Grace: Bride of Montana (American Mail-Order Bride 41) by Debra Holland

eyes, so touched was she by her new friend’s gesture. “Trudy Flanigan, you must have been cooking for us for days .”
    Frey shook his head before glancing at Grace. “I wouldn’t have managed this feast on my own. I must say I’ve done a spectacular job of choosing friends.”
    “That you have,” Seth agreed with a nod.
    Frey’s expression turned serious. He saluted Trudy with his water glass. “You were instrumental in leading me—” he raised the glass to Grace, holding her gaze with his “—to my beautiful bride.”
    Grace’s cheeks heated.
    Trudy and Seth clapped in appreciation.
    Anna echoed their gestures, smacking her chubby hands together.
    After the last bites of their slices of cake were eaten, Trudy rose and started clearing the table.
    “That was such a lovely meal, Trudy.” Grace stood and picked up her plate and silverware.
    Trudy made a down motion. “This is your wedding celebration. You are supposed to be waited on. And you need to be careful of your dress.”
    Grace merely smiled and kept on clearing. “I have a brand new kitchen, thanks to my brand new husband.” She sent Frey a flirtatious look from under her eyelashes. “I can’t wait to try it out. I’ll be careful of the dress.”
    Frey waggled his eyebrows. “Well, a brand new unfinished kitchen. I’m sorry you’ll have to rough it for a while.”
    Trudy chuckled. “I know the feeling of having a new kitchen. Wait until you see the finished version. I love mine!”
    Frey directed a charming smile at Trudy. “I second my bride in thanking you for such a wonderful meal.” He glanced from her to Seth. “We are blessed to have friends like you two….” He waited a beat for dramatic effect. “Ones you can put to work . Come on, my friend, let’s go cobble together something for the chickens to roost in for the night.”
    Seth chuckled, then handed George to Trudy and rose.
    Frey stood and dropped his napkin next to his plate. “Ladies.” He nodded at George. “And one gentleman. Until we return,” he said with a flourish. The men left the room.
    Grace looked around the kitchen, tapping her chin. “Since there isn’t a counter, why don’t we move the table next to the stove?” She gestured to the three large pots of water, two of Trudy’s and one of Frey’s, simmering on the stove. “The water’s already warm, and we’ll just wash and rinse them right there.”
    “Good idea.” Trudy set George on the floor with a couple of spoons and a pot.
    Anna seemed content to play drums with her brother.
    The two women fell into a companionable rhythm, with Grace washing and Trudy drying. Grace liked the camaraderie of them working together.
    While they worked, Trudy delivered a lecture on how to take care of the chickens, raising her voice to be heard over the children’s tap-tap-taps . She finished her advice just as the last dish was dried and set on the table.
    “I appreciate you lending us everything for the wedding supper—” Grace waved at the crates “—and for all the food and supplies.”
    “I’m only doing for you what was done for me. It’s frightening, leaving all you know—to tie yourself for life to a stranger and a community.” Her mouth pulled into a tight line. “When I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms. That made such a difference to me, and I know that attitude helped our marriage get off to a good start. I was happy instead of lonely and uncomfortable. I’ve tried my best to give that feeling to others.”
    Grace thought about what her new friend had said. “I think you’re right. Why, if it were just the two of us, Frey and I might have sat here in awkward silence. Instead, this whole day has been filled with lively conversation. I not only listened to the stories you shared and came to know you all better. I watched Frey’s interactions with you both, as well as the children, and that makes me feel good about him. We laughed and joked. I feel far more comfortable with my