Mail Order Mommy. Christine Johnson

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СКАЧАТЬ the same as always.

      Yet he found her presence distasteful ever since the schoolhouse fire. Pearl assured her time and again that she’d explained to Garrett what had happened that day, how Amanda had struggled to keep the children together. They’d been so frightened when she hurried them out of the schoolhouse and marched them up the hill away from the blaze. She’d been so busy with the little ones entrusted to her care that she hadn’t noticed Sadie was missing. How had she missed that?

      She swayed and put a hand against the wall to steady herself.

      On that terrible day, she had nearly lost her dearest friend and the little girl she loved. From that moment forward, Garrett had stopped talking to her. He no longer asked her to watch the children. Fiona claimed that role.

      Amanda glanced toward the staircase. What had happened between Garrett and Fiona? Instead of the proposal she had expected, Fiona had loudly refused to be hired. Why would Garrett need to hire a woman? Not for the sawmill. Pearl’s laughter had made that clear. Maybe Roland needed help at the store and had sent Garrett on the errand. Then why not offer the position to Amanda? Pearl knew how badly she needed work. Moreover, she had worked at the store once last summer. Fiona had not. Did Garrett mistrust her so much that he wouldn’t even recommend her for a job at the mercantile?

      Amanda nibbled her lip.

      Pearl joined her. “What did Garrett say?”

      “Nothing. He left.”

      “That’s curious.”

      “Does Roland need help at the store?”

      “Not that I know of. Why would you ask?”

      “Because Fiona refused whatever job Garrett offered her. You heard her.”

      The front door burst open. Amanda leaped back at the cold rush of air. Garrett paused in the doorway, looking alternately at her and Pearl.

      “Come in or leave,” Pearl scolded, “but don’t stand there with the door open. Mrs. Calloway will wring your neck for letting out the warmth.”

      Garrett stepped inside, closed the door and removed his cap. His ruggedly handsome face glowed red, though Amanda couldn’t tell if it was from embarrassment or the cold.

      “I’m sorry, Miss Pearl.” He turned the cap around and around in his hands.

      Amanda stepped back, ready to bolt for her room, but Pearl caught her arm and would not let her retreat.

      “Did you wish to speak with someone?” Pearl asked. “Fiona, perhaps?”

      He shook his head, gaze averted, and cleared his throat. “I wondered...” Again he cleared his throat.

      “What did you wonder?” Pearl prompted.

      He peeked at Amanda before lowering his gaze again. “Might I speak with Miss Porter?” He crushed the cap in his hands.

      “Of course. Amanda would be glad to speak with you. Why don’t you two go into the parlor?” Pearl pushed her toward the parlor door.

      Amanda’s heart pounded. Garrett wanted to speak to her? And he was having difficulty speaking? Why? He shouldn’t be nervous about offering her employment. Unless his return had nothing to do with that. Maybe he was going to tell Amanda never to see his children again. Her throat constricted.

      She looked back at Pearl, who tipped her head, encouraging her to go into the parlor. Amanda couldn’t seem to move.

      She finally found her voice, squeaky though it was. “I’m sure it’s all right with Garrett if you join us.”

      Pearl waved off that idea. “I have to get to school.”

      “Me, too,” Amanda squeaked. “The little ones will need help with their coats and boots. Then I’m supposed to read to them.”

      The school operated out of the building that served as a church on Sundays, until a new schoolhouse could be built.

      “I’ll be fine until you arrive.” Pearl turned to Garrett, who was still just inside the front door. “I wondered if you might build us something for Christmas.”

      He hesitated, clearly wary. “What?”

      “We can talk after you get done with work, or you can ask your brother. Roland knows exactly what I have in mind.”

      “I, uh, I suppose I could, as long as it’s not too difficult. It’s only three weeks until Christmas Eve.”

      Pearl’s mischievous smile meant she had something up her sleeve. “Oh, it’s nothing too terribly fancy. Besides, you’ll have help, and I know just the person.” She then glided off.

      Amanda didn’t want to be alone with Garrett in the parlor. Well, that wasn’t quite true. She wanted to be alone with him, but only if he was able to look at her and speak with her. Since he’d gone silent again, that didn’t appear likely. Nevertheless, the parlor was more private than the front hall. She entered and sat down in her favorite chair, a lovely stuffed one with dainty legs and a flowered tapestry seat. Judging from the toppled pillow, Fiona had chosen the sofa. Amanda would not make that mistake.

      Garrett followed her in but didn’t sit. He stood across the room, staring out the window. Amanda waited for what seemed like ten minutes, but he said nothing. At last she could stand it no longer.

      “I wonder what that was about,” she mused. “Pearl didn’t say anything to me about building something for Christmas.”

      “She didn’t?” He turned toward her, brow furrowed.

      In spite of his burly build and ruddy cheeks, Garrett had an endearing boyish quality that tugged at her heart. The poor man had suffered terribly, losing his wife in a tragic accident, yet he endured, his faith unshakable. That more than anything terrified Amanda. Garrett Decker was a man of God. Could he see the shame hidden deep inside her?

      She forced a smile. “She didn’t. I have no idea what she wants you to build.”

      He scowled and turned back to the window.

      Amanda waited for him to say something. The silence was beginning to unnerve her. After ignoring her the last few weeks, he certainly wasn’t going to ask for her hand. If only he realized how much his children needed a mother, but apparently even Sadie’s letter hadn’t changed his mind. If he offered Amanda a marriage of convenience, she would accept, but that appeared unlikely.

      He sat in the chair opposite her on the other side of the room and continued to twirl his cap between his hands. Even now he said nothing. Her head spun with possibilities. As seconds dragged into minutes, she could no longer bear the suspense.

      “You wanted to speak with me?” she prompted.

      He nodded and finally looked up, a pained expression on his face. “I, uh, haven’t been fair to you lately.”

      He wanted to apologize?

      She gathered her wits. “A lot happened.” The fire.

      “Don’t СКАЧАТЬ