Read Online High Country Bride by Jillian Hart - Free Book Online Page B

“And I don’t take to women doing heavy lifting. Next you’ll be telling me you’re capable. I don’t doubt it. But a man ought to make a woman’s load lighter, even if they’re strangers to one another.”
    Joanna took a step back to study the man before her, damp with a hard day’s sweat in high temperatures. He did look intimidating. But there was kindness on his face. It was an attractive combination. She shook her head. “You have some mighty strange notions, Aiden McKaslin, but I do happen to like them.”
    “What’s mighty strange about them?”
    He didn’t seem to know, she marveled, wondering how on earth he could be real. But he was a flesh and blood man standing before her, of that there was no doubt. She headed for the shanty. “I’m used to men trying to get out of work, not stepping up to do it.”
    “I’m not afraid of a little hard work.” He didn’t crack a smile, but he sounded slightly amused, although it was hard to tell with his deep, wry baritone. “I see that you watered the garden, so I know you found the well.”
    “I did. Don’t worry. I’ll fetch your water.”
    “I had to wonder, since you were heading in the opposite direction from the well.”
    “To grab the water pail.” She snatched the bucket from just inside the shanty door, and took off toward the main house. On the rising slope of land, she had a better view of her children. James had turned to watch her with careful, inquisitive eyes, just making sure. She hated that he worried so. One small change—her stepping away to fetch water—and he went from a carefree little boy to a burdened one. She lifted her hand in a wave to show him everything was fine. After a moment he went back to play, paying attention to Daisy, who tugged on his hand.
    When Joanna knelt at the well to hook the bucket onto the end of the pulley, Aiden had emerged from the shanty, his arms empty of the crate. He was a big man, even from a distance. He had a long gait, steady and strong, and did not swing his arms when he walked but kept them at his sides. His wide-brimmed hat shaded his face as he hauled a straw tick from the wagon bed. He easily carried the awkward mattress, quickly disappearing into the house.
    What I lost is in the past. Perhaps God has put you in my path to teach me. She could hear again his words and see again the look of desolation on his face. She ached for him. He’d shown her kindness when she had been sure there was no more of it left in the world. He was a good man, and in her experience, those were rare. She intended to do the best possible job for him. She was going to work harder than she ever had. He deserved nothing less.
    “Ma!” Daisy ran ahead of James, who had come close to watch the unloading of the wagon. “Can I have a drink of water, too, please?”
    It was impossible to look into those pretty eyes and say no. Joanna unhooked the bucket of crystal-clear water and held the full dipper for her daughter. Smelling of fresh grass and sunshine, Daisy leaned close and sipped daintily. Joanna smoothed the fine tangle of platinum hair that had escaped from her daughter’s twin braids. It would need a good brushing later.
    A movement blurred at the edges of her vision. It was Aiden reappearing from the shanty, bringing the shadows with him. He cut a dark figure across the lush green prairie. His wide hat shaded his face, but she could feel his gaze on her like the tangible rays of the sun.
    “Come on, baby.” Daisy was done, so Joanna took the dipper and dropped it into the bucket. “Let’s take this to Mr. McKaslin.”
    “Okay.” Her daughter bobbed to her feet and skipped through the tall grasses. Her happy gait lifted Joanna’s heart another notch.
    Aiden had already hefted the second straw tick from the wagon box and was halfway to the shanty. This time James trailed after him and hesitated on the front step, peering in. Joanna set the small pail on the open tailgate. “James? Don’t pester Mr.