Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,22

with the Brownings, and they were fine with the room and board fee I suggested. Therefore, you needn’t worry.”

Clint looked momentarily unhappy. Perhaps he was offended at being left out of the decision-making. His dismay didn’t last, however, and he smiled. “I’m glad you worked it out before you came. I’ll see that the Indians get your things over to the Browning house.”

“No need,” her father replied. “I believe we four men can manage it.”

Connie knew Clint used to abhor manual labor. It appeared he still felt the same way, despite his seeming helpfulness on the trip south.

“I’m sure you’re right,” Clint replied.

“I nearly forgot. There are several crates of goods for the people.” Connie turned to her mother. “Aunt Phinny sent some, and Nancy and the boardinghouse ladies sent others.”

“How kind. We can go through it all in the next few days and get it disbursed. There’s so much need here that I’m sure none of it will go to waste. Now, why don’t you and Tom come on in the house, and we’ll have a bite to eat. I’ll have it ready in about twenty minutes. Clint, you’re welcome to join us as well. We can get the crates after lunch.”

“I’d like to, but unfortunately I have some issues that need my immediate attention. Maybe another time.” He tipped his hat and looked at Tom. “I’d be happy to show you around the reservation later. It would be good to let the people see you with me.”

“Thank you.” Tom glanced at Connie.

She decided to volunteer to join them. “I’ll come along as well.”

Clint seemed surprised by this. “I figured you’d want to spend time with your folks before getting to work. The people know who you are. It’s Tom who’s a stranger. Your father and I can see that the people get to know him little by little. It should make your job easier to do in the long run.”

“We don’t have the luxury of taking our time with this project,” Connie replied. “The government has a very definite expectation of seeing results immediately. I’m sure you understand how that works. Tom and I have to send in our first report in less than two months.” She smiled at Tom. “But I know we can manage.”

“I’m going to run over and see the Johnsons,” Isaac said. “They have a cow giving birth, and she was having trouble, last I checked. I want to make sure they don’t need an extra hand. I’ll be at lunch as soon as I can.”

“Make sure you clean up before you come to the table,” Mama called after him.

“I will!”

Connie looped her arm through her mother’s as they walked toward the Browning residence. The house sat outside the reservation boundaries, but not by much. The two-story log home had a small front porch, and there were flower boxes under the windows on either side of the house. Papa had always tended to the needs of the building, and as Isaac had grown up, he learned at their father’s side what was important to managing one’s property. Mama, on the other hand, had taught Connie sewing and cooking, as well as gardening and the important art of making vinegar. Her family held a strong belief that vinegar could cure most any ailment, as well as wash or purify whatever needed it. Vinegar was every bit as important as water to Connie’s family.

She was surprised when Clint spoke up. She hadn’t realized he’d followed them.

“I think you should still consider doing things my way,” Clint said. “There have been conflicts among some of the tribal members. I wouldn’t want either of you to get hurt by wandering around without me. Things aren’t the same as they were when you left.”

Connie was touched by the concern in his tone. “Perhaps you could take us around the first time. However, Tom and I should be seen together, since we’re working together. I have a trust to build with the people as well.”

“I suppose you’re right. You have been gone for seven years.” He looked at her as if really seeing her for the first time. “A lot has changed in that time,” he murmured.

Connie felt flushed under his scrutiny. Could it be that she still had feelings for him? For so long she’d pushed such thoughts aside, knowing that he saw her as nothing but a child. Now that she was grown, perhaps his feelings were changing. But did she want them to? She looked at Tom,