced across her feet. The mere idea made her chuckle.
Matt’s eyebrows rose. “Is this something I should know? I believe if we are contemplating marriage there shouldn’t be any secrets between us.”
“Agreed.” Now was not the time to keep her thoughts to herself unless they were hurtful. “It was something my mother often said to me. You see, I tend to find the humor in things. I perhaps laugh a little too often. You might find it trying.” She paused, giving him a chance to say no but he didn’t. “She called me her little ray of sunshine and I try to live up to her assessment.”
“Do others find it bothersome?”
“No.” She shrugged. “At least not that anyone’s told me.”
“Then let’s assume it isn’t. But perhaps you can see why I ask for a month of getting to know each other better.”
