Vera smiled. “I’d be delighted.”
“I also don’t want you working so hard that you become as stressed as you did at home. I’m not a strict taskmaster. If something doesn’t get done, that’s fine.” Wyatt picked up his fork and resumed eating. “By the way, this breakfast is fantastic.”
Vera fiddled with a napkin on the table. “Am I allowed to ride into town if I need something?”
“Allowed?” Wyatt laughed. “Why, of course. Anytime you want. Just say the word, and I’ll have Jack hitch-up the wagon or saddle you a horse.”
“Jack?”
“I hired him to help out until my arm heals, but he’s doing such a great job, I may keep him on. That will give you and I more time to get better acquainted.”
Vera felt herself blush again. “I’d like that.”
A week later, Vera noticed that Wyatt’s face had cleared up, and his nose was no longer bandaged. He was a very handsome man. Instead of jumping for joy that she’d married a handsome man, she felt saddened, feeling as if he’d never come to love her; he was out of her class.
His arm was still in a sling, but he did as much as he could around the farm. If she thought Wyatt was handsome, Jack, the new hired man, was even more so. She wondered what they fed men in Kansas. Wyatt was tall and lanky with beautiful blue eyes. His wavy, dark hair framed his oval face perfectly. Jack was not as tall, but he was more muscular than Wyatt. He had blond hair and big dimples when he smiled. They were both perfect gentlemen, but they made her feel common and unattractive.
Chapter Three
Wyatt shook his head slowly while watching his new wife milk the cow. She was an amazing farmer’s wife. Vera and Grace had worked together canning and preserving for the winter months. They seemed to get along beautifully. Wyatt thought that they were a lot alike—both of them were on the unadorned side, but definitely not unattractive; they just weren’t made up with makeup, hairdos, and expensive clothing. Grace’s eyes were her best feature, and Vera had an alluring smile. Wyatt’s only worry was whether he could ever be physically attracted to Vera, which would cause a problem for their marriage. He wanted children. He liked Vera—truly liked her—and he supposed that was a good start.
Vera and Grace dressed similarly, too. Their everyday dresses were clean and neat but loose-fitting, giving just a hint of their figures.
Wyatt came up behind Vera to watch her finish milking the cow. She pulled the bucket out from beneath Hilda and gave her an affectionate pat.
Vera turned and gasped when she realized he was watching her. “Oh! You scared me, Wyatt. Did you tiptoe up behind me?”
He smiled. “Sorry. You and Hilda seem to get along nicely.”
Vera stood and wiped her hands on her apron. “Yes. Hilda and I are now friends.”
“I just wanted the chance to tell you what a great job you’re doing.”
Vera gave him one of her fantastic smiles. “Why, thank you. That’s something I seldom heard at home.”
“Do you miss the children very much?”
Vera sighed. “I didn’t think I would, especially this soon, but I do. I don’t miss the drudgery, but I miss them, especially Thea. She and I were close.” She shrugged. “But I like it here, too. I hope you’ll be all right with me going home for a visit at some point.”
“Winter is a good time for you to visit because there isn’t as much farm work. I’d miss your cooking, but I could survive. Grace is very good about sending food over or inviting me there to eat.” Wyatt shuffled his feet nervously. “How long of a visit were you thinking?”
“A week would be enough, trust me. I love my siblings, but I have a terrible personality fault. I can’t seem to stop taking charge and seeing fault in the way others do things. If they don’t do them the way I do, they’re wrong. I don’t think I could stay longer than it takes to give them all my love and hurry back here.”
“What about a Christmas trip?” Wyatt asked, but he regretted his words. He didn’t want to spend Christmas alone or with his brother’s family. Wyatt loved his family, but he felt that at his age he should start his own Christmas celebrations and customs.
“Why don’t you accompany me?”
“To Missouri?”
“Yes. My family would love to meet you, and I’d hate to travel alone, especially for the holidays. You could keep me from criticizing how they do things there.”
Wyatt tilted his head in thought. He ran through all of the reasons he couldn’t go with her, and then answered, “I like the idea.”
“You do?” Vera asked with a smile and bright eyes.
“Yes. Isn’t that what marriage is about: companionship?”
“Indeed, it is,” Vera said, still smiling. “Now, I can hardly wait to leave.”
Wyatt said, “I’ll check the calendar, but I think we could leave a week before Christmas and return just before the new year. What do you think?”
Vera clapped her hands together. “It sounds perfect.”
“It’s a plan, then. I’ll order the train tickets.”
Vera said, “I’m going into town this afternoon to buy a few supplies; do you need anything?”
“You could see if we have any mail.”
“Will do.”
“Shall I saddle a horse or harness the wagon?”
“I’ll need the wagon to carry back the supplies.”
“I wonder if Grace needs anything,” he suggested.
“Yes, and perhaps she’ll want to come along.”
~~~***~~~
The two women strolled through the aisles of the general store.
Grace laughed. “I don’t really need anything, I just came along to keep you company.”
“I’m looking for something colorful to wrap gifts with.” Vera spun
