Page 59 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
As they returned home Gwen thought how pleasant it had been to spend the afternoon in the company of a sweet child. Only one thing was missing to make her joy complete, but she would not admit what it was.
The rest of the day passed quickly enough with bringing in the laundry, folding and putting some away, and rolling the rest to be ironed. She made a simple supper for herself and Lindy.
After she’d tucked Lindy in, Gwen circled the sitting room, deciding where she would hang the few pictures she’d brought with her, thinking how she might use some of her savings to buy a rug to warm the room during the winter months. She’d brought doilies and knickknacks and got them from her trunk. Soon the room had a more welcoming feel to it.
She sat in the rocker to read her Bible and pray for Matt’s safety. Finally, admitting there was no point in staying up all night, she went to her bed.
It had been a long day, but sleep did not come easily. How could she miss him when he’d never slept in the house since her arrival? And yet she did.
The next morning,she created a mental list of things to do in order to keep busy. Ironing. Weeding the garden. Preserving rhubarb for the winter. She encouraged Lindy to help as much as possible which made many tasks take longer but kept them both happily active.
It was late afternoon, jars of ruby-red rhubarb cooled on the cupboard when Lindy hollered. “Uncle Matt’s back.”
Gwen wiped her hands and ducked into her bedroom to check her hair. Her fingers lingered on the pins. Should she let it down? No, of course not. It would simply be in the way. He’d go to the barn and take care of the animals before he came to the house. Thankfully, she’d prepared supper in preparation for his return.
She hurriedly wiped the table clean and was about to grab plates to set it when she heard his boots on the outer step. Her breath caught midway down and refused to budge any further. She stared at the entrance, her hands clenched in front of her.
He came through the door, his head bare, a ring around his dark hair from his hat. His gaze met hers. The air grew warm and sweet. He smiled.
Suddenly she was freed of her inertia. “Welcome home.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound as husky to him as it did to her.
He stepped forward until he was within reach. “I got back as fast as I could.” His words promised a world of blessing. “It sure smells good in here.”
Her lungs deflated. Of course, he was glad to be home and have a meal waiting for him. “It’s about ready. Sit down and I’ll pour you some coffee.” She’d put it to brew when Lindy announced his return. She filled a cup for him and then set the table, her hands moving automatically.
Lindy sat at her place and regaled him with stories of what they’d done.
The little girl was in bed before the adults got a chance to talk.
“The cabin has been damaged in a storm, so I have to return in the morning with material to repair it. I’ll be away two, more likely, three days.”
Did he sound regretful? About having to leave again? Don’t be silly. It was because of the storm damage.
“That’s too bad.” She hoped he would think the sadness in her tone was about the cabin.
“Will you be all right on your own?”
On her own? “Is everyone going?”
“Oh, no, sorry. I didn’t mean to alarm you. Luke and I are the only ones. Wally will be home every evening. I’m not sure about Andy and Riley. They might be here or not.”
“I’ll be fine on my own. Lindy and I have been enjoying ourselves. I’ve found things to keep me busy.” She nodded toward the jars of rhubarb.
“We’ll be away early tomorrow.”
“I’ll make breakfast before you go.” Maybe they’d linger at the table for a few minutes, taking pleasure in each other’s company.
“Gwen, we’ll leave as soon as it’s light enough to see the trail. You stay in bed and relax.”
She nodded though she couldn’t deny a twinge of dismissal. Of course, he didn’t need her to see him off. Or to feed him breakfast. She was here to take care of Lindy and she would be doing exactly that.
She heardhorses leaving the next morning. She jumped from the bed and hurried to the window to watch them depart. With slow feet, she returned to crawl under the covers and lie staring at the shifting light on the ceiling.Two, more likely, three days. Forty-eight or maybe seventy-two hours. They stretched out before her like an endless road.
She’d go visit Opal, but Matt had never again given her a lesson in driving the wagon. She certainly wasn’t about to try it on her own even if she could find someone to harness the horses.
If only the garden was farther along, she could put up vegetables for the winter.Enough of feeling sorry for myself.She’d never been one for such behavior and got from her bed, dressed, and went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for herself and Lindy.
After the meal, Lindy asked, “Can I get the rest of my stuff?”
