Page 29 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Still feeling unsettled, Gwen took Lindy to her bedroom. “Get your nightgown on and I’ll read you a story.”
Lindy crumpled up on her bed and started crying. “I didn’t mean to be naughty. I was only ’tending to fly.”
Gwen shuddered to think where her flying might have landed her. She sat on the bed and pulled the weeping child into her arms. “Both Uncle Matt and I were frightened at how close you were to the edge. We don’t want you to get hurt. Promise me you won’t pretend to fly when you’re anywhere near the valley.”
“I won’t.”
She held the little girl and stroked her hair until she melted against Gwen’s chest. Warm and sweet. Gwen kissed the top of her head. “Are you ready to put on your nightie?”
Lindy slipped off Gwen’s lap and waited, eyes watching Gwen.
Her throat grew tight with so many emotions—tenderness, gratitude—a myriad of wonderful things. She undid Lindy’s buttons and pulled the dress over her head. Smoothed the nightgown as best she could and helped Lindy into it. She’d made sure there was a brush on the nearby dresser and gently brushed the tangled mop.
“Can I braid your hair?” It would be so much tidier in the morning if Lindy allowed it.
Lindy nodded and Gwen trailed her fingers through the locks separating them into strands and enjoying the feel. Even more, she loved the sense of connection between them. She finished and secured the ends with a ribbon tied as tightly as she could. She turned Lindy to face her and kissed her nose. “You look very nice.”
Hand in hand they left the room. Gwen wet a cloth and tenderly washed Lindy’s face then cleaned her hands enjoying each little finger. They finished as Matt strode into the room.
Gwen felt Lindy tense. She stiffened too, wondering what Matt would do.
He faced them, his expression severe. “Lindy, I’ve decided something. You are not to go beyond Luke’s house. It’s too dangerous.”
Lindy looked at the floor. Her shoulders rose and fell.
Gwen’s heart went out to the child. Certainly, her actions must be corrected but a scolding must make her miss her mother tremendously.
With a slight shudder, Lindy raised her face to Matt. “Yes, Uncle Matt,” she said.
“Good. Are you ready for bed?” His tone indicated he was satisfied with her response.
Gwen answered. “I was about to read a story to her.” She turned to Lindy. “Do you want Uncle Matt to read too?”
“Like last night?” Lindy’s eyes lit up for the first time since she’d crashed into Gwen.
“Is that what you want?”
Her eyes wide, she whispered, “Uh huh.”
“Do you know what story you want?”
For an answer, Lindy ran into the bedroom and returned with the book Gwen had brought her. She climbed onto the settee and patted a spot on each side of her.
Gwen met Matt’s gaze. Would he be willing? Or was he still upset about the near accident?
Not only did he cross the room and sit beside Lindy, but he looked pleased to do so. They each read the story to Lindy then Gwen took her to bed. Matt asked if he could come but Lindy shook her head.
Gwen listened to her sweet innocent prayer. “God bless”—and she named everyone on the ranch including the cat, her kittens, and the dog. Her voice fell to a whisper as if she didn’t want Gwen to hear. “Please help me learn to fly. Amen.” She jumped into bed. Gwen pulled the covers to her chin and kissed her on the forehead.
“Sleep tight, little girl.” She left the room and rejoined Matt who showed no sign of leaving.
“Would you like tea and another piece of pie?” she asked.
“That’d be great. Thanks.” He followed her into the kitchen.
She studied him out of the corner of her eyes as she filled the kettle and prepared the teapot. “You seem troubled.” She hoped he wouldn’t be offended by her comment, but they couldn’t tiptoe around each other if they were to become a family.
“It worries me that Lindy is so wild.”
