Page 261 of Conveniently Wed
It should have been enough to end any curiosity about Aunt Mary’s remarks, but it wasn’t.
“What’s not going to take two weeks?” Flora asked, the platter of pork chops in her hands. She seemed unaware she held the serving tray in midair.
“Nothing,” Stella and Bruce said together, rather loudly he realized.
It earned them wondering looks from Kade and Flora.
“I keep telling them—” Aunt Mary began.
Stella pushed from the table and hurried to Aunt Mary’s side. “Let me cut the meat for you.”
Aunt Mary protested, but Stella ignored her.
Flora took a pork chop and handed the platter to Kade. Laughter burst from her lips. “I figured it out. Aunt Mary, you’ll be glad to hear I agree with you.”
Her cheeks red, Stella returned to the table. “Can we change the subject?”
“I don’t even know what the subject is,” Kade complained.
“Neither do I,” Donny answered.
Still chuckling, Flora said to Kade. “I’ll explain later.” To Donny, she said. “You’ll have to ask your mama for an explanation. If she’s willing to give it.”
“I’m not.” Stella’s tone informed everyone of her opinion on this subject.
Bruce couldn’t help but smile. Secretly, of course. He, too, got annoyed by Aunt Mary’s continual reminder of what she thought, but to see Stella pretending not to be flustered was a lot of fun.
She kept the children and the visitors busy with food and asking questions about their farm until the plates were empty and dessert consumed.
The pup had not stopped whining and scratching at the door.
“Mama, he wonders where I am.” Donny managed to look sad and hopeful at the same time.
“You can be excused. Go quiet your dog. Yes, Blossom, you can go too.”
The children scampered away.
“Now can I ask what is significant about two weeks?” Kade asked, a thread of impatience in his voice.
Flora laughed heartily. “It’s referring to the two weeks you had to make me fall in love with you.”
“But they are already married.”
“They claim it’s a business arrangement.” Flora’s voice carried a great deal of disgust. “That doesn’t make it a marriage at all.”
“We’re sitting right here,” Stella groused. “We can hear every word.” The look she gave Bruce was rife with disgust.
He laughed.
Flora shrugged and turned back to Kade. “I’m not sure what Aunt Mary has in mind but— perhaps you can explain.”
Aunt Mary grinned at her. “I heard how you and Kade fell in love in two weeks. I told Stella and Bruce they could do better.” Glee filled her voice. “It’s happening right before my eyes.”
Bruce groaned. “I’ve never known you to play matchmaker before.”
“I’m making up for lost opportunities. Besides, I’m not doing anything.”
“Yes, you are,” Stella protested. To Kade and Flora, she explained, “She has an unfair advantage. She’s praying for it to happen.”
