Free In Too Deep by Mary Connealy

made about the tenth thing he didn’t understand about being married.
    She turned and fled from the room.
    Ethan decided to just chalk it up to the woman being hungry.
    He was a little hungry himself, though food didn’t seem to be the exact right solution to his hunger.

Chapter
6

    â€œEthan, you have yeast!” Audra turned from the cupboards and threw herself into his arms.
    It was at that moment Ethan decided being married was going to work out fine.
    â€œI can get you all the yeast you want, little darlin’.” And he meant every word. Her arms were strong and warm and the rest of her was real nice, too. He hugged her back hard just to make sure.
    Audra laughed, then whirled away to go through the rest of the cupboards.
    It wasn’t long before he sat chewing on a thick, savory venison steak, eating the smoothest mashed potatoes he’d ever tasted. She ladled on steaming hot gravy and set biscuits on the table straight from the oven.
    â€œWe’ll have bread for breakfast, but I had to make do with biscuits tonight.”
    Ethan smiled at her and their eyes caught. “It’s all real good, Audra. Thank you for this fine meal.”
    Her smile changed to something warmer and kinder. Her eyes widened. And for a second Ethan thought she might be able to smile and cry at the same time.
    â€œI’m never gonna say a kind word to you again, woman, if you start crying.”
    That made her laugh for no reason he could understand, but if threatening her made her happy, he’d go ahead and do it real regular. Women were a mystery.
    â€œMy last husband never complimented a thing I did. You just took me by surprise is all. I won’t cry a single tear, not even tears of happiness.”
    â€œSee that you don’t.”
    She laughed again and whirled back to the stove in such a pretty way it was almost dancing.
    â€œI think she’s a good trade for Rafe, don’t you, Eth?” Seth was smiling while he scooped food into his mouth.
    â€œWe’ve done well for ourselves for a fact, little brother.”
    Audra looked over her shoulder and grinned, then went back to work. She straightened from her pots with a plate of food for herself and then sat down with them.
    â€œEthan, something’s been worrying me and I’d like to ask you what you think.”
    Her smile was gone, and Ethan braced himself for some new strange female request. “Go ahead.”
    Audra rested her fingers on her lips while she gave Ethan a worried look. He decided then and there he’d do anything to keep her smiling. “I’ve told you about my little sister and brother, haven’t I?”
    â€œI know you’ve worried that your pa might not treat your little sister right.”
    â€œHer name is Carolyn. She’s eight now, so I don’t think Father would force her to marry anyone for a few years.” Little worry lines appeared on Audra’s brow.
    Ethan wanted to reach over and smooth them away. “What can we do to get her away from him?”
    That did it. The lines disappeared. Ethan was surprised by the feeling that he’d performed some heroic deed.
    Audra’s smile returned. Not so full and carefree as before, but a beautiful smile all the same. “Thank you, Ethan.”
    â€œI haven’t done anything yet.”
    â€œYes, but knowing you want to and you’re willing to help makes all the difference.” Audra drew in a slow breath, as if she was working up the nerve to say something. Ethan waited, hoping he could rescue her again.
    â€œDo you think we could . . . get her and bring her to . . . to live with us?”
    Ethan was quiet, thinking of how to get to the girl, get her away from a pa who might not want to give her up, get her all the way out West. How long would it take? Who should go?
    â€œWe don’t have to, Ethan. I’m sorry.” Audra cut into his thoughts.
    â€œWhat?” Ethan had