Mail Order Adelaine by Marie Higgins

Author:Marie Higgins [Higgins, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marie Higgins
Published: 2020-08-07T05:00:00+00:00

SEVEN

Dallas watched his new wife carefully over the next few days. He’d promised her that he’d stay off his leg for it to heal properly, and it surprised not only him – but Clark and Pearl – that he actually followed instructions. He occupied the sofa near the window, which allowed him to see the ranch.

Addie was in the yard today, playing with the children in a game of kickball. Seeing the glow of happiness on his children’s faces, and on his new wife’s, melted his heart. He was also happy to see that Susan was acting the role of big sister to little Charity. Tobias now looked at his new friend in admiration, and Dallas found that he and his son were sharing the same feelings. It was rather enjoyable having a woman in his home again and hearing the word Mother being used.

At times during his recuperation, he had wanted to get outside to help his men prepare for the upcoming cattle drive, but then Addie or the children would come in to visit him, and he felt like he was needed here instead. Besides, Clark was the best foreman this ranch had ever known, and Dallas knew his ranch was being taken care of properly. Having more leisure time also gave him more time to think of things he shouldn’t.

Sarah had been a good mother to Tobias and Susan, and Dallas had come to care for his wife before her death. That had been his first mistake. He shouldn’t have allowed his feelings to get involved. His mourning period had been guilt-stricken, and he never wanted to go through that kind of turmoil again.

And yet, the more he watched Addie with his children, and as she did womanly things around the house, his interest in her grew. She was a very lovely woman, and it was hard not to think of her as such. The lonely side of his heart yearned to have that special closeness with a woman, and especially for the kind of marriage his wonderful parents had had.

Closing his eyes, he tried pushing that impossible thought out of his head. He’d never have a marriage like his parents, and it would be best to never think of it again. Dallas’s true love was the ranch and making it successful. Yet... Addie’s smiling face wouldn’t leave his mind, and the way his heart accelerated every time she looked at him reminded him every day what he would never have.

Hurried footsteps on the porch brought Dallas out of his thoughts, and he looked toward the door of the sitting room to see who was coming inside. Seconds later, the two bright faces of his children appeared. They raced to see who could reach his side the fastest. Because Tobias was taller, his long legs brought him next to Dallas first.

“Father,” he said out of breath. “I just heard—”

“Tomorrow is our new mother’s birthday!” Susan said in a rush.

Tobias scowled at her and bumped her with his arm.

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