Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan Read Free Book Online

to plant a kiss on Catharine’s cheek. Her sisters and the Cristinis surrounded them with congratulations. No turning back—the ink was dry. She was Mrs. Catharine Andersen now.

 
    “I wish you had told me about your sisters coming with you, Catharine,” Peter said for her ears only, leaning closer to her on the buggy seat.
    Catharine swallowed hard, focusing on his strong hands holding the reins. Without looking at him, she answered. “I was afraid that you might not let them come, Peter. If you’d said no, I’m not sure what I would’ve done. I just couldn’t leave them behind to fend for themselves.” She looked over and caught his level gaze. “Can you forgive me for not telling you beforehand?”
    Peter looked away, then made a clicking sound to the horse to step up the pace. “I don’t see how I have a choice now, but somehow we’ll work it out.”
    Figuring there was little else to say about the matter, Catharine stared off at the rolling prairie grasses, praying she wouldn’t be a big disappointment to her new groom.

     
    As Peter’s farmhouse came into view over the gently sloping hill, Catharine was not disappointed. It was larger than she expected, and she hoped that meant there would be plenty of room for Greta and Anna. The white clapboard Victorian home with a wraparound porch was trimmed in delicate fretwork along the porches, columns, and windows. The front door had a beautiful insert of beveled glass. The shutters stood out with deep green against the stark white clapboards. Huge trees lined the drive leading up to the house, offering plenty of shade for enjoyment on the porch. A spacious red barn with surrounding corrals stood at a distance from the house. She thought it all utterly charming. The only thing missing was flowers. She’d have to do something about that, wouldn’t she?
    “Peter, your home is nice,” she said. “I like the trees.”
    “ Our home now.” He grinned, watching her take it all in. “Those trees are elm trees, and over yonder”—he pointed to trees that led down a path to a well made of stone—“are box elders. Fortunately, the elm trees help give shade out here on the prairie in the summer. In the winter, they offer protection from the constant wind.” Peter stopped the carriage in front of the white picket fence. “We’re here, ladies. Make yourselves at home.” He helped Catharine down, and Greta and Anna scrambled down behind them.
    He carried the first pieces of luggage to the porch, then put his hands on his hips, shoved his hat back, and looked around at the surrounding land. “So what do you think?” he said to his bride. “I know it’s probably not what you all were used to in Holland, but I think you’ll be comfortable here once you’re settled.”
    “You have a lot of land. Is that the wheat you’ve planted?” It seemed to go as far as her eye could see. The wind blew gently through the field, bending the short blades.
    “You’re right. I have a hundred acres of wheat planted and will start harvesting in about three months. It’ll be waist high by then.”
    Greta lugged her suitcase to the porch and heaved a breath of air. “I think you were right, Sis, my bag’s pretty heavy.”
    Peter scooted over to take Greta’s bag. “Here, let me help you and Anna. Why don’t you just get the things we bought and I’ll take care of the rest? We’ll have a light supper since I’m sure you’re tuckered out, and then you can retire.”
    Anna fairly skipped up the porch steps, headed directly for the porch swing, and plopped down. “Ooh, this is a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. I think I’m going to be very happy here.”
    Catharine and Peter exchanged glances and Catharine could only wonder what he was thinking. Before she had time to think about it, Peter swept her up into his arms and, with a slight kick of his boot, swung open the front door. She squealed and he laughed, then he carried her across the threshold. Anna and