Free An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) by Carré White

can.”
    “I know how to hold a spoon.”
    “You do.”
    “And a knife and a fork.”
    “Everyone knows that, dummy,” said Oscar.
    I gave him a look. “Be nice to your sister. This isn’t the time to be throwing insults.”
    “Sorry, Ms. Louisa. I mean, Louisa.”
    “Let me get the first spoonful into him.” I did so, and he drank it, his Adam’s apple moving up and down. Then it was Annie’s turn, and she sat on my lap while feeding him. He wasn’t able to eat much, putting his hand up after a short while. “Would you like some water?”
    “Not now, thank…you.”
    “All right, you hop down. I’m going to put the children to bed, and I’ll be back.” I took Annie by the hand. “Say goodnight to your pa.”
    “Night, Pa. I’m so glad you woke up.”
    “How long till you’re walking?” asked Oscar.
    “I…don’t know.”
    “I’m sure he’ll make a full recovery soon enough. Come along now, time for teeth brushing, face washing, and bed. The boys groaned, as they hated to brush their teeth, but it was imperative that they do so. “No dirty children getting into clean sheets. We can’t have that.”
    A short while later, after they had said their prayers and I had tucked them in, I returned to the room where Mr. Montgomery was, finding him staring at the doorway, waiting for me. The children had been giggling and stomping around upstairs, and I surmised that we had made quite a racket.
    “Sorry about the noise.”
    “You’re…very…good with them.”
    “They were with me when you were in the mountains.”
    “I…never thanked you…for that.”
    “Well, you can thank me now.” I neared the bed, taking the seat I had been in most of the day. “You look better.”
    “You’re tired.”
    “I am. It’s been quite a day.” His hand was nearby, and I closed mine over his, as I had done for hours this afternoon. “You’re hopefully going to be fine now.”
    “You’re so much…like…Abigail.”
    That was startling. “I hope that’s good. I know the children loved their mother. They’ve missed her horribly.”
    “They have.” He swallowed with effort.
    “You need some water.” I was about to stand, when he squeezed my hand. “I owe you…a great…deal.”
    “I just want you to recover, so you can take care of your children, Mr. Montgomery. I don't ever want to see them running around wild without shoes on or their bellies empty. Is that clear? If you want to thank me, then do so by being the best possible father you can be.” I hadn’t meant to sound so stern, and I regretted the tone of my voice almost immediately.
    His look was sober, resigned, and yet hopeful. “I will. I’ll do…whatever…you say.”
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so cranky. I’ve only had a little sleep.”
    “I needed to…hear that.”
    “Bless your heart, you poor man. I truly hope the future is brighter for you and your children.”
    “I do…believe it is.”
     

Chapter Seven
     
    I slept soundly that night, waking only once to the wind that rattled the house. I closed the window and returned to bed. When it was nearly dawn, I got up, not being able to sleep any longer, working my way down the stairs to the privy out back. When I returned, I checked on Mr. Montgomery, finding him fast asleep. Besides the horse, there weren’t any animals on the property that needed tending this early in the morning.
    When I finished making breakfast, I had a lengthy list of things the home needed, but it wasn’t my place to provide these staples, and I did not know if Mr. Montgomery could afford them. I chided myself for making the list, as it would more than likely end up in the rubbish heap. The children came down a short while later, eager to eat griddlecakes and eggs.
    “I need to leave for a spell,” I said. “We need things, and I can get them at my sister’s farm.”
    “Can I go with you?” asked Annie.
    “Yes, that would be nice. But then I might go to town after.”
    “I