Page 43 of A Bride for Brodie

She huffed out a breath. “You’re right. Doc said not to do anything for a couple of days so they can heal.”

“Right, so let me. It won’t take me long at all.”

When Brodie was done with all three horses, he, Lottie and Ross walked to the house.

Ross entered first. “We’re back.”

Jenny and Susie ran to him and wrapped their arms around his legs.

“Oh no, little ones. Daddy has a hurt on his leg.” He unwrapped Susie from his right leg and then Jenny from the left.

Jenny nodded. “Okay, Daddy. We won’t hurt you.”

Lottie entered next.

Followed closely by Brodie, who then put his arm around her waist and snugged her to his side. They stood behind Ross.

They were greeted with hugs and tears.

“I wasn’t worried for a moment,” said Fiona, her eyes full of tears.

Ross stood near the kitchen door, smiled, and opened his arms.

She ran to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Everyone heard her sobs.

Maisie dashed over to Lottie and hugged her tight. “I knew something had happened. You wouldn’t have run away. I know you love Brodie.”

Laughing, Lottie pulled back and gazed at her sister. “And now he knows, too. Guess what?”

“What?” asked Maisie keeping her arms around her twin.

“He loves me, too.”

Brodie came up behind her and gently pulled her back away from Maisie. “That’s right I do. And to prove it, I’m taking good care of her by making her follow Doc’s orders. No work for a couple of days. You heard that, ladies, did you not?”

“We heard it, and we’ll make sure she does as he says. I promise.” Maisie crossed her heart. “I’ll take care of my baby sister.”

Brodie frowned.

“After her husband, of course.” Maisie laughed.

“Before anyone does anything else, I’m starving. It’s been a very long day and night I have had nothing since lunch yesterday.” Lottie made her way to the table and sat.

Brodie followed her. “She’s right. Can you ladies help us out with that request?”

“You bet we can.” Agatha bustled over to the icebox and began pulling eggs and bacon out. She then set two cast iron skillets on the six-burner stove. “I hope you don’t mind breakfast. It’s the fastest to prepare.”

Maisie got mugs and the coffee pot, which was always hot, and poured them each a cup. “This will get you started.”

Ivy put another skillet filled with biscuits in the oven to heat. “I have biscuits left over from breakfast. They’ll be fresh tasting and hot.”

When all the food was done cooking, the men had three fried eggs and Lottie had two. Each took several slices of bacon and at least two biscuits each.

The three of them practically licked their plates clean, they were so hungry.

After the trio had eased the ache in their stomachs, everyone gathered around the table and Lottie began the tale.