Page 399 of Conveniently Wed
“You keep them smooches for your missus now and let me fix your lunch.”
Katie quite enjoyed their banter and marveled at the friendship between them. With the war just over, many Southerners would not take kindly to such familiarity.
“Good idea, Delilah, I do believe you have a point.”
With measured steps, he walked to Katie’s side and slowly bent his head. Just inches from her cheek, he asked with a tease in his voice. “Who’s supposed to kiss whom good morning?”
She had no idea how to answer, so maybe silence would be her best defense.
“I think we can start our own little tradition, don’t you? In fact, I’ll start one here and now. The sleepyhead in the family, whoever wakes up last, gets the honors.” He leaned close with his cheek turned toward her and waited.
Determined not to run scared, Katie bent forward to peck the side of his cheek. At the last second, he moved so her lips found his. She jolted back. Heat spread from her neck to her hairline.
Delilah laughed. “Don’t you embarrass your new bride, boy, ‘cause you know full well I can still take a spoon to that behind of yours, if’n that sweet one says so.”
Katie’s smile split wide. She loved there was someone in the world who could put him in his place.
“Don’t worry about her, Katherine,” Josiah teased. “Her bark is most definitely worse than her bite.”
“I’m not worried. I quite like the bark when it’s directed at you.”
Delilah let out a hoot and scurried over for a quick hug. “I do like the spunk in this one. We’re going be the best of friends.”
Katie lifted her head to Josiah with a defiant jut to her chin. “Friends indeed.” A warmth filled her being.
His laughter bounced off the walls. “Come, my little Kat. It’s time to show you around. Delilah, can you please pack up a lunch to go?”
“My pleasure.”
He held out his hand.
Katie placed her hand in his as she rose, then quickly pulled it free. Why did everything have to be so big—his hands, his house, his land? She would never fit in.
9
Why couldn’t she help Delilah in the kitchen? Katie wanted to be anywhere but standing beside her husband. Just that word,husband,sent a skitter up her spine.
“First the house, then the grounds,” Josiah said. “I think you should be sufficiently rested for an afternoon ride.”
“A ride?” She could not contain her smile. “That would be lovely.”
“Thought the sleepyhead would like that as much as I do.”
“I’m so sorry about that. It’s not like me to fritter away the morning in bed.”
He laughed. “Not a problem. I was glad you could sleep.”
“Ma would be mortified.”
“As Mrs. Richardson, your life affords you a few more luxuries than you’re accustomed to.”
“You won’t tell her?”
“You’re a married woman. The only thing that matters now is if I do a good job of keeping you happy.”
Her head snapped up. “Youkeepmehappy?”
He laughed. “Why not? Isn’t that a husband’s pleasure?”
