Mail Order Bride: A Bride for the Doctor (Bozeman Brides Book 4) by Emily Woods

with great relish. The food at the boarding house, while tolerable, was nothing compared to the feast set before her now.
    Light conversation and a bit of friendly repartee interspersed with a few chuckles dominated the room, but it wasn’t overwhelming. When there was a bit of silence, it wasn’t cold or uncomfortable. The whole experience was entirely foreign to her. For as long as she could remember, each meal had been a form of torture in her house. People either ate in stony silence or bitter words were exchanged, sometimes heatedly. The pleasant ambience almost undid her.
    She watched as both Theo and Margie took special pains to include their children in the conversation. The love they felt was so evident that Kate almost cried. Why had she been robbed of this during her own childhood?
    The main part of the meal concluded and was followed by a rich dessert. It was too much for her, though and she merely nibbled the edges of the heavy chocolate cake.
    “Not much of a sweet tooth?” Geoff asked quietly from her side. He hadn’t spoken much during the meal, but she’d been aware of his eyes on her from time to time. In an effort to dissuade his interest, she’d all but ignored him.
    “I, uh, like a good dessert, but I’m afraid I enjoyed my dinner too much.” She didn’t add that the loving familial atmosphere had slowly robbed her of her appetite.
    “Well, after we finish eating, perhaps we can go for a walk?”
    His suggestion was so tempting, but she knew his intentions. He was hoping to woo her, make her change her mind. Still, she could use the time to more fully explain her earnest intentions and make herself understood once and for all.
    “I would like that,” she responded politely.
    The family finished eating, and the adults retired to the front room. The children went back up to the nursery with their nanny.
    “Kate and I are going out for a walk,” Geoff announced. “Please excuse us. Your dinner was too delicious,” he said to Margie. Kate murmured something similar.
    The adults were very agreeable, but Kate was sure she saw a knowing look pass between Theo and Geoff. She really had to set things straight as soon as possible.
    Once they were out on the street, she began to speak before she lost her nerve.
    “Dr. Wilson,” she started, well aware of his change in demeanor at her formal address. “I think that coming to Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson’s house tonight was a mistake. I somehow gave the impression that I’m open to a more personal relationship than I am. What I said to you yesterday was the truth. I will not ever marry or even consider a romantic involvement.”
    Geoff didn’t reply immediately, but strolled along beside her. He wasn’t distant, but merely thoughtful. “So,” he said finally, “you are rejecting my friendship then?”
    A shock ran through her. He made her sound so cold, so rude. “I don’t want to, but I’m worried that if I don’t, you will take it to mean something more. I am really sincere in my stand on marriage.”
    “If it’s not too presumptuous of me, could I ask you why? I haven’t forgotten all you told me yesterday, but I have to say that many people come from an unhappy home and still manage to find someone to love.”
    She sighed and realized that there was no alternative unless she wanted to leave Bozeman. She had to tell him the whole truth.
    “My parents’ marriage wasn’t always bad. In fact, I have some happy memories of going to the beach and enjoying picnics. My father was kind to my mother and she doted on him, but then something happened.” Other memories assaulted her, and she had to stop talking for a moment. She pushed past the hurt and continued. “But then, when I was six years old, my younger brother died. It was some sort of sickness. After that, my parents became quiet and withdrew from each other’s company. I didn’t realize how much I would miss the silence, but I soon longed for it. My father began drinking, and my