Judith: Bride of Wyoming (American Mail-Order Bride 44) Read Online Free Page A

had to take a toll to care for his child at night after spending the day working.
    Careful not to wake him, she pulled a blanket over the slumbering man, placed a small, rolled blanket she found beside the crib under his head and then carefully lifting the baby, she returned to her bedroom.
    Within moments, both she and the infant slumbered.

    “Miss?” The sound of the gruff, deep voice pulled Judith from her sleep. She pried her heavy eyelids open to see her new employer standing in the doorway of her bedroom. With mussed hair and his shirt open, it was impossible not to notice even in this disheveled state how attractive the man was.
    “Good morning,” she mumbled and then peered down at the still slumbering baby. “I hope it’s all right that I brought the baby here. I wanted you to get some rest.”
    His nod was slow as his eyes fell to where his child lay. “If you’re not too tired, can I leave her here with you today?” There was something like anxiousness in his expression when he looked to his daughter again. “Bethany is a good baby. She shouldn’t give you much trouble.”
    “Of course,” Judith replied and, ignoring the lack of propriety, beckoned him closer. “Look at her. She’s awake and has been cooing for the last few minutes.”
    The large man’s face softened as he neared. Then he shocked Judith by leaning over and pressing a soft kiss to his daughter’s brow. “Hey there, pretty girl.” He kissed her again and the child lifted her chubby arms to him.
    He chuckled, the deep rumble sending a strange sensation through Judith. “No, baby girl, I am not going to pick you up.”
    His dark eyes met Judith’s. “Thank you.”
    When he walked out, she let out a breath. This was the most unconventional situation. What was she to do about it? Surely tongues would wag upon learning of their living arrangement. Somehow, she’d have to come up with a solution; perhaps there was another place she could stay. But that would mean that in the evening he’d have to care for the baby and that would not do. Although the child was well cared for, it was not right for a single man to rear a child alone. Not in her opinion anyway.
    Moments later, fully dressed, Sean appeared at the doorway again. “I work at the stables, just a quick walk out the front door to the left. If you need anything, feel free to come there.” He looked to the child. “My daughter’s name is Bethany.”
    “Very well. Do you require anything for your midday meal? I will cook.”
    His eyes widened. “Hadn’t thought of that.”
    “I tell you what,” Judith said with a smile. “Bethany and I will expect you to come and get something to eat this afternoon.”
    After a hesitant nod, he turned away.
    The sound of the front door closing made Judith let out a breath. First things first. Set up a routine, become familiar with the house and then she’d cook and clean up a bit. Later, when Sean Montgomery came home, they would discuss how to deal with the living situation.

    Later that morning, while the baby slept, Judith got to work. The entire house was in pitiful disarray and in dire need of dusting and airing out. She opened windows. Then she took rugs outside so she could sweep and mop the floors.
    Since the only things she could find were dry beans and dried ham, she set a pot of beans to boil for supper. She cut up ham and chopped what was left of an onion and added those to the pot. Then she threw together a small batch of cornbread.
    By early afternoon, the house was much cleaner and smelled of cooking. There were still curtains to wash and the kitchen and bedrooms in much need of being scrubbed, but Judith felt good in the big difference in the dining area and the front room.
    She hummed while feeding the baby and prepared for the father to come for supper. When he appeared at the doorway, her stomach flipped.
    Although his clothes were soiled, his hair, face and hands were washed. He looked around the open space with