He set her down gently but kept one arm around her. “I always figured I’d get to do that someday. This is the day.”
Spuds set down the valise. “We ate a while ago. Your supper is waiting. I’ll set it out while you two get washed up.”
Austin nodded and led her back outside from the kitchen door. “I’ll show you where the outhouse is and where Spuds keeps the water and soap for washing up before meals.”
She blushed but let him escort her to the outhouse. He was glad now he’d painted the thing. He’d asked Spuds to throw some lime down the hole yesterday to cut the smell. While she was inside doing her business, he went behind the small structure and relieved himself.
He was through and waiting by the door when she came out. “Spuds leaves a bar of soap, bucket of water, a pan, and a towel on the back porch. Of course in winter we have to clean up at the kitchen sink.”
They washed their hands and then went into the kitchen. “Be careful or he’ll make you show him your hands are clean. I wouldn’t be surprised if he checked my ears.”
Spuds held a meat fork in one hand and a skillet of steaks in the other. “I ought to stab you with this here fork for smartin’ off. Since you pay me, I reckon I’ll let it slip one more time.”
Mina grinned at him before asking Spuds, “You mean he’s often that disrespectful?”
Spuds set the now empty skillet on a back burner. “Disgraceful isn’t it? I reckon his mama didn’t swat him enough when he was growin’ up. Now look how he’s turned out.”
Amused at his cook acting like an old codger, Austin shook his head. “Now don’t be trying to get her to side with you against me.”
“Why would you accuse me of such a thing? All I did was make a statement that’s plain as the nose on your face.”
Austin seated his wife at the table.
“I’m gambling on the hope Austin turned out pretty well. Spuds, I’ve heard good things about you.”
Mina smiled at Spuds. “This smells and looks delicious. I filled a plate at the reception, but with all the distractions I was only able to eat one tiny sandwich.”
“Almost forgot there’s dessert.” Spuds brought a dish from the pie safe. “Apple pie baked this morning.”
Mina appeared to admire the pie. “The crust is browned perfectly.”
Spuds acted captivated by Mina at the same time he appeared embarrassed by her praise. “Well, you newlyweds don’t need a third wheel around. I’m gonna go put my feet up for a spell. I’ll do the dishes after you folks have eaten your fill.” He ambled toward his room.
Mina mouthed to ask if they should ask him to stay. Austin shook his head.
When Spuds was in his room and had closed the door, Austin explained, “I’m sure he ate with the others. He’s trying to be diplomatic and this is as good as it gets.”
She cut into her steak. “He’s a sweet man who obviously thinks a lot of you.”
“Yeah, he acts like both mother and father. I know he works hard to please.”
“Why isn’t he a ranch hand like the others?”
“He was hurt pretty bad when his horse was frightened by a rattler. Horse reared and Spuds fell on his back. It pains him quite a bit if he rides a horse. In the house, he can sit down if he has a muscle spasm.”
“That sounds like a bad injury. I’ll bet it does pain him, especially when the weather changes. Does he mind being stuck inside after being on a horse all the time?”
“I don’t know. He wouldn’t tell me if he did. He’s sure been a lot of help. I’m a less than mediocre cook. I don’t know if the others can cook anything but beans.”
“Many families get by on beans and bread. Cindy said here you eat cornbread with beans.”
“That’s right, we do. Can you make corn bread?”
“No, but I’ll learn. I can make rolls and loaves of bread.”
“Now that sounds tasty.” He pushed back from the table. “Are you ready for your tour?”
“Yes, but let’s do the dishes first. It won’t take us long.”
He’d much prefer going to their room and to bed. He wanted to please his new wife, though. “All right. Spuds will be surprised.”
She had been right and the dishes were soon washed, dried, and put away. That she had thought of cleaning up the kitchen surprised and pleased him. Inside Austin was laughing and wishing he could see Spuds’ face when he came into the kitchen.
Chapter Nine
Mina must be in a dream. After spending her life in a small New England house, she was now the mistress of this lovely home sprawling across the land.
Austin carried her valise as he showed her the parlor, which lacked furniture. There were two chairs and a small table between them. They faced a beautiful stone fireplace. The windows had no curtains.
“You saw the kitchen. I never go into Spuds’ room. This hall leads to the other rooms. This first is my office.”
“I can see you sitting at that desk. I guess keeping track of your cattle requires a lot of record keeping.”
He grinned and winked. “Mainly I just like having an office.” He guided her to the next room. “This is a guest room. Now don’t be upset. We’ll get furniture someday. The next one is also a guest room or children’s room if we have any, which I hope we will.”
“I’d like several. I’m not sure I’d want twins like Cindy has. They’re precious but they must have been difficult when they were tiny.” She was
