Page 41 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
They entered a grove of willows. Lindy dashed from one tree to the next. She skidded to a halt in front of them. “I’m hungry. Can I please have something to eat?”
Gwen looked at Matt. “Picnic time?”
They retraced their steps to the wagon. The lunch was soon set out and they sat on the quilt in the long, soft grass. Tossing aside his hat, he said grace then leaned back on one elbow as he partook of the food Gwen had prepared. He liked her cooking.
He realized he also enjoyed her company.
Well, what was wrong with that? If they were to marry there should be peace and pleasure between them. They finished the meal, entertained by Lindy’s chatter. He made no move to gather up the quilt and basket, nor return to the wagon.
He pushed himself upright. “Would you like to explore the other direction?”
“If you aren’t in a hurry to get home.” She slowly packed away the remnants of food.
“No need to rush back.” He pulled her to her feet. Reluctantly, he released her hand. And mentally kicked himself for such foolishness. There was no room for a wish for touching and holding in their agreement. His thoughts back where they belonged, he walked beside her.
They wandered along the edge of the water following Lindy as she ran along the bluff six feet above them, her arms out like a bird.
The grassy area narrowed making it necessary for them to walk closer to the water.
“Aunt Gwen, look at me.” Lindy flapped her arms.
“Be careful,” he called.
“I can fly.”
“Don’t!” His warning was too late. His heart fisted into his ribs as Lindy launched herself off the bank. Acting out of sheer instinct he lunged forward, almost tripping over Gwen. His fingers closed over Lindy’s dress, and he jerked back to keep her from hitting the ground. Spray dampened him as Lindy’s hands skimmed the water. He set the uninjured child on her feet. She wiped the water from her face.
“Don’t ever do that again.” The words were loud and sharp, but he couldn’t help it. His heart still pounded with urgency.
Wriggling free of his grasp, she raced into the trees.
He turned back to Gwen. At the sight of her sitting in the river, the icy water up to her waist, his breath stalled.
“I knocked you over.” It was half question, half statement and all regret making it difficult to get his words out clearly. He pulled her to her feet.
“A little water never hurt anyone.” Her teeth chattered.
“You might have been hurt. As it is, you might take a chill.” He hustled her back to the wagon and wrapped the quilt around her, keeping her in his arms.
Should he start a fire or hurry home? It would take almost an hour to reach the ranch.
“Sit here.” He left her on the dry grass and gathered wood and kindling. He soon had a fire blazing. What if she caught pneumonia from this incident? He couldn’t blame Lindy. He should have been watching her more closely. He should have been more careful. His stomach knotted. His fists clenched. The helpless feeling of being unable to prevent bad things from happening clawed at his throat.
“You saved Lindy from a nasty fall.” Gwen touched his arm. “But I think she got wet.”
He covered Gwen’s icy hand with his. Frustration and concern mounted inside. “Her behavior is unacceptable.”
“Be easy on her. She’s just a child and meant no harm.”
Gwen’s gentle words settled some of the churning in his stomach. “Lindy,” he called. But the child did not come running as usual. He stood and turned full circle. He called again. Still nothing.
Couldn’t he keep track of one four-year-old? And keep a grown woman safe?
A familiar burning filled the inside of his stomach. The helpless feeling of situations being out of control.
9
Gwen took inventory of the state of her clothing. Her dress and petticoats would take time to dry. She fluffed her skirt and lifted the hem slightly to allow warm air to reach her legs. There was no denying that falling into the icy water had been a shock.
