Page 231 of Conveniently Wed
He did not, as he tried to think if there was any malice in her amusement. He couldn’t tell.
“I simply want to be able to stand on my own should the need arise.”
“Now hold on a minute. We’ve been married less than four hours, and you’re already eliminating me from the scene. What’s going on?”
She laughed, the sound so merry that he almost smiled in enjoyment. Might have except for her talk of managing on her own. Where did she think he would be?
“I guess you deserve an explanation.”
“I would say so.”
“My pa was a wanderer. I can’t count the number of times he promised ‘this will be the last time we move,’ but it never was.They are still on the move.” Her eyes narrowed as she studied him, her gaze going up and down his length.
What did she see? Or think she saw? “What has that to do with me?”
“You’ll forgive me if I wonder how long you’ll stay. That’s why I want to learn how to do things for myself.”
“Forgive you? How long I’ll stay? Does my word mean nothing?”
“I don’t know.” Her gaze bored a hole clear through his brain. “Does it?”
He grabbed the box and headed outside.
She followed. “Does it?”
“There are many who think it doesn’t solely because I am an orphan who was found wandering the streets. An urchin, I was called. And we all know that urchins are thieves and liars.”
“I didn’t say that.” Her words rang with protest.
“You might as well have.”
She hurried to get in front of him and stopped to face him, forcing him to stop too. “I am speaking only from my experience. But I think I have the right to reserve judgement. Just as you do.”
He held her rock-hard gaze unblinkingly. “There is truth in the fact that we must learn about each other, but I hoped we could start out with a little trust. A little faith in each other.”
“‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’” Her voice grew quiet. “That’s a Bible verse.”
“I’m aware of that. I’ve attended church regularly since Aunt Mary took me in. More importantly, she taught me the scriptures.”
“You’re asking me to have faith in you when I don’t know you.”
He shrugged. “Guess that’s too much to ask. I’d settle for at least giving me a chance without prejudice.”
Her shoulders bowed forward. “I guess I am guilty of that. I’m sorry. Can we start again?”
“Gladly.” This might prove to be a more difficult task than he anticipated. But no one had forced him to agree to the arrangement, and he meant to give it his very best.
“I judged you by my pa, and that wasn’t fair.”
They searched each other’s eyes. He wished he could guess her thoughts. But one thing troubled him. “What about Frank? Was he like your pa?”
She shrugged, though her expression was one of confusion, not indifference. “He died. I know it wasn’t his fault, but it’s the worst sort of leaving, wouldn’t you say?”
“It is indeed.” Bruce had been left by his parents. Left homeless. Left to manage on his own.
She seemed to understand. “Seems we both need to know we’re safe.”
He liked that. Feeling like they had reached an agreement, he returned to the wagon and picked up a few items of clothing. “These are mine.”
