Conveniently Wed

Chapter 7

7

“ S tay here.” Bruce pushed to his feet, keeping Donny behind him as two racing riders came over the green grassy hill toward the place. He had no way of knowing if they were neighbors or strangers, friendly or otherwise.

Stella stood near the house, shading her eyes to study the approaching pair.

Bruce would have gone immediately to her side, letting the visitors know she had the protection of a man, but he worried about Donny. If the riders were unfriendly, it would be best if they weren’t aware of a child, or children, on the place.

“Donny, climb through the fence and run to the barn. Stay there until we know who this is.”

“Ah.” The word carried a world of disappointment, but the boy obeyed.

Bruce waited until Donny was out of sight then kept his pace to a walk as he crossed the yard and joined Stella to watch the riders. “You know them?” he asked.

“Too far to tell.”

She might have tried to sound at ease, but he heard the tension crackling in her voice.

“You’re worried?” He could make out a big black horse and a smaller sorrel one but couldn’t identify the riders.

“A little. I thought I saw—” She sighed in relief. “It’s Flora and Kade.”

“How do you know that? They’re still too far away to tell.”

“The red hair. Flora has red hair.” She ran to the edge of the yard to wait for them.

The pair cantered closer. The red hair was now clearly evident on the woman who rode astride. The man riding beside her was tallish. As they neared, Bruce saw that he had dark eyes and dark hair and an expression that warned he would brook no nonsense.

Bruce hoped the man saw the same in Bruce’s face.

The gal jumped to the ground without reining in her horse and rushed to Stella. “It’s you. I can’t believe it.” The two women hugged. “When did you get back?”

“Today, and I’m not alone.”

The redhead chuckled. “I noticed.”

The other rider dismounted and studied Bruce.

Stella turned to Bruce. “This is one of the Kinsley sisters, Flora, and her husband, Kade. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas.” She grinned as she continued. “This is my husband, Bruce Reynolds.”

Bruce held out a hand to Kade. “Pleased to meet you.”

The man stared and slowly took Bruce’s hand. The shake was quick and not exactly welcoming.

Flora stared. “You’re married? When did this happen?”

Stella chuckled. “This morning.”

Donny raced across the yard toward them. “Aunt Flora. Uncle Kade. We’re home to stay.”

Kade caught the boy and lifted him to his side. “Is that a fact?”

Flora grabbed Stella’s arm. “I can’t believe you got married without us there. You have some explaining to do.”

“First things first. Thank you for tending my stock and planting a garden.”

Flora guffawed. “Garden? What are you talking about?”

“Come and see.” Stella led them to the fenced-in area. “Someone has planted it and tended it. If not you, then who?” She patted her pocket and glanced about, tension lining her face.

Bruce could understand how unsettling it was to wonder who had planted the garden. Who would have done it? What had she been about to say? Something about having seen something?

Flora looked about too. “Maybe a kind neighbor?”

“Like who? You’re our nearest neighbor.”

Flora shrugged. “Who cares who did it? Accept it as a gift. Now tell me how you met this man. Is he a friend from back east?” Flora squinted at Bruce, dragged her gaze up and down his length.

Bruce squared his shoulders and refused to blink before the demanding gazes of the Thomas couple.

“Nope. I didn’t know him back east. In fact, I met him yesterday for the first time.”

He couldn’t tell if Stella enjoyed shocking and surprising them or if the hesitation in her voice was from regret that their circumstances had driven them to this union.

Flora shook Stella’s arm. “You can’t be serious. And Pa married you?”

“Not only married us, he encouraged us to do so.”

“I must be missing something. Why would he do that?” Flora looked at her husband, and a message passed between them that had them both smiling. She spared a hard look for Bruce before she returned her attention to Stella. “Did he catch you in a compromising situation?”

Stella’s laugh seemed more embarrassment than amusement. “Of course not. Bruce brought his aunt with a burned and broken leg. Your ma didn’t want her to stay. The Zimmermans and their six children are there and very sick. You ma isn’t sure what is wrong with them but didn’t think it was a good place for an older woman with a burn or even for two young children.”

Flora shook her head. “Nope. Still doesn’t make sense.”

Stella drew in a deep, noisy breath. “Flora, there is more than one reason to get married. For some, it is beneficial to both parties to strike a business-like agreement. That’s the case here. I get to return to my home. His Aunt Mary gets a home where she will be taken care of.”

“I get to come home too,” Donny said.

Flora tossed her hands upward. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. The only reason to get married is because you can’t imagine life without the other person.” She scowled darkly at Bruce. “Stella is as good as a sister to me. You better treat her right.”

“Plan to.”

Kade’s look was hard. “I’ll be watching.”

“Feel free,” Bruce said.

“Enough of that.” Stella pulled Flora toward the house. “Come and meet Aunt Mary.”

“Fine.” They made their way to the house.

“Wait here,” Stella said at the door. “While we get her up.”

Bruce had fixed a stool and covered it with leather, padded by a bit of the hay he’d found in the pen. He picked it up and followed Stella inside as Flora and Kade tied their horses to the hitching post.

“I don’t think they approve of me,” he murmured. He set the stool by the soft armchair.

“Can’t expect they will after five minutes. Give them time. We all need time.” She cracked open the door of Aunt Mary’s bedroom. “Good. You’re awake. Do you want to get up and meet one of the Kinsley girls and her husband?”

“That would be lovely.”

Stella helped the older lady take care of her personal needs then together, Bruce and Stella positioned Aunt Mary in the chair in the front room.

“The stool is perfect. Thank you, Bruce.” She patted his cheek.

It made him feel like a young boy again, but he didn’t mind. Aunt Mary’s affection had turned him from a homeless urchin into a man, and now he was a man with a home and family. He meant to be the best man for the job he could possibly be.

Stella called the couple in and introduced them to his aunt.

Flora leaned over to greet her.

Aunt Mary caught the braid that hung over Flora’s shoulder. “What lovely hair.”

Kade chuckled. “For saying that, she will henceforth be your willing servant.”

Flora grinned at her husband, their affection obvious. Bruce dismissed the regret that his marriage would not offer him that.

“Tell me how you hurt yourself,” Flora said, pulling a chair close to Aunt Mary’s side.

“Just a clumsy old woman. We were on our way to Washington Territory, and I was rushing about getting things from the wagon, and I fell.”

Stella’s face went from smiling to scowling at Aunt Mary’s words. Bruce tried to think why it should be. Was it the mention of Washington Territory? Did she think he hankered after reaching their initial destination? Maybe her caution was to be expected having known so much uprooting at the hands of her pa. He could reassure her again that he meant to stay, meant to live up to his vows, but she’d have to find that out for herself.

How long would it take? He smiled to himself. She could take as long as she wanted, and he would still be here.

Stella went to the stove and made a pot of coffee. She cut slices of cake for everyone. Blossom slipped from her bedroom, saw the visitors, and smiled.

Flora held out her arms. “Hello, little one. Come and give me a hug.”

Blossom ran into Flora’s arms. Donny stuck like a burr to Kade’s side.

Aunt Mary seemed right at home with the others.

Bruce felt like an outsider even though he was legally owner of the farm.

“Children, sit at the table.” Stella put out cake and cups of water for them.

Flora jumped up to help Stella take the adults coffee and cake. They all clustered around Aunt Mary. She smiled from one to the other. “Isn’t this nice?”

“What brings you over here?” Bruce asked.

“We were out riding,” Flora said. “Kade was sure he saw smoke, so we came to investigate. Sure never thought to find Stella here and with a husband at that.”

Aunt Mary chuckled. “When Bruce told me this morning they intended to marry, I was surprised. But it makes perfect sense. It’s just what the both of them and the children need.”

“And what is that?” Kade asked in a hard voice.

“Stability. Permanency. Mutual concern.” She sounded pleased with the arrangement.

Stella’s expression went from pleased to wary in the time it took Aunt Mary to give her opinion.

“Mama made lotsa smoke,” Blossom said, which required a full explanation.

Kade laughed and turned to Bruce. “I’m surprised you didn’t toss a bucket of water into the house before you knew what was happening. ’Fraid that’s what I would have done.”

Feeling a bit more accepted, Bruce grinned. “Thought I better see to getting the ladies out first. Aunt Mary couldn’t get out by herself.”

“I sure don’t want to be burned again,” Aunt Mary said.

As the others talked and laughed, Bruce began to relax.

Aunt Mary spoke to Flora. “Stella tells me you are adopted.”

Flora grinned. “There are six Kinsley girls, and we are all adopted.”

“Oh my. That’s quite a lot. Where are they all?”

“Five of us are married and live nearby. Tilly stayed in Verdun. She hopes to marry back there.” Flora’s smile momentarily fled. “Sure wish she would join the rest of us out here. She’d love Montana Territory once she got used to it.”

Bruce tried to keep track as Flora and Stella told about the girls. But there were names of Flora’s sisters, names of their husbands, names of several children, and names of older folk. “I’ll never figure it all out.”

“It will take time,” Stella said.

“Something you’ll have lots of,” Kade added.

“Bruce fits right in with the Kinsleys,” Aunt Mary said. “Him being an orphan and all.”

Bruce groaned. Normally the subject caused raised eyebrows and darted glances between listeners. At least she hadn’t mentioned him being a street urchin.

This time the information barely earned interest. Might be he belonged here more than he could have imagined.

He ventured a new idea. “I was planning to ride over tomorrow and get Stella’s livestock.”

“We’ll round up her cows in the morning if you want to come after dinner,” Kade said.

They visited for some time, exchanging news, informing Bruce about who lived where. Again, too many names for him to sort out.

Kade pushed to his feet. “Flora, we best be on our way.”

All but Aunt Mary went outside to bid their company goodbye. She called her goodbyes from the house.

“Come by anytime,” Stella said. “We’re only a skip and a holler away.”

Kade looked at Bruce. Was he wondering if Bruce would also extend an invitation? Though he wondered if he had the right. “It’s nice to have company,” he said, after a moment’s hesitation.

Kade nodded. “Road runs both ways.”

“Aunt Mary won’t be up to travel for a while.”

“True enough.” Kade held out his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Flora swung into her saddle. “Just be sure you treat Stella right. Or I’ll?—”

“Flora.” Kade’s voice was gently warning.

“Fine. Just be sure you do.”

“I plan to. Have from the start.” He leaned back on his heels to study the mounted pair. “I’ve vowed before God and man. That means everything to me.”

As they rode away, he wondered if they were convinced. Wondered if Stella was. She returned to the house.

“I’ll finish checking the fences.” He strode to the barn. Only time could prove to each of them what the other was like. And like Kade said, they had plenty of it.

Stella watched Bruce return to his task. Unsaid things hovered between them. Or perhaps it was only that seeing Kade and Flora together provided a sharp reminder of what she and Bruce didn’t have.

“Can Blossom come with me?” Donny asked.

“Where would that be?”

“To help Uncle Bruce.”

Stella considered the request. It seemed that Bruce didn’t object to the children’s company, and they were part of the bargain between them. “Yes, you may, but be sure to stay out of his way.”

“Yes, Mama.” Hand in hand, the pair trotted over to Bruce, who sat cross-legged on the ground to talk to them. Blossom sat beside him, close enough she would feel every breath. Donny talked and waved, telling the man something he considered important. Bruce nodded and once, chuckled. Why did Stella’s heart beat so hollowly? As if the blood had thinned. As if it lacked life-giving energy? It had to be because she was back home, but things were so different from what she’d known before. It was not because she felt alone despite having four other people sharing her home. But not her life?

What a foolish thought.

She went back inside, going directly to the kitchen to begin supper preparations. She’d put a roast in the oven earlier and added potatoes and carrots from the garden to the pot. The food could cook untended, which left her to find something to occupy her time. She fetched her knitting from the bedroom and sat on the sofa. The least she could do was keep Aunt Mary company.

“How are you feeling?”

The older woman sighed and shifted about in the chair. “A little weary.”

“Do you need laudanum?”

“I think I’ll save it for when I go to bed. I don’t like missing out on anything.”

Stella chuckled. “Not much to miss out on at the moment. The children are with Bruce, who is making sure the fences are sound before my livestock returns. Kade and Flora have been caring for them.”

“Tell me more about Kade and Flora. How did they meet?”

Stella chuckled. “She was out riding this spring and got lost in a snowstorm. She happened to stumble to Kade’s door though she says God guided her there. She spent two nights stranded in the storm.” Stella shuddered, remembering how close she’d come to dying in that same storm.

“Was she alone?”

“Except for her horse.”

“My, my. How unfortunate. Were they forced to marry?”

Stella laughed. “The preacher said they must, but Kade refused.”

“That’s not very noble. Shouldn’t he have cared about her reputation?”

“He did. But he knew her well enough to know she must choose him of her own free will and asked the preacher to give him two weeks to make her willing. The preacher did, and Kade won her heart.”

“In two weeks.” Aunt Mary studied Stella, a little smile on her lips. “I think you can do better than that.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t understand your meaning.”

“I think you can win Bruce’s heart in less than two weeks.”

“Win his heart?” Stella stammered the words. “I have no intention of even trying. That isn’t what we agreed to.”

“Pshaw. You agreed to a business arrangement, like two men operating a store. Only it’s a man and a woman living under the same roof, raising a family and working together. You’ll soon discover this arrangement can’t remain businesslike.”

Stella folded away the sweater she was knitting for Blossom, put it in the basket, slowly set it to one side, and pushed to her feet. “I need to check on the garden.”

“I don’t mean to upset you.”

“I know.” She slipped out the door, not wanting to hear any more of Aunt Mary’s schemes.

Bruce and the children were circling the fence line. The small pasture was meant for the milk cows and the riding horses. Her breeding cows would graze on the open range though she hoped she could keep them close to home. Last year she’d managed to keep them on the grass between the home site and the river. Maybe they would remember that and be content. Or they might have learned to enjoy the freedom of ranging wider while in Kade’s care.

She wouldn’t be able to constantly herd them. But then, she wouldn’t have to. That would be Bruce’s responsibility.

The children were in his care at the moment, so she made her way to the garden and sank down beside the neat rows. Spying a weed, she plucked it out. Who had planted this? She patted her pocket. She had started to tell Bruce what she had found, but the arrival of Flora and Kade had sidetracked her.

Again, her heart felt sluggish and weak. Had she made a mistake in agreeing to marriage in order to return home? Was Aunt Mary right in saying a business-like arrangement wasn’t possible?

She shivered as if a cold wind had crossed her shoulders. She had no intention of following in Flora’s footsteps and falling in love. Loving made her far too vulnerable.

Stella heard the gate open but didn’t turn around, assuming the children had come to join her. But it was a pair of man-sized cowboy boots that entered her field of vision. She glanced back to see if the children followed.

“They’re playing under the tree by the house,” Bruce said. “Donny took his barn out there that he said the uncles built for him and is telling Blossom about their pa.”

Missing Frank and the life they had planned sucked at Stella’s heart.

Bruce sat cross-legged on the ground beside her. At least he was careful not to crush any of the well-tended plants.

“The fences look good,” he said. “I’ll check by the river and make sure everything is ready for the cows before they come.”

His words jolted her from traveling down the road to memories and losses. “You think there might be cause for concern down there?” She tipped her head in the direction of the river. She thought of the movement she had seen and put down to her imagination. “Have you seen something?”

“I just think it is better to be safe than sorry.”

“Oh.”

“What’s causing your brow to furrow?”

“Is it?” She rubbed at her forehead.

He watched, his gaze kindly.“What’s the problem?”

“It’s probably nothing, but I thought I saw something moving through the trees earlier today.”

“An animal?”

“I expect so. Or perhaps my imagination. I was feeling a little anxious.” She dug in her pocket for the bit of beaded leather. “I found this by the raspberry bushes.”

He took the leather and studied it. “Can you show me where you found it?” The deadly calm in his voice did more to alarm her than if he’d been surprised or worried,

He unfolded to his feet in one swift movement while she struggled with her tangled skirts. He offered her a hand, and she took it and allowed him to pull her to her feet. He retained her hand long enough for her to look up to his face.

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”

Again, that quiet calm. Was he angry that she hadn’t mentioned her discovery before now? Did his calm hide anger? Would it explode into fists? She pressed her lips tight. He’d said otherwise when the preacher questioned him, but words and actions did not always jibe. If he was of that nature, she would run him off the place. She knew the husbands of the Kinsley girls would help her do so.

“I started to tell you when Flora and Kade rode up.”

“Good to hear, because this is one of those times when I need to know something you know. Especially if I am to protect you and the children.”

At the mention of them, they both looked toward house.

And the empty yard.

Bruce looked to the left and the right. His neck muscles knotted. Where had Donny and Blossom gone? His hand fisted around the bit of leather Stella had found. It indicated the presence of Indians. And not so long ago that the leather was wrinkled and shrunken.

“Donny. Blossom.” Stella’s voice rang across the yard.

But no children answered or came running.

She grabbed her skirts and raced from the garden.

Bruce passed her and reached the house ahead of her.

He threw open the door. Aunt Mary had been drowsing in her the chair and jerked awake at his noisy entrance.

“Are the children here?” he asked.

Aunt Mary glanced about. Confused by his question. “I was asleep.”

Stella clattered into the house and went directly to her bedroom.

“Donny. Blossom.”

He followed her, watching hopefully as she looked under the beds and into the corners. There were few places to hide.

She pushed past him. “I have to find my children.”

“ We have to find them.”

“What’s going on?” Aunt Mary shifted in her chair and moaned as the movement brought pain.

“The children are missing.” Bruce called the words over his shoulders as they hurried across the floor.

“God, keep them safe,” Aunt Mary said.

The returned outside. Stella again called them. Her gaze went to the trees along the river.

He narrowed his eyes to better focus on the distance but saw nothing to concern him. “Wait here.” He trotted toward the river.

He passed the corner of the house, a movement caught his eye, and he stopped.

His breath released in a whoosh and then caught again. The children lay flat-out and as still as the earth on which they lay.

He signaled to Stella and trotted over to the children. They slowly turned their heads at his approach.

“Shh.” Donny said, and Blossom pressed her finger to her lips.

Stella rushed up to them. Fell to her knees beside them. “Are you hurt? What happened?”

“Mama, shh,” Donny said then with a disgusted look sat up. “You scared them away.”

Bruce looked the direction they had been looking. Saw nothing.

“Did you not hear me calling?” Stella pulled Blossom to her and held Donny’s hand, looking into his face.

“No, Mama. We were watching a rabbit. Remember how Pa said if we were real still, they would play, and we could watch them?”

“No, son. I don’t remember that. I was worried when I didn’t see you.”

“I’m sorry, Mama.”

“Sorry, Mama,” Blossom echoed.

“No harm done.” She hugged them both and met Bruce’s gaze across their heads. “They’re all right. That’s all that matters.”

He stood and looked toward the river. If he meant to keep them safe, he needed to make sure there was nothing posing a danger.

“I’ll be back in a bit.”

She nodded and led the children to the house.

He waited until they were out of sight to continue on. He still had the bit of beaded leather. It was enough to cause him concern as to who might be dwelling nearby, and he searched along the banks of the river. Remnants of a campfire informed him that people had camped there but it might have been days, weeks, or months ago. He discovered three well-worn animal trails but no evidence that anything other than animals had used them. Though the Indians would not leave behind signs if they didn’t wish to be discovered.

The shadows lengthened, hiding darkness in hollows and behind boulders. But he found nothing of concern in any of the places he searched.

He pulled the bit of leather from his pocket and examined it again. Where could it have come from?

He made his way back to the house.

Stella watched him approach, concern drawing back the corners of her mouth.

“Did you find anything?”

“No.” The children played together under the tree. He smiled at the play farm they had created. “Can you show me where you found this?” He returned the beaded fragment to Stella.

She led the way to the raspberries growing along one side of the garden fence. As she pointed out, they had been picked. He examined the ground even though she said she had already done so.

“I have to check for my own peace of mind. Besides, two sets of eyes are better than one.” He finished examining the length of the bushes, looking at both the ground and the branches. Apart from a few crushed leaves he found nothing to provide any evidence of who or what had been there.

They returned to the house.

Aunt Mary watched them. “What is going on?”

Bruce glanced at Stella, wondering how much she had told his aunt.

“I told her you were checking the trees along the river in preparation for the return of the cows.”

A secret understanding passed between them. An affirmation that they were in this together and trying to make the best of it. Learning to exert a degree of faith and trust.

“Everything is ready for the cows. I’ll ride over tomorrow and bring them home. Are you comfortable, Aunt?”

“Stella has taken good care of me. She’s very efficient housekeeper. You did well to choose her.”

Bruce glanced at Stella, but her attention was on slicing the meat. Had they discussed him while he was gone? Would Aunt Mary have told her how dirty and ignorant he had been when she took him in?

“Supper is ready.” She called the children in. As Bruce and the children washed, Stella put a platter of meat on the already-set table. She added bowls of vegetables and a jug of gravy.

“Smells mighty fine.”

“Thank you.”

He sat in the same spot as before with Stella facing him and the children on either side of them. He said grace and filled his plate.

It was all so ordinary. A meal around the table. At the same time, it was so foreign he wasn’t sure how to feel. Aunt Mary injured. Children and a wife at the table.

He was now a married man even though he had decided he would never marry. The sort of woman who would accept him—a former homeless boy—was not the sort of woman he would want to marry. Louella had made that abundantly clear to him in one of her verbal attacks.

Yet Stella seemed a decent woman.

Who had married him in name only.

A business deal.

He could hope for nothing more.

Bruce helped get his aunt to bed. She had asked to speak privately to him, and Stella had slipped from the room wondering what Aunt Mary had to say. In a few minutes Bruce came out. He offered no explanation, and she expected none.

“Would you like tea?” she asked. It was something Preacher and Mrs. Kinsley did each evening. But why had she thought it would be suitable for her situation?

He looked surprised. Recovered quickly. “That would be nice. Thank you.”

It was too late to withdraw her offer. She made tea, filled cups, and carried them to the table. Bruce didn’t sit.

“Let’s drink this outside.” He nodded toward the door.

A trickle of pleasure played at her lips. She’d always longed to enjoy the evening quiet with Frank, but he said he didn’t care to be outside after a long day of working out there.

Outdoors, Bruce grabbed two pieces of firewood and stood them against the house.

“Not fancy. Sorry.”

“No need to apologize.” She sat on one. After a beat of what she took for as hesitation he sat beside her. At first, he sat up as straight as the tree sheltering the house. Then, with a sigh, he leaned back against the house.

Stella was at a loss to think why it should be so, but she experienced a bit of satisfaction when he relaxed.

He asked about her cows. How many? Did she have a plow horse?

“An ox. Frank said they were hardier than a horse. His name is Brute.”

Bruce slowly brought his gaze to her. “I’ve never driven an ox.”

“You won’t have a problem. Brute is gentle and cooperative.”

“Good to know. I could break that field.” He pointed to the bit of land with one furrow turned over. “I’ll also need to find hay to put up. I expect your cows are in good shape, seeing as Kade has been caring for them.”

“Kade and Flora,” she corrected with a grin.

He chuckled. “She’s a surprise. Her being a preacher’s daughter and all.”

“I do believe the preacher and his wife share that opinion.”

Their gazes connected, their eyes brimming with amusement. For a second, Stella thought she could enjoy life with a man who shared her sense of humor.

She better like it. She was bound to him for as long as they both lived. Or until he took a notion to move on. She slid her gaze away toward the river. He wanted her to trust him. But trust would never come easy for her.

He asked about what plans Frank had.

Stella shrugged. “Break more land. He never discussed his plans.” They’d never sat and talked about the farm like she and Bruce were doing. It was one of the regrets of her marriage. The lack of sharing thoughts and hopes and dreams. Frank had been practical to the core. Deal with the work ahead and don’t worry about what might be or could be. Life would fall into place one step at a time.

Stella knew the truth and consolation of those ideals but had often longed for a deeper level of sharing.

“What did you do back in Kansas?” she asked, hoping he would reveal something about himself.

He crossed one leg over the other, his ankle on his knee, and perched his cup of tea on his boot. “I hooked up with a man who brought his cows to the railway. I enjoyed working with cattle, and the trail boss was a steady, no-nonsense man. He said he could use a man like me. His approval felt good. But Aunt Mary would have been alone, so I dismissed the idea.”

It was somewhat reassuring to know he had chosen staying over the allure of taking up the man’s offer. “You’re fortunate that a relative found you. I could hope the same for my children if something happened to me.”

He chuckled. “Aunt Mary is not a relative. She simply saw a homeless child and knew he needed a home. A few times I’ve asked her why she would take me in. I was wild, dirty, and ill-mannered at the time. She said when God puts a need in front of you, He expects you to pay attention.”

“Guess the same thing could be said about our marriage. We both had a need.”

“And God provided the answer?” He studied her, his eyes dark with questions and perhaps, uncertainty.

She grinned. “Donny as much as told me that you were an answer to his prayers.”

Their gazes held, each examining the other, seeking, searching…wanting, hoping. He flashed a smile, so unexpected that her heart leapt in response.

“I like that,” he said, his voice deep with emotion, his words round with pleasure. Then he sobered, and his look changed.

A tremor of warning settled in her heart. What had she done to displease him?

“If something happens to you, the children have me.” His words were like hot pellets dropped into the cold air.

“Of course. I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise.” Except she hadn’t even thought of him when she spoke those words. “It’s all so new…” For a few minutes, she had felt like they’d achieved a connection she could grow to enjoy, and she’d ruined it with a few careless words. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re forgiven.”

Was it that easy? No sulking. No punishing silence? It’s how her father acted. Thankfully, Frank wasn’t that bad. He simply gave her opinions little value.

He settled back against the house. “I don’t know what I expected would happen when I got Aunt Mary to her sister. All I was concerned about was her safety. I feared she would be hurt.” His voice deepened. “Someone threw a rock through her window on two occasions. Someone started a fire on her lawn. But I knew I had to get out when a fire was started on her porch. If I hadn’t been there…”

Stella longed to comfort him. If he’d been one of the children, she would have hugged him. If he was one of the Kinsleys, she squeezed his hand. He was her husband…but a stranger. Still, being married had to mean something. She pressed her hand to his arm. “I’m glad you were there.”

His arm twitched, and she withdrew her hand.

He caught her fingers. “Thank you. I am too, though likely no one expected me to be. I was supposed to be at the rail yards but turns out I wasn’t needed.”

She tried not to think how strange it was to have him hold her hand. Stranger even, that she found it comforting. “Why would anyone threaten your aunt?” A rejected woman didn’t seem reason enough to torment her.

“To drive me away. I would have gone, but I couldn’t be certain my aunt would be safe. It didn’t take much to persuade her to sell her house and leave.” He chuckled. “I don’t think she thought I could manage on my own.”

Stella grinned. “My ma used to say no man can manage on his own.”

“She’d obviously never seen men on a cattle drive. They manage on their own.” He smiled, as if he had a secret. One he wanted to share with her? “Of course, they get dirty, eat without regard to manners. Some refuse to bathe or even wash. Maybe your mother was right.”

They both settled back. He still held her hand, and she didn’t try to pull away. Why should she? They were man and wife, even if it was only a business arrangement. But there was no reason she shouldn’t enjoy the comfort and camaraderie that their marriage offered.

She was overstepping the terms of their agreement. Opening herself up to disappointment. “It’s time for me to go to bed.” She stood, pulled her hand from his grasp, and hurried inside.

His footsteps followed. She heard him close the door as she reached her bedroom.

“Goodnight,” he called. “I enjoyed our evening.”

She stepped into the bedroom and closed the door. She’d enjoyed the evening too. And despite her many warnings to be careful or she would be hurt, she smiled as she climbed into her bed.

The next day she hurried to get the children up. Today, she promised herself, she would not forget that she and Bruce were business partners and nothing more, even if there was a piece of paper declaring them man and wife.

She changed the dressing on Aunt Mary’s burn, happy to see it looked clean and healthy.

“Would you like to sit in the living room or rest in quiet?” Stella asked.

“I don’t care for too much quiet.”

Stella chuckled. “Good to hear. Two children can be noisy at times.”

She signaled Bruce to come and help her.

He greeted them both and gave Stella a smile that poked a hole in her determination to see him as only a partner.

“Happy noise is music to the ears,” Aunt Mary said.

“I’ve heard nothing but happy noise,” Bruce said, as he lifted his aunt and carried her to the living room, settling her into her chair.

“The children are darling,” Aunt Mary said.

Stella hugged her. “Thank you. I’m not about to disagree.” Having both of them approve of her children went a long way to making Stella think this decision was a good one. All she had to do was remember the terms of their agreement.

She made breakfast while Bruce went outside. She glanced out the window to see what he did. He wandered to the barn, obviously not in a hurry. He filled the water trough and led his horses from the barn to turn loose into the pasture. At least the grass was lush after lying idle for the past few months.

Bruce leaned against the top rail. At first, she thought he watched his horses, but then he turned. Did his gaze go to the river? Did he detect danger? She waited to see if he would go that direction. He smiled and nodded as if satisfied with what he saw.

She wished she knew what pleased him. Was it the farm? Her family? A familiar question bubbled to the surface. Was he seeing—hearing—the call of the distance?

“He’s a good and faithful man.” Aunt Mary spoke quietly. “You won’t regret marrying him.”

Stella returned to preparing breakfast. “I believe that remains to be seen.” Her words were a whisper, but Aunt Mary heard them.

“What has made you so distrustful?”

“My past experience. My pa taught me the folly of expecting a man to keep his word when he promised we would stay in our home.” She made herself stop. No need to tell Aunt Mary about all the disappointments in her life.

“Perhaps, my dear, it is time to look ahead, rather than back.”

Stella’s hands stilled. She would gladly embrace the future with someone she could trust. As she’d said, only time would tell if Bruce met that criteria. Until then, she would accept his help but guard her heart.

A few minutes later they sat around the table as she served breakfast. She’d asked Aunt Mary about Bruce’s preferences so had made a large pot of coffee and filled his cup. He drained it before she had served the children their eggs and ham.

“More?” She held the coffeepot toward him.

He held out his cup. “Thanks.”

Aunt Mary chuckled. “I warned her you need three cups in the morning before you’re civil.”

Those words had sent fear skittering along Stella’s nerves. What exactly did not civil look like?

Bruce chuckled. “I was civil as soon as I woke up and even more so when I stepped outside into the warm sunshine.” He turned to Stella. “I’ve never before seen myself as a farmer, but now I wonder why I haven’t.”

She nodded. “It is to my benefit if you like the farm.”

His smile flattened. “I’d say the marriage vows are enough.”

Donny edged forward on his chair. “What did you do before you became a farmer?”

It took a silent beat for Bruce to shift his guarded gaze to Donny. He smiled at the boy.

Stella watched, not quite ready to believe he wouldn’t at some point find Donny’s questions annoying.

But Bruce’s smile went to his eyes, convincing her he wasn’t upset at her son. “I mostly worked in town so I could be near my aunt. I worked at the feedstore. I worked for a man sawing lumber. What I liked best though was working at the stockyards.”

“What’s that?”

“That’s where they bring cattle to sell and ship them out on the railcars.”

“Were you a rancher?”

“Not exactly.”

“A cowboy?”

“Not exactly.”

“Then what were you?”

“Just a man doing a job that needed to be done.”

“He could have joined a cattle drive.” Aunt Mary’s voice revealed both pride and regret. “I know he would have liked to, but he stayed home to be with me.”

Bruce’s gaze returned to Stella’s. She saw perhaps challenge and assurance. She couldn’t say for certain, nor was she ready to decide one thing or another. She pressed her hands together, trying not to remember the feeling of strength she’d felt back in the Kinsley yard when they’d agreed to marry.

She wasn’t ready to trust that feeling.

They finished breakfast. Bruce lingered over his third cup of coffee.

Blossom, until now quiet and watchful, slipped from her chair to whisper in Stella’s ear.

“Mama, the Bible.”

“What about it?”

“Like at the other place.”

It took a moment for Stella to understand. “I don’t know, honey.”

“What does she want?” Bruce asked.

“The preacher read from the Bible every morning after breakfast.”

Bruce considered the little girl. “Do you want us to do the same thing?”

Blossom nodded.

“Sounds good to me. Where’s a Bible?”

Blossom trotted to the bedroom and returned with the one Stella kept there. She handed it to Bruce and leaned on the corner of the table, a look on her face that made Stella wince. Blossom could not remember her father and was way too ready to give Bruce that role.

Bruce opened the Bible and read. Stella could not have said what passage he’d chosen.As soon as he rose, saying he would look around for a place to cut hay, she hurried after him.

“Bruce, I need to speak to you.”

He stopped. “Of course.”

She was suddenly bereft of words. And swallowed hard. “Please don’t encourage the children.” At the way his eyes darkened, she stopped.

“You better explain yourself.”

“Very well. I know what it’s like to have someone disappoint you, and I would spare my children that.”

“I assume you are referring to your pa.”

The calmness in his voice did nothing to reassure her.

He didn’t wait for her to reply. “You agreed to marry me. I agreed to marry you. I’m tired of saying I meant those vows. Either you believe me, or you don’t. I know you don’t. But I am now your husband and as such, father to your children. I will encourage them in every way I can. I will be here for them day in and day out. Just as I will be here for you.” He stalked away without a backward look.