RNWMP: Bride for Theodore (Mail Order Mounties)(16)

Jess laughed. “I’m not a saint at all. Trust me I have lots of faults.”

“Oh?” Theodore raised an eyebrow as he studied her. “Like what?”

She shook her head adamantly. “I’m not telling you that! You’re going to have to find the faults for yourself.”

“Is that a challenge?”

She laughed softly. “How can it be a challenge when they’re right out there in the open for the whole world to see?”

“I’ve known you for your entire life, and I’ve never noticed one.”

“Oh really?” Her look was skeptical.

“Well, you did have an annoying habit of following me around at recess. And you broke your slate over Tommy’s head when he made fun of you for not understanding a math problem once.”

She grinned. “I remember that day. The teacher used her ruler on my palm and sent home a note to my mother, who was not happy with me. I wasn’t allowed to leave the house except for church and school for two weeks.”

“Tommy deserved it, though. He was always picking on you.”

“He picked on all the girls, but I was the only one who broke a slate over his head.” Her temper was one of her biggest faults, and she knew it.

Theodore grinned. “That’s true. I was secretly cheering for you from the back row.”

“Really? I thought all the boys were on Tommy’s side.”

“Not me. I thought you had a lot of spunk even then.” He stood up, taking her hand. “We should get back to the cabin before Mom sends out a search party. She’ll think I ran off with you.”

“I don’t think she will.” Jess shrugged. “She knows both of us better than that.”

“Yes, she does. But that won’t stop her from worrying.” He walked back slowly, not wanting his time with her to end. “We’re all coming over for breakfast again. I’ve decided to leave the extra table and chairs until Mom is ready to leave.”

Her heart skipped a beat when he mentioned his mom leaving and not her. Was it possible he was seriously contemplating keeping her and not just joking about it? It was what she wanted more than anything. “I think that’s wise. I have a feeling your cabin is going to be the gathering spot for meals as long as we’re here.”

“Is that good or bad?”

Jess shrugged. “It’s nice to be appreciated. I don’t mind them all being around. I’d be cooking anyway. It’s just a little more work to cook for more people.”

“What do you have planned for breakfast?” he asked.

“Don’t you think you should be surprised with the rest of the Mounties?” She knew he’d be pleased with anything she cooked, so she didn’t feel the need to tell him. It was fun having her cooking so very appreciated.

“Probably. Do you mind that I’m a Mountie?”

She frowned. “Why would I mind that you’re a Mountie? You’re serving your country.”

“It’s a dangerous job. A lot of women aren’t willing to tie themselves to a man who goes out, never knowing if he’ll return.”

“I’m made of stronger stuff than most women. I can handle it. It might be hard for me at times, but I’d manage.” They stopped walking as they reached his cabin.

He cupped her face in both hands, kissing her once more. “You’re a very special young lady, Jessica.”

She sighed, resting her forehead against his shoulder. “I hope you always think so.” She kissed him quickly before heading into the cabin. “Goodnight, Teddy. I’ll see you for breakfast.”

As the door closed in his face, Theodore stared at it for a moment. “And I’ll see you in my dreams.”





6





Miss Hazel slept in again the following morning. Well, she at least stayed in the bedroom while Jess made breakfast for the Mounties again. They arrived right on time, and Jess blushed when she saw Theodore. Was he thinking about their kisses like she was?

When everyone was sitting, she gave them each an omelet and put a basket of muffins in the middle of the table. “I have another pan of muffins in the oven, so don’t worry about taking extra,” she said. “I have another omelet for you as well, Nolan. I know you’ll never make it to lunch with only one.”

Nolan nodded his thanks, his mouth already full. Once he’d finished chewing, he said to Theodore, “You’re the dumbest man alive if you let this one go.”

Theodore didn’t comment, just concentrated on his breakfast. He watched the way the other Mounties interacted with Jess, and he wasn’t sure if he liked it or not. On the one hand, he liked that she was friendly with his co-workers…but on the other, every time she smiled at one of them, he wanted to announce that she was his.

Jess talked to each of the Mounties as if they were important to her, making it clear she remembered little details she knew about them. When Nolan finished his first omelet, she jumped up to get him another. She talked to Kendall about his singing, and asked Joel if he was enjoying his time out in the field instead of having to work in the office.

She didn’t have a lot to say to Elijah, but she had an amused look on her face every time she looked at him. Finally, she said, “I have my scissors with me. Would you like me to cut your hair, Elijah?”