Chapter 10

10

B ruce raced toward the barn and the sound of Blossom screaming. Stella tore from the garden. By the time she reached the barn, he held the little girl, soothing her.

Stella rushed up to them. "What's wrong?"

Blossom sobbed and buried her head against Bruce's neck.

He patted her back. Her mother rubbed it. Their hands collided. Then moved together as they calmed the child.

Her sobs decreased, and he eased her back so they could talk to her.

"What happened?" he asked, his heart aching at her distress.

"Tell Mama what's wrong."

"Kitty scratched me." She showed her arm. The scratch was barely visible. Likely she'd been more startled than anything.

"I'll kiss it better." Stella leaned close. Strands of her hair had blown free and tickled Bruce's face. Without thinking, he stroked it back. A shock raced up his arm. Had there been static electricity in her hair? Or was the source within him? He dropped his hand. A tingle remained where his palm pressed to his hip.

She slowly lifted her head and looked at him. Their faces were inches apart. Close enough he could see the golden flecks in her brown irises, the surprise in her eyes. And something more. Was it awareness of him as a man? Was it longing for more than a business arrangement? He didn't know. Couldn't begin to think what he wanted, let alone what she might want.

Flora chuckled, bringing their attention to her. He hadn't realized that both Flora and Kade had followed them and stood in the doorway watching.

Flora stepped forward, grinning at Stella and waggling her eyebrows, then took Blossom from Bruce. "You have to be gentle with kitties or they scratch. You pet them like this." She guided the girl's hands in petting both the kitten and the mama cat.

The three other adults crowded close, watching Blossom and the cats.

Bruce welcomed the chance to bring his thoughts under control. It proved futile with Stella so close he could smell her hair and feel the warmth of her skin. And the continued tingling of his nerves.

"I shouldn't have left her unsupervised." The words twisted from Stella. "She might have been seriously hurt."

Flora stood and gave Stella a gentle smile. "You're a good mother. Blossom is a good girl. She knows boundaries. She's now learned another one. Be gentle with cats."

Outside, the pup barked, and Donny yelled.

Stella jolted. "And now Donny is out there."

"He's fine," Flora said. "Stop fretting. It isn't like you. What has you so flustered?" She waggled her eyebrows at Stella than at Bruce.

He didn't know what she thought and wasn't about to ask.

She took Stella's arm. "Let's get those potatoes you dropped. Kade and Bruce can watch Blossom if you're worried."

"Sure can," Kade said.

The women left the barn. Like Flora said, it wasn't like Stella to be so fussed about an ordinary event. What was really going on with her?

They were barely out the door when Flora said, "Your reaction to Bruce has you all flustered." And then they were out of hearing distance.

Her reaction to him? What did Flora mean?

He squatted down by Blossom so Kade wouldn't see his expression. He feared it would reveal his confusion. Maybe even his hope.

Hope? What did he hope for?

He wasn't about to admit he wanted more than what he already had. More than they agreed to.

"Let's go for a walk and let the cats get used to their home," he said to Blossom. She took his hand and accompanied him and Kade out of the barn. She looked back until they were out of sight of the interior of the barn.

"I want to thank you for taking such good care of Stella's stock. They're in excellent shape."

"We didn't mind helping Stella."

Kade's words effectively excluded Bruce, but before he could wonder if it was intentional, Kade spoke again.

"Glad it turned out that we've been able to help you both out."

The words were more welcome than Kade would ever know. "Thanks."

They wandered around the place, looking at the crops, discussing the livestock market. Kade informed Bruce of the neighbors. "Adele and Ethan live past our place." His gaze went to the house where Aunt Mary sat watching the goings on. "How is your aunt?"

"She doesn't complain. Seems to like being part of Stella's family. But she won't be getting around for a few weeks."

"Guess that means you'll be sticking close to home until such time as she can travel. Stella will miss going to church and visiting with the Kinsleys."

"I hadn't thought of it." Maybe she could go with Kade and Flora and he'd stay home with Aunt Mary. The children, too, if she wanted. He'd ask her before he mentioned it to Kade.

Donny and the pup joined them. "How do I make sure he stays here?" he asked Kade.

"You feed him and love him. That way he won't want to go."

Wise words that could apply to people too. Bruce had found a place he didn't want to leave. The food was good. The company better. As to love? He grinned. Might depend on Aunt Mary's prayers.

He turned his attention to Donny. "We'll shut him in the barn a few nights to keep him safe."

"Or we could keep him in the house." Donny sounded so hopeful that both Kade and Bruce chuckled.

"You'd have to ask your mother for permission to do that."

A little later Stella called them to supper.

She and Flora had helped Aunt Mary inside, and she sat in the easy chair. She smiled at the men as they entered the house. Donny lingered outside, telling the pup to sit and wait until after supper.

Aunt Mary's gaze lingered on Bruce. He knew her well enough to know she was feeling smug about something.

He was not going to ask what it was.

As soon as Donny came indoors, the pup began to whine. Donny was about to go back out when Stella said, "Wash up, son. Leave the dog alone. He'll settle."

The table was set and the room warm from cooking. Savory smells filled the air. They sat down. Bruce looked around the table. "This is nice. I'll ask the blessing." His throat tightened as he considered all his blessings—a home, a family, friendly neighbors, a farm, a wife—he mentioned all but the last one in his prayer. "Amen." He looked down the table to Stella. Her eyes were warm. Was she adding her own thanks for a husband?

Aunt Mary cleared her throat. "It isn't going to take two weeks."

"Help yourself to the pork chops." Stella's words rushed out. "I was fortunate to be able buy them at the store before we came here. Don't they smell good?"

At the same time as she spoke, Bruce pulled Donny's plate close and began cutting the meat.

Outside, the dog continued to fuss.

It should have been enough to end any curiosity about Aunt Mary's remarks, but it wasn't.

"What's not going to take two weeks?" Flora asked, the platter of pork chops in her hands. She seemed unaware she held the serving tray in midair.

"Nothing," Stella and Bruce said together, rather loudly he realized.

It earned them wondering looks from Kade and Flora.

"I keep telling them—" Aunt Mary began.

Stella pushed from the table and hurried to Aunt Mary's side. "Let me cut the meat for you."

Aunt Mary protested, but Stella ignored her.

Flora took a pork chop and handed the platter to Kade. Laughter burst from her lips. "I figured it out. Aunt Mary, you'll be glad to hear I agree with you."

Her cheeks red, Stella returned to the table. "Can we change the subject?"

"I don't even know what the subject is," Kade complained.

"Neither do I," Donny answered.

Still chuckling, Flora said to Kade. "I'll explain later." To Donny, she said. "You'll have to ask your mama for an explanation. If she's willing to give it."

"I'm not." Stella's tone informed everyone of her opinion on this subject.

Bruce couldn't help but smile. Secretly, of course. He, too, got annoyed by Aunt Mary's continual reminder of what she thought, but to see Stella pretending not to be flustered was a lot of fun.

She kept the children and the visitors busy with food and asking questions about their farm until the plates were empty and dessert consumed.

The pup had not stopped whining and scratching at the door.

"Mama, he wonders where I am." Donny managed to look sad and hopeful at the same time.

"You can be excused. Go quiet your dog. Yes, Blossom, you can go too."

The children scampered away.

"Now can I ask what is significant about two weeks?" Kade asked, a thread of impatience in his voice.

Flora laughed heartily. "It's referring to the two weeks you had to make me fall in love with you."

"But they are already married."

"They claim it's a business arrangement." Flora's voice carried a great deal of disgust. "That doesn't make it a marriage at all."

"We're sitting right here," Stella groused. "We can hear every word." The look she gave Bruce was rife with disgust.

He laughed.

Flora shrugged and turned back to Kade. "I'm not sure what Aunt Mary has in mind but— perhaps you can explain."

Aunt Mary grinned at her. "I heard how you and Kade fell in love in two weeks. I told Stella and Bruce they could do better." Glee filled her voice. "It's happening right before my eyes."

Bruce groaned. "I've never known you to play matchmaker before."

"I'm making up for lost opportunities. Besides, I'm not doing anything."

"Yes, you are," Stella protested. To Kade and Flora, she explained, "She has an unfair advantage. She's praying for it to happen."

Kade and Flora looked at each other, at first startled, and then breaking into peals of laughter. Finally, Flora sobered enough to speak. "My pa would approve of you, Aunt Mary." To Stella, she said, "And what are you praying for?"

"I—" She closed her mouth and blinked. Then said, "My prayers have been answered. I am back home where I intend to stay."

"Indeed. God answers our prayers, doesn't He?" Aunt Mary looked pleased.

Flora murmured agreement. "Let's get the dishes done so Kade and I can go home."

Stella protested, but Flora ignored her. "Ma taught me to do my share."

At that, Stella relented. "Wouldn't want to undo any of your mother's good teaching."

Bruce remembered that he wanted to ask Stella about attending church. "Aunt Mary won't be able to travel for a few weeks."

Four adults looked at him.

"I realize that." Stella sounded confused.

"It means we can't go to church together. But if you want to go with Kade and Flora, I can stay home with my aunt. The children too, if you want."

Stella kept her attention on the basin of wash water, so he couldn't tell if his offer pleased her or not.

"Sure. You could come with us," Flora said.

"I could, and thanks for the offer." Stella smiled at Kade and Flora and then her gaze came to Bruce and remained there. "It's kind of you to think of me." Her eyes were warm. He almost warned her to be careful or Aunt Mary would be reading more into her look than she should.

Aunt Mary chuckled behind her hand. Too late. She was already jumping to false conclusions.

Stella continued. "But I prefer to stay home until we can all go."

Bruce liked the idea of attending church together. Aunt Mary made an approving sound, but he wouldn't look at her. Not when Stella held his gaze and it seemed to promise more togetherness than business partners.

"Ahem. Could you wash the dishes, please?" Flora's voice broke the stillness between him and Stella. Stella slowly pulled away from looking at Bruce and returned to washing dishes.

"I'll check on the children." Bruce wasn't sure what had happened or if it meant anything other than a decision on whether or not to attend church, but something in the very bottom of his heart had been touched, ignited, and now smoldered, ready to burst into flames.

He went outside but forced himself not to rush from the room. Kade followed. Thankfully, Donny was immediately at their side, the pup with him. Blossom trailed after the pair.

Bruce squatted down to calm the dog. "You want to train a dog to become what you want him to be."

"I want him to be my best friend."

"He will be. But he has to learn to obey commands. For his sake as well as yours."

Donny nodded. "I'll teach him." He sat down and pulled the pup to his lap. "How do I do it?"

Kade knelt beside them, and they gave Donny a few instructions on how to train his dog. "He'll need a name."

Flora and Stella joined them. Stella's skirt brushed against Bruce's shoulder. He smiled up at her, ignoring the teasing sound from Flora. The dog escaped Donny's arms and licked Bruce's face. Bruce laughed and held the rambunctious puppy. "Donny was about to give his dog a name."

Stella knelt beside Bruce and petted the animal.

He half convinced himself that warmth flooding from his heart was only because of holding the squirming puppy.

"What are you going to call him, son?"

"Could I give him Papa's name?"

Bruce felt Stella jolt. He watched her from the corner of his eyes, wondering if it was surprise, regret, or pain that raced through her. Or perhaps all of that. He wanted to rescue her from the moment but was at a loss to know how. Perhaps she welcomed the idea. But it would be mighty awkward to hear her husband's name on a regular basis.

Would she tell Donny no?

At first, Stella didn't know whether to laugh or cry at Donny's request. Imagine hearing Frank's name called day in and day out. Many times a day. The idea was so ludicrous she laughed until tears streamed down her face.

"Why you laughing?" Donny's injured tone sobered her instantly.

"It just hit me as funny." She pulled him close. "It might be a bit awkward for everyone to hear your papa's name. Why don't you think of something else?"

She didn't dare look at any of the others to see their reaction.

Donny nodded and considered the dog. It was mostly a brown-black blend with a white tip on his tail. His ears were tipped in white, and he had three white stockings.

"He has tips of white everywhere." She hoped it would give Donny an idea for a name.

Bruce nudged her elbow, letting her know he understood. "Tippy is a good name for a dog like this."

Donny considered it. Rolled the name off his tongue a few times. The pup went to him, wriggling in his lap. Donny laughed. "He likes it. Don't you, Tippy?"

"Then it's settled?" Tippy was a name she could live with. A regular dog name. The dog scampered from Donny to her, putting her off balance. She fell against Bruce, her shoulder jabbing into his chest.

Air whooshed from him. His arm encircled her shoulders. "Steady there." His words sounded distant and rumbling. Had to be because her ear was practically buried in his shirt front.

She struggled to sit up, found herself having to press her hand to his knee to right herself. Her throat was strangely tight, her mouth unusually dry. Balanced again, she coughed. "Sorry about that." The words squeaked from her throat.

"No need to apologize."

Her ears were still not working properly, as his voice seemed husky.

Flora chuckled, reminding Stella they were not alone. She got to her feet with as much dignity as she could muster.

Stella stilled her face not to reveal her feelings, but she didn't need to see Flora's green eyes flashing amusement to inform her that her heated cheeks revealed the truth.

"We are going now." Flora said. "Beginning to think we might be intruding."

"Of course, you're not." No use in pretending she didn't understand. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. The cows, the chickens." She looked from the barn to the chicken yard. Focusing her thoughts on her livestock and her farm made it almost possible not to think of Bruce standing so close behind her that she had only to take half a step backwards to be against his chest. He'd wrap his arms around her and hold her tight just like?—

She took two long steps away from him. When had her imagination ever been so vivid? So wild? So untamed?

She wrapped her arm around Flora's. "I'll walk you to the barn."

"Yes, of course. Because we can't find our way on our own."

Stella gave a quick laugh that sounded tinny to her.

Bruce and Kade followed on their heels with the children and the pup trailing behind. They all said goodbye to Kade and Flora as they rode away. The children went into the barn to visit the cat and her kitten.

Bruce stood at Stella's side, his arms crossed, watching them ride away. She had things to do though she couldn't remember what they were. But she didn't move toward the house. It was all she could do not to lean toward him.

What was wrong with her? She had never been needy, hungry for a man's attention.

And she didn't intend to start being so now.

Her hands curled into fists, her teeth clenched, and she took a step away. And another.

And then he followed. Her fists uncurled. Her mouth relaxed into a smile.

They reached the house. Aunt Mary called to them. "I can't see what's going on. Please come in and tell me."

Bruce held the door open for Stella, and she preceded him into the house. They pulled chairs toward Aunt Mary.

She smiled approvingly when they sat side by side.

Stella resisted an urge to roll her eyes. Though she was forced to admit that all this talk of falling in love had put her off kilter, making it impossible to keep her thoughts centered.

Centered on what?

On their agreement, she informed her wayward brain.

They told her about the livestock and the name Donny had given the pup.

Aunt Mary gasped when they told her his first choice was Frank.

After a few minutes, she leaned her head back.

Stella noted the strain around the woman's eyes. "You look tired."

"I don't mind going to bed now."

"Can you hobble?" Stella asked. "Or would you like Bruce to carry you?"

Bruce didn't wait for an answer but scooped his aunt into his arms. Stella steadied the broken leg.

Aunt Mary groaned as they positioned her in bed. Stella hurried to give her laudanum. "You can take this more often. It would ease your pain."

"It makes me drowsy, and I don't like to miss out on things. For the most part, I'm not in much pain."

Stella glanced at Bruce. Did he hear the same tightness in his aunt's voice she did?

He met her gaze, and even though he didn't say a word, she knew he shared her concern.

"I'll change her dressing."

Bruce nodded and stepped from the room.

Stella checked the burns. "Everything is looking good. It appears you have simply overdone it."

"I'll be fine."

Stella adjusted the covers. Aunt Mary closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Stella left the room.

Bruce waited. "Nothing wrong, is there?"

"Not that I can tell. Perhaps having company has been too much for her."

He grinned. "I doubt we'll have much in the future."

"I don't mind." She hugged her arms around herself.

"You won't miss living in town?"

"This is my home. I am happy to be here."

"You won't be lonely for company?"

It might be her imagination, but she thought she detected a longing in his voice. She'd almost forgotten that he sometimes felt like that little boy—alone and looked down on for surviving as best he could. He'd been called an urchin. Apart from Aunt Mary who loved him, had he felt accepted by others? Certainly not by Louella. The idea of him feeling rejected and uncertain burned her throat, and she faced him squarely.

"Bruce, for company I have the children. I have Aunt Mary. I have you. What more do I need? Or want?"

His eyes darkened to the color of the sky just before dawn, dark blue and full of the promise of a new day. He searched her gaze, and she opened her heart to him. They might have an unusual marriage, but if it suited them, that's all that mattered.

He touched her cheek, sending a jolt of something sweet and powerful straight to her open heart. "I did right in marrying you."

His words planted themselves in her willing heart. Whatever they had as man and wife promised growth and fruit. For the space of three quick breaths she could not move past that thought.

A promise for the future. Could she put her hope in that?