Laurel: Bride of Arkansas (American Mail-Order Bride 25) Read Online Free PDF

and shrieked.
    “Don’t be afraid, it’s just me.”
    “You startled me is all, I forgot where I was.” She stood, straightened her clothes, and joined him at the table. “This looks delicious. I could almost eat that napkin I’m so hungry.”
    “Take my advice and stay with the eggs and ham, they have more flavor.” He chuckled and fixed her a plate, along with a cup of coffee.
    She took a few bites and leaned back in her chair. Looking over at the make-shift bed on the floor, she asked, “How did you sleep last night?”
    “I’ve slept in worse places.” He angled a glance across the table and rubbed the back of his neck. “Are you feeling guilty?”
    “Not enough to change my mind.”
    “Duly noted.” He found he liked her spunk and backbone, and would be wise to watch himself in the future if he didn’t want a repeat of last night. “Shall we get ready to head for the house?”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Laurel watched the countryside roll by as Griffin drove the two horse team and wagon to his home. Her new home. She could hardly wait to see it. So far their time together hadn’t allowed her the opportunity to ask him anything about his place, so she grabbed this chance while they were alone.
    “This is beautiful country, Griffin.”
    “That it is.” He held the reins loosely laced through his fingers. “Even with the drought we’ve had, the trees and grasses are a deep green.”
    “I’m surprised to see mountains here. Is there much snow in winter?”
    “Some, but we’ve not been snowed in since I’ve lived here.” Shifting in the seat, he worked the reins to direct the horses around a few ruts in the road. “I imagine you’re used to a lot of snow where you’re from.”
    “Oh, yes.” She beamed. “I love the snow. The air is so invigorating, and everything is beautiful and magical.”
    He angled a glance at her and grinned.
    “You’re laughing at me.”
    “No, I’m not.” He shook his head. “I like your enthusiasm. Too many people do nothing but complain, and it’s tiresome.”
    She wondered at his bitter tone if he was referring to something or someone specific. “Sometimes life is beyond my control, but I do my best. I much prefer to be happy.” Lately, there hadn’t been too much to be happy about. By coming here and marrying a stranger, she hoped to drastically turn her life around. What kind of a fool was she? The sad and pitiful kind, if you rely on someone else for your happiness . “Tell me about your house. What does it look like?”
    “The house is sturdy, built of logs, with large rooms and windows to let in the light.” He applied the brake to slow the wagon as they started down a hill. “There’s plenty of room for you and your things, and you’re welcome to decorate anyway you want. I know women like to make nests.”
    “That’s nice of you to offer. I did bring a few of my things to help me make the transition to my new home. I have some linens and curtains, and a few of my favorite trinkets.”
    “Good. I want you to feel at home. If there’s anything you need, just let me know and I’ll do what I can.”
    “There is something I’m curious about.” She glanced down at her hands while waiting for him to answer.
    “Sure, shoot.”
    “I’m very excited to meet your daughters, and you have yet to mention much about them.” She was terrified, but she couldn’t let him know that. She’d led him to believe she could take care of his children and she would. After all, she’d been a girl, how hard could it be? “Will they be at the house when we get there?”
    “No, it’s next to impossible for me to take care of my children being by myself. They’ve been living with their grandparents in Little Rock, for a while now. They’ll be home for Thanksgiving.”
    “Good, that will give me more than enough time to get settled in