Page 260 of Conveniently Wed
Her reaction to him? What did Flora mean?
He squatted down by Blossom so Kade wouldn’t see his expression. He feared it would reveal his confusion. Maybe even his hope.
Hope? What did he hope for?
He wasn’t about to admit he wanted more than what he already had. More than they agreed to.
“Let’s go for a walk and let the cats get used to their home,” he said to Blossom. She took his hand and accompanied him and Kade out of the barn. She looked back until they were out of sight of the interior of the barn.
“I want to thank you for taking such good care of Stella’s stock. They’re in excellent shape.”
“We didn’t mind helping Stella.”
Kade’s words effectively excluded Bruce, but before he could wonder if it was intentional, Kade spoke again.
“Glad it turned out that we’ve been able to help you both out.”
The words were more welcome than Kade would ever know. “Thanks.”
They wandered around the place, looking at the crops, discussing the livestock market. Kade informed Bruce of the neighbors. “Adele and Ethan live past our place.” His gaze went to the house where Aunt Mary sat watching the goings on. “How is your aunt?”
“She doesn’t complain. Seems to like being part of Stella’s family. But she won’t be getting around for a few weeks.”
“Guess that means you’ll be sticking close to home until such time as she can travel. Stella will miss going to church and visiting with the Kinsleys.”
“I hadn’t thought of it.” Maybe she could go with Kade and Flora and he’d stay home with Aunt Mary. The children, too, if she wanted. He’d ask her before he mentioned it to Kade.
Donny and the pup joined them. “How do I make sure he stays here?” he asked Kade.
“You feed him and love him. That way he won’t want to go.”
Wise words that could apply to people too. Bruce had found a place he didn’t want to leave. The food was good. The company better. As to love? He grinned. Might depend on Aunt Mary’s prayers.
He turned his attention to Donny. “We’ll shut him in the barn a few nights to keep him safe.”
“Or we could keep him in the house.” Donny sounded so hopeful that both Kade and Bruce chuckled.
“You’d have to ask your mother for permission to do that.”
A little later Stella called them to supper.
She and Flora had helped Aunt Mary inside, and she sat in the easy chair. She smiled at the men as they entered the house. Donny lingered outside, telling the pup to sit and wait until after supper.
Aunt Mary’s gaze lingered on Bruce. He knew her well enough to know she was feeling smug about something.
He was not going to ask what it was.
As soon as Donny came indoors, the pup began to whine. Donny was about to go back out when Stella said, “Wash up, son. Leave the dog alone. He’ll settle.”
The table was set and the room warm from cooking. Savory smells filled the air. They sat down. Bruce looked around the table. “This is nice. I’ll ask the blessing.” His throat tightened as he considered all his blessings—a home, a family, friendlyneighbors, a farm, a wife—he mentioned all but the last one in his prayer. “Amen.” He looked down the table to Stella. Her eyes were warm. Was she adding her own thanks for a husband?
Aunt Mary cleared her throat. “It isn’t going to take two weeks.”
“Help yourself to the pork chops.” Stella’s words rushed out. “I was fortunate to be able buy them at the store before we came here. Don’t they smell good?”
At the same time as she spoke, Bruce pulled Donny’s plate close and began cutting the meat.
Outside, the dog continued to fuss.
