Free An Unexpected Widow (The Colorado Brides Series) by Carré White Page B

Clark.”
    “It’s always a pleasure to come to town.”
    Once Frank was seated in the wagon, Nathan was behind me, his mouth near my ear. “I see what you mean. He had an accident.”
    “Yes, he did.” He helped me up the step. “Thank you.”
    His expression was grave. “No thanks needed.”
    Jerry remained in town, wanting to spend his time at the saloon. When we were home, Nathan carried Frank into the house, where I closed the curtains in the dining room and removed his clothes.
    “You should’ve told me.”
    I glanced at my husband. “I didn’t want to make a fuss in public.”
    His smile had vanished. “I hate this!” Our eyes met. “I hate being an invalid. I hate what it’s doing to you.”
    “It’s not doing anything to me.”
    “You should hire someone to help you. All you do is tend to the laundry and me. There has to be more to life than chores.”
    I sighed. “Oh, Frank.”
    “Go find someone to help.”
    He had the use of his arms, thereby being able to wash himself, but other matters were solely under my direction. “I’ll put up a notice, I suppose, the next time I’m in town.”
    “I’m so sorry.”
    “Stop that.”
    “Hannah, I might never have the use of my legs again. I might never feel anything…down there. I’ve been thinking of what a hardship this is, of how unfair. You wanted children. I won’t be able to give you children.”
    I shrugged. “God has other plans for us, I guess.”
    He grabbed my arm, dragging me to him. “I love you!” he whispered fiercely. “I hate to see you like this. I’m so dreadfully sorry.”
    Tears flooded my eyes. “Please don’t be sorry. It was an accident.”
    “But it’s ruined your life.”
    “My life’s not ruined. It’s just…changed. I’m dealing with it one day at a time. I’m fine.”
    He leaned against a pillow. “Maybe I should’ve died. In a way, it would have made things easier. You could’ve just found another husband and gotten on with your life instead of playing nursemaid to me.”
    “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that. I have to make lunch. Now, let’s get these pants on you.”
    But those words did stick somewhere in a dark part of my consciousness. They lingered in the space where all my unpleasant thoughts were, especially of the William’s. Not once had they come to the house to see Frank. He had been injured helping them with their barn, and they had never thought to stop by to see how we were doing. The anger I felt towards them frightened me, as it was such a strong emotion. It would come upon me at odd times, mostly after a long, tiring day…and there were far too many of those.
    It would be another week before I began to feel a small measure of hope. While hanging clothing on the line, Nathan approached. He’d gone to town for supplies, but he hadn’t returned alone.
    “I found someone to help you.”
    I glanced over my shoulder, seeing a stout, dark-haired woman. She looked to be Hispanic. “Pardon?”
    “This is Mrs. Hermosa. She’s a grass widow.”
    “What on earth does that mean?”
    “A divorcee.”
    I gasped at his crudeness. “You have the manners of an ox, Mr. Weaver.”
    “I certainly do. Can’t argue with you on that account.” He beamed from ear to ear. “She’s in need of room and board. I figure she could help you with the chores.”
    “I won’t be able to pay her until the harvest.”
    “She knows that.”
    I glanced at Mrs. Hermosa. “I’m Hannah.”
    “It’s good to meet you.” She shook my hand. Her accent was strong. “You have a pretty house.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Nathan says your husband is no good to walk.”
    “No, he isn’t. He fell from a roof two months ago. He’s lucky to be alive.”
    She nodded, her gaze straying to the clothing in my hand. “I can help you with that. I can do it for you.”
    “If you want.” I glanced at Nathan. “Where will she sleep?”
    “You have an extra bedroom.”
    That was supposed to be the nursery.