Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,9
Nancy returned to the kitchen.
“Would you pour a third, please? I’m going to take this to Seth. He’s resting in the office, and I think it might be just the thing for him.”
“It is a rather warm day.” Faith poured lemonade into a third glass, then returned the pitcher to the icebox. No doubt they would need to make some more, but for now she was just going to sit down and enjoy a bit of rest.
Nancy came back from seeing her husband, beaming a smile. “He’s getting stronger every day. I know he’s frustrated at not being able to jump back into his legal work, but it’s so hard for him to work for very long because his head starts to hurt. He wants to be able to play with Jack and go places with me, but I’m just delighted that he’s alive.”
“These kinds of wounds take time to heal. It might be as much as a year or more before Seth is completely healed. He needs to be patient, or it will only slow his healing.”
“I’m sure you’re right, but I know he also worries about the man or men who did this. He worries they might strike again. He’s confident that Lakewood was answering to someone.”
Faith nodded. “Worry won’t change a thing. We’ll be on our guard, and I know the police check the house regularly.”
“I know.” Nancy collected her glass of lemonade and brought it to the table. “Want to help me peel potatoes?”
“Sure. Just bring me a knife. Mother always said I was a faster peeler than she was. It took me several years to realize she only said that because my pride would puff up and I’d insist on peeling all the potatoes.”
Nancy laughed and brought a huge bowl of potatoes to the table, along with two knives. She poured the spuds out onto the bare wood. “She’s a smart one. I’ll have to remember that when teaching Jack.”
“Are you going to teach him to cook?” Faith picked up one of the knives and a potato.
“I am. My mother always maintained that boys needed to know how to cook as well as girls. At least the fundamentals.” Nancy took a long sip of lemonade and then got to work. “Father agrees. He used to have to cook for himself quite often when he was working as a trapper.”
“I think it’s reasonable to have men learn to cook. Andrew isn’t much for it, but the cook on the ship is quite adept.”
“When will Andrew and the Morning Star return to Portland?”
Faith finished the small spud and deposited it before grabbing another. “In another week. I miss him so much. If I hadn’t had those obligations with the college and Connie wasn’t returning, I might have gone along with him.”
“I certainly would have. You’ve only been married a couple of weeks, and Connie’s been gone seven years. You can wait a few more weeks to see her. I, for one, would rather be in my husband’s arms.” Nancy gave Faith a conspiratorial smile.
Faith felt her cheeks flush. “I would too.”
A knock interrupted their exchange, and Faith got to her feet. “I’ll see who it is.” She strolled to the door and opened it wide. “Mr. Singleton, if I’m not mistaken.” She laughed. “I haven’t seen you in years.”
Clint Singleton laughed heartily. “It has been a long time, Miss Faith, but you’re as pretty as ever.”
“I’m an old married lady now. I married steamboat captain Andrew Gratton two weeks ago, so you may call me Mrs. Faith.” She laughed. “Actually, just Faith will suffice.”
“Congratulations.” He dusted off his coat.
“Won’t you come in? We knew you’d be showing up one of these days. I know my cousin will be glad for the escort back to the reservation.”
“Your aunt Mercy was just telling me the other day that it has been seven years. I hadn’t stopped to think of it, but I realized she was right.”
Faith led him through the house to the kitchen. “Nancy, Mr. Singleton has come.”
Nancy looked up. “Forgive me if I don’t rise. Supper must be prepared for the boarders.”
“That’s quite all right. You don’t need to rise for me.”
“How was your trip? Did you just arrive?”
He smiled. “It was lengthy but good. And yes, I just got in a few minutes ago on the Lady Luck.”
“Another paddle-wheeler,” Faith said as if explanation was needed. “Well, I’m certain coming by river was easier than the stage.”