An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) by Carré White Page B

change. Perhaps, we can even be friends. We’re far too close in age to be mother and daughter, of course, but you could look at my mother as your mother. She’s a kind lady.”
    “I’ve no need for a mother.” There was that distant look, but something simmered beneath the surface.
    “I understand.”
    “I’ll do what I can to help. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
    Her coldness was puzzling, but I expected it to thaw, once we became better acquainted. “I will. Please ask me anything you want too. If you have any troubles, I’d like to help you.”
    “I doubt that will be necessary. Very little troubles me.”
    She was putting up a front, yet I saw straight through it. “I commend you on your strength. Your family is lucky to have you. I can see now why your brothers and sisters are so well-adjusted.”
    A flicker of unease danced in her eye, but it was gone within a second. “Thank you.”
    “I can only imagine how difficult this year has been. I’m sorry you lost your parents.”
    And now she had shut down completely, because a void look fell upon her like a mask. “Thank you, Mrs. Hatch.”
    “Fanny. You may call me Fanny.”
    “If you insist.”
    Oh, dear.
    We stayed for hours, chatting and eating, while the children played. The boys had soiled their Sunday clothes, as knees were stained and hands and faces were dirty. When it was time to go, they scrambled into the back of the wagon. It would be nearly an hour before we arrived at Hannah and Nathan’s house, the sun slowly approaching the mountains in the distance, where it would eventually set and disappear behind the higher peaks.
    Maria hurried to make beds, setting the boys up in the bunkhouse, while Nathan brought out several cots for the girls. We were in the spare bedroom together, and Letty would now be with her parents. I’d pushed my bed against the wall, but there was hardly any room to maneuver. My parents were across the hall.
    Once things had been organized, I wandered down to the kitchen, tying an apron around my waist. “You have to let me help you.” Hannah was in the process of making a quick dinner.
    The children had gone outside with Nathan, who gave them a tour of the property, introducing them to the chores they would be required to do every day. These consisted of milking the cow and feeding the chickens and pigs.
    “Ham and beans with rice is simple enough,” said Hannah. “We can get some vegetables from the garden.”
    “Are you sure you’re fine with this?”
    “Of course. They can’t be as bad as the Montgomery children.” She grinned. “They were nearly feral. You should’ve seen all the mischief they caused.”
    “This is asking so much of you and Nathan.”
    “You’re fine, Fanny. Don’t worry. We’ve plenty.”
    “Oh goodness. What a mess my life’s become. Now I’ve dragged you into it.”
    She sighed. “You were misled. He should’ve been truthful with you. It’s not your fault you married a dishonest man.”
    “I suppose he was desperate for a wife.”
    “A man with five children would be.”
    “They seem quite well-behaved. I can’t find fault with their manners or anything.”
    Hannah removed a knife from a drawer. “We can only hope it continues to go smoothly.”
    Mother appeared in the doorway holding Letty. “Oh, I’m in grandbaby heaven.”
    “You’re going to spoil her,” said Hannah.
    “I most certainly am.”
    “Where’s father?”
    “Admiring your cornfield. They’ve taken a walk through it. I suspect someone will get lost.”
    “It happens every season.”
    “Here, let me help you.” I reached for the knife. “I can cut the pork, while you do the beans.”
    Later that evening, after preparing for bed, the children had settled down for sleep. I had returned from the privy, leaving the lamp on the kitchen table. The girls were in my room; the low murmur of voices told me that they were still awake. My parents had gone to bed an hour