Page 51 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
“Take it slow,” he counseled. “Never rush. And never go down this trail after a rain. In fact,”–he stopped moving – “Promise me you’ll never go down here without me or one of the men to take you.” He waited, his gaze lifted to hers.
Dizziness filled her head, and she gripped his hand more tightly. It had to be because of their position on the side of the valley. Not because of the way his eyes implored her. “I promise.”
He turned back to navigating the trail and her dizziness passed. It was only that it felt good to think he cared about her well-being.Don’t be silly. Of course, he does. If she wasn’t there, he’d have to find someone else to care for Lindy.
The idea of another woman loving and caring for either of them shafted through her like a blunt arrow and she groaned.
He stopped and turned. “What’s wrong?”
Not willing to share the awful truth she’d just acknowledged, she shook her head. “It’s a long way down.”
“The path improves in a few steps.”
She glanced back to check on Lindy who clung to the bushes beside the trail without any sign of fear and stared up. “A big bird.” Her voice was full of awe.
Gwen followed the direction of her gaze and saw a huge bird with a distinctive white head lift from a nearby branch.
“A bald eagle,” Matt informed them, and they watched as the bird soared higher and higher.
It was almost out of sight before Gwen drew in an overdue breath. “That was wonderful. It reminds me of a Bible verse.” She gulped at the one that had sprung to her mind.The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.She was not about to mention that one. Instead, she quoted, “‘But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’”
“Does that mean God will make us fly?”
She chuckled at Lindy’s question though a thread of alarm accompanied it. “Only birds fly.”
Lindy shook her head. “Some day I’ll fly.”
Gwen didn’t argue. No doubt the child was thinking of her parents and how they’d ‘flown’ to heaven. From what Lindy had said, Gwen understood that Mrs. Ingram had informed her that some day she would fly up to heaven too. In due time, Gwen silently added.
They reached the bottom and Matt went to help Lindy.
A strange feeling swept over Gwen. Like she hovered at the edge of a black hole. She looked skyward and her world righted. Lindy scampered fearlessly down the trail, refusing Matt’s outstretched hand. Once on level ground she raced ahead, flapping her arms.
Her thoughts still teetering on the brink of something unfamiliar, Gwen focused on Lindy. “Has she always had such a fascination with flying?”
“Not that I’m aware of. Do you think it means something?”
They stood side by side, observing the child who seemed carefree and happy. Finally, Gwen answered. “I don’t know if it means anything, but I don’t see any harm in it. She seems content enough.”
“I couldn’t ask for more.”
She pressed her hand to his arm. It was as if she couldn’t help herself. Always wanting to touch him even though it did such strange things to her equilibrium. “She must miss them even more than you do.”
He brought his gaze to her hand then slowly lifted his head to meet her eyes. A frisson of awareness engulfed her. Her mouth dried and, feeling awkward and off balance, she drew her hand away. As heat flooded her face, she ducked her head hoping he wouldn’t notice the color that must surely be branding her cheeks.
“Come on, you need to see everything.” He took a step away. It took three breaths before she was free of her confusion. Grateful for normalcy, she walked with him to the edge of the water.
“It’s just a creek though Pa insisted it was a river. It’s slow and murky by August but clear and cold this time of year.” He bent and scooped up a handful to his mouth. “Try it.”
She did, surprised at how cold it was and how refreshing. He grinned at her reaction.
Lindy rejoined them and took Gwen’s hand. “Come on.” With a child on one side and a big, strong man on the other, Gwen allowed herself to be drawn along. She didn’t think anything they showed her could compete with the feeling of this moment.
Perhaps one thing would make it better. If Matt took her hand. Or would that confuse her so she couldn’t enjoy the scenery?Guess I’ll never know.She laughed at her foolishness and knowing Matt would wonder what amused her, she lifted her head heavenward. “It’s all so beautiful and unbelievable. Almost like walking in the Garden of Eden.”
His eyes flashed approval. “Maybe Pa should have named it Eden Valley.” He pulled his mouth down into a gesture of concentration and shook his head. “Nah. Pa wouldn’t give up the chance to have his name forever remembered by calling it Shannon Valley.”
His answer tickled her clear through and she laughed. His deeper tones joined her and for a moment, she reveled in the joy of shared amusement.
