Page 31 of Mail-Order Bride Secret
She followed him away from the bush, keeping the children in view. They were enjoying the freedom to run, stopping every few feet to examine something at their feet. Wally seemed content to meander along the grassy hillside, pointing out distant landmarks—the nose-shaped hill that indicated the turnoff to their nearest neighbors. The small puffy cloud that was, in reality, steam from the train.
“There’s a pretty lake down below.” He pointed toward the sliver she’d seen. “I thought we’d go therefor our lunch. We can drive part way then we have to walk.” He rubbed at his chin. “Do you think the children are up to it? I can carry Jonathan.”
If he’ll let you.“The twins have enough energy to run forever.”
Wally called the children and they returned to the wagon, rumbled down three hills, and pulled to a stop. “We walk from here. Who wants to help with the picnic things?”
“Me. Me.” The twins held out their hands.
Wally gave Otis the basket. “Be careful you don’t spill it, or we’ll all go hungry.”
At the way Otis’s face scrunched in concentration, Maddie chuckled. “He’s not going to let that happen.” She carried one quilt, Ivy the other.
“Follow me.” Wally scooped up Jonathan and started down the narrow path.
Jonny squeaked a protest, but Wally bounced him like a horse and the little one laughed and clung to Wally, his eyes sparkling with enjoyment, smiling approval of the man who carried him.
Maddie brought up the rear. If only it could be as easy for her as it was for her son.
They reached a tumbling stream of water and followed the rocky path skirting its edge. Wally slowed to make sure the children made it safely. He held out his hand to assist Maddie. She could have negotiatedthe trail on her own but accepted his help. His grip was sure, solid. Just like the man.
They continued toward past trees.
Wally stopped and stepped aside. “There it is.”
Maddie edged forward. “It’s beautiful.” Turquoise water as still as a mirror, reflecting the mountains and distant evergreens.
“Mr. Shannon named it Alice Lake after Mrs. Shannon.”
“What a lovely thing to do.” Her words grated from her throat, and she was at a loss to know why. Only that it spoke volumes of the affection and regard the man had for his wife.
“Can we eat?” Otis called.
Wally and Maddie laughed together then joined the twins. They chose a dry spot that allowed them to enjoy a view of the lake and study the shore, watching for wild animals Wally said they might see.
“But only if you’re quiet.” Grinning, he asked the blessing then Maddie passed around food.
For a moment, all was still. Not a ripple on the water, not a rustle in the leaves. No birds called from the branches overhead.
Maddie hardly dared chew, not wanting to disturb the peace.
A bird whistled from a nearby tree.
Wally touched her shoulder and pointed. Acrossthe lake, three deer drank from the water. The children watched, unusually silent.
“Deer?” Jonathan said.
Three animals fled into the trees.
“Deer gone.”
“You scared them.” Otis scolded.
Wally squeezed Otis’s shoulder. “But we all got to see them. Now, who would like cookies?” He waggled his eyebrows at Maddie. “Do we have any?”
A grin wrapped around her thoughts. He was a good man. And patient. The knowledge smoothed her insides.
“Lots.” She held out the tin of cookies to each of them. At the way the twins ate, she’d have to bake tomorrow and maybe every day.
