An Unexpected Annulment (The Colorado Brides Series Book 3) by Carré White Page B

place, Louisa. I don’t even remember much of the last six months.”
    “Are you a drunkard by nature or is this the result of your wife’s death?”
    “You sure ask some hard questions.”
    “I can be blunt. I’m sorry.”
    “I drank before, but…not like I do now.”
    “Do you have any control over it?”
    He coughed. “I don’t know. I wish I did.”
    “Well, you’ve some things to work on then. Your children need you. They need a father who will be there for them and take care of them, but I shouldn’t have to tell you this.”
    “I know.”
    “I have every hope that you’ll straighten yourself out, Mr. Montgomery.”
    “If I do get myself together all shiny and pretty, will you marry me?”
    This brought up an interesting question. “Let’s say you did make something out of yourself, and I married you. Would you revert to your old habits as soon as the ink was dry on the marriage certificate?”
    “Oh, lordy, woman! You have no faith at all, do you?”
    “In men?”
    “Yeah.”
    “I certainly do not. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve things to get done.” I sashayed from the room, feeling a moment of triumph, but it died a few minutes later, when I realized I hadn’t won anything at all.
    That evening, after supper, we sat in the parlor. I was on the rocking chair with Annie, and the boys sat on the floor, while their father was stretched out on the sofa. He had a pillow behind his head. We were reading out loud by taking turns with the book. A lamp cast a dim glow behind me, and there were several candles lit.
    I could feel Mr. Montgomery’s appraisal; his features were presented, because the hair that had obscured them was gone. He was a pleasing-looking man, with a straight nose, angular cheeks, and full lips. The children were surprisingly well-behaved, sharing the book politely. Annie read a little, but she was still learning. Her brothers had refrained from calling her names, which was heartening. They enjoyed stories of adventure, and this book was no exception.   The Swiss Family Robinson was a vivid tale of shipwreck and island survival, which the children enthusiastically revered.
    “I want a house in the woods like theirs,” said Annie.
    “We have a fort,” said Oscar.
    “But it’s not in the trees. It’s scrap wood nailed together.”
    “Maybe Pa can build us a tree house?”
    “Your father needs to recover from his accident.”
    “When he’s better,” said Hugh.
    “If he wants to,” I said. “Now, whose turn is it to read? Mine?”
    “Yes, Louisa,” said Annie. She kicked her little leg out, while she leaned into me.
    “Fine…where were we?”
    “The part where they found the lobster,” said Oscar.
    “Right.” I began to read, feeling the weight of Mr. Montgomery’s steady stare. It was strange, yet wonderful, having him in the parlor with us. I hadn’t a clue what he might be thinking. He said very little, watching, as I directed the evening’s entertainment. We continued to read, until the children began to yawn. “I think that’s enough for one night.” I glanced at Annie, who had her head on my shoulder. “I’m going to put you to bed.”
    “Oh, no,” she objected. “You should read some more. Please. Pretty please.”
    I stood, taking her with me. “We can continue this tomorrow night. Come along, boys. Time to wash up and say your prayers.” After the children were in their beds, the boys murmuring about something, I closed the door to Annie’s bedroom. I turned to find Mr. Montgomery in the hallway, which made me jump. He had been utterly silent. “You scared me. You should be in bed. What in heavens are you doing up here?”
    “You’re very good with my children.”
    “Thank you.”
    “They never settle like that for me.”
    “It takes a certain amount of skill.”
    “I know. I don’t have it.” I moved to pass him, but he blocked my way. “I’ve a few things I wish to say to you, Louisa.”
    “We can talk in the parlor.”