Page 6 of Mail-Order Bride Secret
Jonny wailed. Perhaps the child needed food to settle him.
“Then let’s have supper.” Wally set out four plates. “A bowl for Jonathan?”
“I’ll feed him off my plate, thanks.”
The table set, he indicated they should all take a place. Ivy and Otis sat side by side. Wally planted himself at the end. Madeline, at his left, across from the children, held the baby.
“I’ll ask the blessing.” Wally bowed. The children followed his example.
Madeline hesitated a moment before she lowered her head. Her eyes remained open, her hands holding the restless Jonny.
“Father, God. Thank You for bringing everyone here safely. Thank You for loving us even when we don’t deserve it because the truth is, we never do. Thank You for this food that the Shannon ladies have so generously provided. Amen.
“I wonder what they’ve sent.” He lifted one lid. “Stew.” Lifted another. “Looks like potato soup. My favorite.” He removed a clean cloth from a plate. “Biscuits.” Another plate revealed cookies. Still another, cake. A divided dish held an array of pickles—purple beets, green dilled cucumbers, yellow mustard beans, and red relish.
“It’s like a rainbow.” Ivy’s voice rang with amazement.
Wally chuckled. “Who wants to see if it tastes as good as it looks and smells?”
“Me. Me.”
The twins were trying to be patient but the way they squirmed and licked their lips, their gazes glued to the offerings in the middle of the table, she knew it was a struggle.
“Seeing as we have plates, would you like stew?”
“Yes, please.” The twins would agree to anything involving food.
“Madeline?”
It was the first time he’d spoken her name though he’d used it in his letters. Hearing it from his lips, in his gentle deep voice, settled a good bit of her chattering nerves.
“Yes, please.”
He must have heard the hungriness in her tone for he chuckled again and gave her a portion of the stew.
She inhaled the scent. From somewhere in her deepest memories came a thought.May God give thee the dew of heaven and the fatness of the earth and plenty of corn and wine. She didn’t know if she remembered the words correctly or even where she’d heard them, but it appeared she was about to receive that blessing.
She would do nothing that would in any way hinder it.
The twins eagerly consumed their stew, and ate three biscuits, while Madeline persuaded Jonny to eata few mouthfuls which did nothing to ease his fussing. He drank only a swallow of milk.
Wally gave everyone a generous portion of cake though Madeline refused the piece he offered her. She was busy with Jonathan. She’d tried everything to soothe her son. It wasn’t like him to be so fractious. What if Wally objected to a cranky baby? Her insides knotted. Yes, they were legally married. Which did not mean he couldn’t put her out if she didn’t please him.
She finished her meal and rose to clean the table. For a bit, Jonny was distracted by her moving about.
The twins and even Wally helped remove dishes. He carried the unused food to the pantry.
“I’ll wash. Ivy and Otis can dry.” He handed towels to the twins.
Madeline wanted to protest. She’d come here to take care of his home. But she was weary, and Jonny wouldn’t let her put him down.
“I see a dog.” Ivy squealed as she looked out the window.
Madeline edged closer to see the black and white animal in front of the barn.
“That’s Scamp. He’s getting pretty old. He likes kids. I’ll take you to visit him tomorrow.” The dishes were finished and Wally dumped out the water and hung the towels. “Now let’s see the rest of the house.”
They followed him through the alcove off the kitchen into the next room—a sitting room, completewith three armchairs, a rocker, a full bookcase, and a fireplace. Madeline inhaled peace and promise. She could imagine herself here, the children playing at her feet, Wally in the chair opposite her, reading from one of his favorite books. Nothing but harmony between them.
