The Rancher's Perfect Bride by Caroline Clemmons

Author:Caroline Clemmons [Clemmons, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

On Sunday, the men stopped work at noon. They had finished dinner when Zenobia heard the jingle and creak of a wagon.

Callum grinned at her. “Sounds like we have company.”

When she went to the window, she saw Marcy and Andrew. Her heartbeat sped up and she wanted to shout for joy. She smoothed her hair and strode toward the door. “Did you know they were coming?”

“Andrew tries to come one Sunday and I go there the next. Can’t always make it, of course, so I couldn’t be sure. Since we were married on a Friday, we didn’t count last Sunday.”

She went onto the porch as Marcy was coming up the steps. The two women hugged one another.

Zenobia urged Marcy into the house. “Come see the changes.”

Marcy turned slowly. “I see you’ve done the same things I have. I’m so grateful you shared your possessions with me. Our home looks as inviting as yours, thanks to your generosity.”

“I’m so happy to see you. Tell me all that’s happened, especially whether or not you’re happy with Andrew.”

“He’s very kind and considerate. I believe we’ll be happy for the rest of our lives. What about Callum?”

“The same.” She squeezed Marcy’s hands. “Aren’t we lucky?” They went into the parlor and sat on the couch.

Zenobia assessed her friend. “Are you as exhausted as I am? I have never been so tired in my life.”

“I’m tired, but not so that it interferes with my chores. Good heavens, I see the fatigue in your face and circles under your eyes. Perhaps you’re trying too hard.”

“Callum is a considerate and kind husband. I’m determined to be the perfect bride he deserves. Once I learn everything better, my life here won’t be quite so draining.”

Marcy squeezed Zenobia’s hand. “You can’t expect to become an expert so soon.”

“I have to do my best. So far, Callum has been complimentary—even when I ruined the biscuits.”

Marcy giggled. “I did that too. Even the dogs wouldn’t eat them.” A cloud passed over her expression. “Do you ever think of your life in Atlanta?”

At once, Zenobia sobered. She couldn’t keep from thinking of her stepfather occasionally. “Only to hope my stepfather doesn’t cause problems for me. He would be evil enough to do so just to make sure I was punished for escaping from him. You know that’s true.”

“Yes, but I shouldn’t have mentioned Atlanta and reminded you. Let’s put that behind us.”

“I’m trying, Marcy. Help me think of something I can prepare quickly to offer you and Andrew.”

“I brought a cake. Since you didn’t know we were coming, I could hardly expect you to have something special to serve. Andrew will bring it in when he and Callum are ready.”

Zenobia showed Marcy the gun from her pocket. “Callum has shown me how to fire this revolver and I have to keep the thing with me when he’s not here. Do you know how to shoot?”

“Andrew says he’s going to teach me but he hasn’t yet. What prompted this?”

“I was gathering eggs and saw a snake.

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