Page 53 of Mail-Order Bride Secret
She closed her book, set it aside, and got to her feet. “I believe I’ll get ready for bed.” She hustled from the room. With Jonathan breathing deeply, she slipped from her dress and other things, pulled over her head a white, lawn nightgown that Miz Allie had given her and stood motionless, staring at the door.
Deliberately, slowly she recalled his many tender gestures. The feel of his gentle lips on hers. A tinysmile tugged from her heart, and she stepped into the alcove.
And stared at his closed door.
Before she could change her mind, she tapped. “May I come in?”
“Please do.” He sat up on his elbows and watched her step into the room. Perhaps guessing her intent, he shifted over in bed and patted the spot beside him.
Never losing eye contact with him, she crossed the floor.
He lifted the covers.
She eased to the sheet, and he pulled the quilt across her.
“Welcome to our room. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Waiting. Welcome. Words that eased her fears. “I’m sorry I took so long.”
He silenced her apology with a kiss.
Wally woke the next morning,a smile permanently fixed on his face. Maddie curled up next to him. She’d been up in the night to check on the children. He’d seen her cross the room, a white billowing figure in silvery moonlight. He’d waited, wondering if she’d return and pulled her close when she did.
This was the beginning of something wonderful…something that answered his prayers.Thank you, God.
In the next room, Jonathan said something Wally couldn’t make out. Perhaps calling his mama.
Maddie stirred, and turned toward the sound. Yawned. Pressed her head to his shoulder. Like an invitation. He planted a kiss on the top of her head.
“I need to get up,” she murmured but didn’t move.
He shifted intending to capture her lips.
She edged away. A sigh fluttered from her mouth. She returned to his arms, allowed him a quick kiss, and then pushed from bed.
Their responsibilities couldn’t be ignored. He let her go and she slipped from the room.
The ceiling above him was dappled with early morning sunlight peeking through the bare branches. Come spring the shadow of leaves would dance above him. He eased from the bed, straightening the covers. Just as he’d been taught in the orphanage. His clothes were draped over the back of the chair, and he pulled them on and then joined Maddie in the kitchen.
She bent over, helping Jonathan dress. Hearing his footsteps, she looked up and smiled…an intimate caress even though they hadn’t touched.
“The twins are the same. No fever. They still turn away from the light.”
He nodded. Outside, he heard Andy call to one of his brothers. “I’ll slip out and get milk.” He leaned close and stole a sweet kiss before he slapped his hat on his head, grabbed his jacket, and headed outdoors.
“You sound happy,” Andy said as they met in the barn.
“I do?”
“You whistled as you crossed the yard.”
He hadn’t realized it. “I guess I am. Otis’s fever broke. He’s awake and in his right mind. It seems we’re through the worst of it.”
“That’s great.” They moved side by side, working with the easy rhythm of having done so for years.
The other Shannons sauntered into the barn. Riley adjusted his hat as if he’d donned it in a hurry.
Wally ducked his head, hiding his smile. He understood being reluctant to leave one’s house and, although he wished he was back with Maddie and the children, he stayed until the chores were done and lingered as the men discussed plans for the work.
