Aaron's Montana Bride (Sweet, Clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides Series) by Maya Stirling

a grin.
    Aaron had always marvelled at Lou's ability to handle complicated situations with an unusual calmness and dignity. And this time was no exception.
    "Looks like I'm in for an interesting few days," Aaron said.
    Lou stood and looked down at Aaron. "I'm sure you're more than capable of handling one feisty young woman and two busy housekeepers," Lou said. The doctor shook his head and Aaron was sure that the medical man was doing everything in his power to contain his laughter.
    "If you put it like that, I'm thinking that branding a whole herd of cattle single handed might be easier," Aaron said shaking his head.
    Lou nodded and placed a reassuring hand on Aaron's arm. "You're not a medical man, Aaron. But, I'm sure you'll do what's best for Eva," he said.
    Aaron already spent most of every day thinking about what was best for Eva, so he wouldn't have to work hard to do what Lou advised.
    Lou squeezed Aaron's arm. "I'm sure you know what you need to do," the doctor said.
    Aaron frowned and wondered what kind of conversation Lou and Eva had been having upstairs. Had they been talking about marriage and proposals? Aaron looked at Lou questioningly. "Are you just talking about health matters, Lou?" he asked.
    Lou smiled. "That's all I ever talk about Aaron. You know that. But there's more to making sure that people get better than just attending to their health needs," he explained. "Eva wanted to talk. And I listened."
    Aaron nodded and pursed his lips into a thin, tight line.
    Lou smiled. "I best be going. I figure you and Eva have got plenty to talk about. Just take it easy with her, Aaron. Try not to get her too excited over the next couple of days. I know she wants answers. But maybe she needs to be a bit stronger before she gets them," he advised.
    Aaron nodded. "I understand Doc. I'll make sure she gets her strength back before any serious talking gets done," he assured the medical man.
    Lou got on his horse and rode off.
    Aaron tried to comprehend what Lou had told him. It was going to be difficult to hold back from talking with Eva. Lou was right. Aaron hadn't been placed in the awkward position of having to lie to Eva. Aaron would never do that. He wasn't the kind of man who'd ever lied to anyone, preferring plain speaking, direct and honest dealing. There was no other way to live out in the wilds of Montana, other than to be a man who was known for being honest and straight.
    But, right now, the most important thing of all was making sure that Eva got better, and that Aaron eventually got the chance to give her his answer to the proposal that now seemed to have been made such a long time ago.
    However, Eva would have to wait, even if Aaron already knew exactly what he was going to tell her.

CHAPTER TEN

    Aaron entered the kitchen to find Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Lang still arguing about the chicken soup. It seemed like they'd reached a compromise, agreeing to take turns and see which version of the soup Eva might prefer.
    They both gave Aaron a look that told him he wasn't exactly welcome in the kitchen. Both women were of similar mature years and both had a burly, robust physique that made argument an impossibility. Their friendly disagreement had given both women similar bright eyes and flushed cheeks.
    Aaron smiled, trying to defuse the good natured tension in the room. "That smells real good. I bet Eva would love some of it. Put it in a bowl and I'll take it up to her," he said.
    Mrs. Bell flashed a look at Mrs. Lang. Both women put their hands on hips simultaneously. "You planning on spending time in Eva's room?" Mrs. Lang asked. Aaron's housekeeper had a special tone of voice which she only used when she disapproved of something. And she was using it now.
    Aaron shifted from side to side. Words had suddenly deserted him. "Well. I thought she might want to taste whatever she can probably smell being prepared in the kitchen," he explained hesitantly.
    Mrs. Bell took a step forward wiping her hands on her apron.