Page 40 of Mail-Order Bride Secret
The twins pulled on his hands, begging him to hop but Maddie and Wally studied each other. The moment was honest and real. She’d given him her approval. The way his eyes darkened, and lines fanned out from their corners revealed that he liked what he’d heard.
“Come on, Uncle Wally.” The twins continued to pull at him.
His gaze slowly left Maddie’s. Holding a twin on each side he hopped along the path, beating out the words of the rhyme in time to his jumps.
Maddie’s admiration…and yes, affection…grew by leaps and bounds at how relaxed he was with himself.
He stopped and turned to face her, grinning widely. “Guess I’m not too old.” He crooked his elbow toward her, and she slipped her hand into place as they sedately walked the last few yards to Riley’s house.
Riley opened the door as they arrived. The grin on his face suggested that he’d seen them. Her smile never faltering, she shrugged. They entered a room bright with paintings of mountains and flowers on the walls. It was almost like stepping into the great outdoors. A piano stood against one wall. Before Maddie could take it all in, Olivia guided them into the kitchen. She took the hot dish and added it to the others at the table. She leaned close to whisper, “It’s nice to see Wally enjoying life.”
“I’ve always enjoyed life,” he protested though Maddie could tell he didn’t mind the comment and his eyes held hers in such a private, intimate look that heat flooded her cheeks. She tried to look away but lacked the ability.
Riley coughed back a chuckle. “Anyone hungry?”
The twins said they were, though Otis yelled his words. Imitating the older boy, Jonathan said, “Me,” in a surprisingly loud voice.
The adults all grinned.
Olivia indicated where everyone should sit. Rileysaid grace. Talk centered around news they’d learned of the community while in town. Wally was careful to explain to Maddie who each person was. The storekeeper and his wife. The ranching neighbors to the north. A man seeking to buy horses. The latter got Riley and Wally discussing the animals they had for sale.
They had finished dessert—a delicious berry pie—when a knock came on the door.
“Come in,” Riley called, and Lindy opened.
“Can Otis and Ivy come outside?”
Maddie looked at Wally, unsure if he objected to playing on Sunday as her parents had.
He shrugged. “Go enjoy the sunshine.”
“Mama.” Jonathan’s eyes filled with tears when he saw he was about to be left behind.
“We’ll watch him,” Otis said.
Realizing she could see much of the yard from the windows and knowing the twins could be trusted to keep an eye on the younger boy, Maddie gave her permission.
The door had not shut after the children before Matt and Gwen stepped in.
“Heard there was coffee,” Matt said.
Olivia laughed. “Come on it. There’s pie too if anyone is interested.”
Luke and Honor appeared in their wake, Kit joining the children. Right behind them came Andyand Della. Riley waved them in. Soon the adults lingered around the table, enjoying endless cups of coffee and pieces of pie.
Much of the conversation centered on the cattle roundup starting tomorrow. Maddie listened carefully, wanting to know everything Wally would be doing.
“Olivia, would you play for us?” Honor asked when they’d heard enough of cows and cowboys.
They moved into the living room and Olivia took her place at the piano. Soon the room was full of uplifting music, stirring Maddie’s soul. The children crept in and sat cross-legged on the floor.
Olivia turned from the keys. “I’m sure you’ve heard enough for now.”
Ivy edged close to the piano and struck a note. “Mama played the piano.”
Olivia focused on the child, perhaps hearing the sad note that Maddie did. “You can come here and listen any time you want.” She stopped as if considering an unexpected thought. “Or you can play.”
Ivy faced the keyboard and picked out a one-fingered tune.
