Page 36 of Montana Bride By Christmas
A bit later, he realized how warm he’d grown sitting next to the stove with his outer coat still on, but rather than take it off, he returned to the manse. Grandfather pushed to his feet when Hugh stepped into the kitchen.
“I’m ready.”
Annie held his canes as she helped him into his coat. “Now, you be careful and watch for ice.”
“Yes, my girl. I will be careful.” He brushed his finger across her chin. “I plan to be around to keep an eye on you for a long time yet.”
She leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “I’m counting on it.” She sent Hugh a look that was a little bit grateful and a whole lot warning.
He could almost hear her words. Take good care of him.
Grinning, he looked at Evan and then back to Annie, silently giving her the same message.
Understanding his meaning, she smiled. “We’ll be just fine by ourselves.”
He chuckled. “And we’ll be just fine at church though I venture to say there will be any number of people who’ll wonder at your absence.”
“I’m sure you’ll explain it. In fact, Grandfather, I want a full report of how he tells everyone that I’m living in the manse.”
Hugh sobered. People would understand that he’d been forced to make arrangements for Evan’s care.
Or would they?
He guided Grandfather out the front door and stayed close as they crossed the yard. It seemed to him that the older man moved much slower than he had a few weeks ago. Or was he letting Annie’s worries influence his judgment?
They were the first in the door, and Grandfather chose a pew where the Marshall family normally sat. “Sure hope they make it in from the ranch. Seems like a long time since I’ve seen them.”
He patted the man’s shoulder and went to the front to place his Bible and notes on the pulpit. He’d selected the hymns that he wanted and placed the list on the organ for the accompanist. Today, if he remembered correctly, it would be Mary Marshall, Annie’s aunt. No doubt she would want a report on Annie. As would all the Marshalls.
For some reason, the thought of facing them didn’t bother him in the least. In fact, he would suggest they all visit next door and see for themselves how Annie was. He hoped they’d be pleased.
Mary and George were the first Marshalls to arrive. George went to his father and inquired as to his well-being. “You could have blown me over with a puff when I heard you and Annie were living in town. Glad you are. Saves you that trip in the cold.”
Logan and Sadie, with their three children, were next, and Logan marched right up to the pulpit. “My sister okay?”
She was doing better than okay. All Hugh said was, “She’s quite fine. You’re welcome to visit any time.”
“I’m very protective of my little sister.”
“Good to hear.”
Logan barely stepped back before Dawson and Isabelle entered with little Mattie between them, holding their hands and giving them both an eager smile. On their heels came Conner and Kate with baby Ellie wrapped up warmly against the cold. Bud, Grandfather’s other son and father of the Marshall boys and Annie was away, or he would be leading the pack.
They got as far as Grandfather and, as a group, drew to a stop and studied Hugh.
Dawson was the first to speak. “Where’s my sister?” Challenge rang from every word.
Hugh stood by the pulpit and leaned one arm on it. “She’s at home with my son. He?—”
Grandfather waved a hand to get everyone’s attention. “Annie is at home with little Evan. He isn’t ready to face the public yet. You can all stop worrying that Hugh is being unfair to our little Annie. Far as I can see, he treats her kindly and with respect. And you can be proud of how Annie is helping Evan feel safe.” With a harrumph, he leaned on his canes.
The brothers hesitated until their wives grabbed their elbows and led them to sit down.
Hugh pretended to study his notes, but in reality, he was chuckling to himself, feeling as if he had passed a test with flying colors. Not that he didn’t hear the warning that if he should do anything to hurt Annie, he would face the combined wrath of the Marshalls.
You’ll never be good enough.
The familiar words came in his mother’s voice. He’d tried to put her disapproval out of his thoughts. He had only to answer to God for how he lived his life. He’d mostly succeeded in believingthat was all that mattered until he married Bernice and proven to not be enough.
