Read Online Pony Express Courtship by Rhonda Gibson - Free Book Online Page B

on my progress with the boys.”
    Mr. Bromley stepped up onto the porch. “Mrs. Young, Seth.”
    Seth stepped forward and shook the older man’s hand. “Mr. Bromley, you chose a dreary day to come for a visit.”
    The other man laughed. “It’s pleasant here. In other places along the route they’re still getting snow.”
    Rebecca stepped forward. “Please, come inside out of the rain. I’ve made a fresh pot of coffee and you can conduct your business out of the weather.” She held the door open.
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Young, that would be most appreciated.” Mr. Bromley wiped his feet on the rag rug she’d placed in front of the door and then swept past her. The smell of cigar smoke wafted from him to her sensitive nose.
    Seth took the door and held it open for her. He offered an encouraging grin. She passed him in the doorway and immediately noted that Mr. Bromley had made himself at home.
    Joy sat on the floor beside the window playing with blocks the boys had given her from the scraps they’d used in rebuilding the barn. She looked up in surprise to find a stranger sitting on her mother’s couch.
    â€œJoy, come with me to the kitchen. We’ll leave the men to discuss their business in private.” Rebecca didn’t wait for the little girl to respond but turned toward her comfortable kitchen. The hearty scent of fresh-brewed coffee filled the sweet-smelling kitchen.
    When they were out of earshot of the men, Joy asked, “Ma, can we give Seth some of the cookies we made?”
    The two of them had spent the morning making sugar cookies. “I’m sure he would like that. Why don’t you get a plate and put some on it. Make sure the plate isn’t chipped. We want to present our best to Mr. Bromley, don’t we?”
    â€œYes, Ma.” Joy hurried to the cupboard and reached for one of the special plates used for company. “I hope he likes them.”
    â€œWho? Mr. Bromley?” Rebecca asked. She suspected her daughter was talking about Seth. The little girl followed him around like a puppy. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to mind.
    â€œYes, but also Seth.” The little girl moved to the big platter of cookies that sat on the counter and picked out several bigger ones. “I think these are the prettiest, don’t you?” she asked.
    Rebecca glanced over her shoulder and looked at the cookies. “They sure are,” she agreed.
    The smile that graced her daughter’s sweet face pushed away some of the concern Rebecca felt at Mr. Bromley’s arrival. She prayed he’d approve of Seth’s methods and progress with the boys. She told herself it had nothing to do with liking Seth, it had to do with the boys having to adjust to a new station keeper, if Mr. Bromley didn’t approve of Seth and his methods.
    A few minutes later, she and Joy were back in the sitting room passing out coffee and cookies. Seth smiled his thanks. He appeared relaxed so Rebecca assumed all had gone well in the men’s discussion.
    â€œI hope you like sugar cookies, Mr. Bromley,” Rebecca said as she handed him his cup.
    He selected a cookie from the plate Joy held out to him and smiled. “As a matter of fact, I do.” Mr. Bromley took a bite, closed his eyes and sighed.
    Joy smiled at Seth. “I made them. Do you like them, too, Seth?” she asked.
    Seth met Rebecca’s gaze over the little girl’s head. He took a bite of the cookie and chewed slowly. A teasing glint entered his eyes as he asked Joy, “Did you dip your finger in the batter?”
    Joy shook her head. “No. Ma says that’s yucky and not to do it.”
    Seth laughed. “Well, these are the sweetest and best cookies I’ve ever tasted.”
    â€œMrs. Young, have you considered selling your coffee and cookies?” Mr. Bromley asked in a serious voice.
    She set down the coffee tray and frowned. “No.