Page 42 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
She might have enjoyed Matt’s attention except there was a little girl needing care.
He called, “Lindy.” When there was no response, he called again. “Where can she be?”
The sharpness of his tone caused Gwen to wonder if he was annoyed or worried. She knew the answer. Both. And a touch of anger.
“She’ll be cold and frightened.” Would her words calm his anger?
“She should know better than to do that. She could have been hurt.” His gaze returned to her. If only she could read his expression. “You could have been injured. As it is—”
“I’m not. Matt, remember she’s just a little girl who is probably frightened at this moment. Poor child is likely aching for the comfort of her mother’s arms.”
His lips puffed out in a sigh. He rubbed the back of his neck. “You stay here. I’ll find her.” And with that, he trotted off.
Gwen thought of following but she wasn’t ready to leave the comfort of the fire and wrapped the quilt more closely around her shoulders.
A snapping sound behind her sent a jolt of alarm up her veins. Who or what could it be and where was Matt when she needed him?
Slowly she turned. A dog stared at her from the shadows. The animal curled his lips in a snarl. This was no domestic creature. His low grumble sent shivers up her spine. The cold of river water expanded into icy fear.
She had not crossed the country, agreed to a month-long trial in anticipation of marriage to let it be taken from her by some wild thing. Not while she had breath to fight. Scrambling to her feet, she opened her arms, lifting the quilt in each hand and waved. “Shoo. Get away. Get.” Her voice was loud and firm, though her insides quaked something fierce. She hollered again, louder.
The animal slunk away, glancing back twice as she continued to wave and shout.
“What’s going on?”
Lowering her arms, she turned toward Matt. He held Lindy. “Am I ever glad to see you both.” She rushed to his side relieved at his return and doubly relieved at seeing Lindy safe and sound.
Lindy held out her arms and Gwen took her. Although the child’s dress was only damp in spots, she hurried to sit by the fire with Lindy in her arms. Matt followed and tightened the quilt around them both.
“I’s sorry.” Lindy’s voice trembled.
“Honey, we’re both all right and that’s what matters.”
“Uncle Matt said you could have been hurt.”
“I’m not.” Gwen lifted her gaze to Matt, hoping he would understand that she thought the child needed reassurance and comfort, not scolding.
His smile did not remove the tautness from his eyes. “Lindy and I had a talk and she agreed not to try flying again.”
“But I can pretend from the ground.”
Gwen chuckled. “Of course, you can.”
Matt crouched beside them. “What were you yelling about a moment ago?”
“A wild dog. He was standing right there.” She pointed. “And snarled at me.”
“I’ll check.” Matt was gone before Gwen could beg him not to leave. She tightened her arms around Lindy and let the fire do its best to warm the blood flowing through her veins.
The snap and crackle of Matt’s passage faded. She held her breath, listening. How far was the man going? She heard sounds again and a few minutes later, Matt returned.
“I didn’t see anything, but I suspect it was a coyote. They are very curious but also easy to frighten away.” He put more wood on the fire and then sat cross-legged beside them. “I’m not leaving until you two are dry.”
Gwen’s face and arms were warm. Her body and legs were cold. At the way he watched her, tenderness and concern in his expression, heat intensified in her heart. She didn’t mind staying a while longer, enjoying Matt’s company. He seemed more relaxed and welcoming today.
Matt looked around. “I used to come here with Corine.”
Just like that, any sense of something special between them vanished. His thoughts were not on her but on his past love. She wouldn’t allow herself to be disappointed. Not at all. She ducked her head to Lindy’s hair. This child was why she was here. She hadn’t forgotten that.
