Second-Chance Bride (Dakota Brides Book 3)(42)

“I can’t help it.” Her gaze bored into his. “If a storm comes up, you are out here like that tree, just waiting to be struck.” A shudder ran down her entire body.

“I’ll be okay.”

“That’s what the tree thought too. And those people who died.”

“I’ll have to stop seeding if it rains.”

“Good. See that you do. I’ll leave you to your work.” As she returned to the house where the boys played with her kitten, she continually looked at the sky.

If he’d known her fear, he would never have mentioned the possibility of a thunderstorm. Now, concerned for her, he kept a close eye on the sky. When he saw thunderheads building along the horizon, he considered going to the house and warning her, but decided against it. What would be the use? So he kept working, trying to get as much done as he could. He would not stop unless it rained.

Thunder sounded in the distance and Freyda hurried the boys indoors.

Should he check on her?

He decided there was no need. They were safe. He was safe. And he made another pass down the field.

The wind increased. Clouds darkened the sky. One cloud curled and twisted. Another rose high into the sky. Lightning flashed. Thunder boomed. Boss and Boots grew nervous. Not wanting to deal with a couple of runaways, he unhitched the pair and took them to the barn. The air turned greenish and he looked about. The clouds churned, but it was nothing he hadn’t seen before. Freyda’s nervousness had made him edgy.

He put the horses in the barn, tended to them as quickly as he could, and went to the house.

Inside, he looked for Freyda and the boys. He called them, but thunder drowned out his words. He strode through the kitchen into the sitting room. She sat in the armchair, both boys clutched to her sides. Her eyes were wide. The boys held tight to her.

“Freyda.”

She blinked. “You’re here. You’re safe.”

He knelt before her and removed the boys. “Milo, take your brother to the kitchen. Check on the kitten.” He’d seen it asleep on a mat by the stove.

Milo hesitated.

“I’ll take care of her,” Ward assured his son.

Milo led Kit away, stopping at the door to look again at Freyda.

Ward took Freyda’s hands. They were as icy as winter snow. “Freyda, you are safe. We are all safe.”

When she didn’t look at him, he caught her chin and turned her face to his. “Freyda.” He spoke her name softly, tenderly.

She blinked. Her eyes focused and her gaze clung to his. A shudder shook her. “Thunderstorms frighten me.”

“I can see that.” He put his hands on her shoulders and stilled her shivers. “But you are safe.”

She touched his cheek. “You are here. I was so worried when you stayed out.”

“I was doing my best to get your crop sown.”

She smiled. “It doesn’t seem all that important at the moment.”

Did she mean his safety meant more to her than her farm? Humph. That was making her words mean a lot more than she likely intended.

She looked around. “Where are the boys?”

“In the kitchen. Can I get you something? Tea? Coffee?” he asked.

“Sounds good.” Just as she got to her feet, lightning lit up the room and within seconds, thunder boomed. She grabbed him. “That was close.”

He held her a moment then guided her to the next room, led her to a chair, and had her sit down. He glanced out the windows as he went to the stove. Saw nothing afire and relaxed. Again, he was letting her fears affect him. He filled the coffeepot and found some cookies.

“Listen,” he said, tipping his ear toward the roof. “Rain. Let’s see it.”

The boys rushed to the door. Freyda shook her head.

“The storm has passed.” He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Come, enjoy the rain.” She came reluctantly.

At the open door, he held her to his side, liking the way she clung to him.

Lightning flashed in the distance. Muted thunder rolled. Freyda lifted her head and sniffed. “The rain smells nice.”

“It is much needed.” But too soon the clouds passed overhead and the rain stopped. “I won’t be able to work the rest of the day.” It was a perfect opportunity to pick up some needed supplies. “Would you like to go to town?”

“Town?” She eased from his embrace. “Is it safe to leave the place? What if there’s—” She looked at the two little boys standing nearby and, lowering her voice, leaned close. “A fire?”

He looked deeply into her eyes. “Are you planning to stay home every day for fear of what if?” Why did the words reverberate through his thoughts?

She looked at the sky. “That storm was real.”

“And it’s over.” Again, it felt as if he spoke to himself. But he wasn’t afraid of storms. At least not that sort of storm. He didn’t know what sort of storm he meant. “How long will it take you to get ready to go?”

She looked at herself. “I guess I could go as I am. All I need is a bonnet and my clutch bag.”

“Then you’ll have to wait for me. I will take the boys home, tidy them up and get the wagon.”



Freyda watched until Ward and his sons were home then scurried around. She would make a lunch for them that they could eat on the way. Why had she been so foolish about a little storm? She shuddered. Even knowing that her fear was irrational didn’t make it disappear. It was a good thing Anker hadn’t witnessed her reaction. Wouldn’t he use it for a reason to point out how she couldn’t manage on her own?