Page 73 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes
“Flint, we need to talk.”
He straightened.
She ignored the misery on his face. There were things that needed to be said. “Shall we walk?” She wanted to be out of sight and hearing of anyone else.
He fell into step with her as they went past the barn and fences to a grove of trees where she stopped and faced him.
“Did you love Rowena?”
He shook his head. “I was a foolish young man tempted by a foolish young woman. But I want you to understand that my past is forgiven, and I don’t mean to bring it up except to say I didn’t love her, and I regret what we did.” His forehead furrowed. “One thing puzzles me. I don’t understand how you came as my bride. How did ya even know I was looking for one?”
“I didn’t, but Rowena suggested I would do well to find a husband in the west and told me to go see Mrs. Strong whoarranged suitable matches. When I saw your name, I took it to be God’s direction.”
His admission that he hadn’t loved Rowena encouraged her and made it easier to say what she’d come to say. “I need you to understand that I am your wife and I mean to stay such.”
“Bryn, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” His gaze hit hers with such force she sucked in surprise.
She held up a hand. “I’m not finished. I’m hoping you’ll continue to love Susie whether she’s your flesh and blood or not.” She again lifted her hand to stop him from speaking. “I want to say one thing I think is important. Flint, I have grown to love you and will be your wife out of love. Not duty.”
Now after trying to get a word in sideways, he stared and had nothing to say. Well, so be it. “I’ve made up my mind and I don’t intend to change it. I’m here to stay.”
He tossed his hat to the ground. “Bryn March, I don’t want ya changin’ yer mind ever.”
“Really?” Her eyebrows rose. “And why is that?” A spark of hope flared but she tamped it down.
“Because, dear wife, I love ya and have since the first time I saw ya.” He grinned. “Or maybe it was that kiss.”
“Really?” Hope filled her heart.
“And I love Susie whether she’s my flesh and blood or not but I’m thinkin’ she is and that’s good enough for me.”
Neither of them moved. The moment felt too fragile. As if anything would shatter it.
“Say it again.” Flint’s eyes filled with such longing she went to him.
“Flint, I love you now and always.”
His arms came around her, warm, possessive, and claiming. “Now and always,” he echoed and then his lips on hers made talk impossible.
And unnecessary.
Epilogue
Bryn sat close to Flint as they made their way along the trail. They’d left Susie with Addie so they could do this right.
At first, Flint had said his plan was a secret, but three kisses from her had changed his mind about that.
“What would you think of going to the grove of trees where we like to go for church? Just the two of us. We’ll say our vows again and thank God for bringin’ us together.”
“Oh, Flint. That’s a lovely idea.” She made a special lunch for them to share. Biscuits full of jam. Freshly picked peas that she’d learned he liked. And a flask of coffee to go with the cookies she baked.
They stopped at the edge of the trees, and he lifted her down but didn’t release her. Not that she made any effort to escape his hold. Instead, she lifted her face for his kiss.
Laughing his pleasure as he ended the embrace, he retained her hand and picked up the picnic basket with his other.
They made their way to where the logs were in place as pews and sat down, side by side.
“Do you remember your vows?” she asked.
“Every single word.” He took her hands and pulled her close. “Bryn, my love, I promise you my love as long as I shall live. For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health. My heart belongs to you and to you only.”
Her throat closed off at the tender way he said his vows and added the final sentence. She cleared her throat so she could speak. “Flint, I am yours and yours alone. For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health.”
He kissed her making it impossible to say anything more. Not that she needed to.
“Our love will grow and increase,” he whispered.
Bryn sighed contentedly. She had found home, acceptance and most of all, the love of a good man.
