The Brides of Chance Collection Part 94

"Oh?" Daisy tried to sound nonchalant but could see from the grin on Logan's face that she had failed abysmally.

"Yep." Logan finally took pity on her and broke the silence. "He went up to the Trevor place. He might not be back until suppertime. Something about an underweight pup."

"I see." No, I don't! He laid all that on me last night and takes off the next morning? How am I supposed to sort out my feelings iff 'n Bryce ain't even around?

There it was. The answer she'd been looking for all night. Truth of the matter was, she did bear feelings for Bryce. Affection that could grow to love. But he had to be around for her to find out. I want him to stay through the winter. The knowledge both frightened and exhilarated her. I'm not ready to promise anything, but I'm willing to give it a try.

"Thanks, Logan." She smiled at him and started to leave.

"Wait a minute." Logan walked beside her. "Is there a message you want me to pa.s.s on?"

"Nope." Daisy determined she'd talk to Bryce before anyone else. "I'll see you both at supper."

Logan looked at her as though trying to figure out what her decision would be, but Daisy didn't so much as lift an eyebrow. As she left the barn, she thought about the difference between the two brothers. Logan used words to understand and be understood. Bryce would've knowed my answer just by looking at my face.

"She's got s.p.u.n.k." Bryce laughed as the wriggly puppy burrowed a cold, wet nose into his neck. The ropy tail waved wildly, beating the air, Bryce's arms, and anything else within reach.

"Likes you," Ed noted. "Done everything I cain think on, but she's still a bitty li'l thang. Cain't sell her, that's for sh.o.r.e." He looked at the furry black-and-tan pup. "I make a habit of not keepin' the dogs inside. Coddles 'em too much, and then they're not as good for tracking. But this one might not have enough weight to make it through the winter."

"She needs fattening up. I'd give her cow's milk-as much as she'll take. I'd rest easier if I knew she had a warm place to sleep." Bryce pulled the puppy from where it was climbing onto his shoulder. "Plenty of energy."

"I've got two late litters this year to look after, and I'm behind on getting m' winter firewood." Ed sighed. "I cain't be givin' this one special treatment, and no one chose the runt. Iff 'n you want her, she's yores."

Bryce looked down at the small bundle of fur currently burying her black nose in the bend of his arm before sniffing her way over to nuzzle at his b.u.t.tons.

"I've got to go feed the breeders." Ed shoved his hands in his pockets. "Get to know her. I don't want you to take her and regret it later. I'll be back in a bit."

"Sounds good." Bryce cradled the pup in both palms and brought her to eye level. Her tail thumped as she craned her neck to poke his chin with an inquisitive snout. "Snuffly little thing, aren't ya?"

She's bitty now, and even after I get some more weight on her, she'll never be as big as her brothers and sisters. Ed's right-she won't make the best hunting dog. Definitely has the nose for it, though.

Bryce cradled her close, and she buried her face in his chest. He ran his fingertip between her floppy ears.

Friendly mite. She'd make a good companion-affectionate now, she'll be protective once she's bigger. Every boy should have a dog, and this one's tiny enough for Jamie to hold now. They can grow a bit together, and she'll look after him when she's older. Jamie likes to feel things with his hands, and this pup is soft and warm and cuddly. She won't mind that he's a little clumsy. It'd do Jamie good to have something to look after. Make him feel important and capable.

Daisy might not like it at first, but she'll melt when she sees the smile on Jamie's face while he plays with his dog. I'll help him look after the pup while she's small. She won't need a lot of looking after when she's older-food and water. Jamie'll give this pup all the attention she needs, and she'll love him right back. Dogs are loyal creatures.

Bryce saw Ed coming back and gave the pup a rea.s.suring pat. It didn't seem right that no one wanted her. He just couldn't bring himself to leave her behind. "I'll look after her, Ed. What's her name?"

"I don't know. I try not to name 'em, since their owners like to do that. Then they cain't get confused iff 'n I train 'em under a different name and not come when they're called." Ed thought a moment. "Since no one paid for her, she don't have a name. Reckon it's up to you. What'd you like to call her?"

Bryce looked down. Having tuckered herself out, she snuggled in his arms, pink tongue lolling out as she snoozed. She was a cute little thing. Her small black nose twitched in her sleep, and he could think of only one name that would do.

"Nosey."

Chapter 16.

Daisy stared at the apple pie in dismay, its black edges and smoky scent declared it burned beyond redemption. She fanned a tea towel to wave the last few wisps of smoke out the door. She'd need to clean out the new oven.

I must've put too much wood in the stove and got the oven hotter'n it should be. I'm right glad Miz Willow and Hattie are at the Ruckers so they don't see this. I cain't believe we managed all the victuals for the barn raisin' with nary a single problem, and now I done ruint the dessert I made to tell Bryce I'm glad he's staying. I ain't got time to make another!

"Well, Jamie," she sighed aloud, even though Jamie was napping, "that plan went up in smoke."

"What went up in smoke?" Bryce sniffed the singed air as he walked into the cabin.

No! Daisy couldn't let loose the howl that rose in her chest. Yore not supposed to see me like this-hair all flyaway, face flushed from the stove, spots all over my ap.r.o.n...and a burned apple pie on the windersill. She took a deep breath, realizing Bryce waited for her to say something.

"I baked you an apple pie, but it came out more burnt than anything I'd ask a body to et." She flapped the towel toward the window, as much to point at the tart as to vent some of her frustration. "I made the new stove oven too hot."

"Looks fine to me." Bryce picked up the still-warm tin, set it on the table, and grabbed a fork.

"What're you doin'?" Daisy protested as he plunged the fork into the middle of the charred dessert.

"The edges are..." Bryce took another bite and swallowed before continuing. "Crispy. That I'll grant you. But it's not ruined. The middle's wonderful." He speared a spiced apple slice and held it to her lips. "Taste."

"I-" She didn't get a word out before he slipped the bite into her mouth.

"Got a speck here." Bryce's finger brushed her lip tenderly. Warmth spread through her.

"See?" Bryce kept on eating. "Delicious."

That sh.o.r.e was. Daisy resisted the urge to touch where his fingertip had brushed her mouth. "You didn't have to do that."

"I know." Bryce held her gaze steadily. "I wanted to." Tension spread between them, tight and warm, before he lightened his tone. "Burnt offerings pleased G.o.d, and now I know why." He polished off the rest of the pie, leaving behind only the black edges.

Daisy shook her head and smiled at him, reaching for the tin. It'd have to be scrubbed. He gently caught her wrist.

"Leave it." He rose to his feet and started for the door, not loosening his hold. "I want to show you something."

"What?" Daisy glanced back at Jamie, still asleep on the bed.

"It's a surprise." He released her hand. "I'll bring it to you if you'd be more comfortable."

"I'll go." His consideration immediately made her relax. Besides, she'd been wanting to talk with him in private. Jamie would be fine, and this way she and Bryce could figure a few things out without her son overhearing the conversation. She followed Bryce out to the barn, and he led her to the tack room.

"Hold out your hands, Daisy," he instructed. "Now close your eyes."

Daisy did as he said, resisting the urge to peek through her lashes as he put something small and soft in her palms. Something cold and wet snuffled her hand, and she would have dropped it had Bryce not cupped her hands in his.

"Open 'em."

She looked down. "Oh!" She cradled the tiniest puppy she'd ever seen. Daisy lifted it up to get a better look, and the pup b.u.mped her nose with its. She giggled as the pup nosed its way over her face, the soft fur tickling her skin.

Although mostly black, tan markings decorated the fur around its eyes, paws, and the tip of its tail, which wagged enthusiastically.

"I cain't recollect the last time I saw such a cute critter," Daisy marveled. When Bryce stepped back, she cuddled the puppy close. It immediately poked at her stomach with its nose, snuffling excitedly. "Curious li'l thang."

"I've named her Nosey." Bryce reached out and stroked the soft black fur.

"Fits her." Daisy laughed. But why are you showing her to me? Is she a gift? There was no denying the little pup had winning ways, but the last thing Daisy needed was another mouth to feed.

"Yep." Bryce waited for her to look up from the furry bundle before speaking again. "She's a runt, and Ed Trevor doesn't have the time to look after her like she needs. I'll be feeding her cow's milk so she bulks up for the winter."

"I'm glad. She's too friendly and precious not to be loved." Daisy smiled her approval. And how wonderful it is that you care enough to bring her home. "You've got a fine heart, Bryce Chance." Do you understand what I'm saying?

"Every boy needs a dog." He looked her in the eye, then said, "I was hoping...Jamie could help me with her." Bryce asked her more than one question with that statement.

"He'd like that," Daisy answered, pausing for a moment before adding softly, "and so would I."

"Thank you, Daisy." A grin split across his face. "So you're all right with me staying?"

"Yes, Bryce." She nodded but became serious. "But I want to make a few things clear."

"I'm listening." Bryce reached for the puppy and leaned forward to catch her words.

"I'm not committing to anything jist yet. I don't know iff 'n this whole thang'll work out, but I want to try."

"That's all I'm asking for, Daisy. A chance to spend more time with you and Jamie to see where it leads."

His words lifted a load off her shoulders.

"Then we're agreed. Yore staying but no promises." Daisy had to make sure she wasn't misleading him.

"Yep. And I want you to know that I care for Jamie in his own right, not only because he's your son." Bryce alleviated a concern Daisy had left unspoken. "I'm courting you with an eye to becoming part of a family, not just a husband."

Daisy didn't say another word, but her eyes shone with relief. Bryce knew she wouldn't have agreed to step out with him unless she already knew he'd care for Jamie, but he wanted her to hear the words and know how deeply he meant it.

"I've got to go wake Jamie, else he won't sleep through the night." Daisy pa.s.sed Nosey back to him.

"Why don't we let Nosey wake him?" Bryce suggested, keeping apace with her. "That cold nose of hers would make a fine wake-up call."

"Sounds like fun."

They tiptoed into the cabin and snuck up near the bed. Bryce reached out and deposited the dog beside the sleeping boy, then watched and waited. Sure enough, Nosey stood up, placed one dainty paw on Jamie's chest, and buried her wet nose under his chin.

"Huh?" Jamie looked up at them with bleary eyes before tilting his head and seeing what had woken him up. "Puppy!" He sat up straight and scooped the puppy into his arms. She thumped her tail so fast it became a blur while she covered his face with doggy kisses. Jamie giggled. "Mine?" he asked excitedly.

Bryce looked at Daisy. She sent him a brief nod, and they answered together. "Yours."

They watched the little boy play with the puppy, who sniffed him, the pillow, the blankets-anything and everything around her.

I understand, Nosey. Bryce couldn't stop grinning if his life depended on it. I'm testing the air, too. If we play our cards right, we'll both have a new family. He glanced at the window as a sudden cloud cast the sun in shadow. I hope it's a long winter.

"I et too much." Daisy leaned back on the tattered quilt and put her hand on her stomach. The sun shone down on the folks gathered for the Harvest Games and Picnic.

"Me, too." Bryce stretched out beside her on the gra.s.s. "I couldn't fit in another bite."

"So you don't want the pie I brought you?" Logan flopped down, pa.s.sing Hattie a piece of apple pie that Daisy had baked for the day before tackling a wedge of his own.

"Aw...my favorite." Bryce looked longingly at the dessert before him.

Even Daisy's mouth watered at the tantalizing aroma of apples and cinnamon. At least this one turned out right. The last one I baked all but burnt to a crisp, and Bryce et it anyhow.

"Maybe one small bite..." Bryce jabbed his fork into the treat and chewed the first bite. "Mmm. Nope. I need another taste." He closed his eyes as he savored the next bite. "I can tell Daisy baked this." He opened his eyes, held her gaze, and lowered his voice. "It tastes like cinnamon, sugar, and sweetness."

"Oh?" Daisy tried to be nonchalant but felt the blush beginning anyway. She nabbed his fork. "Guess I'd better try some of that myself then!" Together they polished off the rest.

"Now I really can't get up." Bryce groaned, but it didn't look to Daisy like he planned on moving anytime soon.

"Come on, folks!" Asa Pleasant called for everyone's attention. "It's time for a little friendly compet.i.tion! Everyone who wants to compete in the sack race, get over here and grab a tater sack."

"I always win this one." Logan sprang up from the ground and held out his hand to Hattie. "Want to try to beat me?"

"Sometimes I want to beat you, all right." Hattie laughed as she said the words. "But not at this. You go on ahead." She waved him on.

"Bryce?" Logan issued a one-word challenge.

"Not after that pie," Bryce refused. "I'll join you in a bit."

"Suit yourself." Logan rushed across the eating area to grab a potato sack.

Daisy's heart clenched at the longing in Jamie's eyes as the other contestants lined up. Some things were stark reminders of what he'd never be able to do. Maybe we should've brought Nosey along, after all. Leastways then Jamie'd have something to play with while the other children run around.

"Buddy, I want to ask you something." Bryce distracted them both. "I'm going to need a partner for the wheelbarrow race. What'dya say?"

I want Jamie to feel like a part of the fun, but the wheelbarrow race? Where you hold the person's legs and make them walk on their hands? Jamie has much better control over his hands and arms than his legs, but they still jerk around some. Iff 'n he spasms and falls...

"See, what you have to do is sit inside the wheelbarrow and tell me to swerve left or right to avoid the logs." Bryce's explanation wasn't what she expected. "You'll have to have sharp eyes, but I know I can count on you. First team across the finish line wins some peppermint sticks."

" 'Es!" Jamie's excited nod made Daisy wish she could think of ways to make him feel as included.

"Let's go tell 'em we want to be one of the teams." Bryce picked Jamie up and threw Daisy a wink before tromping over to talk to Rooster Linden.

"Now maybe it ain't my place to tell you this, but you should know." Hattie leaned close to whisper in Daisy's ear. "Bryce arranged this wheelbarrow race special. He's not jist a good, smart man. He's a thoughtful one. I know he won't never tell you what he done, so I'm tellin' it for him."

Daisy sat for a moment, speechless. Why didn't Bryce tell me hisself? I'm right glad he done this. How am I s'pposed to let him court me when he keeps secrets about how wonderful he is?

"Bryce told me he aims to win." Hattie grinned. "Betwixt you and me, I hope they do. Logan's gotten too puffed up for his own good. Brags he'll win every race he enters. I caught him hopping 'round the barn t'other day, practicing for the three-legged race."

"Well then." Daisy smiled mischievously. "What say we level the playing field?"