The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)(12)

“I can do it.” Gina stood in the doorway with Fisher wrapped up in a big fluffy towel.

“Sorry, not used to contraptions like this.” He pushed back his hat and scratched his head. “Anything else I can do for you that doesn’t involve putting things together?”

*

She looked at him and smiled. “I’ll just get him dressed and come downstairs. I need to think about feeding him before it gets too late. He doesn’t do late nights very well.” And I have to face the music and try to sort out our future without making me look too mercenary.

“Did you want me to cook something? I’m not that sure what little ones eat though. I can give it a shot.”

“It’s okay. I can do it. If I could just make eggs for dinner, he’d love that.” Gina sat on the edge of the bed and reached for Fisher’s bag of clothes. She’d have to do a wash tomorrow because he was almost out of clean garments so all in all, it wasn’t a bad move coming here for a couple of days.

“Right, then. I’ll go down and light the fire so he’s not cold. See you when you’re ready.” He shut the door behind him and her shoulders slumped. So far so good. At least he hadn’t sent her away. Her heart ached for her baby boy. She wanted him to have a father, but it had been underhanded to surprise Rory like that. He seemed like a very nice man. Would he have welcomed her if he’d known she had child already? She couldn’t take that chance and now she had to run with her deception and his reaction to it.

Fisher wriggled and tried to climb away from his mother. “Hold still honey, and we’ll get you dressed and fed before bed time.” Once he was wrapped up in his pajamas and slippers, Gina let him down on the floor while she tidied the bathroom and then set up the cot. She pulled it close to the bed and turned down the blankets so when her child fell asleep she only had to place him down and cover him up.

“Let’s go downstairs and see about dinner.” She scooped her baby up and headed down the stairs. Voices came from the kitchen and she paused, not sure about walking into someone else’s house during a conversation. It could be personal and she didn’t want to interrupt. Fisher spotted Sherbet walking from the kitchen to the lounge and let out a squeal, making the decision for her.

There was no choice other than to head down and see what was going on in the kitchen. Rory was standing with a mug of coffee in his hands and Callie was leaning on the kitchen island counter when she walked in.

“Hey snuggle bug. You look gorgeous all rugged up in your little onesie.” Callie laughed at the look that passed between Gina and Rory. “You don’t call them that here? It might be an Australian thing then, sorry. I’m talking about his little suit.”

“Oh, right. We call it a sleeper because it covers his arms and legs too.” She put Fisher down on the floor and watched as he tottered around exploring the kitchen.

“Right, what do you want to give him for dinner? I’m not that crash hot in the kitchen, but you can do whatever you want.” Callie walked away from the counter and took a seat at the table, leaving the kitchen to Gina.

“Are you sure you don’t mind? I hate the thought of taking over.”

“Doesn’t worry me in the slightest. Go for it. The pantry is pretty well stocked as is the fridge and freezer. Do whatever makes you happy while I keep an eye on this little bundle of joy.” She kept her gaze on Fisher as he touched everything he discovered, casting quick glances at the adults watching his every move.

“You don’t have any children yet?”

“Ah, no. We’ll get there one day though when we figure the time is right. Chance and I’ve only been married for a short time so there’s no rush.” Callie clapped her hands and Fisher came toddling over toward her. “Aren’t you just the sweetest little thing?”

“I’ll make him an omelet if that’s alright?”

“Of course. We have loads of eggs. The girls are doing really well, giving us more than we can eat.” Callie picked up the baby and carried him on her hip to the pantry. She came back out with a basket filled with eggs. “I collect this many every day. I just wish I knew what to cook so I could use them up.” She put the basket on the counter.

“I could make French toast for breakfast tomorrow.” Anything to give me brownie points and pay my own way.

“Hell yes. I love that stuff. Shame I always burn it. All that butter and cinnamon, yum. My mother used to give it to us on Sundays because that was the only day we had off on the farm.” A shadow crossed Callie’s face.

“Okay, done then.” She looked around the kitchen to orient herself, checking cupboards and drawers. Gina then found the utensils she needed to make dinner, and put a small fry pan on the stove to heat. From the bucket on the counter she took a couple of eggs and broke them into a bowl she’d found under the sink, whisking it with a fork before adding a small dash of water.

Rory frowned when Gina added the water and she smiled. “I know, I get it all the time. Most people use milk. I find water makes it lighter and, for a baby, going to bed on a heavy dinner won’t be comfortable.”

The back door opened and in strode a cowboy, his eyes lighting up when he saw Callie with a child on her hip. He walked over and grinned, glancing between the adults standing in the kitchen. “Hey cutie, what’s your name?”