Gabrielle: Bride of Vermont (American Mail-Order Bride 14) by Emily Claire Page B

around him and moved toward the table. “Now, where are the eggs?”
    “That’s just it. We can’t start breakfast until after we get the eggs. Let’s walk out to the chicken coop and get some. Then you can cook to your heart’s content.” He stepped out of the kitchen and over to a rack not far from the front door. After putting on his jacket, he turned to her. “Where’s your coat?”
    “Goodness, it’s not even cold here. I see the Texas winter is quite different from what I’m used to. I don’t need a coat today.”
    He shrugged and opened the door for her.
    Boone looked at the feed troughs in the corral. “Looks like Preacher Clyde has been here and gone already this morning. If you see him this afternoon, be sure and tell him I’m all right and that I, I mean we—, that we won’t need him to come back out. I can take care of things from here on out.”
    “Your horses are beautiful. Living in cities all my life, I’m afraid I don’t have any real experience with riding them. When you feel better, would you give me a few lessons?”
    Boone turned his head quickly and answered sharply. “No! You won’t be riding any horses.” He stopped, realizing he’d raised his voice to her. “I’m sorry. Let’s just go get some eggs. Okay with you?”
    Gabrielle was stunned at the harshness of his answer. Had she done something to offend him? Why wouldn’t he be letting her ride? She wanted to ask but was afraid to upset him. He didn’t need that. She didn’t know much about getting bumped on the head, but she knew enough to do her best to keep him on an even keel.
      They approached a small wooden structure. It was like a lean-to, but with some shelves for the chickens to nest on. Boone opened the rickety excuse for a door so Gabrielle could go in ahead of him. As soon as she took a step inside, a chicken hurried toward her, making a beeline for freedom.
    “Aack!” Gabrielle screeched and spun around, bumping hard into Boone. Reflexively, he reached out and caught both of her arms to steady her. “Get it away from me!” She pulled away from Boone and shuffled around him.
    Boone couldn’t help but laugh at her. He’d never seen anyone react to a chicken that way. “It won’t hurt you. Come on back here,” he called.
    Ten feet away, she turned and stared at him, shaking her head.
    Gabrielle hated looking like she didn’t know what she was doing. She’d never been in a chicken coop in her life, but she had to make Boone think she was competent enough to be his partner.
    Smoothing her hair back into place, she forced herself to laugh. “Oh, my. It just startled me, that’s all. I’m coming. Go on in, I’ll be right behind you,” she said, feigning confidence.
    “All right, then. As you wish.” Boone ducked his head and stepped in, leaning over to check the hay around the nesting boards.
    Gabrielle walked cautiously up behind him, tempted to plug her nose, as the odor was repulsive to her. She remained aware of the distance to the entrance as she stepped in, just in case another bird attempted to attack her. This city girl planned to be faster than the chicken if that happened. She’d be back outside before the filthy fowl got anywhere near her.
    After he’d gathered the eggs and handed them to her, they made their way back toward the house. Boone gestured toward the barn. “Part of that is where I make my saddles.  I’ll show it to you later.”
    He excused himself to wash up once indoors. Soon thereafter, he made his way back into the kitchen and quietly sat down to watch as she cooked.
    She presented him with bacon, eggs, toasted bread, and hot coffee. Sitting down beside him, she smiled and picked up her fork. She had her mouth open wide for a bite when she glanced at him. He’d taken off the hat he was wearing and was placing it on the extra chair at the table.
    Casually but quickly, she pulled the fork away from her mouth as she saw him bow his head. He prays before he eats? Is he