The Widow Finds Love (Mail Order Bride Series) by Susan Leigh Carlton Page A

mother.  Do you understand the difference?”
     
    “No ma’am, not really” she said.
     
    “Ruth was and is your mother.  She gave birth to you and will always be a part of you.  I can never take that place.  Nor do I want to.  On the other hand, I am going to be your Mama, and take care of you, try to keep you healthy.  I will always love you and be here if you need me.  I want you to know and understand that.”
     
    “Rebecca, I’m your mother and your Mama.  I will always love and take care of you.  I am here when and if you need me too.  I want both of you girls to understand that.  There will be no favorites.  Now get out of here, and let me get some work done.”
     
    As they walked away, Sarah heard Cassie tell Rebecca, “I really like your mother.  She is really nice.”
     
    “I know,” said Rebecca.
     
    Clint walked into the kitchen.  “What was that all about?” he asked.
     
    “Oh nothing, just girl talk.  What would you like for your lunch?”
     
    “Whatever you have is fine with me,” he said.
     
    “Why don’t we have Arthur and Suzy for dinner after the wedding?” she asked.
     
    “We can’t do that,” he said.  “She beat you to the punch, and asked us to their house.  She also offered to keep the girls Sunday night so we can have some privacy on our wedding night.”
     
    “How thoughtful of her,” Sarah said.  “Unless you think it would hurt her feelings, I would like for us to all be together.  The girls are going to be as much a part of our marriage as either of us.  I would like for them to be included from the beginning.”
     
    “I’m sure she will understand.  I’ll tell her,” he said.
     
    “Let me do it,” Sarah said.  “I want to explain my feelings, and my appreciation.  She is a thoughtful lady.”
     
    What are you going to wear tomorrow?” she asked.  “Does it need ironing?  If you get it out, I’ll go over it and make sure it’s okay.”
     
    He went to his bedroom and returned with a dark suit, that showed very little use.  When she looked it over,  This hasn’t been worn very much.  Probably not since since Ruth’s funeral. 
    “ This doesn’t show much use.  Are you sure you will be all right wearing it?”
     
    “It’s the nicest thing I own, and I want to look good for our wedding,” he said.
     
    “I understand why you’re doing it, but it would be just the same if you wore blue jeans and a white shirt.”
     
    “I appreciate that, but I’ll be all right.”  He pointed to a yellow floral print dress draped across a chair waiting for her to iron it.  That’s a real pretty dress.   I’ll bet it will look good.”
     
    “Mama made it for me,” she said.  “She’s very good with a needle and thread.  She made the dress Rebecca will be wearing also.
     
    “I need to see if Cassie’s dress needs attention.”  She turned, went down the hall to the bedroom, paused and knocked. 
     
    Cassie came to the door.  “Would you like for me to iron the dress you’re going to wear for church and the wedding tomorrow?” Sarah asked.
     
    “Yes ma’am.  I’ll get it.”  She turned and walked back into the room, while Sarah remained in the hall.  Cassie returned with a blue gingham print dress,  “Do you think this will be all right?” she asked.
     
    “Why don’t you try it on and let me take a look at it.  May I come in?” she asked.
     
    “You don’t have to ask that,” Cassie said.
     
    “Actually, I do.  Unless it’s an emergency, I won’t come into your room unless you or Rebecca invite me.  A girl needs to have her secrets, and I respect that.  Now let’s see how it looks.”
     
    Cassie changed into the dress.  “Is it okay?”
     
    “Turn around and let me see the back, too,” Sarah said.  Cassie spun around.  “You’ve grown a little bit since this was made.  I’ll need to let the hem down a bit and see if I can get a little more room under the arms.  We will