Page 221 of Conveniently Wed
“You could stay in your wagon. There’s some nice places to camp by the river.” He gestured to the west. “Just a little ways over there.”
Bruce had taken note of the river’s location. It was well marked by a line of trees.
“I always wanted to camp there. Ma has let me a couple of times but says I can’t move down there.” Jimmy hung his head as if that was the worst possible thing his mother could refuse him.
Bruce chuckled. “Maybe she’s not wanting to have you leave home so soon.”
The boy brightened. “Ya think that’s it?”
“Sure do. Besides, you’re a fortunate young man to have a home where you’re wanted.”A home where you’re wanted. The words resonated. Aunt Mary had given him that. He could not disappoint her by not giving her what she needed now.
“Guess so. So, you going to camp? I could show you a good spot.”
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind for me, but I don’t think my aunt would be very comfortable. Thanks all the same for the offer. And if you think of a place where we could stay for a few weeks, you let me know.”
“I will.” The boy and his dog trotted down the street.
Bruce leaned over his knees and studied the street below his feet. What was he willing to do to give his aunt a home? Would marrying Stella and making her farm his home provide what his aunt needed?
He jerked up so hard his neck creaked. Why was he even considering it?
Stella couldn’t stay in the house and listen to Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley tout the benefits of marrying a stranger. She looked about, but there was no place to run and only one place she cared to go—back to her homestead.
“You gonna marry him, Ma?” Donny asked.
“What? Donny, were you eavesdropping again?”
“No Ma, but the window is open, and I could hear you.”
Stella glanced at Blossom, sitting against the house, right below the window. Both of them would have heard thediscussion. “I wouldn’t marry a stranger. Why, that would be plumb foolish.”
“I likes him,” Blossom said. “Why you don’t?”
Stella closed her eyes against her little daughter’s accusatory words. “I like him fine, but I don’t know him.” She turned her attention back to Donny, who faced her, his eyes narrowed.
“If you married him, we could go home. I want to go home.”
She sat on the ground and pulled both children to her. “I do too, but this isn’t the way.”
“’Cause you don’t love him?” Donny asked.
“Because I don’t know him. He could be a bad man. Not someone we can trust.”
“He’s good.” How could Blossom be so certain?She sees with her heart. The words tiptoed into her mind.
But she’s only got three years of experience.How can she possibly know how easy it is for some men to promise things and even easier for them to forget their promise?
A wagon rattled into the backyard. Bruce jumped to the ground and began to unhitch the horses.
Blossom and Donny rushed from her arms and hurried to him. Donny caught his sister’s hand. “Stay back while he takes care of his horses.”
Stella remained where she was, her thoughts a knot of wishes and disappointments. How badly did she want to get back home?
Not badly enough to marry a stranger.
She watched Bruce as he led his horses into the corral, talking and laughing with the children, who climbed the fence to watch him.
They missed their papa. She missed Frank too. Missed knowing she would wake in the morning and look around her home. The first home she’d ever believed to be hers permanently. She wanted Blossom and Donny to know thefeeling that had gladdened her heart at the knowledge that she would never have to move.
