Page 15 of A Letter to Carolina
With Carolina, though...he smiled. The urge to lock Jesse and Beau in the root cellar until she took his name was strong. This must be what his brothers meant when they said he’d know when he found the one.
“Good morning, Nate. I’ll have breakfast ready soon.”
“Morning, Georgia. I thought you were asleep?”
“I had a restless night, so I got up early today.”
“Did you start breakfast this morning?”
“Oh no. Carolina was already in the kitchen when I woke up. I guess she couldn’t sleep either.”
Georgia gave a kind, yet fleeting smile as she stepped up onto the porch. The apron tied around her waist was stained with dirt and grass, but her hands at the corners of the fabric pouch carefully cradled the dozen eggs within. Her gaze remained focused on the ground, occasionally glancing up to make sure she didn’t risk dropping any of the precious contents.
“How are you feeling?”
“Less green. My appetite is returning and now that I don’t have to remind Simon to eat, I don’t feel as anxious.”
“Simon is eating without having to be reminded?” That was shocking. Nate was used to seeing Simon with his face buried in books, so much so that he could not recall a single time when his brother had taken notice of what day it was, or eaten something without a reminder.
“Oh yes, now he insists on reminding me to have a snack. Emily thinks it would be baffling. I find having him seek me out to spend time with me, even if I only pick at something quite refreshing.”
“I will file that away for the future.”
After a quick glance at the house, she moved closer. “Are you going to marry Carolina, then?” she asked, leaning against the porch railing. “You may be the quickest brother to decide.”
“I’ve suggested it.” He didn’t know why that made him feel antsy, but there was a skittery feeling on the back of his neck.
“Did you ask her or tell her?” Georgia focused on him like there was a difference.
“I suggested it. It would protect her reputation, let her become familiar with the office and me, and not have her riding a horse from here to town or taking up space meant for Marmee’s little business.”
“What is with you, Pickett boys?” She nearly released her apron. Nate watched the eggs shift and his hands reached out to catch them before Georgia collected the corners once more.
“Ask her. Don’t tell her or demand it. Don’t even suggest it. If what you want is a wife, then ask her.” Shaking her head, Georgia pushed off from the railing and disappeared into the house, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
It couldn’t be that simple, could it?
“If you keep thinking this hard, you’re going to burn out your brain,” Doc Mueller teased, arriving in the front yard. Glancing around, Nate decided the doc had walked over.
“You made it in time for breakfast,” Nate mused.
“Then I’m right on time.” Doc rested his boot on the bottom step.
“Why didn’t you ever get married, Doc?”
“I never had a pretty thing show up at my office, willing to be a wife and a partner. Just a stubborn boy that knew one day he was going to be a doctor.” The old man grinned. Patting Nate on the shoulder, he skipped the next few steps. “You finish your thinking. I’m going to chat with Cleo. If I can give you a piece of advice: don’t wait, Nate. If it feels right, have a little faith, and jump in with both feet.”
Carolina stood just inside the door, listening to the men talk.
It couldn’t be that easy, could it? Just jump in with both feet.
Quickly, she darted into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee, letting the sounds of the family drown out her thoughts. She and Nate would have plenty of time to figure everything out after breakfast.
Georgia was taking the eggs from her apron and placing them in a bowl on the table, while Emily was lamenting why everyone hid the fact that Bass knew the recipe for Aunt Cleo’s sour pickles.
Carolina didn’t know if it was just Emily’s personality or the pregnancy that made her so...loud. But she made a mental note to refrain from boisterous conversations when it was her turn. Sliding her hand to her belly, she tried to imagine what it would be like to carry a child. She had treated many women during her training and never gave a thought to having one of her own.But now...She wondered what her children might look like if Nate was the father.
“Good morning.”
