He stepped out onto the porch to greet them as Clay was helping Vera from the carriage. His first thought was that she was perfect. She looked like the Vera he knew from her letters. Her lovely hair was the color of chestnuts, her brown eyes reminded him of a doe’s, and her slim figure was like Grace’s. Her face was unadorned but pleasant, especially when she smiled.
Wyatt approached the carriage and took her hand. “Welcome, Mrs. Stone.” He hoped his smile was welcoming.
“Thank you.” Vera gazed around the area. “This is a very nice home.”
“It’s only two years old. Clay and Grace have the family homestead, since our father lives with him. Our mother died nine years ago of pneumonia.”
Vera’s eyes flashed with genuine sympathy. “I’m so sorry.”
Clay jumped back into the driver’s seat of the carriage. “I’m sure you two don’t need me anymore.” He turned the carriage around and waved. “Congratulations!”
Wyatt felt awkward as he watched his brother ride away, leaving him alone with a woman he’d just met. He could tell that Vera was uncomfortable as well. He searched his lame brain for a way to ease the situation. “Won’t you come inside and see your new home?”
“I’d love to,” she replied with a broad smile.
He liked her smile. It was sweet and sincere.
Wyatt led her through the front door, her light valise under his arm. “You didn’t bring much with you. I hope that doesn’t mean you don’t plan on staying long.” He regretted the words as soon as they were out of his mouth.
Vera laughed. “My trunk will arrive later.”
Wyatt let out a breath of relief.
“I’ll give you the pink room because it seems to fit you perfectly. It also has the best view of the farm.”
Vera followed him up the stairs.
He set her valise down inside a room at the very top of the stairs.
“The room to your far right is the master bedroom,” he felt himself blush. “The room next to the master bedroom is the nursery. They’re attached with a door. There are two other bedrooms down the hall in case ... well ... if we have children.”
Vera blushed as well, and Wyatt wished he’d have worded that differently.
He took her arm. “You can get settled later. I’d like to give you a tour of the place.”
Back on the first floor he showed her the sitting room, dining room, and kitchen. He introduced her to Rita, the housekeeper, and then led her outside to show her the barn, animals, and their acres of land.
“Have you ever milked a cow?” he asked.
“Every morning and evening for ten years,” Vera replied. “My family didn’t own a farm, but we had a cow and some chickens. We had a small garden, too. With nine children, we saved money wherever we could.”
“As I recall, you told me your parents died when their carriage went over a bridge as it collapsed. How dreadful. I’m truly sorry.”
“We’d crossed that rickety bridge so often and never imagined ... it was the only way to get to town, our church, and school. Fortunately, the children didn’t go into town with them that day. It was their wedding anniversary, and they planned to have dinner at the new hotel.”
“That must have been a painful experience for all of you.”
“It was, but it left me in charge, so I didn’t have time to grieve.”
“You’re a strong woman, Vera.”
“Maybe too strong sometimes.”
~~~~***~~~~
Vera was happy to say farewell to the housekeeper—she didn’t agree with half the things she did, and Vera couldn’t wait to be in charge. The first day without the woman, she rose early to make Wyatt’s breakfast. The housekeeper had made him pancakes each day, claiming it was his favorite. Vera wondered if Wyatt might not be sick of pancakes by then.
She browned some ham, coddled a few eggs, and made potato skins fried in onions and topped with cheese and mushrooms. In her family home, they’d even eaten the potato peels; they wasted nothing, and she had several recipes for them.
Vera set the breakfast down in front of him.
Wyatt looked up and smiled. “Wow! Thank you. I was praying you wouldn’t make pancakes. When Rita was first hired, she asked if I liked pancakes. Of course, I said I did.” Wyatt rolled his eyes. “Then, she made them every single morning.” He tasted the potato skins. “Mmm, this is a treat.”
Vera smiled. “I love to cook, especially when it’s appreciated. Thank you.” Vera went back into the kitchen and brought out a cup of coffee. “Rita said you preferred coffee in the morning and tea the rest of the day.”
“Yes.” He sipped the coffee gingerly. “This is perfect.”
Vera took a seat at the table. “Hilda didn’t appreciate a new person milking her this morning, and she kicked some milk out of the bucket, but I’ll have enough to make you a fine dessert for dinner.”
“Won’t you join me for breakfast?” he asked.
“No. I grabbed a piece of ham on a slice of bread while I cooked.”
Wyatt set his fork down and gave her a serious look. “I’d like for us to take our meals together.”
“Oh. Well, I suppose I could make some changes to my routine. You see, at home, there weren’t enough chairs at the table, and I was just so busy.”
“You are not at home caring for eight, nor are you my housekeeper. You’re my wife, and a
