Page 64 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Rain and wind battered the house. What if the storm intensified? She didn’t care for the idea of being alone should they again experience such close lightning. Matt rose, letting the quilt fall to the chair.
She grabbed his arm. “I don’t want to be on my own.”
He covered her hand with his. At least there was warmth in his touch now, not the iciness of a few minutes ago. Or was it hours? She couldn’t keep time straight in her head.
He squeezed her hand. “I’ll stay.” The words were a blessing, a promise, a—.
She wouldn’t allow her thoughts to go further.
Matt and Andy studied each other from their positions across the room.
“I’m staying.” Matt’s voice was low, but his tone clearly said he wasn’t about to change his mind. “And in the morning, we’ll ride to town, and get married.” He turned to Gwen. “If that meets your approval?”
“It does.” Her words held conviction as her heart gave a happy thump.
Andy lifted a hand. “Fine by me.” The door closed quietly behind him.
Matt’s gaze had not left Gwen’s. Nor could she look away. He was ready to marry her. She’d met his approval. This house would be her home. Only one thing was missing. A home for her heart with him.
A thud against the house startled Gwen. She jerked her hands to her throat as her heart beat an answering thud.
“Just something blowing against the wall,” Matt said. He shoved his hands in his pockets and shifted restlessly as if looking for an escape from where he stood. “I suppose we should try and get some sleep.” He waited for her response.
She nodded, feeling dismissed, and went toward her room.
“Good night, Gwen.”
“Good night, Matt.”
“Call if you need anything.”
“I will.”I need you to love me. She walked calmly to her room even though a storm raged in her heart.
She quickly prepared for bed and slid under the covers. He’d offered her marriage and a home. He’d moved up the date for the wedding to tomorrow. When she came west, she’d believed it all she needed or wanted was security, acceptance, and perhaps approval. Someone who valued her enough to keep her in his life. Unlike Kenny or Wilson who had no trouble walking away from her without concern for her feelings. Or Maurice who barely shrugged at her departure.
Joy swelledin her heart the next morning. Sun shone through the window. The storm had passed, and diamonds sparkled on every leaf and blade of glass. Puddles dotted the trail.
Today was her wedding day. She had a dress she’d saved for the occasion. It wasn’t a typical bridal gown. She’d chosen something more practical—a gray silk taffeta that rustled like a whisper when she moved in it. The dress had been specially made for her for Maurice’s wedding, the only time she’d worn it. She brushed her hand over the skirt. Today they would get married.
She hugged herself and slipped into her regular cotton dress. No one had said when they would leave for town. In the meantime, they needed breakfast, so she left her room to get started. Matt stepped from his room into the living area at the same time, his hair rumpled.
“Good morning.” Her voice carried the music of her heart.
He smiled. “And to you.”
Lindy trotted from her room and skidded to a halt as her gaze went from Gwen to Matt. “You stayed with us.” Her voice filled with awe then she darted to the window. “Storm’s over. Everything’s wet.”
Gwen hurried to the kitchen to put the coffee on the stove. “I’ll whip up something in a minute.” She’d fry the cooked potatoes she had, add some eggs, and slice bread.
In a few minutes, they were around the table, food on their plates and coffee in the adults’ cups. Matt offered a quick prayer of gratitude for safety in the storm.
It was nothing different than they’d done from the first and yet the air shimmered with promise.
They’d almost finished the meal when Riley burst into the room without knocking. “One of the cowhands just rode in. The cattle have stampeded. Goodness knows where they are. All hands are needed to round them up. Saddle up. Let’s go.” Riley waved at Matt to come along then dashed out the door.
“I’m sorry.” Matt pushed from the table and slowly got to his feet. “Our plans will have to wait.”
“That’s fine.” It wasn’t as if she’d always planned to get married today. No, she’d planned to marry upon her arrival.
