The Rancher's Bride Read Free Page B

realized she could mean that they had so little it was easy enough to bring it along. He would find out soon enough how true that was.

Chapter Two
     
     
    Marie was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on dinner, singing softly as she flitted from one part of the kitchen to another, enjoying the security of routine. She and the boys had settled in nicely in Frank Carter’s home and, as far as Marie could tell, he was satisfied with her skills as a nanny and housekeeper. The boys’ presence wasn’t any issue at all, either. Frank seemed to enjoy them, taking a little time every now and then to show them things around his ranch.
    Marie hadn’t really been too concerned about them in the first place, since she already knew that they were good boys, well behaved and respectful of their elders. She had worried a bit that maybe he wouldn’t like her cooking or Emmeline would not take to her. Neither of those things happened. Mr. Carter thanked her for every meal that she prepared and more often than not told her that it was “very tasty.” He definitely was a man of few words, but Marie thought that meant she was doing okay.
    And Emmeline was the sweetest baby Marie had ever had the pleasure to care for. She had an easy disposition and was a pretty good sleeper too.
    Overall, things seemed to be working out so far, and Marie was grateful that they had a roof over their heads and food in their stomachs. She looked at Jack, Henry, and Emme and sent a small prayer up to God, giving thanks for her blessings.
    The three children all played on the kitchen floor, which, thanks to Marie, was now so clean that you could probably eat off it. Still, she had put a small blanket under Emme, who was banging away on a pot with a spoon. The boys were pretending they were horses and chasing each other around the table on all fours. Marie was keeping a close eye to be sure they steered clear of the baby. It was noisy and busy and, Marie thought, just wonderful. It reminded her of home, always someone about, always the smells of good food being prepared, always a few children playing.
    At least, home before things changed. Home before the money was gone and the food was scarce and tensions ran high. Marie could remember her mother crying when she thought no one was in earshot.
    The boys suddenly stopped their play and Henry piped up. “Marie, are we going to eat soon? I’m awful hungry.”
    His brother turned on him angrily before Marie had a chance to say anything. “We’re not supposed to call her that, remember?” Jack glared at his little brother. “We have to always call her ‘mama.’”
    “Why wouldn’t you both always call your mother ‘mama?’”
    None of them had heard Frank enter the room. It must’ve been Emme’s pot and spoon music that drowned out the sound of the back mudroom door opening. Frank did not look happy, although he never really looked happy. Marie was frozen to the spot. She tried to find her voice—and quickly.
    “I think that Henry just sometimes—” Marie started but Frank cut her off immediately.
    “I’m talking to the boys. Don’t interrupt.” Frank held up a hand at her. He pulled out a chair from the kitchen table and sat down, motioning the boys to come over to him.
    Henry was already crying, probably because he thought he did something really wrong.
    “Come here, boys.” Frank motioned for them to stand in front of him and they obeyed. “You both know that this is my house and I make the rules in this house.” Frank paused as both boys nodded. “One of my most important rules is that there will be no lying in this house. Do you both understand that?”
    The boys nodded again and Emme banged the pot loudly. It would have been amusing if the mood in the room had not been so tense.
    Marie grabbed Emme’s rag doll from her high chair, handed it to her, and used the distraction to remove the pot. Much quieter.
    “I’m going to ask you boys a question and when you answer me,