CHAPTER 8
Once back in town, Morgan went straight to The Duchess.
“Let’s go on over to the café for breakfast?”
“I’m not really hungry this morning,” she replied as she made the bed and began to straighten up their room.
“Then have something light. I’m starving.”
“Why didn’t you eat at your mothers?”
“I wanted to talk to Mead and Matthew. Come on, I’d like some company. Sometimes I get sick of my own thoughts,” he admitted oddly.
He took Callie Mae over to the Blue Bonnet for breakfast. Sitting alone at a table in the back, she looked at him and noted his frown.
“What is it, Morgan? What’s bothering you? Is everything all right at the farm?”
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“You look worried, and clearly something is eating at you. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Just be extra nice to Laurie.”
“I’m always nice to Laurie,” Callie Mae replied in surprise. “She’s a dear friend.”
“Do you think you have any influence over her?” he asked, almost hopefully.
Callie looked at him, and her eyes narrowed.
“What’s this about?” she demanded. “What do you want Laurie to do that she’s not in favor of?”
“Marry Matthew.”
Laughing, she picked up her napkin and placed it in her lap.
“I’m pretty sure Matt can woo Laurie Dixon without your help. He’s a very nice young man and handsome too. Besides, he loves her. Not to mention he would do about anything for those boys.”
“He’s taking too long,” Morgan murmured as Laurie approached.
“Good morning, Callie Mae, Morgan. What can I get you?” Laurie wiped her hands on her apron.
“I’ll just have some tea and toast,” Callie Mae answered with a smile. “My appetite is a little off today.”
“And you, Morgan?”
“I’ll have the usual: ham, eggs, fried potatoes, a biscuit or two, and coffee. How are you this morning, Laurie? Matthew been around?”
“Yes, he rode in a little while ago. He’s out back chopping wood, although I told him he didn’t need to. He never listens to me,” she said with a smile and a shrug.
“You should marry him,” Morgan insisted, his tone a bit harsh. “Maybe then you’d have some influence over what he does.”
“Oh Morgan, not you too,” Laurie sighed. “Mead was in here a few minutes ago for coffee. He spent ten minutes telling me what a good catch Matthew was, and how I should snap him up before someone else does,” she said in frustration. “Are the three of you planning to gang up on me?”
“No, of course not, but Mead has a point, and we like you, Laurie. The whole family does. We think you’d make a fine wife for Matt.”
“And I like all of you very much, but Matthew has asked, and I’ve said no. That should be the end of it,” she snapped. “I’ll get your meals now.”
With a swish of her skirts, she was gone, leaving Callie Mae sitting there with her mouth open.
