“You’re sure this is what you want to do?” Kate stood in the doorway, Ellie perched on her hip.
“I’ve made up my mind.”
“Is this because Conner and I moved into the house?”
Annie folded a warm woolen skirt and added it to the contents of the satchel, considering her answer. “You need your own space but it’s more than that.” Not that she was sure she could put it into words. “It’s time for me to move on.”
Kate continued to look troubled. “But you’re prepared to enter into a loveless marriage if Hugh agrees?”
“Seems to me love is only asking to be hurt. Besides, it’s not that he’s ugly or a criminal or anything.”
Kate chuckled low in her throat. “It sounds like you better be careful if you’re hoping to avoid love.”
Oh, she’d be careful. She had no intention of falling in love. “We both understand the terms of our agreement.” She kept her attention on her task. “Which at this point does not include marriage. I have yet to convince him it’s the perfect solution.” Satisfied she had enough clothing, she glanced around the room, picked up her brush and hand mirror, her Bible and the picture of Mama and Pa on their wedding day. She tucked those into her bag. “I’ll get the rest of my things later.”
“We’ll miss you,” Kate said as they descended the stairs.
Annie encountered her brothers as she made her way to the outer door.
“You’re sure this is what you want to do?” Conner asked. Dawson hung over his shoulder, silently echoing the question. “There’s only one reason to get married,” Dawson said.
Conner nodded. “If you love the person so much you can’t imagine life without him or her.”
The two of them silently challenged her.
“This is my chance to pursue the life I want.”
They backed down in the face of her determination.
“I’ll take you to town,” Conner said.
Dawson elbowed him aside. “I’m taking her. I’m the oldest plus you have a wife and baby.” He chucked Ellie under the chin, winning him a giggle.
“You have a wife and a daughter as well,” Conner pointed out.
“Yes, but Mattie is old enough to be of help to Isabelle.”
Annie pushed past them. “You two can stand here arguing all day but I want to get back before dark.” She hurried to the loaded wagon. By the time she climbed aboard, Dawson joined her and took up the reins. “Guess it helps to be the oldest.”
“It’s got its perks. I wish I could change your mind.”
“Grandfather will worry if I’m not back soon.”
“Fine.” They made the trip to Bella Creek with little conversation. Dawson seemed to have accepted Annie’s decision.
In town they went directly to the parsonage. Dawson lifted Annie down and hurried her inside to the warm kitchen, where Grandfather and Hugh sat at the table and little Evan remained huddled in the corner.
Annie had explained about Evan but Dawson still looked a little shocked to see the boy in such a state.
“You need a hand with things?” Hugh asked, and at Dawson’s affirmative reply, went out to help carry in Grandfather’s chair and the other things Annie had hastily packed.
The bags were taken to two of the rooms down the hall. The previous preacher had six daughters and two sons so there were plenty of bedrooms to choose from. Annie chose one close to the kitchen with Grandfather next door. Hugh indicated the second hall where he and Evan slept.
Annie said goodbye to Dawson then turned to consider the kitchen. Mentally she began to plan the evening meal and how to take care of Evan.
Hugh returned from waving goodbye to Dawson. “Annie, could I please speak to you in my office?”
At the hard, flat tone of his voice, Annie’s heart sank. Had he changed his mind?
Copyright © 2017 by Linda Ford
ISBN-13: 9781488017896
A Mistaken Match
Copyright © 2017 by Whitney Bailey
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