Page 258 of Conveniently Wed
“Maybe in the barn so mama cat can hunt.” Bruce glanced at Stella, his face awash in humor. “Besides, your mama might not want them in her room.”
His smile was so wide and honest. His eyes brimming with gentleness that seemed to include Stella as well as Blossom.
Stella fought to get her brain to work. To find a word or two to say in reply.
“They best be in the barn.” Was that croaky voice really hers?
Bruce pushed to his feet and held out his hand to Blossom. Together they crossed to the barn and went inside, the mother cat following.
Kade had been tending the horses, but Flora took in everything. Stella could only hope she didn’t see more than existed. But of course, she did.
She chuckled. “This business arrangement of yours isn’t going to stay business very long.”
Stella shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean. You’ll stay for supper, won’t you?”
And perhaps drop this particular subject.
“Of course, we’ll stay. And I think you know what I mean. You and him.” She pointed to the barn, shook her head. “Of course, that is how it should be when you’re married.”
“How what should be?” Was it too much to expect Flora to hear the warning in her voice?
Of course, it was. “There should be some sparks flying up the chimney.”
Stella laughed and pretended to misunderstand. “I prefer not to set the roof on fire.”
Flora took Stella’s arm. “Oh, it won’t be your roof on fire. It will be your heart. Burning with love.” She sighed. “It’s the best feeling in the world.”
Definitely time for a change in subject. “Come with me to get vegetables from the garden.”
Flora sighed dramatically. “Very well, we won’t talk about it.” They made their way to the garden plot. Flora pulled the gate open. “But don’t think I’ve forgotten it.”
“Oh, I would surely not make that mistake. You are like an elephant. You never forget.”
“Yup. That’s me.” Flora planted her hands on her hips and studied the garden. “I wonder who planted this.”
“I have no idea.” Stella scanned her surroundings, wondering if someone lingered nearby. She saw nothing to indicate the presence of others. “You never saw anyone when you checked on the place?”
Flora shook her head. “Nothing caught my eye.”
Stella snorted. “Only one thing catches your eye.” Sure enough, Flora was watching Kade as he and Bruce leaned againstthe fence, probably discussing the animals. Kade was taller than Bruce, but Bruce had a bearing that spoke of strength and self-assurance. Characteristics that Stella realized she admired. That and his pleasure in bringing joy into others’ lives.
“Ha, caught you watching him, and I don’t mean Kade.” Flora grinned at Stella.
Stella shrugged. “Studying the cows.”
Flora snorted. “Sure, you were. Of course, that’s all you saw. I believe that.”
Rather than respond, Stella pulled out a potato plant and dug out the potatoes. “They’re a good size already. It looks like I’ll have some to put in the root cellar.” It wouldn’t be enough to see them through the winter. Hopefully, Norm White would have some for sale in the fall.
She squatted down, filled her apron with the potatoes, then sat back on her heels. Fall. Followed by winter. Time spent indoors. Close quarters. Would Bruce be content to do the chores then read or help with the children?
Flora squatted next to her. “I think Bruce might be the best thing that has happened to you in a long time.”
“How can you say that? You hardly know him.”
“How long does it take? I knew in two days that Kade was the man for me though I wasn’t willing to admit it so quickly.”
Stella studied Flora. “Two days? How is that possible?”
