The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)(15)

Rory walked in and looked between them. “Need any help getting him to bed?”

Gina shook her head. “No, thanks. I’ve got it covered. He’s nearly finished dinner.”

“Okay. Well, if there’s anything you need, make sure to let one of us know.”

“You could start dinner.” Callie pulled a face at Gina. “I loathe cooking. Would rather ear-tag a paddock of bulls.” She shivered dramatically and rolled her eyes.

“Well, in that case, let me get this little one to sleep and I’ll cook for you. It’s the least I can do since you’re letting me stay here.” If only for a day or so, I’ll do whatever I can to make you all want me to stay.

“Don’t you dare take him. If he’s had enough, I’ll hold him until he goes to sleep and then we can sort out how to get him to bed. Deal?”

“Deal. But he needs his sippy cup. Let me get it.” She wiped the dribble from Fisher’s chin and stood up. “Thanks, Callie.”

“Ha, no problem. I’m taking him into the lounge so I can hang out with my spunky cowboy.” She jiggled the baby in her arms while Gina made up a drink. When she walked into the lounge, Callie was leaning against Chance with Fisher on her knee watching the fire. She gave Callie the sippy with a kiss for her son’s cheek. “Later, you two.” Fisher snuggled into her shoulder, his eyelids already heavy with sleep, and milky lips worked the spout.

“You don’t have to do dinner, Gina. I can cook if you’d rather settle the baby first.” Rory looked uncomfortable and avoided meeting her gaze when she walked back into the kitchen. Thank goodness he was feeling as out of sorts as she was. They might have a chance to clear the air so at least she could sleep tonight without worrying so much about being kicked out.

“No, it’s fine. I love to cook when I get the chance. It’s what I love to do and I don’t want to be seen to be skiving off. So not my thing.” She stood up and put the bowl in the sink, running the water over it to rinse off the last of the egg. Her chance to shine and she wasn’t going to let a few anxious moments derail that. “What do you want to eat?”

“I think there’re steaks in the fridge.”

“Okay.” She walked over and opened the door, looking for the meat. Gina reached for it and then changed her mind. She shut the fridge door, turned back to Rory, and crossed her arms, gathering her nerve. “Maybe you want to get this talk over and done with now while there’s just the two of us in the room.” With her head held high, she walked over to the island counter and stood behind it, her hands on the surface for stability for what she dreaded was to come.

Rory looked at her, eyes shadowed, and her heart plummeted. Now she’d started the conversation, she feared he was going to tell her she had to leave.

“I’m not sure where to go from here, to tell you the truth.”

“How about you tell me what’s causing you the most distress and we can deal with that first then? I always believe in dealing with one problem at a time.”

“I can stand just about anything apart from one thing: I hate lies.” He sighed and her mouth went dry. “Being a sheriff’s deputy probably helps reinforce that and when I saw you with Fisher, I wondered what else you’d failed to tell me about. It was rather a letdown from my point of view.” He glanced at her and if he could tell she was terrified, he didn’t show it. “I don’t know where to go to from here.”

She blinked, and sucked in a breath. It was understandable how he was feeling but in her mind she was hurt too. All of the way here, she was looking forward to having a home that didn’t have peeling wallpaper and water stains on the roof, or vermin sharing her living space. A door that closed would be a bonus, and rats not eating out of her garbage can at night would be lovely too. It was stupid to think the house in the picture would be her new home. A small part of her mind knew that. Still it hurt to think he had deceived her and he was the one crying out in protest. What kind of person with seemingly everything advertised for a wife anyway?

She thought for a moment, not wanting to say the wrong thing and risk annoying him but Gina wasn’t one to lay down and let others walk all over her either. “I know you consider it lying and I don’t blame you. But I had no choice. Everything I told you about myself was true. The photo may have been a couple of years old but it was still me and I doubt I’ve changed that much. I do want the things we spoke about; that won’t change no matter where I end up living. I want to make a life for me and my child and if that’s with you, wonderful. I’ll be a good wife, that I promise you. I’ll have your children and expect you to treat Fisher like one of your own because I’ll treat them all the same.”

He coughed and glanced at her then looked away quickly.

She ploughed on, determined to get her point across before nerves overtook her voice and made talking impossible. “I’ll make sure you never have to worry about the home or the children. That will be my job until they are old enough to go into care or school. Then I’ll get a job if that’s what you want me to do or I can work now when you’re home, whatever works best for us.” She swallowed and kept going. “All I expect from you is to be there for me, to keep us safe, and hopefully, one day, love us. None of my ideas changed when I saw the state of your cottage. I’ll make it the home we both want, because I know it’s possible with a little bit of effort and a lick of paint. I don’t need a renovated mansion, Rory. I’ll be happy with what you already have. It’s all your call because I’m not in a position to do anything other than what you choose to tell me you want. Our future is in your hands.” She stood watching him, waiting for him to destroy her dreams.