Free A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears Page B

called to her over his shoulder.
    She pursed her lips. She knew it wasn’t hard; she just didn’t know exactly what needed
     to be done or where things went.
    Everett went about stabling the beasts, handing her thetack and telling her where to store each piece. “Over there you’ll find their feed.
     One scoop for each.” Everett rubbed down the oxen.
    After hanging the bridles, Julia grabbed the scoop and distributed the food. She knew
     she should talk to him now, while they were alone, but her tongue glued itself to
     the roof of her mouth. How could she be sure his decision would be based on wholesome
     reasons when she knew so little about him, when so few words had passed between them?
    “Everett . . .” She stopped him before he exited the barn.
    His silhouette turned at the door and brought its arms in, fusing into the blackness.
    “How did the fencing go?”
    “Good.”
    “Did you get anything else done?”
    “No.”
    She played with the button at her collar. “Are you staying for supper?”
    “Yes, I brought my horse.”
    She let out a breath. Maybe he’d loosen up at the supper table surrounded with his
     friends. “You have a horse?”
    “Yes.”
    “I wonder why I haven’t seen it before.” If he wasn’t going to give her more than
     a word or two, she was going to have to drag him into a conversation. “What color
     is it?”
    “Black.”
    “I always wanted a pony. One Christmas Father promised me anything, but when I asked
     for a pony, he didn’t keep his word.” She shrugged. “Always wanted a white one.”
    Everett strolled in from the doorway and toward the glow of the lantern. He leaned
     against a post. “So your father didn’t get you a pony?”
    She shook her head. Was his tone mocking her? Maybe ponies were looked down upon here.
     Her heartbeat placed pressure against her rib cage. “Do you think I might . . . be
     able to find a white horse?”
    “You need a horse?”
    “I don’t know if I need a horse.” How could she know what was a want and what was
     a need on the prairie? “Maybe I need a horse.” Her dry throat demanded moisture before
     she could push out her next words. “Wouldn’t your wife need a horse?”
    Everett’s eyes closed. He opened one eye before the second one revealed itself. “Um . . .
     that is to say . . . maybe a second horse would be needed. Would make the trip to
     Salt Flatts faster. And smoother.” He rubbed his chin. “Anywhere, in fact.”
    “Julia?” Rachel’s voice called through the doorway. “Everett?”
    “In here.” She returned the scoop to the feed bucket. Just when he’d let go of a complete
     stream of words, they got interrupted. But hopefully, that feeble start would untie
     his tongue at the dinner table and in turn her own.
    Rachel walked in wiping her hands on her apron and stopped beside Everett. “Are you
     two finished yet? Dinner’s ready.”
    “Yes, but I want to bring in Blaze first.” Everett let his gaze wander over Julia’s
     face for a second before leaving the barn.
    Rachel turned to examine her, a sparkle in her hazel eyes. “Were you two talking?”
    “Sort of.”
    “Sort of?” Rachel tilted her head to the side.
    He was about to talk until you appeared. “Well, he doesn’t exactly talk much. It’s difficult to get more than two consecutive
     words from him.”
    Rachel’s right eyebrow went up. “Two words?”
    “That’s what I said.” Julia huffed. “Are you having difficulty hearing today?”
    “Sorry.” Rachel set her hands on her hips. “I just haven’t known Everett to be quiet
     before.”
    “That’s all he is with me.”
    “His tongue’s just knotted up over your pretty face.” Rachel’s features softened.
     “I’m sure with time his words will come. Well, as much as a man is capable of talking.
     Sometimes I wish Dex would talk more, but it just doesn’t happen.” She squeezed Julia’s
     shoulder. “That’s why I have enjoyed your company