Page 17 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes (Montana Mail-Order Brides #7)

His laughter burst forth. This time the birds rose from the trees, chattering and scolding. “It’s a far cry from what I had in mind.”

“Really?” The skin around her eyes crinkled, informing him that she was amused at his reaction.

“Didcha know that Jayce got Daisy at the Shannon ranch?”

She waited for him to explain why that mattered.

“They always have a litter or two of kittens. Thought we could stop by and see if they have any they’s wantin’ to give away.”

“She’d love it. But are you sure? Knowing Susie, she will want the cat with her day and night. You might find that annoying.”

“Bryn, I’ve slept beside horses and when Mutt was alive, I slept with him. Don’t see how it’s gonna do any harm if’n she wants to sleep with her cat.”

“Then I think it’s a wonderful idea. And thank you.”

The way her eyes lit up and the way her smile filled her face was the best reward Flint could have hoped for.

“As soon as little Susie wakes up, we’ll get on to the Shannon place.” In the meantime, he was happy to sit under the trees, Bryn’s arm against his.

Bryn shifted and pushed to her feet, leaving a cold spot at his side.

“She’s awake.” She hurried toward the child.

Susie sat up, rubbed her eyes, and looked around. Poor little thing would be scared to find herself alone. The leaves brushed his head, and the bark on the tree scraped at his shirt as Flint scrambled to his feet and crossed the trampled grass to Bryn’s side.

“We’re here.” Bryn’s voice sang over the clearing to her little niece.

Susie pushed to her feet and ran toward them, little legs disappearing in and out of the tall grass. Wheat-colored hair fanning out from her head. She reached them and flung herself into Bryn’s arms.

“I sleeped.”

“You certainly did.”

She tipped her head back, solemn blue eyes studyin’ her aunt. “Outside.”

Seemed it was something new for the child.

Her wide-eyed look came to him. Full of surprise and maybe more’n a touch of pleasure. “I sleeped outside.”

“Yup, you did.”

A little hand reached toward him, and he took it. Warm and soft.

“You ever sleeped outside?”

“Little lady, I think I spent half my life sleepin’ outside.”

Her eyes rounded even further. “Was you scared?”

There’d been a time or two when he was young, and he wakened to find his pa was gone and Flint was alone, that fear had claimed his insides. And other times when bad weather hit, and he feared he’d die. But those weren’t things he meant to tell this sweet child.

“Nope.”

“How come?” She clung to his hand. Seemed she needed to learn some trust lessons just as he had.

“Well, I suppose because I knew my pa was somewhere. He wouldn’t go off and leave me. After he—” What could he say that didn’t make it harsh sounding?

“Died?” She said it so matter-of-factly that he knew she’d heard it many times.

Something that shouldn’t be but was. “Yeah. And now I know I’m not ever alone ’cause God is with me.”

She nodded. “That’s what Auntie Bryn says.”

“Ya ready to move on?” He gathered up the quilts, folded them, and returned them to the wagon. Bryn carried the empty picnic crate and slide it across the wooden floor.

Susie shifted from foot to foot as she watched them. “Where we going?”

“Would ya like to visit our neighbors and meet some children?”

She screwed up her face.

Had he suggested the wrong thing? Was it too soon to expect her to want to meet more people? All strangers? And yet he knew one reason she’d thank him for takin’ her there.

“They’s older’n me? Will they call me a baby?”

“No one will call ya a baby.” He heard the harshness in his voice. Glanced toward Bryn to see if she’d noticed.

She faced him, her eyes dark, steady, holding his. Was she telling him she agreed and would protect Susie from teasing if she could? Just as he would. Or was she warning him to be careful how he spoke?

She gave a tip of her head, and his shoulders lost their tightness. She’d silently informed him she agreed with him.

“How old they is?” Susie’s arms crossed over her chest. Her chin jutted out. She was not so easily convinced.

Flint scratched a spot on his forehead that wasn’t itchy.

“I don’t rightly know. Wally and his wife have twins maybe your age.

No, they’d be a little older. And a baby.

I know Matt and his wife have a little girl.

Guessin’ she’s closer to your age. Then Luke’s boy—taller’n you by some.

” He nodded, indicating he was done. “Wait. I recall Jayce telling me there’s new babies now. Can’t remember who they belong ta.”

“Babies? Can I play with them?”

“They’s pretty new. Don’t know when they’s big ’nough to play with.” He turned to Bryn hoping she’d give an answer.

“Sounds like there are lots of children. I can’t wait to meet them and their mamas and papas. Though—” She ducked away so he couldn’t see her face.

“Bryn, is somethin’ botherin’ ya? If ya don’t want to visit the Shannons, we don’t have ta.”

She straightened and met his gaze, her dark eyes hiding as much as they revealed. Something he’d noticed before. Not that he expected she would instantly feel safe around him. How long would it take for her to realize she could trust him? He’d never do anything to hurt her or little Susie.

“That isn’t what I meant.”