“After all, both of you ladies have new babies. You are probably weak and tired.”
Louise laughed at Missy’s teasing. “I confess I’m tired, but that’s all.”
Linette chuckled, too. “No one who has been through what Louise has been through can be accused of being weak.”
“You haven’t begun to hear all the things she’s done.” Missy’s voice was so full of admiration it brought a rush of heat to Louise’s cheeks, especially as they had returned to the sitting room and Nate overheard her comments.
Linette handed around the tea and offered cookies. “I want to hear every detail.”
At that moment the outer door in the kitchen opened and closed.
“That will be Eddie,” Linette said, her face glowing with love.
Louise lowered her head, unable to face the comparison between Linette and Eddie, and herself and Nate. Her heart felt near to bursting with the secret knowledge of all she wanted—a home, a family and Nate’s love.
Eddie strode into the room with a little boy at his side. He kissed his wife on the forehead. Linette took his hand and introduced Louise and Missy and the baby.
She drew the boy to her side. “This is our son, Grady. He’s five.”
“Almost six,” Grady said with some importance. He peeked at the baby, then turned his attention to some toys nearby.
“Welcome,” Eddie said. He reached for Nate’s hand. “Congratulations.”
Again, Louise lowered her gaze and studied her white-tipped fingers that lay twisted together in her lap.
When Eddie sat down to visit, Louise wondered if Nate would reveal the real reason for her arrival. She didn’t wonder for long.
“There is a man after Missy and Louise.” Nate quickly explained how Vic meant to own the women and sell the baby.
Linette and Eddie both gasped.
“I expect the Mounties will have captured him by now.” Nate tried to sound assuring. “But until we hear that’s the case, I’d appreciate knowing everyone is watching for the man.”
Eddie nodded. “We certainly will be.”
Linette got to her feet. “I must finish supper preparations. Slim—I mean, Nate—you will stay and eat with us.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Louise looked at Nate then and grinned.
He gave a mocking smile. “You don’t argue with the boss’s wife,” he murmured.
Linette made a dismissive noise. “It will be ready shortly, but first I must feed young Jonathan.” The baby had barely made a fuss, while Chloe protested every time Nate stopped rocking.
“Chloe needs to eat, too.” As Louise took her baby from Nate, her gaze connected with his. She wanted him to understand she was sorry but feared all her eyes showed was her regret that it was time to end their pretend marriage.
His look told her nothing and she turned away, lest he see how much she wanted him to stay.
She and Linette fed their babies in the kitchen. Linette insisted Louise take the rocking chair while she sat in an armed wooden chair.
Meanwhile, Missy set the table and followed Linette’s clear instructions on what needed to be done.
The meal was excellent, roast beef as she had never before tasted, plenty of potatoes, carrots and canned beans that Linette said came from her own garden.
Louise would have enjoyed the meal more if her thoughts didn’t whirl around in her head seeking some way to let Nate know she wanted the marriage to last.
As soon as was polite, Nate stood. “Thanks for the meal. Now I’ll call it a night. I’ll sleep in the bunkhouse with the boys.”
“You’re more than welcome to stay with your wife,” Linette protested.
“I think he’s hoping for a good night’s sleep.” Louise prayed she’d succeeded in sounding a little amused as she followed Nate to the door. Words crowded her mind. Words she ached to have the right to say. I love you. Please stay with me. And she didn’t mean tonight in this house. She meant forever.
He paused a moment at the entryway, looking down at her. She wouldn’t meet his gaze. She understood his reasons for hurrying away. He’d fulfilled his promise to get her safely to Eden Valley Ranch. Now he was angry or at least disappointed that she had cost him his ranch. Though, to be perfectly fair, he had understood he had until Christmas.