The Runaway Brides Collection by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781683228196
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2018-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Two days. Erik—bless the man—had bought her a reprieve from talking with Mr. Butler until Tuesday afternoon. She pounded down the lump of dough, rolled it into a ball, then thumped it several more times.

“That dough is not going to rise if you beat it up much more.” Janna laughed. “Why don’t you put it in the pan and tell me what is bothering you.”

“I’m sure you know.” Callie sighed and did as Janna suggested, then covered the dough with a cloth. She washed her hands and dried them. “Mr. Butler is coming here on Tuesday, and I don’t know what to say to him.”

Janna poured water into the dirty dough bowl. “Shall we leave this for a few minutes and go sit on the porch?”

Tired after the trip to town, then preparing Sunday dinner and supper, Callie gladly agreed. “Just let me check on Anika to make sure she’s still in bed.”

A few minutes later, she joined Janna on the porch swing. The lantern cast a soft glow on the porch as twilight settled. “Sound asleep.”

“That is good. Sometimes when she has a long nap, she will have trouble getting to sleep.”

“Are you excited to be going home?”

“Yes. I can hardly believe I will see Ben again in just four days. I have missed Fader and Moder and my siblings also.”

“I miss my parents.”

Janna touched her hand. “I am sorry. Is that what has you so addled?”

“No. Not really. I merely thought of them when you mentioned yours. I’m concerned that I don’t know what to say to Mr. Butler. I feel like I’m under some obligation since he paid for me to come here.”

Janna gently pushed the swing into motion, creating a soft creak every time they swung forward. The sound of crickets and tree frogs filled the yard. “I understand that, but it seems to me that since he stood you up and married someone else, your agreement with him has ended.”

“What if he doesn’t feel that way?”

“Even if he plans to get his marriage annulled, he is still married at the moment. What can he offer you now?”

Callie pondered that thought. Mr. Butler must be married. She doubted anyone could get an annulment so quickly.

“Besides, my brother has made you a far better offer. Not only do you get this nice house and a sweet daughter who needs you very much, but you get my brother. He is a kind, honorable man you can trust. And you have to admit that he is a fine-looking man.” She glanced sideways at Callie and giggled. “Did Sue Ann Meriweather make eyes at him this morning?”

Callie gasped. “So I didn’t imagine her interest.”

“She is a nice woman, but she is at least eight years older than Erik. He has never shown any interest in her other than friendship.”

Callie cleared her throat. “I hear Harvey Butler will soon be available.”

Janna snorted, then burst out laughing, and Callie joined her.

“Well, that is a pleasant sound if I ever heard one.” Erik stepped onto the porch.

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