Page 255 of Conveniently Wed
Stella’s gaze went to the house. “There were other times her prayers were answered?”
“Dozens, hundreds, lots and lots.”
Her gaze flooded with challenge and caution as she brought it back to his. “Always?”
He shrugged, enjoying this conversation and her wariness. “I can’t say always, though I can’t recall any instances when one of her prayers wasn’t answered.” Though truthfully, he wasn’t trying. Far more fun to watch the play of emotions on Stella’s face. Surprise, awe, maybe even amusement, and then taut lines pulled at her mouth.
“Are you suggesting we don’t have a choice in the matter? That her prayers will overrule our plans?” Her stare burned toward the house.
He touched her shoulder, wanting to ease the strain in her expression. Was he mistaken in thinking she leaned into his hand? Were Aunt Mary’s prayers already being answered?
He dropped his hand like he’d been stung. “No one can force either of us to do something against our will.”
She smiled, though the tension didn’t disappear. “I guess that’s true.” She stepped back. “And here I am delaying you.”
He took Smokey’s reins. “I can’t say when I’ll be back.” Before she could respond, he added, “But Iwillbe back.” He swung into his saddle, touched the brim of his hat, and said, “Goodbye.” He turned at the end of the lane.
She stood where he’d left her, her hand shading her eyes.
He waved.
She waved back.
“I’ll be back,” he yelled, though he guessed she couldn’t hear him.
He could think of no reason why he’d ever leave.
Following Stella’s directions, he rode toward the Thomas place. At the fork in the road, he stopped when he encountered cows and an ox being driven down the dusty way. He guessed they were Stella’s animals even before he saw Kade and Flora, each carrying a squirming sack. Kade led a pack horse with several sacks on it. The squawks from that direction informed Bruce there were chickens being brought home.
He waved at the pair of riders and helped drive the animals homeward. They went easily, the ox and the lead cow seeming to know they were headed to familiar surroundings. He eased over to talk to Kade and Flora.
“Stella is eager to see her animals.”
“I think Donny will be too.” Flora waved her hat at a cow who thought the grass looked inviting.
“It’s good that she is finally at home,” Kade said. “You’ve made that possible. For that I am grateful.”
“Me too,” Flora added. “But don’t think I’ve forgotten my warning.”
Bruce chuckled. “I wouldn’t likely make that mistake.” It was good to know others were concerned about Stella, but they needn’t worry. He had something here that he’d always wanted.
Home, of course. But something far more important. He couldn’t quite put a name on the feeling. Was it belonging? Or as Aunt Mary had said, acceptance?
Seems it was early to be jumping to that conclusion.
Still. It was nice to think it possible.
Stella meant to have the chicken coop cleaned out by the time Bruce returned. Besides, she needed a loathsome task to get her thoughts straightened out. She’d been so drawn to Bruce’s touch back at the barn when they were discussing Aunt Mary’s prayers that it had startled her. It was more than the touch of a man to a woman. It was as if he had reached into her heart and started it beating again. She could put it down to his humor, his amusement, or the way he told the story about an answer to one of Aunt Mary’s prayer.
Not that she didn’t believe in the power of prayer. But like Bruce said, she—they—had a say in this matter. They weren’t simply pawns.
Bruce had fashioned a crutch for Aunt Mary, and Stella helped her into her room to rest.
“How is your leg feeling?” The healing burns and bone would not be without pain.
“I’m fine, my dear, and so grateful to be in your home. I couldn’t have asked for a better place. I’ve known so much love in my life, and I’m looking forward to basking in love between you and Bruce.”
“Aunt Mary, you can’t decide what we want to do.”
