RNWMP: Bride for Theodore (Mail Order Mounties)(13)

“Are you any good?”

“Better than most girls. It’s the long legs, you see.”

“You are inordinately tall.”

“Does my height bother you?” she asked.

“I’m six inches taller than you. Why would your height bother me? It will be nice to dance with you and not have to hurt my back as I hunch over.” Theodore grinned at her.

“When will we dance? Is there a place to dance around here?” Jess hadn’t seen anything that could possibly work for dancing, but she loved to dance, and being held in his arms for the length of a song would make her happier than she could express.

“Yup. My place. Kendall plays the guitar and sings. He’s actually really good.”

“I would love to hear him play.”

“Just don’t start thinking that you can fall in love with a guitar player. You came out here to marry me if you’ll remember.” He couldn’t believe he was feeling a bit of jealousy over her interest in Kendall’s guitar playing. It was silly.

“I came out here to marry a Mountie, and you promptly told me you didn’t want me. Remember?”

“I think I’ve changed my mind.” His words were soft, but she heard them. Did that mean he wanted to marry her? Or just court her?

“How much time do you have left in your lunch hour?” Jess asked, realizing they’d been sitting there talking for a long time.

He checked his watch and jumped to his feet. “I was supposed to be back ten minutes ago. No one will know, but I’m never late for anything! I’ll have to work ten minutes late to make up for it.” He reached a hand down to help her to her feet. “I’ll see you at supper time.”

“Will all the men be there?” she called after him as he all but ran back to the office. It was a good thing she could see the cabin from where she was. He wasn’t going to escort her home from the looks of it.

“All five of us Mounties!” he hollered back as he disappeared around the corner.

Jess shook her head as she picked up the remains of their picnic and folded the blanket. Their first outing had been one she’d never forget. He was interested in her, and wanted to get to know her better. She would be walking on air for the rest of the day.

Theodore Hughes had realized she was more than just a pest. She couldn’t think of anything that would make her happier.

She carried the picnic basket into the cabin along with the quilt, before going out the back door with a metal pail. She picked a bunch more berries. If he liked muffins that much, she’d make some to go with the omelets she had planned for breakfast the next day. She had an odd feeling that no one would mind at all. The men all seemed thrilled to have someone cooking for them.

Miss Hazel looked up from her book as Jess came back into the cabin. “Did you have a nice picnic? Oh, you don’t have to answer that. I can see from your blush that you did. I’m glad.”

Jess smiled. “I’m going to start supper and continue my cleaning. Do you want to help?”

“Why would I help? You’ve got it handled.” Miss Hazel waved her hand in the air, indicating Jess should do whatever she planned to do.

Jess shook her head. It was a good thing she loved Miss Hazel, or she might get annoyed with her.





5





Dinner that night was a chaotic affair, and Jess found she loved it. Thirty minutes before it was time to eat, the five Mounties arrived carrying a table and four more chairs. Theodore put his hand on Jess’s shoulder when they were finished setting everything up. “We’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Thank you for bringing the table and chairs,” she said softly.

“Oh, that was Kendall’s idea. He said there’s no reason to have a pretty girl around if you can’t see her while you eat, so he wanted to sit in a real chair. Don't get any ideas though.”

Jess blushed, shaking her head. “Don't worry. I'm not one to have my head turned by flattery.”

“No, you don't seem the type. We'll all be back in a few minutes.” Theodore was halfway to the door when he stopped. “Maybe we can go for a walk after supper.”

“I'd like that a lot.” She loved the idea of walking in the moonlight with him. She knew there was a lake somewhere close by, and maybe they could walk along its shores. “Did you decide to go dancing tonight?”

He frowned for a moment. “If we dance tonight, everyone is going to expect a turn with you. For tonight, I want you all to myself.”

“All right then." Jess watched as he left, having a hard time believing that this was the same man who had met her and his mother at the train station the day before. He had done a complete turnaround. Her heart could not be happier.

As soon as he was gone, Miss Hazel walked up to her. “So you and Teddy are going for a walk? Do you think I should go with you? Do you need a chaperone?”

Jess laughed, shaking her head. “I thought you wanted the two of us to get together. And now you're teasing me about him? Which way do you want it?”

Ms. Hazel hugged her tightly. “You know there's nothing that I want more than you and Teddy to be happy together. I know you're the right bride for him. And I think eventually he's going to see that as well. I just hope we’re still here for that one.”