This evening, he’d ask what bothered her and do what he could to right the wrong. Mind made up, he urged his mount to a gallop and headed to the stables.
When he walked into the house later that evening, the smell of food made his stomach grumble. Esther sat in a chair, her head lolled to the side as she slept. Surprise surged in Elias as she’d never been the type to nap.
“Esther?” Elias touched her shoulder, careful not to scare her. “Are you unwell?”
Her eyes popped open and, seeming disoriented for a moment, she scanned the room before meeting his gaze. “Goodness, I must have fallen asleep.” Her eyes rounded. “I hope the food didn’t burn.” She jumped to her feet and rushed to the kitchen.
Elias followed. “How are you feeling? You’ve never slept during the day before.”
“I don’t know.” She let out a long sigh. “I think I’m...expecting.”
“Oh.” The room shifted and Elias gripped the closest surface for balance. “A child?”
Her lips curved. “Yes.”
“Are you certain?” He couldn’t help but smile in return.
“Pretty certain, yes.”
“We’ll hire someone to come and take care of the household.” Elias took her arm. “Sit down. I’ll serve the food.”
Esther would not sit, insisting she was fine. She did not allow him to fill the plates or place food on the table. She also insisted he not treat her differently, nor did she wish to have anyone to come help in the house. “I barely did anything last time, so I will have to think it was not supposed to happen. This time, it will be different. I can sense it.”
Elias laughed when she ate more than her usual dainty portion. He had to make an excuse when she demanded to know what was so funny.
“Filbert fell over sideways today. He was mounting when the horse shifted sideways and it made him lose his balance.”
Indeed, he’d laughed at the older man. The fall, coupled with his high-pitched scream, had been comical. But he now enjoyed seeing Esther eat like a cow herder, piling a third helping of potatoes on her plate.
“When do you want to tell Evan and Aurora?”
She stopped with her spoon midway to her mouth. “Not until another month passes. We have to be sure. Don’t you agree?”
Elias liked that she included him in the situation. “I agree.”
“Elias?” A soft pink colored her cheeks. “How do you feel about me?”
The question was unexpected and he coughed, a morsel of food lodging itself in the wrong way. “I have told you.”
“Repeat it then.” She studied him with a crinkle between her brows and lips pursed. “I don’t believe you ever have.”
“Well, I...care...and...” How to tell her he couldn’t fathom a day without her. That he looked forward every day when he could come home and spend the evening in her company. There weren’t the words to express how he sometimes resented the hours she spent in town or visited the Sullivans because they took her away from him. His dependence on her had become unreasonable. As much as he tried not to, sometimes he had to laugh at how much he’d changed because of his wife.
“Never mind. Obviously the question is too difficult for you.” Esther crossed her arms and leaned back. “I’m not sure why I asked.” She blinked quickly and looked away.
“It’s not a difficult question. I know how I feel about you. Just not sure how to say it.”
She pushed away from the table. “It’s fine. I better get these cleaned up. I’m rather tired.”
He took her hand to ensure she’d not get up. “I love you, Esther.”
A soft gasp left her and Esther’s rounded eyes met his. “What? You don’t have to say that.”
“I mean it. You’re the most important person in my life.”
Her face brightened and her lips curved. “Sincerely?”
“Truly.”
She tugged her hand free and lifted the spoon. “I should finish my meal.”
“Aren’t you going to tell me you love me, too?” Elias teased.
Esther laughed. “No. I’ve told you more than enough times.”
When she leaned forward to kiss him and her lips pressed over his, Elias closed his eyes.
All was well.
* * *
The End
BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS
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Wilhelmina, A Winter Bride
Aurura, A Romantic Bride
Lucille, A Lucky Bride
Esther, An Easter Bride
Sarah, A Festive Bride (Summer 2017)
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BRIDES FOR ALL SEASONS - WYOMING
Christina, A Christmas Bride (Nov 2017)
Whether a rancher, a highlander or a hunky cowboy, you will fall in love with Hildie McQueen's heroes!
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Hello, Dear Reader. Writing is my dream come true. There is nothing I love more than bringing my characters and stories to life and sharing them with you.
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I thoroughly loved writing Esther and Elias’ story. If you enjoyed Esther, An Easter Bride, please recommend it to your friends and family and leave me a review.
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Esther, An Easter Bride (Brides for all Seasons Book 4) Page 12
