Page 49 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
“Then I see no need for delay.” It seemed the matter was settled in her mind.
“We agreed to a month.” The way Matt’s eyes darkened, Gwen knew he wasn’t about to change his mind. No matter what the preacher’s wife said. “I have to make sure she’s right for Lindy.”
For Lindy? Nothing more? Gwen’s world crashed into bits and pieces. While she’d been dreaming that he might value her as a person, he clung to his need—his only need— a mother for the little girl.
Mrs. Ingram jabbed her finger at Matt. “And in another three weeks what are you thinking will happen? That she’ll suddenly turn into a shrew? Or disappear with your coffee can of savings?” She confronted the others again. “Do any of you have a reason that this wedding should be delayed?”
They all mumblednoas they shuffled their feet and kept their heads down before this woman. Matt squirmed as if his skin had grown too tight.
Gwen covered her mouth but couldn’t contain the amusement rushing up her throat. She laughed so hard her eyes watered.
Luke grinned. Riley wouldn’t look at her. Andy seemed confused as if wondering if he’d missed something. Poor Wally chewed his bottom lip, but she could see in his eyes that he understood the humor of the situation.
Gwen brought her gaze to Matt. His eyes were hard. Did he feel the preacher’s wife had ambushed him? Understanding how he might fear disaster, wonder if he could trust the future, wonder more than anything if he could trust her, laughter ended on a gulp, and she sobered.
She knew what she must do to show he could count on her. “Mrs. Ingram, I appreciate your concern, but I agreed to a month, and I mean to keep my word.” Her eyes steady, she directed her gaze to Matt. Would he appreciate her decision?
Before she could assess his reaction, Mrs. Ingram grabbed her hand and dragged her away from the others.
Lindy raced around the perimeter of the yard, arms out like a bird, thankfully unaware of the drama taking place a few yards away.
“My dear, you don’t have to agree to living there like this...with all those men.” She shook her hand in their direction like trying to rid herself of a bug.
Gwen caught her arm to stop her. “Mrs. Ingram, you know all of them—the Shannon brothers and Wally. Do you really think they would take advantage of me?”
She swallowed hard. “No, but—”
“There you go. Let us work out things our way.”
“What am I supposed to say to Mrs. Strong?”
“Tell her I arrived safely and am enjoying life on the ranch. I’m going to write her too and assure her all is well.” She should have written already and to Maurice as well. “Now if you’ll excuse me, the men are anxious to get home.” She patted the woman’s hand, called Lindy, and made her way to the wagon. The men scrambled to get into the back and Matt helped Gwen to the seat.
As they drove from town, the humor of the situation again filled Gwen and she laughed.
“I felt like a cornered rat,” Matt grumbled but he barely got the words out before the others chortled.
* * *
Matt gatheredwith his brothers around the table at the big house, still smarting a little at Mrs. Ingram’s insistence that he and Gwen marry immediately. He understood her concerns, but he had matters of his own that must be addressed. Namely, would Gwen stay? Would she prove a good mother to Lindy? That was what mattered.
Luke leaned over the table. “Poor Mattie,” he said with a great deal of amusement in his voice. “He was ready to go hide under a rock.”
Riley grunted. “Can’t say as I blame him. A man don’t like being bullied into something.”
“Thanks, Riley.” Matt appreciated knowing his older brother understood how uncomfortable the situation had made him.
Andy stirred the stew on his plate without bringing any of it to his mouth. “Why’d you ask her to come out here if you didn’t intend to marry her?”
Luke didn’t give Matt a chance to answer. “My offer still stands, Gwen. If Matt isn’t going to marry you, I’ll take his place.”
Matt planted his fists on either side of his plate. “If anyone marries her, it will be me. We’ve agreed to a delay simply to test the waters and make sure it’s right for us.” It gave her room for second thoughts but far better to know for sure. A tiny thought ticked at the back of his head. Could he ever be certain? Certain that people would stay? That bad things wouldn’t happen? That he could protect those in his care?
He sucked in a hot breath. He meant to do his best to insure exactly that. “Why is everyone so upset about it?”
“Food’s getting cold.” Wally’s words brought them back to the meal he’d prepared.
When dinner had been consumed, Lindy and Gwen helped clean up. Luke caught Matt’s elbow and dragged him outside. “What is wrong with you? You heard what Mrs. Ingram said and I guarantee she isn’t the only one to hold that opinion. Why don’t you marry her instead of making her wait? It’s not like she isn’t perfectly suitable for you. In fact—” He looked past Matt to the house where Gwen washed dishes. “She might be too good for you.”
