An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) by Carré White

Author:Carré White [White, Carré]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
Tags: Romance, Historical, Western, Historical Romance, Inspirational, Westerns
Amazon: B00DXOJIKS
Publisher: Love Lust Story
Published: 2013-11-14T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Having accepted my fate, I threw myself into getting to know my children, although whenever I thought of the Hatch brood in such a way, it left me with a strange, yet endearing impression. During the next two weeks, I made many attempts to befriend Jane, who continued to respond coldly. Mary was in my corner now, especially since I had discovered how much she adored sewing. Her stitch was divine, straight and precisely executed. I had indulged her by letting her buy fabric at the mercantile, which she was assembling into a blouse. Every minute of her free time was occupied by this task, while she sat on the sofa and worked the material, her head bent diligently over the project.

Susanna and her brothers managed the animals, milking the cow twice daily and feeding George and the cat, Cottonball. The feline was aloof and unresponsive to all of us—except Jane. The white and gray cat slept with her, curling up at her side most nights. Although I was in the same bed, Cottonball would have nothing to do with me. Besides her brothers and sisters, the cat was the only other living thing in the house Jane was fond of, clearly finding my sister and I unacceptable. I attributed this to the conversation she had overheard, and I had wanted to discuss it with her, but her demeanor seemed to kill any dialogue before it even began. To compound matters, the closer Mary and I became, the more reclusive Jane was.

After church one Sunday, I took her aside. “We really should talk. Something’s bothering you, Jane. I wish you would confide in me. I’m not the enemy.”

“I don’t know what you mean, Mrs. Hatch. I’m perfectly fine.”

We stood outside the church, while my parents spoke with my sister Paulina. “Jane, please.” I gazed into her eyes, but her expression was guarded. “I know you’ve been through a great deal over the last year. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sorry you’re stuck with me. I know you hate me. I want you to know that I don’t hate you at all. I really wish we could be friends. I’m not trying to be your mother. We’re far too close in age for that. Can’t we be friends?”

“I…” Her glacial features faltered for a moment, but then the coldness was firmly in place again. “I shall do whatever you require of me.”

I sighed. “Oh, for goodness sakes.”

Pastor Bailey approached us; his look was relaxed and amiable. “Good day, Jane and Fanny.”

Since our last meeting, the tension and animosity that had been between us seemed to have lessened. “Hello.”

It was strange how my stomach flipped over in pleasurable little tingles whenever he was near. I’d enjoyed his sermon today. He spoke from Matthew 16:26, directing his attention towards the miners and their desire for gold. There had been several instances of violence lately as a result of greed. It was a good reminder for everyone that we shouldn’t lose sight of the things that were truly important to us, such as faith, kindness, and family.

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