The Farmer's Reluctant Bride by Dina Chapel Read Free Book Online Page B

him proud.
    When Hank had first mentioned going
to church the previous Sunday, Mandy had been apprehensive. Her experiences
with the church and those who attended with fervor had been negative. Mandy had
never failed to feel that she was being judged whenever she attended church by
those whose circumstances in life were much more fortunate. In the eyes of the
church, Mandy had always been a “lost soul.” She resented the label put on her
by those people and turned away from the church and its teachings.
    When she expressed doubt at
attending services, Hank had explained to her that he didn’t expect her to
share in his beliefs. She was allowed her own. But it was something he enjoyed
and wanted his wife to experience it with him. She liked the sound of that, and
felt flattered rather than forced or offended.
    Plus, Hank had explained that there
was a potluck dinner after every Sunday service so that folks could socialize.
It was a chance to talk to other families in the area, especially at a time of
year when most folks hadn’t gotten out much due to the weather. It had been a
long cold winter and the idea of going somewhere, anywhere, was mighty
appealing. They both had cabin fever and needed to get out. And so Mandy had
actually been looking forward to services and the chance to meet some folks
afterward.
    She had planned to prepare her best
dish, Hank’s favorite, a shepherd’s pie. She rose early that morning so that it
would be done in plenty of time. Mandy had made an apple pie to go with it the
night before. Hank teasingly complained that morning when he came in from his
chores for breakfast.
    “Doesn’t seem right that a man’s
got to eat plain biscuits from last night’s supper for his morning meal while
smelling all that good cooking that isn’t even meant for him!”
    Mandy laughed at him. “You’ll
survive. Besides, Hank, it is meant for you. I’m making your favorite!”
    “Well, I’d best get some then.
You’ve never seen Hermann Johansson eat. If I don’t get mine before he gets to
it, they’ll be none left.”
    Mandy laughed again.
    “Honest, sweetheart, I’ve been to
these socials before and yours will be the best dish and pie there.” He leaned
over and gave Mandy a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back out to hitch
up the team for the ride into town.
    Mandy watched him go out and the
realization hit her. Of course, he’d been to the church social before. With
Susannah ! All these people had known his late wife and she was meeting them
for the first time.
    Mandy got a sick feeling in the pit
of her stomach. Would they all compare her to Susannah? Would they dislike
Mandy if they had liked her? Why hadn’t she realized this until just now?
    Maybe she could claim to feel ill
and beg Hank to let her stay home. She did feel a bit queasy all of a sudden. But
it was too late now to try to make an excuse for herself. She knew Hank well
enough by now to know that he wouldn’t fall for anything she could conjure up
at this late hour. Mandy decided to muster what courage she had and face
whatever the day had in store for her.
    *  
*   *
    Hank wanted an answer and intended
to spank Mandy until she gave it to him. She was being awful stubborn.
    “Now, young lady,” Hank emphasized
his words with a hard smack to Mandy’s round, bare behind, which to Hank’s
satisfaction had filled out nicely since she had come to live with him, “I want
you to tell me what those two women said to you.” Hank raised his arm and
brought his hand down firmly on her backside right where her thighs creased
against her buttocks.
    Mandy cried out but remained silent
otherwise.
    “Now, Amanda.” Hank’s voice became
sterner. “Or I’ll take off my belt.”
    Mandy squirmed at the threat of
being spanked with Hank’s belt. But she still didn’t answer him.
    “I’m not telling you that whatever
they said to you justifies what you did. It doesn’t. But I still want to know
so I can put a stop to any