“I like you,” Gunnar admitted, making Kit smile.
“I like you too,” Kit said. “Both of you.”
Knut smiled with his mouth full. He swallowed and then added his two cents. “Even if you are old.”
Kit choked on his coffee.
“Will we be tall when we’re old like you?” Gunnar asked.
“Probably,” Kit answered, adding under his breath, “if you live that long.”
A snort came from Maddie’s direction.
“I’m sorry our skunk smelled up your room.” Gunnar mimicked Kit and ripped off a chunk of bread.
“But it doesn’t stink anymore,” Knut added. “Maddie said so. Huh, Maddie?”
“It’s aired out,” Maddie replied, wiping her hands on her apron and checking the other batch of bread in the oven.
“Now you don’t have to sleep with Hallie anymore,” Gunnar reasoned.
There was sudden quiet from Maddie’s direction, and Kit tried to think of something to say. Finally, he resorted to logic. “I married your sister, and married people sleep together.”
Both boys were thoughtful. Then Gunnar said, “But you didn’t sleep with Hallie at first. You sleeped down here, remember?”
Maddie leaned against the range, crossing her arms. “This one I’ve got to hear.”
Kit scowled at Maddie. Then he turned to “the boys. “I... uh—”
The door burst open and Liv came running in. “She had her kittens! My cat had her kittens! Come see.”
The boys raced out of the room, and Kit relaxed.
Maddie walked over. “You’ve more luck than any man deserves. I’d have paid a pretty penny to hear you explain your pigheadedness to those two boys.”
“I’m trying to make up for it, Maddie. Just give me time.”
Maddie started to leave the kitchen, but she paused at the door. “As far as this marriage goes, you’ve had an angel on your shoulder, Kit Howland, and from the way you’ve treated Hallie, I don’t think you deserve it. All I can figure is that you’re a prime example of how the Lord protects dumb animals.” With that, she left the room.
Duncan helped Hallie downfrom the carriage, and she turned, waiting for him to get Dagny. The huge man lifted her sister and carefully set her down, as if Dagny would break in two. Hallie took her sister’s arm and helped her ascend the stairs. Duncan opened the door and followed them inside.
Hallie untied Dagny’s cloak and removed her gloves, while her sister just stood there, staring. There was no life in her eyes and she never spoke, nor acknowledged that she heard or recognized anyone. Hallie had hoped that Dr. Jim would have some suggestions, some diagnosis, or a cure. But this visit was the same as the others—hopeless. He said she could snap out of her dazed world at any time or... never. They would have to wait, and waiting was not something Hallie did well. She was a doer, not a waiter.
“Are you going to take her up to her room?” Duncan asked.
He seemed anxious, as if her answer was critical.
Hallie removed her own gloves and cloak before she replied. “I thought she might like to sit in the parlor for a while.” Hallie glanced at Duncan, whose eyes gave away his thoughts. “Would you like to do me a favor and keep her company for a little bit?”
His eyes lit up.
“The doctor said we should spend time talking or reading to her. He thinks it might help her come out of this thing.”
“I’d like to help, if you don’t mind?”
A small smile played at Hallie’s lips. “I think Dagny would like that.”
Duncan smiled shyly. “Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Howland.”
