Page 66 of Mail-Order Bride Mommy
Gwen circled the buildings again. By the time she’d searched each one her stomach knotted like an old rope. Nausea grabbed at her throat. She choked it back. No time for that.
She grabbed her skirts to keep from tripping on them and ran down the road hoping to see a little girl trudging in the dust.
Nothing. She stood in the middle of the yard, alone. Where, oh where was Lindy?
15
Matt was tired and dirty as he and his brothers headed home. He’d never put in more wearying days. Chasing cows who didn’t want to be chased any more than Matt wanted to chase them. He wanted to be home. Or more accurately, taking Gwen to town so they could get married. For the next mile, his fatigue was forgotten amidst the plans forming in his head. He’d take her to the church, promise her forever. He’d protect her and Lindy, ensuring a future full of love and bliss.
A faint bell tinkled in the background of his thoughts. A reminder of his helplessness to prevent a train accident, a wagon accident, illness, and…
The ranch buildings were in sight, and he urged his horse to a gallop, his troublesome thoughts dismissed.
Gwen ran toward the barn as they rode in.
Luke chuckled. “Someone’s glad to see you.”
Matt managed not to grin his pleasure.
Gwen skidded to a halt before them. “I can’t find Lindy.” Her face was flushed and sweaty, her hair escaping from the bun she wore.
“What do you mean?” The words were harsher than he meant but why was she upset? Lindy knew every inch of the yard.
“She’s disappeared. I’ve looked everywhere. For hours.” She hurried on, her words hot bullets searing a burning trail through his formerly pleasant thoughts. “I searched the houses, the loft, up and down the trails, every building, every little clearing where she likes to play. I can’t find her.” She ended on a wail.
Gwen’s concern was genuine even though Matt wasn’t truly worried. This was an opportunity to prove he could protect those he loved, starting with Gwen. Dropping to the ground, he swept her into his arms. “We’ll find her. She can’t have gone far.” Her shudders reverberated in his chest. He felt her desperation in the way she collapsed against him. As if she counted on him to take care of her concerns.
He would not fail. Not this time. Only one thing kept him from holding her until her shaking subsided… he must find Lindy and ease Gwen’s worry.
He eased from the embrace. He would like to kiss away her tears but not now. He patted her arms and then swung into his saddle. “Fan out,” he called to the others. The five of them circled the yard in ever-widening sweeps. Not finding her, they spread out more.
“I’ll check the valley,” he called, riding in that direction even though he was convinced she wouldn’t have gone that way. She’d been thoroughly warned. He rubbed at the knot in his neck. If she had…
He couldn’t quite convince himself it wasn’t possible. Every muscle in his body clenched. There were so many dangers. Water. Risk of falling. Wild animals—he stopped. He’d find her safe and sound, singing one of her little tunes, and wonder why he’d been so anxious.
He crisscrossed the floor of the valley several times, checked the ground for footprints, peered into bushes, and rode under trees. Finally, convinced she wasn’t there, he rode back up the trail to rejoin the others. One of them would have found her by now. But Riley and Wally sat on their horses, faces lined with worry.
Matt didn’t need anyone to speak to know Lindy was still missing. He looked around for the other brothers.
Luke came up the road and sang out a hello drawing everyone’s attention his way. “I’ve found her.” He rode to Gwen and lowered the child to the ground.
Relief flowing through his veins, Matt dropped from the saddle and rushed to join them.
Gwen pulled Lindy into her arms and hugged her tight. “Where were you?” She looked to Luke for the answer.
“She was down the trail, in a tree. I almost missed her, but my horse perked up his ears and I knew someone or something was there. It seems she climbed up the tree and then was too scared to get down.” He lowered his voice. “Maybe a little afraid she’d be in trouble.”
“I thought I could fly.” Lindy’s words came on a fractured breath. “But I can’t.”
Gwen hugged her again, holding her like she’d didn’t want to ever let her go. “Honey, remember the angels in your book? They’re the only ones who can fly.”
Lindy hung her head. “I thought…”
“I know. You want to fly up to see your mama and papa, but it isn’t time.”
Matt squatted down to hug Lindy and found himself nudged aside as Andy wanted to hug her too. Then Wally and Riley.
The child was safe. That was all that mattered. That and Gwen. Matt needed to reassure her. Promise her they would always be safe in his care. But could he promise that? Life was so uncertain. Things so easily went wrong.
