Page 60 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Gwen’s hands stilled in the dishwater. “You mean from the big house?”
“Yup.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” As soon as the last dish was dried and in the cupboard, Gwen got two valises from her bedroom and they went to the house. Gwen knocked but no one answered.
“Go on in,” Wally called. “Andy’s gone for the day.”
Gwen followed Lindy to her room where the child started pulling clothes from drawers.
“Hang on a minute, missy. Let’s do it neatly.” Gwen opened the valises and arranged the clothing and toys inside. There were a few books on the shelf and Lindy said she’d take those. Finally, the room was empty of her belongings, and they returned to their house and spent an hour arranging everything to Lindy’s satisfaction.
Over the next two days, they established a routine of sorts. Baking and mending, weeding the garden, and picnics outside. In the evening, while Lindy slept, Gwen wrote to Maurice, Mrs. Strong, and a few friends. When Matt hadn’t returned the second night, Gwen consoled herself that he would arrive the next day.
Unless they’d encountered some other problem. But she couldn’t let herself think along those lines.
* * *
“Can’tthese pack horses go any faster?” Matt tugged at the lead rope.
Luke roared with laughter. “Anxious to get home, are ya? Can’t say as I blame you. She’s worth rushing home to.”
“How would you know that?” Matt was a tad grouchy after more than two days of Luke’s teasing. No way would he admit it was because he was missing his home. Hishome, mind you. Not the people in it.
That didn’t sound right. Sure, he missed them too. More than he cared to confess.
“Uh oh.”
Matt jerked his attention to Luke. “Look at the sky over the mountains.”
Uh oh was right. Black clouds foamed and boiled.
“We’re in for a soaking if we don’t get a move on.”
Luke agreed. Together they urged the pack animals to a faster pace. They were making good time as the clouds rolled closer, forcing them to gallop the last half mile.
Matt leaped off his horse and unsaddled the animals in seconds, Luke taking a more leisurely pace. Matt hung the last bridle on the wall and trotted from the barn, ignoring Luke’s mocking laugh. He didn’t slow down until he reached the house and burst inside.
“I just made it.” The door sucked shut with a bang.
Gwen glanced up. “Look what the wind blew in.”
“Do you see the storm coming?” He crossed the room and beckoned her to join him at the window.
The mountains had disappeared in heavy clouds. The valley was obscured by mist. A strong gust of wind hit them. Rain drove into the window, rattling the glass.
Gwen leaned forward as if to see better. “It’s amazing.”
“It doesn’t frighten you?” Surprise edged his words.
“Not in the least. We’re all safely indoors and together. The house is warm and dry. What’s to be frightened of?”
Her smile flooded her eyes and drove away the chill of the approaching storm. They lingered side by side. In order for them both to see the view, they had to stand with their shoulders pressed together. Never mind that the only thing they could see was rain slashing across the glass.
Her arm was warm against his. Their breathing synchronized. A sense of contentment filled his heart. Having her here was right and good.
Lindy ducked in front of them to look out. “Can’t see nothin’.” Her tone indicated she thought they had something wrong with them to stare at a rain-streaked window.
Gwen hurried to the stove. “Would you like coffee and cookies? It’s too early for supper. Besides, it isn’t ready yet. The roast won’t be done, and I still have to prepare potatoes.”
