Pony Express Courtship by Rhonda Gibson Page B

the moment, wasn’t it? His gaze moved to the wagon. “I thought you might like to have the wagon to start loading up Mrs. Miller’s things.”
    â€œOh. Well. That was very sweet of you,” she answered, though her expression made him think she doubted that was what he’d intended.
    â€œI’ll go take care of my business and then come back and help you finish loading,” he offered.
    Mrs. Miller came out of the kitchen. She smiled at Seth.
    â€œHello.”
    He nodded at her, tipping his hat. She was a plump little woman with graying brown hair and sparkling blue eyes. Seth fought the urge to stare. She reminded him of his grandmother. A lump the size of river bedrock clogged his throat and he quickly turned away from the women. “I’ll be back shortly.” He was surprised that his vocal chords worked at all. He hurried away and couldn’t get away from them fast enough. His heart felt as if someone had plunged a knife through it. He’d thought he was done grieving for the woman who raised him, but he was wrong.
    He walked to the livery with a heavy heart. Seeing Mrs. Miller made him realize that he needed to finish his job with the Pony Express so he could find the mail-order bride he’d promised his grandmother he’d marry. He had to get away from the family that made him long to be a part of them.

Chapter Nine
    A few days later, Rebecca happily baked sugar cookies in the kitchen while Joy played on the rug in the living room. The little girl had helped to make the batter and shape the sweet treats, but for the actual baking process, Rebecca insisted that she do it alone.
    Fay sat at the table reading her Bible. Every so often the older woman would say “Amen.” Or “Yes, yes, Lord.” Rebecca knew she wasn’t talking to her, but to her Bible and God. It hadn’t taken Rebecca long to learn that Fay had a true love for their Lord. She prayed that someday she’d have the same strong convictions as Fay. Oh, Rebecca loved the Lord, but knew she failed Him in many ways.
    Having Fay around the house had turned into a wonderful blessing. The older woman pitched in with the chores and meal preparation. She helped the boys if they needed something done, such as mending a sock or washing a shirt. And could the woman ever cook! What a blessing that was to Rebecca. She thanked the Lord she no longer had to eat her own cooking all the time.
    At first, she’d been worried about how the kids would adapt to Fay moving in, but they all welcomed her with open arms. Fay said she enjoyed having them around and helping out around the house.
    â€œWhat time will the stage arrive?” Fay asked, looking up from her Bible.
    Rebecca glanced at the clock that sat beside the stove. “In about thirty minutes. Mr. Bromley sent a new schedule and it said around one.” She looked at the plates of cookies and the sandwiches. “Do you think I should offer hot tea for the ladies?”
    Fay shrugged. “If you have it, it can’t hurt.” A grin split her face. “I wouldn’t mind having a cup myself.”
    â€œThen I’ll make a pot.” Rebecca pulled her other coffeepot from under the cabinet and poured fresh water into it. John had spoiled her years ago by purchasing the extra pot. Every day she found some way to remember him.
    As she made the tea, Rebecca allowed her thoughts to linger on her deceased husband. When she’d taken the job here on the farm as his mother’s helper, she’d never dreamed they’d end up married. John’s father had wanted his son married before he passed on and since Rebecca was the only gal around who was close to his age, John had offered to marry her when his mother died. By doing so, he’d fulfilled his father’s wish and made sure that Rebecca would always be cared for. They had been good friends, and even though they weren’t in love, he’d made sure she was