Page 64 of Montana Bride By Christmas
“Will he be okay with that? It’s only a few days ago that he was about as social as a feral cat.”
“I thought it would be worth seeing how he reacts. If he doesn’t do well, I’ll simply bring him home.”
He studied her, searching her gaze.
She couldn’t guess what he looked for, didn’t know if he found it, but he nodded. “I trust you to do what’s best for my son.”
“Thank you.” And she meant more than permission to take Evan out. Trust. A far better basis for their marriage than love— even if it did feel a little lackluster.
She returned to clean the kitchen. As she worked, she prayed for wisdom in presenting her idea to Evan. Before she could think of what to say, a knock came on the back door.
She opened the door to Sadie with little Jeannie at her side. The girl was less than a year younger than Evan…a good playmate for him.
“I couldn’t take another day shut in like that,” Sadie said.
“Come on in. I was just thinking of going to visit you but thought it might be too soon for an outing.” She tipped her head toward Evan, who had backed into the corner and stood with his hand on Happy’s head. Somehow, the pup seemed to know he needed to remain at Evan’s side.
“I left the others at home,” Sadie said. “They’re a bit much all at once.” She smiled at Evan. “Hello, Evan. We met before. Do you remember me? I’m Aunt Sadie, and this is Jeannie.”
Annie could have hugged her sister-in-law for introducing herself as Evan’s aunt. At least she took Annie’s plans seriously.
Sadie turned to Grandfather. “Hello, Grandfather. I see you survived the storm.”
“We’re fine,” he said.
Jeannie hugged Grandfather and then stood by his side, studying Evan.
Hoping to make it possible for the two little ones to become friends, Annie introduced Happy. “He’s Evan’s dog. You may say hello to him.” She meant Evan as much as Happy.
Jeannie edged closer. “Hello, Happy. Hello, Evan.” She touched the top of the dog’s head, then drew her hand back and stood as if waiting for Evan to make the next move.
Annie tried to think how best to help them. “Evan, why don’t you show Jeannie your pretend puppy?”
Evan looked at Spot near his foot and nudged it forward.
“Can I play with it?” Jeannie asked and waited until Evan nodded before she picked it up.
“I like this puppy.” Jeannie sat on the floor close to Evan’s mat and began to talk to the stuffed toy, telling it all about the things she and her brother and sister had done during the storm.
Annie saw the tension leave Evan’s shoulders, and he sat on his mat, Happy crowded close to his knee.
“They’ll be okay,” Sadie said, and Annie was inclined to believe her. “I see a lot of improvement since I last saw him. Was that just a week ago? Hard to believe it’s only been that long. The last three days seemed to go on forever.”
Annie decided not to say she’d felt quite the opposite. “Have you heard anything from the ranch? I’ve been wondering if everyone was safe.”
“Logan was out there during the storm. He returned this morning to let me know he was okay.” She twisted her wedding ring round and round. “You can’t imagine how worried I was not knowing.” She shuddered.
Annie squeezed Sadie’s hands. “That must have been terrible.” She would not think how she would have felt if Hugh had been absent during the storm. Would not let herself shiver.
“Anyway. He’s already gone back to the ranch. Said he had to help check on the herd. Everyone hunkered down at the ranch during the storm. Logan said Kate did her best to keep everyone occupied, but he couldn’t stop worrying about me.”
“I’m glad everyone is safe and sound. That’s an answer to prayer.”
Sadie gave Annie a piercing look. “How are you doing? And I don’t mean because of the storm.”
“I’m perfectly fine.” If Grandfather hadn’t been there listening, she might have been tempted to ask Sadie about love. No. She immediately retracted the thought. She meant she’d ask her about marriage. She could do that even with Grandfather listening.
“I expect we’ll be married by Christmas. It would be convenient for everyone to have this settled. It would give Evan the home and stability he needs. There’s no need for Hugh to look further.” She knew she rattled on, but she couldn’t help it.
