Read Online Genevieve: Bride of Nevada (American Mail-Order Bride 36) by Cynthia Woolf - Free Book Online Page A

if sheets were on the bed, just that it had blankets to keep warm while they slept.
    The kitchen was to her left, the small fireplace directly in front of her. After closing the door, she went around the wooden table with four straight-backed chairs in the center of the room and found the matches just where Stuart said they would be.
    Striking a match she lit the kindling in the stove. It sparked to life immediately. Then, she went to the fireplace and did the same thing. She returned the matches to their spot above the stove and checked the coffee pot. It was full of water, ready for the coffee grounds which she found on the shelf directly behind her. Also on the shelf were several cans of beans and a can opener.
    Genny found a pot, opened two cans of the beans and put them in a pan on the stove to heat. As she moved around, the heat from the stove and the fireplace sent warmth into Genny’s limbs. She took off her coat and laid it over the back of one of the wooden chairs.
    Stuart opened the door, pounded his boots against the door jam and got rid of most of the snow before entering.
    “Snow’s coming down very hard now. I’m glad we stopped. I see you found food and coffee.”
    “Yes. Food’s not fancy but it’ll be hot and filling.”
    “That’s all I ask.”
    The cabin warmed rapidly as both the stove and the fireplace poured heat into the room. Genny removed her scarf, stocking cap and gloves and placed them on the seat of the chair holding her coat, and then moved the chair in front of the fireplace to let her clothes dry.
    “You should put your clothes in front of the fire, too.” Genny moved a chair next to hers. “The air is warm enough in here now you could take off your pants. They’ve got to be soaked clean through.”
    “They are. So are my long johns.”
    “Then take those off, too.” Genny was matter of fact about it.
    “You didn’t take off your dress and I know it’s wet as well as your coat,” observed Stuart as he shucked his clothes and placed them on the chair she’d provided.
    It was true, she was wet and with every step her dress rubbed against her legs freezing them all over again. She looked down and unbuttoned her dress placing it over the chair. Now she wore only her chemise, bloomers and long johns
    She turned to look at Stuart and he was down to his red long-handles. He seemed hesitant as to what to do.
    “Stuart, we’re married and I’ve seen you naked plenty of times.”
    He cocked an eyebrow. “I didn’t think you looked.”
    “Well, I do. I was curious. Besides you can wrap a blanket around you to keep warm.”
    “There are two. You can do the same.”
    “Yes, I suppose I should. I don’t want either of us to catch our death while were stuck here.”
    She walked over to stir the beans and check the coffee. Both were hot and ready to consume.
    “Well, are you putting on the blanket or are you a coward?” teased Stuart.
    Buoyed by his teasing tone, she shook her head. “Of course, I’m not afraid. I want to get the food on the table and then I’ll take off the rest of my wet things.”
    She found plates and utensils, and then she poured them each a cup of coffee and set the pot of beans on the table.
    “Supper is on.”
    True to her word she removed the rest of her clothes and spread them on the floor in front of the fireplace, then wrapped herself in the second blanket. She released her hair from the bun and let is cascade down her back to her waist. The heavy mass was wet and she ran her hands through it to separate the strands so they’d dry faster.
    *****
    Stuart watched every move Genny made as she removed her clothing, and wondered why in the world he was putting himself through this torture. She was so beautiful, with creamy white skin that was such a contrast to her long black hair.
    And that hair, it was always shiny and when she let it down and brushed the gleaming tresses at night, it was all he could do not to run his fingers through them. He