Read Online Shameful Celia (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 3) by Carré White - Free Book Online Page B

imagine.”
    “Then you add all the children, and it’s a down right circus.”
    “Do you want to have many children?”
    He blinked, not having anticipated that question. “Um … I haven’t really thought about it.”
    “I’d like lots.”
    “Lots?”
    “Lots of children.”
    “Well, you’re off to a good start. You’ll be having a little one soon enough.”
    “But he needs a daddy. I can’t have anymore, if I don't have a daddy for the one I already got.”
    “I’m sure Mrs. Hershey is devising a scheme to remedy that as we speak.”
    “Yes, but I’ve been thinking.”
    “About what?”
    “I don’t want to do that mail order thing again. That was a lousy idea. I’d rather get to know the man I’m going to marry. I had little choice with Lloyd. I married him within a week of meeting him.”
    “Why?”
    “Because my ma died. Pa died months earlier, and then she went. I was on my own. I’m always on my own,” I muttered.
    “Perhaps your luck will change?” He looked hopeful.
    “I’ve been praying really hard for somebody I could love, that loves me back. I know it’s far-fetched and the stuff of fairytales, but I really would like someone I’d want to kiss a lot too. I’d want to not be disgusted by the sight of him naked. Or just the smell of him in general.”
    “A-are you speaking about your husband?”
    “My deceased husband, yes. He was … ” I wrinkled my nose … “repulsive.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    “I’d much rather be with a man who’s clean and good-smelling like you. Whatever cologne you wear sure is nice, if you don’t mind me saying so. It’s really lovely.”
    He placed the spoon on the table, his look inscrutable. “I didn’t know. My sister, Annabel, makes scented soap. I think that might be what you’re smelling. I don’t wear cologne.”
    “She’s got a talent there, to be sure.”
    “I suppose she does.”
    I longed to know why he hadn’t found a wife yet, but I kept that question to myself. “Well, it looks like it’s all gone.”
    “I’m sorry I ate everything.”
    I got to my feet. “It’s no matter. There’s more where that came from. I’ll be back tomorrow to cook something new. I can sure get used to three square meals a day.” My hands went to my hips. “Your collection of newspapers and books is something I’d like to look into more too, unless you don’t want me prying into your things.”
    “Like finding my key and taking over my kitchen?”
    “You said I could use your cook stove. I had your permission.”
    “I’m teasing, Celia.” He got to his feet. “I’ll walk you to the door. Thank you again for supper. It really was delicious. What other things can you make?”
    This was a favorite topic. “Baked Apple Dumplings and all sorts of puddings, and steak with gravy and fried chicken with potatoes and gravy. I like anything with gravy.”
    “So do I.”
    I turned to him at the door. “If I had a recipe book, I could cook whatever you wanted. What do you like to eat?”
    “I’ve no preference, but I hate brussels sprouts.”
    “I don’t like those either, no matter how you make them.”
    “You have a lovely evening, Celia. Enjoy your bath and your book.”
    “I will. I’ll be as clean as a whistle soon enough. I’d say another bath or two should do it.”
    “You look just fine.”
    I wondered what sort of women appealed to him. “I’ll look better once I’m not so fat.”
    “You’re not fat. You’re with child.”
    “But nothing I own fits. None of these dresses were designed for this sort of thing. I’m eager to wear clothes that fit properly.”
    “You won’t have to wait long.”
    “I know.”
    “You’re going to need a little bed for the baby and a chair. I might lend you my rocking chair. That way you can feed him in it.”
    My grin grew. “And now you’re calling the baby him.”
    “You said you were having a boy.”
    “I sure hope so. If it’s a girl, she’s gonna be really