Read Online The Unexpected Bride by Debra Ullrick - Free Book Online Page B

spoken. “Mother said, ‘You know, Rainelle, if I knew my motherwas at the end of the earth, I would crawl through thistles and thorns to see her again.’ As a child I never really understood because I never really knew my grandmother. But now,” she sniffed, “I understand those words only too well. I, too, would crawl through thistles and thorns to see my mother again. I miss her more than words can say.”
    Tears slipped over her eyelids, and she quickly brushed them away before continuing. “Any time I was sad or hurting, mother would comfort me. We spent many hours going for long walks. Mother would regale me with tales of her childhood. She constantly helped me, protected me and defended me. She always put her family’s needs before her own.”
    With a clatter of his fork, Haydon rose. “I need to get my chores done. Thank you for breakfast, Mother.” He gave Rainee a quick nod and headed out the door, and she immediately felt the loss of his presence.
    “Your mother sounds like a wonderful person.” Katherine’s voice snagged her attention away from Haydon’s retreating form.
    Rainee slid her gaze toward Katherine. “Yes, she was.”
    “Listen, why don’t you eat your breakfast and then go for a nice long walk? It will do you good.”
    A long walk did sound good. “Thank you. I would like that.” She picked up her knife, cut a bite-size piece of bacon and put it in her mouth.
    She knew she was about to do something that would not be deemed acceptable back home, but this was not home, and she wanted to help. She finished chewing and swallowed. “Katherine, is there anything you would like me to help with around here? I would love to help you and earn my keep until the stagecoach comes backthrough.” Then what would she do? She had no money in which to purchase a ticket. Those thoughts picked the worst moments to spring their unhappiness on her. She squared her shoulders in the face of them. With God’s help, she would figure something out. The Lord did not bring her this far only to abandon her.
    “Don’t you worry about that. You’re my guest.”
    Her hostess’s kind hospitality flooded Rainee. However, she would not trespass on the woman’s kindness. When she got back from her walk, she would pitch in and help with chores. “Thank you.” Rainee finished her meal, put her plate in the water and headed outside.
    Warm sunshine greeted her when she stepped off the porch. She tilted her face toward the sun, relishing the feel of it on her face. For now she was free. And freedom had never felt so good.
     
    Haydon backed Lulu and Sally up to the wagon. He needed to head into town for a few supplies and to think. After hearing Rainee talk about her mother and seeing her tears, he had to get away. He had always been powerless in the face of tears, tears he couldn’t dry.
    “Mr. Bowen.”
    He pressed his eyes together before standing and turning around. “Haydon.”
    She nodded. “Are you going into town, Haydon?”
    He went back to strapping the horses. “Yes. Is there something I can get for you?”
    “Would you mind if I go along?”
    His hands froze mid-air. Yes, he minded. So many emotions were running through his head, he just wanted to get away and think. But seeing her standing there with her hands clutched and her eyes downcast, he knew what how hard it was for her to ask. He would not berude, no matter how much she reminded him of Melanie, especially dressed in her fancy attire. “Are you sure you’re up to traveling so soon?”
    “Yes. Yes, I am.”
    “Very well then. Can you be ready to go in a few minutes? I have a lot to do today.”
    “Yes. Just let me run in and grab my satchel.” She whirled and scurried to the house.
    Dear God, give me the grace to get through this with my sanity intact.
    By the time he fastened the last strap, Rainee had appeared at the wagon holding her satchel and a letter. He wondered who the letter was to but figured it was her business, not