Refuge in Sweet Water by Mildred Colvin

Author:Mildred Colvin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, novella, inspirational romance, christian romance, mailorder bride, western romance, 1890s, small town romance, clean and wholesome, farm and country life romance
Publisher: Mildred Colvin

Chapter 9

Adam stopped at the well in the backyard and drew a partial bucket of water, then using the bar of soap he kept handy, splashed it over his hands before going into the kitchen. He’d seen Emily arrive at least two hours ago, so she should be ready for him. She’d surprised him by appearing unexpectedly earlier. He’d braced himself for her rejection since she’d had time to think about her visit yesterday. He figured she’d counted up all the shortcomings of the small house and the smell from the barn when the wind turned that direction. It was part of country living, something he’d gotten used to, but Tensi hadn’t liked it, so why would Emily? Yet she’d seemed eager to use his kitchen. Even to cook a meal for him. Not to kill a chicken, but to cook. He thought about the chicken he’d spent more time than he should have getting it ready for the pan before she arrived. Sure hope she found it and knew how to cut it up and cook it. He chuckled as he opened the back door and stepped inside.

Emily was bent in front of the oven, pulling a pan of perfect-looking biscuits out, and he couldn’t tear his gaze from her. His breath caught as he realized she fit into his kitchen as if she’d been made for it. And maybe in his life, too.

She glanced up as she straightened and placed the biscuits on the table, then motioned to the washpan. “Do you need to wash your hands before we eat?”

“I rinsed them off outside, but probably wouldn’t hurt to clean them good so I can dig in to this feast. It smells great in here.” He sniffed the air and relished the mix of aromas that smelled like home and reminded him of days gone by. Before he said too much, he turned to the sink and dipped his hands into the waiting water then lathered them with soap.

“I found the chicken. Thank you.” She spoke low, as if embarrassed she hadn’t done the job herself. “And the asparagus! Did you know you had a patch growing in the backyard? Well, of course you know.” Her laugh sounded forced. “The mashed potatoes should be perfect with everything else. If you’d like, we can pack it all up for a picnic.”

He turned and watched her fidget with the table setting. Moving a plate to one side, then straightening the silverware. She moved the platter of perfectly browned chicken a couple of inches before looking up and meeting his gaze.

When she opened her mouth as if to speak, he intervened. “It’s perfect as it is. I wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, I’d rather eat at the table.” They probably shouldn’t be alone in his house, but what would it hurt as long as they stayed in the kitchen? It was just a meal, and they’d be marrying within a few days.

He sucked in a breath as the thought flew through his mind.

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