The Damaged Bride by Stella Clark

Author:Stella Clark [Clark, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Mail-Order Bride Series, marriage of convenience, Novella Length Story
Publisher: Aryn House Publishing
Published: 2019-04-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

It was a beautiful spring day when they set out to the farm, with the early morning sunlight giving way to strong warm rays. From the box seat at the front where she sat with Nate, Clara could hear the shrieks of joy coming from the children in the back of the wagon.

Nate was good company, especially when he was as relaxed as he was. As if sensing her stare, he turned to her, grinned, and returned his gaze to the front. Her heart pounded right out of her chest. He would make some woman very happy.

Her mind returned to Miss Emma, and her insides twisted with jealousy. Had Nate noticed her good looks and strong body? Had he compared her to Clara’s delicate-looking features? She pushed away the uncomfortable thoughts.

There was no point in worrying over something that had not happened. If Nate decided to court Emma, it would hurt her for a little while, but she would get over it. Meanwhile, the day was beautiful, and she intended to enjoy every bit of it.

It wasn’t often that she had a day to spend at leisure; besides, she was really eager to see where Nate lived. When they took the turn off the main road and the farmhouse came into view, pangs of longing came over her. She took in the simple but pretty farmhouse with admiration.

“What do you think?” Nate said as he guided the wagon to the back of the house.

Why did he want her opinion on his home after he had rejected her? Still, the house was so pretty with its wide porch, she couldn’t help but speak out.

“It’s beautiful! You live all alone? It’s big.”

He chuckled. “Just me.”

Until he got someone to marry. She wondered now if he had placed another mail order bride. What was the matter with her? What Nate did with his life was none of her business. Except, the more time she spent with him, the more she got attached to him.

“All right, children, we’re here,” Nate said, going to the back and lifting the children from the wagon.

“I can get down by myself,” Mary announced.

“I can’t!” Clara said from where she sat at the front.

“I didn’t think you would,” Nate said and came to help her down.

The children went running towards the barn and Clara followed, beaming at their excitement.

“It’s black and white,” Lillie said when they entered the barn.

The cow hardly noticed their admiring glances and continued chewing contentedly on hay.

“She’s fat!” Joseph said, and they all laughed.

“Is she carrying a calf?” Clara asked when Nate joined them.

Her abdomen seemed swollen, not that she had a lot of experience with cows.

“I don’t know,” Nate said. “The farmer who sold her to me didn’t mention it.”

They stood and watched as the children watched the cow excitedly, marveling at every movement she made.

“Can you show us how to milk her, Uncle Nate?” Mary asked a few minutes later.

“That’ll have to be in the evening,” Nate said. “She’s milked twice a day, and I already milked her in the morning.

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