Page 5 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
He leaned back as if her protests meant nothing to him. As if her words were annoying insects.
He interrupted her thoughts. “I don’t believe that’s the real problem.” His eyes demanded her attention. “You haven’t even reached the ranch and you’re already prepared to defy me.”
She lowered her gaze. What had come over her? She’d never been defiant in her life. Yes, and where had that gotten her? She drew in enough air to fill the wagon and still felt like she’d forgotten to breathe. “I’m sorry. It’s only that I don’t care to have people compared to animals or inanimate objects. It’s insulting.” Her brother, Maurice, was now married to the woman who had used many of them in her description of Gwen. A suffocating vine. A leech. A clingy cat. That one really hurt as Patricia had been eyeing Gwen’s pet cat when she uttered those words. Gwen couldn’t leave the room without the feline following her, meowing if Gwen was out of sight. “I’m not like a cat.” Whoops, she hadn’t meant to blurt that out.
He quirked one eyebrow. “A cat? Why would you say that?”
She shifted her gaze to the rolling plains behind him. “It was just an example.” She smiled as she spoke though she felt no humor. There was no need for him to know every detail of her life.
He waited.
“Fine, it was something my sister-in-law said. She compared me in an unflattering way to our pet cat.”
He pursed his lips as he considered her answer then shook his head. “I can’t imagine what she could say that was offensive. Cats have claws. Are you saying you’re quick to scratch people? Was your objection to being asked to establish discipline and routine for Lindy an example?” He sounded wary. And rightfully so when he put it that way.
“Our cat was needy. She cried if I left the room. Patricia said I was like that. Not willing to let my brother go.”
“I see.”
How could he possibly know how much that assessment had hurt?
“Did you scratch her eyes out?” The skin around his eyes crinkled and his lips curved in a quick smile.
Did he mean to be amusing or was he wary of how she would act? But the idea of turning her claws against Patricia made her laugh. “It never crossed my mind. Nope, I left and that’s why I’m here.”
“I’m sorry she said such things to you. And I’m sorry for comparing Lindy to a horse. Now if that’s settled, shall we continue?”
“One more thing.”
This time both eyebrows rose.
“Am I going to need your approval for everything I do with Lindy?” She meant to do her best to please the man, but she couldn’t consult with him about every decision.
“No, of course not. But she does need rules and structure.” She could almost hear his teeth creak as his jaw muscles twitched. “Are you opposed to that?” He had not started the wagon rolling again and Gwen knew her answer would dictate which direction it would go—either onward to the ranch or back to town. She considered her words carefully knowing that her future hung on what she said.
“My belief is that the most important thing I can give her is affection and attention. My hope is that my work will never keep me from time spent with her. I want her to enjoy life.” She held his dark eyes in a steady gaze. “I want her to appreciate every joy the world offers.” She lowered her eyes to her hands clutched in her lap. What she said next might be inappropriate and unwelcome, but she must say it. “If I can help you do the same it would please me.” Her breath caught part way up her throat as she waited for his response.
He grunted. “Your concern on my behalf is unneeded. I have everything I want in life—the ranch, my brothers, and Lindy. Save your energy for other things.”
Very well. But his resistance wouldn’t change how she meant to live her life. “But you don’t mind if that’s how I deal with Lindy?”
“Gwen, all I ask is that Lindy is safe, obedient, and happy.”
Her trapped air released in a noisy gust. “Well, I certainly don’t object to that.”
“Good. Now let’s get going. I’m sure you’re anxious to see your new home.”
Relief warmed her veins now that they’d resolved their first challenge. “Indeed, I am.” Home. It was such a welcoming word.
“I suppose you’ve noticed the mountains.”
Amusement that he should think he needed to point them out tugged her mouth into a grin. “I could hardly miss them. They’re majestic. Don’t they make you want to cry hallelujah?” She hugged herself as she studied the blue peaks. “You can almost hear them shout for joy to God.” Her eyes stung with happy tears at the way they made her feel. She brought her gaze to Matt. His eyes rounded with what she hoped was surprise and perhaps even, approval. Pleased at making him look at her that way, she chuckled. “Like I said, I mean to enjoy life. I trust you aren’t put off by my words.”
He blinked and shook his head. “No. It reminds me of something.”
“Really? Something good, I hope.” She waited for him to explain. Like Mrs. Ingram said and as they’d agreed, they needed to share their thoughts and memories.
“Sounds like something my ma would have said but I can’t remember exactly.”
