Read Online Tuesday's Child by Clare Revell - Free Book Online Page B

reached for the glass of water. “Really?”
    “God doesn’t want him to be alone. It says so in the Bible. And if I had an auntie, then I wouldn’t be palmed off on babysitters so much. Assuming she was a stay-at-home auntie and not a works-all-the-hours-God-gives-her auntie.”
    Adeline took several swallows of the water, wondering how to respond.
    She knew marriage was the preferred state, and God designed men and women for that. However, it was also true that He called some people to remain single, that they might serve Him better that way. It was hard. She knew all too well how hard it was to be alone. She prayed daily for the one special person she hoped was waiting for her. But she also knew that God constantly gave her the strength to face every day alone.
    Looking at Vianne, Adeline smiled. “Uncle Nate told you that, did he?”
    “No. Uncle Dane told him one night when I was playing in the hall. I have a list of candidates. Would you like to see it?”
    “Maybe when you come to dinner on Wednesday. I don’t think you want Uncle Nate overhearing your list.”
    Vianne’s choice of language was impressive, if a little adult at times. She obviously spent way too much time with adults rather than children her own age.
    “Did you want to apply? I can add your name after dinner.”
    “Me?” Adeline choked again, this time sparking a proper coughing fit. Her eyes watered and she was dimly aware of someone thumping her back. Finally, the lump shifted and she could breathe.
    Nate stood there, holding out fresh water.
    She took it and swallowed several large mouthfuls. “Sorry.”
    “Are you all right?”
    She nodded. “It just went down the wrong way.”
    “Vianne said it had bones in it.”
    “No. It’s really nice.”
    Nate sat down. “So long as you’re all right.”
    “I’m fine.” Adeline glanced at Vianne, who put a finger to her lips. She nodded and picked up her fork again.
     
    ****
     
    After dinner, with Vianne taking her time in the bath, Nate smiled across at Adeline. He’d been wrong earlier in the way he’d spoken to her. But she’d accepted his apology, which was good. And despite choking on the food, she appeared to have enjoyed it and so far escaped without any repercussions.
    “You realize I’ve never cooked for a woman before,” he told her.
    “Really? Doesn’t Vianne count?” She sipped her coffee, the other hand petting Ben.
    “You know what I mean. Since Pete died, I haven’t had time to do anything other than be a surrogate father. I always saw myself as married with kids by now. Guess I have the kids, well kid, but it’s not the same.”
    “Do you wish things were different?”
    “Sometimes. It’d be nice to come home to another adult to talk to, to have dinner ready occasionally.”
    “Just occasionally?”
    “Well, maybe seven nights a week…” He wasn’t sure his teasing tone carried over in lip reading so he winked at her to prove his point.
    Adeline laughed. “Would she have to have your pipe filled and your slippers by the fire?”
    “Naturally, though I’d have to start smoking first.” He sipped his coffee. “The house would be spotless, and she’d change from her work dress and apron into an evening gown, and wait on me hand and foot.”
    “You know she doesn’t exist except in your mind, right?”
    Nate snorted. “Yeah, but a man can dream, can’t he?”
    “As long as he knows the difference between the dream and reality.” Adeline grinned.
    “I do.”
    “Just as well, because the perfect woman isn’t me and I’m pretty sure I’m never likely to be.”
    Nate eyed her. “That’s fine with me. Perfection is over rated. I like women who know their own mind and work at jobs they love, whether it’s at home or somewhere else. I like women who enjoy life, good food, and aren’t so into their looks it becomes an obsession. Like you. You look nice.”
    Color flooded her cheeks. “You’re just saying that.”
    “No, I mean it.” He