Cowboy Groom by Linda Ford

Author:Linda Ford [Ford, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crocus Mountain Publishing
Published: 2019-07-01T05:00:00+00:00

Stella knew exactly what Aunt Mary meant. Stella pretended a great deal of interest in the pork and beans she had prepared for dinner, hoping all the while that Bruce’s aunt hadn’t said the same thing to him.

Putting on her best calm face, she took the pot to the table and concentrated on scooping out a serving for each of the children, taking as long as possible before she sat at the table. Across from Bruce with him directly in her line of sight. Oh, please don’t let her have told him her prediction.

Aunt Mary chuckled. “Delay won’t change anything.”

As Stella took her place at the table, she pretended not to hear Aunt Mary’s comment and hoped no one would notice her hot cheeks that surely were as pink as morning roses. She signaled to the children to bow their heads, and she did the same.

Bruce didn’t pray, and she stole a look at him. His gaze went from her to his aunt, puzzlement obvious in his expression.

Aunt Mary must not have said anything to him about two weeks. Stella’s shoulders relaxed, and she drew in a slow breath.

Bruce shrugged and bowed his head to say grace. “Amen.”

The air hung silent and heavy across the table as Stella wondered what she would say to him to explain her embarrassment. But she needn’t have worried.

“I have two barns,” Donny said between mouthfuls. “One my papa built and one the uncles built. So, I’m going to have a great big farm. Papa always told me I was a born farmer. Mama, what does that mean?”

Stella realized she wasn’t paying attention and collected her thoughts. “I suppose it means you understand about crops and animals.”

“Yup. I sure do. Can’t wait for our animals to come home.” He perched on the front of his chair. “Could I go with Uncle Bruce to get them?”

“Not this time,” she said, without giving it any consideration. He was too small to ride that far and having him would only hinder Bruce.

“Ahh.”

Blossom blinked back tears at her brother’s disappointment.

Stella studied her two children. She wanted to do everything in her power to make them happy, but there was no way she could grant this request.

“Tell you what,” Bruce said. “How would it be if I give each of you a ride on my horse right after dinner? Before I leave.”

Both children nodded and smiled.

Bruce’s words came back to her. He wanted to see the joy in people’s faces and do what he could to add to it. He was certainly doing that for the children and for that, she admitted a bit of affection for the man.

Aunt Mary cleared her throat, bringing Stella’s attention her direction. The older woman smiled and nodded, her gaze going from Bruce to Stella. “Two weeks,” she mouthed.

Stella turned away. Let Aunt Mary have her hopes and dreams. It wouldn’t change anything.

The children gulped their food and stared at Bruce as he ate more slowly.

“We’re done,” Donny said.

“Uh huh. I see that.” Bruce held up his cup.

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