Page 281 of Conveniently Wed
Flora shuddered. “I’m glad she’s safe.” She patted his arm. “I’m glad you were there to rescue her.”
“Thanks. And thanks for looking after the children.”
“Anytime.”
She must have heard the regret in his voice. Regret that the day full of promise had ended abruptly.
“She’s had a scare. Give her time to get over it.”
As she rode away, he watched Stella. Of course, she was grateful to him for protecting her. But it had not drawn them closer. In fact, he felt like a barrier as thick as the rock she’d stood on had formed between them.
There was little he could do except wait and pray.
Plus, he had Aunt Mary’s prayers.
He managed a thin smile as he took care of the horses and then went to the house.
Stella stayed outside with the children, sitting with both of them close, playing with Donny’s barn.
He paused at the door then stepped inside.
Aunt Mary watched him. “I can tell my prayers weren’t answered today. What a disappointment.”
“Something more important happened.” He sat beside her chair and relayed the news of the collapsing cliff. He left out what Stella had said about trust and how he had responded with a kiss.
Aunt Mary gasped. “Thank God she is safe. You’re right. Her safety makes my prayer look selfish.”
Bruce tried for a smile. Wasn’t sure he conveyed amusement so much as regret. “Well, don’t stop praying for us.”
She chuckled. “I never will.”
Stella knew Bruce was disappointed with her response to the events of the afternoon and did her best to smile and be cheerful throughout the evening meal. But it was a relief when he went out to do the chores and she could stop pretending an ease she didn’t feel. Though perhaps she relaxed too soon.
“Bruce told me what happened,” Aunt Mary said. “Praise God you’re safe.”
The children had gone out for a few more minutes play, so Stella couldn’t even use them as an excuse not to discuss the near accident.
“It was scary.”
“I expect it was. For both of you.”
“Yes.” There seemed little else to say. “It’s time to get the children in.” She called them and got them into bed. They said their prayers, but she didn’t listen. Her thoughts circled endlessly on almost falling, being saved by Bruce, and?—
The outer door opened, and his footsteps crossed the floor. The kettle rattled on the stove. He was making tea. Expecting them to sit outside as had become their habit. Anticipation and dread tangled in her head.
She kissed the children and left the room to assist Aunt Mary to bed. She checked the wound. “It looks fine.”
“I’ll soon be good as new.”
Stella prepared to leave.
“Dear, I’m glad you’re safe and sound. And if it takes more than two weeks for the pair of you to realize what you have, I can accept that.”
Stella quietly left the room.
Bruce held two mugs of tea. “Ready to sit outside?”
She went out and sat on the log stool. Thanked him for the tea he handed her. She stared into the distance though she saw nothing.
