Moon Over Montana (McCutcheon Family Series Book 5) by Caroline Fyffe Read Free Book Online

cold feet.”
    “Oh, I see.” The color drained from her mother’s face.
    Her mother had heard the complaint, but she’d also heard the blame.
    Charity rushed to squeeze her hand. “Please, I’m not blaming you, Mother. I’m just questioning Brandon’s feelings for me—before it’s too late. Maybe they aren’t as strong as what I feel for him.”
    “There is always one who loves more than the other. That’s true in every marriage. He loves you. I can tell by the look in his eyes when you speak with each other.”
    Another knock on the door brought them both up straight.
    “Claire, Charity, what’re you doing?” her father called through the door. “It’s late and Claire should be in bed. We have lots of plans to make come morning.”
    The timbre of her father’s voice triggered a surge of emotion. Before she could stop them, tears filled her eyes. “Nothing, Pa. Mother brought me a cup of tea so we could talk. That’s all.” She exchanged a glance with her mother.
    He cleared his throat. “But I feel left out.”
    “Flood, you had plenty of private time with our sons before each one got married, and now it’s my turn with Charity. This is girl talk. Tomorrow, I’m sure she’ll take a nice long ride with you. See the ranch. You know how much she’s missed it.”
    When her mother looked at her, Charity nodded.
    “I’ll be in bed when I’m in bed.” A smile tugged at Claire’s lips. “And not a moment before. I hope you understand.”
    A moment passed, then Charity heard him harrumph. “I do. And I’ll be counting on that ride tomorrow, Charity. How ’bout we ride up to Covered Bridge? You used to like that when you were little.”
    “Sure, Pa, that sounds like fun.” And it did.
    “Fantastic,” Claire said. “Now, off to bed with you and read your book. I’ll blow out the lamp when I come in if you’ve fallen asleep.”
    “Fine. Good night, then, Charity. We’re happy you’re home.”
    Unable to stop herself, Charity went to the door and pulled it open. “Thank you, Pa,” she said, slipping into his arms for a hug. “I’m glad to be home too.” I may be staying.
    His arms were strong and safe—and always chased away any fear she had. When she sighed, he drew her closer, as if instinctively he knew she was struggling with something.
    He kissed her on the forehead, then set her away. “Charity?”
    “She’s tired, Flood. Anyone would be after days of travel in a stagecoach—and arriving to a large dinner. Our family can be overwhelming even without trying. Be off with you now.”
    “Our family is not overwhelming,” he grumbled, then made his way toward their bedroom.
    Charity quietly closed the door and went over to the tray. She handed one cup to her mother and took the other for herself, settling back on the bed. Bringing the cup to her lips, she took a drink and let the warm liquid soothe her anxieties. “Thank you for that. I don’t think I could talk through this whole thing with Pa too.”
    Her mother sipped her tea. “I do believe what I told Flood. Some of this nervousness stems from what you’ve been through. Brandon shared with me in private your harrowing experience. You’ve downplayed it for us. Being kidnapped and almost killed is not something you can just brush away. You would have died if Brandon and John hadn’t found you.”
    “And Dustin.”
    “Yes, and Dustin. Don’t you see? That alone has thrown your perceptions off. Then the long travel. The engagement. What I’m asking is that you give it a few days before you sound the alarm. I know you, Charity. You’re a very passionate young woman. You don’t do anything halfway.”
    She stood and went over to Charity’s vanity. Opening the middle drawer, she drew out Charity’s pearl-handled hairbrush. “Would you like me to brush your hair?”
    This time, tears did spill down Charity’s cheeks. Her tenderhearted mother remembered how much she enjoyed the gesture of love. She set down her tea