“Pa never trusted banks much. He said they were full of rules dreamed up to keep you from your money.” She shrugged. “With the sewing and Fred providing coal, we’ve gotten by just fine. It’s not like I need to fix hearty meals foryou, so Carrie and I mainly eat simple. We can go on doing that until you get to come home, and then I’ll worry about adding in meat and vegetables.”
“No, don’t wait. You two need decent food. I can just imagine you’re having oatmeal and a piece of bread. Maybe some cheese. That’s not enough. Get some real food. Oh, and don’t forget to pay Dr. Scott. We definitely want to see his account properly settled.”
She laughed and tied off her thread. “You’re mighty bossy for a man who nearly lost his life.”
“Maybe that’s exactly why I’m bossy. I’m glad to be alive and figure to take charge of my family again.”
“I’ll be glad for that. Although, we have good friends, Edward. They’ve been there every step of the way for us. Melody has been good to watch Carrie so I could be here with you. Eve too. The ladies have even sent over the occasional meal, and Fred and Eve have had us to lunch several times. Fred has provided coal, as I mentioned, and he’s walked me here so I can be with you. Mr. Doyle has brought wood and even an occasional peppermint stick for Carrie. They’re all so dear to care about us. God has blessed us with good people to call friends.”
“He has. I know. I wasn’t afraid for you and Carrie. As dear as you are to me.” He met her gaze. “And you are. More than I figured.”
Marybeth nodded. “And you are to me. More than I figured.”
“There’s something else. I’m not sure exactly how to explain it, but I’m just going to say it. When I told you that I loved you—”
“You don’t have to say anything,” Marybeth interrupted. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it.”
“But I did.”
She looked at him for a long moment. “I meant it too.”
“I know. It doesn’t change things. Not really. But I meant the words.”
For several long minutes neither one said anything more. What was there to say? Marybeth had made herself clear, just as Edward had. It was hardly appropriate to tell him that she wanted more from him when he was barely past the throes of death.
18
Edward didn’t like to admit it, but his feelings for Marybeth had changed. They were growing stronger toward her in the way he’d once felt about Janey. He was starting to think of her first thing every morning when he awoke, and then throughout the day, she’d come to mind at the strangest times. And always ... always those feelings were ones of tenderness.
He’d only been home for three days now but seeing the way they lived in the small shed instead of a house was starting to rub him the wrong way. Marybeth deserved a home—a house with bedrooms and a proper kitchen. She deserved so much more than he was giving her, and even though it would be another month before the weather would start warming up, he was eager to plan a house.
“So have you heard anything from George and Inga? Father?” he asked as she cleaned up after lunch. She had insisted that he sit in her rocking chair for better support than the old crate he was used to using. He leaned back, grateful for the comfort. “I would have thought we’d have had a letter from them.”
“No,” Marybeth admitted as she dried the dishes. “Nothing since the brief note they sent after the New Year. I wrote and told them about your being shot and then another letter to let them know you were well on the mend, but I’ve heard nothing from them.”
Edward frowned. “I hope they’re doing all right. It’s not like Inga. She wrote me all the time when I was in the army.”
“They’re probably just extra busy, and it has only been a few weeks, not even a month since I wrote them last. I have no idea how slow the mail moves this time of year. And it can’t be easy to keep up with the horses and those boys of theirs, as well as your father’s needs. Then to try and settle my affairs on top of everything else is just an added inconvenience. I’m sure they’ll write when they get time. I’ll check at the post office later. Melody and I are supposed to go shopping, and I need to return these mended clothes and get paid.”
“Did you go to the bank like I told you to do?” he asked, worried that Marybeth was working much too hard.
“I haven’t needed to. There’s been more than enough money for the few needs we have. I will though, I promise. I need to buy more meat. We need to get you back on your feet, after all. Dr. Scott said you could benefit from some good beef liver.”
Edward’s eyes narrowed, and he shook his head. “I don’t eat liver. Never have. Pa tried to make me once when I was just four or five. I threw up everywhere, and they never tried that again. I can’t even abide the smell.”
Marybeth smiled. “What a relief. I can’t stand it either. I was wondering how in the world I was going to cook it for you.”
He chuckled. “Well, good. Now that that’s settled, we cantalk about something more pleasant. I was thinking we could start making plans for the new house.”
“I’d like that. It’s always fun to dream.”
“This is no dream. We’re going to get us a house before the weather turns hot. I’m determined.”
“We still have to wait for the money, Edward. We can’t very well buy supplies on wishes and dreams.”
“No, but we can make plans. Once things are settled, we’ll be able to get started. We have that nice plot of land the city gave me for signing on as a deputy. It’s just a few blocks away. A perfect area for a family. So we might as well be ready. For instance, how many bedrooms do you suppose we should have?”
Marybeth looked away. Edward got the feeling something was wrong. “What is it?”
