Free An Unexpected Mother (The Colorado Brides Series Book 4) by Carré White

bears.”
    “Well, we will then.” It was heartening that at least Susanna embraced me with such generosity. I noted the look of disapproval on Jane’s face; the girl glared at her sister.
    “I should love a bear, fanny. Maybe two. My birthday is next month.”
    “It is?” I grinned. “You need to tell me when your birthdays are.”
    “I’m Oct 5,” said Peter.
    “Mine’s June 23,” said Connor.
    I glanced at Jane. “When’s yours?”
    “It’s not important.”
    “Of course it’s important. I’ll need time to make the cake and get you presents.”
    Susanna’s grip around my neck tightened. “I love cake! Can I have chocolate? I love creamy topping too!”
    “Yes, you can have chocolate cake.”
    “Can we have it even when there isn’t a birthday?” asked Peter; his look was expectant.
    “I’ll talk to Maria. Maybe she has the ingredients.”
    “Jane,” said Susanna. “You were wrong. Fanny’s not nearly as bad as you say she is. Anyone who’s willing to make cake when it’s not a birthday is good in my book.”
    The scowl on the older girl’s face deepened, as she stared at her hands. “I never said any such thing.”
    “Oh, yes you did.” Connor grinned impishly.
    “Just be quiet now,” said Mary. “Shush, both of you.”
    The ice had begun to thaw with the younger children, but I had my work cut out for me where Jane and Mary were concerned. They were older and far too wise to the ways of the world. They had felt the impact of tragedy far more acutely. I would have to think of how I could earn my way into their good graces.
    Later that evening, after dinner, Mary was in the kitchen with her hands in the sink, washing dishes. I helped by drying and stacking my sister’s prized dishes on the shelf nearby. We had eaten venison stew with mashed potatoes and chocolate cake for dessert, which Susanna helped to make. She had eaten quite a few spoonfuls of batter, sneaking bites when she thought no one was looking. The same thing had happened with the topping, which had been made with whipped cream flavored with cocoa.
    Mary handed me a plate. “Thank you.” I’d been trying to talk to her, but the precocious thirteen-year-old was determined to keep our relationship as impersonal as possible. The next plate came my way, but before I was able to take a hold of it, it fell to the floor, breaking into three pieces. “Oh, no.” I bent to retrieve it. “These are my sister’s favorites.”
    “I’m sorry.” Her face seemed oddly blank, but fear flashed in her eyes.
    “What happened?” Hannah had come up behind us, carrying a bowl.
    “We broke the plate,” I said. “I’m dreadfully sorry. I know you went through great pains bringing them out here.”
    “Paulina had that pleasure. Let me see.” She held the pieces. “Yes, that’s done now.”
    “Will I be punished?”
    I glanced at Mary, perplexed by her fear. “It was an accident.”
    “It’s not the first plate I’ve ever broken.” Hannah left the pieces on the table. “I might be able to glue it together. I’ll ask mother about it. She’s fixed things like this before.”
    “I didn’t mean to do it.”
    “Of course you didn’t,” said Hannah. “It’s no worry now. Let’s finish the rest of the dishes so we can read aloud. We love books around here.”
    The air crackled oddly, with an undercurrent of discomfort and distress. It looked like Mary might cry, her eyes watering. “I have to…use the privy. Excuse me.” She rushed to the kitchen door, exiting with haste.
    “Oh, goodness,” murmured Hannah. “The older ones are decidedly emotional. Must everything be a drama?”
    “They are. If only the cake could’ve won them over.”
    “Well, the boys and Susanna love you. Now we just have to figure out how to bring the other two, those stubborn little sourpusses, into the fold.” She giggled.
    There was movement behind Hannah. Jane stood in the doorway. She had heard every word my sister had uttered. Oh,