Gabrielle: Bride of Vermont (American Mail-Order Bride 14) by Emily Claire

new home.”
    She set the cup down firmly and fled the kitchen, heading to her own room where she quietly closed the door behind her.
     
    *******
     
    A couple of hours later, the morning was accompanied by dark and heavy clouds. Gabrielle lingered in her bed a few minutes longer than she should have. The room was chilly, the bed was warm and cozy. Ah, Sunday! I’m so glad you’re here. She decided she’d cook and then clean up quickly after breakfast so she could curl up on the couch with a warm blanket and the book she’d been wanting to read. She loved reading and taking naps on Sunday afternoons, if she could find the time to do it. Today would be the first time in months that she’d actually have the opportunity to relax and have time to do what she wanted to do, rather than what she needed to do.
    Frowning, she remembered that there was now another person to consider in her home. She realized she wouldn’t be lounging on the sofa. If Buck saw her, she’d appear lazy.
    Finally dragging herself out of bed, she stumbled into the kitchen. Boone had been there. She saw that he’d set plates and utensils on the table before he’d gone outside to do his chores. She smiled, noting he’d already made and poured a cup of coffee for her. He left it warming on the edge of the stove.
    She fried some bacon and had freshly sliced bread ready when he came in half an hour later. “Good morning!” He set a basket of eggs on the table, then removed his coat and hung it over the back of the chair. He rubbed his hands together vigorously. “It’s a bit chilly out there this morning. I thought I’d save you the trip to the hen house. It’s not raining yet, but I reckon we’ll have a good storm later today. We’ll take the buggy, though, in case it does rain.”
    “Good morning yourself.” She gave him a weary smile while she leaned with her back against the counter, hands wrapped around her coffee cup. She lifted it slightly before she took a sip, thus acknowledging the fact that he’d prepared it for her. “Were you able to go back to sleep?”
    Boone nodded as he took his place at the table. “Yes, ma’am. Nothing keeps me from sleeping, except for maybe some occasional divine intervention.” He tilted his head to the side, thinking. “Then again, a woman screaming is pretty effective, too.”
    He looked at her compassionately. “I’m sorry for your rude awakening. You must’ve been terrified.” Smiling, he added, “Apparently you can handle yourself though, Breezy. I’d bet that Buck’s gonna have a bit of a black eye when we see him later.” He raised his fists and punched the air, demonstrating a right hook.
    Gabrielle wasn’t yet recovered enough from the incident to be amused. “Well, I can’t say he didn’t deserve it. Why didn’t he let you know he’d be returning?”
    “I guess he didn’t feel he had to. This is his home. He knows he’s always welcome here.”
    She quickly fried a few eggs, wondering how long Buck would stay. Boone was right, it was Buck’s home, too. It dawned on her that she was already comfortable in her new home and was surprised that she had a slight feeling that Buck was something of an intruder.
    Placing their plates on the table, she sat down and bowed her head, waiting while Boone went through his prayer ritual. She was already accustomed to it.
    As soon as he started eating, she asked him a question. “You said something about going somewhere in the buggy. I don’t remember you mentioning that. Did we forget something in town?
    Boone shook his head and swallowed his bite. “I’m guessing your lack of sleep has you confused, doesn’t it? It’s Sunday.”
    Of course! He’s going to church and he expects me to go with him.
    “Oh, yes. I guess it is Sunday. I’ve been a little off track ever since my travel across the country. And then living out here in the country and all, I suppose I haven’t paid too much attention to the days of the week.
    Should I