Page 25 of Mail-Order Brides Wishes (Montana Mail-Order Brides #7)

Chapter Fourteen

B ryn loathed to move from sitting beside Flint. She’d stay right there forever if it was possible. Safe and secure. Nothing to threaten her future. Not even her secret about Rowena. He seemed equally as content to stay.

He rearranged his legs. For a moment, a breath of air separated her arm from his and then he shifted back into his former position.

Susie played nearby. Humming as she went from bush to leaf to blade of grass.

“She does like to explore.” Did he catch the mellow tone of her voice? And if so, did it inform him of how content she was? Like she’d said, safe.

Susie plopped down in front of them. “You think Kitty is crying for me?”

Bryn had completely forgotten about the kitten. “Aunt Addie will look after her.”

“But what if her wants me?”

Bryn understood that Susie wanted to get back to her kitten. But Bryn didn’t want the day to end and didn’t move.

Susie shifted her attention to Flint. “She might be sad.” Susie hung her head. “Missin’ her mama. Like me.” Tears filled her eyes and her bottom lip quivered.

Bryn had no doubt that Susie missed her mother, but she couldn’t help but think that she was expecting sympathy from Flint.

He nudged Bryn. “I suppose it’s time to get back.”

“I suppose.” But neither of them moved. Bryn was determined not to be the first to do so.

Susie got to her feet and stared at them. “We go now? Please.”

“Very well.” Flint rose and extended his hand to pull Bryn to her feet. He held her close to his chest. “It’s been a wonderful day. Best Sunday I can remember.”

His warm gaze did delicious things to her insides. She practically tasted honey flowing through her veins.

They gathered up the picnic things and returned to the wagon. They got on board, and he turned the wagon around and headed home.

They had gone a short distance when he called, “Whoa,” his voice low as he pulled on the reins. “Stay quiet.” There was no mistaking the urgency in his voice.

Bryn pulled Susie to her knees and held her tight as she scanned the trail to discover what alarmed Flint. There was nothing but trees, leaves, and dark shadows.

One of the shadows moved and her heart climbed up her throat and clung there. The icy grip of fear claimed every limb as she recognized the shape.

A bear.

She grabbed Flint’s hand and held on as if her life depended on it.

“Don’t move,” he whispered. “The wind is to us so it might not realize we’re here. We’re a good distance away.”

It didn’t seem like a good distance to Bryn.

She scanned the trees on either side. Was there more than one bear?

Were they waiting to have their own picnic lunch?

How fast could she run? Right now she didn’t know if her legs would hold her up let alone run.

Nor was it possible for her to unwind her arm from holding Susie, nor her hand from gripping Flint’s.

The bear emerged into the open. She’d once seen a bear in an animal show, but it had been half the size of this beast. She choked back a sob that clawed up her throat. An aroma of wet dog and rotten garbage came from the huge animal making it even more difficult to swallow.

The bear whoofed and rose on its hind legs.

The horses snorted. “Quiet,” Flint murmured to the animals, his knuckles bulging as he tightened his grip on the reins.

Bryn’s skin turned icy. Oh Lord God, Thou who seest all. See us. Help us. If You save us, I’ll find a way to tell Flint the truth.

The mountain of animal sniffed, waved front paws that were the size of dinner plates, whoofed again then dropped to all fours. It stayed in the middle of the trail.

Please move. Please go away. Please leave us alone. Words and prayers tangled silently in her head like dancing circus dogs.

After an eternity of Bryn waiting, praying, and forgetting how to breathe, the animal shuffled into the trees.

Bryn did not relax. She might never again be able to breathe deeply. Beside her, Flint remained as tense as she. Susie whimpered softly.

“Is it gone?” Susie’s voice was wet with tears.

“We won’t move for a bit.” Flint’s voice was firm, assuring.

Except Bryn wasn’t reassured and wouldn’t be until they reached the ranch and she barricaded herself in the house.

They waited. For what? For the bear to return? She wanted to tell Flint to race home as fast as the horses would go but he held the animals steady and kept his gaze on the trail ahead.

Finally, after what felt like hours, he released his breath in a slow, quiet way. “I don’t see any more bears and it hasn’t returned. Let’s get home.”

Although she wanted to go at a gallop, he kept the horses to a trot.

“We don’t wanna break an axle or anythin’.” His calm tone settled Bryn’s nerves.

Susie sat up. “We almost got ates by a bear.” Her eyes sparkled as if it was a huge adventure.

Bryn grinned at Flint wondering if he had the same thought about the child. Their gazes locked. Words of explanation came without forethought. “She wasn’t scared because she knew she was safe.”

“I remember Pa sayin’ a child’s trust was a gift.” Flint nodded. “Not somethin’ that should be wasted.”

“I agree.”

They reached the road where it was more open and wouldn’t hide any wild, dangerous animals. The tension drained from Bryn, and she sagged forward squeezing Susie so hard that she squirmed free.

Flint rubbed Bryn’s back. “We’s safe. Protected by God hisself, I’d say.”

“I’d have to agree.” She hadn’t forgotten her promise to God.

When the time was right, she’d tell Flint who Susie’s mother was.

And pray that Flint would forgive her for her failure to do so from the beginning.

Her heart died a few beats at the thought that he might not want Rowena’s sister or her daughter.

What if she learned that Flint’s heart still ached after Rowena?

The ranch buildings came into view, and she huffed out her relief.

Flint patted her hand. “I would never let anythin’ happen ta ya. Not if’n it was in my power ta stop it.”

His touch was warm. His palm work hardened. Strong. Like the man himself. She leaned closer needing more of him. His strength, his promise, his caring.

Susie strained forward, anxious to get to see her pet and Bryn’s attention shifted to holding the child back.

“She’d climb right out if I didn't stop her.” Laughter bubbled up. Filled with relief at getting home safely.

Flint chuckled and patted Bryn’s hand. “A girlie and her kitty can be best friends.”

“I’m glad Susie will have her pet. Thank you for making that possible.” The smile she gave him carried sweetness from her heart that swelled her throat.

“Anythin’ ta make her happy.” His pale eyes darkened with emotion revealing to her just how much he cared about Rowena’s child.

How could she tell him who Susie’s mother was without risking what she and Susie had found here?

Could she expect Flint would care for her the same way he’d cared for Rowena?

Rowena had told how he’d begged her to stay.

Promised her anything she wanted. It wasn’t enough for Rowena.

She’d left behind a man who’d given his heart to her and instead, chose a man who gave her a home but withheld love.

The only good thing to come of that marriage was Susie.

Rowena had described how upset and hurt Flint had been at her rejection. That wasn’t a wound that would completely disappear. It might heal over but it would leave a tender scar.

They turned up the trail toward home, and she pushed away the thoughts that buzzed like angry bees. She’d made a promise to God and meant to fulfill it.

But not until she was sure Flint wouldn’t be angry.

Being alone with Bryn and Susie outside, sharing a picnic— those were special times that warmed Flint’s insides.

Time together in the house was good too.

Fact was, he liked being with them. But work called.

He didn’t mind being with the colts. From there, he watched Bryn go to the garden or hang out the laundry or walk down the trail to visit Addie.

And he joined them for every meal. But over the past couple of weeks, he’d had to leave them in order to do his share.

Every second day, he and Jayce took turns going to check on the herd and the two young cowboys.

Today was again Flint’s turn to ride out.

“I made them cookies.” Bryn handed him a tin. “I made you a lunch too.”

He took the sack. It was heavy enough that he knew it held sandwiches and cookies enough for him and the boys. Maybe there were even biscuits filled with jam.

“You take care.” She leaned in close for a kiss which he readily gave.

He’d grown used to goodbye kisses. Well, maybe not used to them. More like, he looked forward to them. ‘Twas about the only good thing about having to ride away for a few hours.

Susie waited for her goodbye hug. Another sweet thing about leaving. And knowing he’d be welcomed back with more hugs and kisses.

He’d never have guessed that being married held such joy.

He patted Susie’s head. “Take care of Kitty.” The kitten lay cradled in Susie’s arms. He never saw one without the other.

There was no point in lingering, wishing he didn’t have to go. It was his turn. At least he wouldn’t have to go again for another four days. His feet heavy, he strode from the house and swung to the back of his horse.

Susie and Bryn stood in the doorway, waving as he reined away.

He lifted his hand in farewell, a lump of missing in the pit of his stomach then he faced forward. It was time to pay attention to what was around him. Jayce had said he thought he’d caught the smell of a campfire when he was out two days ago.

“Someone cooking bacon. I followed the scent for a ways but didn’t find anything or anyone. I must have been mistaken.”

Flint knew his partner well enough to know there’d been no mistake. It might have been someone riding on by. Headed for the mountains. Looking for gold. Or just wanting to get away from people. He’d heard more’n one old codger complain Montana was getting too crowded.