Genevieve: Bride of Nevada (American Mail-Order Bride 36) by Cynthia Woolf

me. I’ve wanted you to for so long.”
    “You know I can’t give you what you want. Let’s forget this ever happened.”
    “How can you forget that kiss? It was the most amazing…the best…the—”
    He cocked an eyebrow. “How many times have you been kissed?”
    Stuart unwrapped the reins from the brake handle.
    Genny, blood still racing and her cheeks burning, she looked out on the countryside. “A few.”
    “Not many I bet.”
    “Enough to know that what passed between us was special.”
    His voice was harsh and he looked straight ahead, not at her. “It was lust. Nothing more. Are you familiar with lust, Genny? It’s not love or anything like those kinds of feelings. Just physical desire for your body, not you. Any woman will do.”
    She gasped. Genny felt like she’d been slapped in the face. Did he really believe that all he felt was lust? She didn’t believe it. Couldn’t believe it because if that was true, she had no hope. But he must like her as well or he wouldn’t keep pushing her away. And if that was true…she smiled. She could build on that feeling.

CHAPTER 5

    Over the next three hours, the weather slowly deteriorated, the temperature dropped and the wind started to blow. By the time they reached town they were both frozen and glad for the warmth of the potbellied stove in the back corner of the mercantile.
    Edna Cross came forward as soon as she heard the bell. “Well Stuart, you’re a long way from home on this blustery day.”
    “Hello, Edna.” Stuart removed his gloves and stuffed them in his coat pockets. “Had to drive in for supplies. I’d put it off as long as I could.”
    “Are you finally going to introduce me to this young lady with you?”
    “This is Genny. Genny MacDonnell, my wife. Genny, this is Edna Cross, she works here at the mercantile for the Goodings.”
    Edna came forward and took Genny’s hands in hers, “I’m so glad to meet you.” She began walking backward taking Genny with her.
    Genny looked to Stuart for help.
    He shrugged and shook his head.
    “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I just want to show you something. You, as the children’s new mother, may be interested in them. Martha ordered them before she…passed away.”
    She moved faster the minute she heard the word children. “Of course. What are they?”
    “I’ve kept them here until now. I wasn’t sure Stuart would want them. I was waiting for Nettie, but you’ll know what to do. Martha ordered them so long ago and they just came in last month.”
    Edna walked to the counter on the side of the building near the door. From under the counter, she pulled a box of colored chalk and a small slate.
    “Oh, marvelous. I intended to buy this myself today if you had any. Stuart, look.” Genny held up the slate and chalk. “Martha ordered them for Billy.”
    He nodded but didn’t say anything.
    “Do you have any baby things?” asked Genny as she looked at the chalk colors blue, green, red, white and the standard yellow.
    “A few.” Edna came around the counter and started toward the far side of the store. “What are you looking for?”
    Genny followed while Stuart stayed by the stove drinking a cup of coffee.
    “Well, I’d like some wooden blocks if you have them.” She took off her gloves and shoved them in her pockets.
    “We don’t but a carpenter here in town that could make some. I’ll give you his direction.”
    “I know where Henry’s shop is,” muttered Stuart.
    Genny looked back at him and smiled, grateful he was at least listening to the conversation. “Oh, good.”
    “What else?” Edna stopped and rested her arms on her large stomach.
    Genny was warming up and unwrapped her scarf, leaving it hanging loose down each shoulder. “I’d also like to see your selection of material and then we can get our regular supplies.”
    Edna took her to the shelves that held bolts of material. There were more choices than she expected including a nice heavy flannel Genny could use