Second-Chance Bride (Dakota Brides Book 3)(21)

“Yes, I am.”

Milo nodded. “Then I should like to visit your home.”

“Me too.” Kit was not about to be outdone.

They made their way inside and sat beside Freyda’s family. The boys sat on either side of him, with Freyda on the other side of Kit.

Ward settled himself comfortably in the pew and looked at the others. So this is what it felt like to have family.

It might prove interesting to see how Freyda’s family treated her. He had the impression she wasn’t taken as seriously as she would have liked.



Freyda glanced out the corner of her eye trying to gauge how Ward felt about her family. And these were only a few of them. She could have refused Anker’s invitation though it had come more as an order, but she longed to see them all, even though she knew she would endure questioning and more arguments about what she was doing.

Ward noticed her looking at him. The smile he gave her made her relax. He could have said no if he didn’t want to go.

The preacher stood to bring the congregation to worship. This was Reverend Sorrow. She must speak to him after the service and thank him for the letter he’d sent.

The hymns they sang had familiar tunes, but even with the help of the hymnal she struggled to find the English words, so settled for a soft hum. Not that she was much of a singer.

But Ward! Oh, how that man could sing. His voice was rich and deep. Not unlike the man himself. She immediately dismissed the latter thought as irreverent. She regretted when the song service ended, but sat back to listen to the Reverend.

“My text is from Luke chapter nine, verse sixty-two. ‘And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’” He smiled at the congregation. “I thought it a fitting verse for the season as I know most of you are busy farming. You all know if you don’t keep your eyes focused on a spot ahead, your plowing will be crooked.” He went on to talk about how followers of Christ must also keep their eyes on the One they followed or they would lose their way.

The service ended. Reverend Sorrow went down the aisle and waited at the door to greet each of them. As Freyda spoke to the reverend, Ward stood a foot away, as if making it clear he was nearby should she need him.

“Reverend, I’m Mrs. Haevre, Baruk’s widow. Thank you for your letter.”

The preacher covered her hands with his. “My dear. I wish I wasn’t the bearer of such awful news. How are you doing?”

“I’m doing fine.” And she was. Baruk had been gone so long she could hardly remember him. “I would like to see his grave and say my good-byes.”

“Of course. It’s just through that gate and to your right. Do you wish to wait so I can accompany you?”

“How kind of you to offer, but I’ll be okay.” She descended the steps. Ward and the boys followed her to the gate.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Ward asked.

“Thanks, but I don’t think so.” This was something she needed to do on her own.

“Then I’ll wait here.”

She nodded and went to the simple cross with Baruk’s name on it. She should have come here upon her arrival. Should have paid her respects then, but she’d been focused solely on getting to the homestead and starting her new life.

She knelt before the grave. If only he had believed in her enough to bring her with him. If only people would take her seriously. She sat back on her heels. Perhaps Ward did. After all, he must think she could handle the horses, or else why would he show her what to do? She looked at him across the two rows of grave markers. He stood hat in hand, his dark hair shining in the sun. He’d offered to accompany her, but had not insisted.

He watched her with a tiny smile.

Did he like what he saw?

She looked back at the name Baruk. “Baruk, I like the house you built. I’m not so sure about Boss and Boots. But the farm is in a good spot. Close to the creek for watering the livestock. A nice level place. I will keep the farm and make it my own.” She sat before the grave, letting go of the past, looking forward to the future. “Good-bye, Baruk.”

She got to her feet and left the cemetery. “Shall we go face the inquisition of my brother and cousin?”

He chuckled. “I think you can handle it fine.” He grimaced. “I’m not so certain I’ll survive. That brother of yours looks mighty tough.”

She laughed. “You have nothing to fear.” She wished she had the same confidence in her own ability to survive.



Following the instructions Anker had given him, Ward turned the wagon that direction. Anker and his family were half a mile ahead with Nels riding beside their wagon.

Ward had been joshing about being afraid of Anker. It wasn’t on his behalf his muscles tightened. He couldn’t miss the way Freyda twisted her hands together and bit her bottom lip.

He touched her hand and she jerked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Did she object to his touch?

“You didn’t really, but my thoughts were on what I will face at Anker’s.”

“Will it be that bad?”

She gave a chuckle that was half groan. “I’ll let you judge for yourself.”

“Fair enough.” He sat back a moment thinking of the different aspects of the morning. He would soon spend time with her family. There were so many things he wanted to know about her. He nudged her arm. “It might be fun to get their opinion of you.”