Page 227 of Conveniently Wed
“Which way?” he asked as they reached the street.
“To Main Street. I’ll need to get supplies.”
“Of course. I have basics in the wagon, but we’ll likely need more.”
They pulled up in front of White’s General Store. He helped Stella down. He’d expected Stella to rush in and get what she needed. Instead, she stared at the store.
“Is there something wrong?” He could see no cause for concern.
“I’m trying to decide what to tell them.”
“You mean about us?”
She nodded, her gaze remaining on the store.
“Here, let’s go in together, and you can introduce me as your husband.” He crooked his arm toward her.
“They’re going to be curious. How do I explain how I met you?”
“Do you need to?”
The stiffness left her spine. “I suppose I don’t.” She rested her hand on his arm, and they went inside.
A man Bruce took to be somewhat older than him looked up. “Mrs. Norwood.” He took in Bruce and looked at the way Stella held Bruce’s arm. His handlebar moustache twitched.
Stella drew Bruce to the counter. “Norm, I’d like you to meet my husband, Bruce Reynolds. Bruce, this is Norm White, owner of this fine establishment.”
A young lady skidded to a halt beside the owner, her eyes wide.
“And this is his sister-in-law, Lisa Walton. Lisa, I’d like you to meet my husband.”
Miss Lisa laughed and clapped her hands. “Caught yourself a man. Good for you.”
Bruce chuckled even though the comment made him feel like a fish dangling from a line.
Norm cleared his throat. “What can I do for you?”
“We’re on our way to the farm and need supplies.” Stella listed off a number of things, and the storekeeper hurried to fill her order while his sister-in-law pretended to be busy wiping the counter as an excuse for studying Bruce and Stella.
The order was soon ready. Bruce handed over the necessary funds, feeling Stella’s resistance. He smiled at her, silently warning her not to fuss.
He carried the box of supplies out to the wagon and stowed it. He again helped Stella to the seat, and they drove away. He let out a gusty breath. “I felt like a bug being studied under glass.”
Stella chuckled. “Can’t blame anyone for a large dose of curiosity.” She leaned close. “I could pay for the things I ordered.”
“Stella, you and I are now man and wife and as such, I intend to pay for what we need as a family. You can save your money to buy things for yourself and the children as you desire.”
She held his gaze for a moment then nodded. “Very well.”
“Which direction?” It would be nice to be out on the farm, getting everyone settled and easing into this new life.
“To the west.” He drove slowly, knowing each bump would send a jolt of pain through Aunt Mary’s leg.
Donny pressed to his back, smelling of soap, the sausage they’d had for breakfast, and a unique scent Bruce thought was little boy smell. He liked it.
“We’re going home.” Donny repeated the words over and over, almost singing them. He began pointing out familiar landmarks.
“Pa showed me an owl’s nest over there. He lifted me up to look into the nest and laughed so hard he had to bend over ’cause I screamed when I saw the baby owls. They’s all beaks and sharp claws.” He held up his hands with curled fingers to illustrate.
