Page 34 of A Groom for Heather
“I’ll show you how to create a bedroll. We used them all the time when we had to sleep on the hard ground.”
The children ran back to their room and pulled their blankets from the bed, dragging them to the area near the woodstove. Giggles filled the house as Dalton got down on the floor and showed them how to make their blankets into a bed by folding them in half. Heather tucked pillows underneath their heads and gave each a kiss.
“Now go to sleep. We’ll be right here,” Dalton said ruffing the children’s hair.
Heather smiled.We’ll be right here.
It was almost as if they were a family.
But they weren’t. And they might not be unless Heather could figure out a solution to how she could adopt the children.
“I think that’s it,” Dalton said, sliding back into the wooden chair at the table.
“They are going to be sore in the morning.”
Dalton stretched his arms. “It isn’t that bad. Once you get used to your bones popping.” Heather giggled. “You should do that more often.”
“Do what?”
“Laugh. Your whole face lights up.” Color exploded on Heather’s cheeks as she looked away. “Look at me, Heather.” Her blues eyes snapped to his. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You should smile more.”
“I’ve not had much to smile about.”
“I understand. How about I help you?”
“How?”
“You mentioned early that you needed a husband to adopt the children.”
Heather wrinkled her nose. “Yes.”
“Marry me.”
“You?”
“Yes. I can see that you care for the children a great deal. By marrying me you can adopt them, and I am guaranteed that I won’t be a prospect for Pastor Collins’ matchmaking.”
“You know I’m leaving in the fall.”
Dalton smiled. “That gives me several months to change your mind.”
“Thank you for the offer.”
Dalton tried to hide his disappointment. “Think about it. You don’t have to answer now.”
Heather nodded. “Tomorrow we’ll set up some bottles at the end of the fence and I’ll show you how to shoot.”
“Do you think the cat will come back?”
“Eventually. But when it does, we will be ready.” Heather yawned. “I should get to bed. You need to sleep as well.”
“Are you going to sleep out here with the children?”
Heather nodded. “I’ll get my blankets. That way they aren’t scared when they wake up.”
“I should probably head to the barn.”
“Do you need me to escort you?” Heather laughed.
