LITMIR.BIZ

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most everyone knew Mary Lee and Rodger. We liked them both. And we’re glad the kids will have a good home. So just think of it as a tribute to your cousin and her husband. Does that make it easier?”

      With tears in her eyes, Suzanne agreed. What else could she do? “Thank you. That’s very sweet of you.”

      “Okay. Ryan will pick you up at seven. Bring Mandy and Beth with you. It’s a girl thing. Ryan will take Josh with him to the bachelor party.”

      Suzanne was stunned by that statement. “Don’t you think Josh is a little young for a bachelor party?”

      “These bachelor parties are different. They meet at the restaurant and play darts. Ryan will take care of him.”

      “If you’re sure.”

      After the phone call, Suzanne found a pretty dress in her city wardrobe that would be fine for the party tonight. Then she checked Mandy’s closet. The only party dress Mandy had turned out to be outgrown. She called Ryan.

      “Does Beth have a party dress?”

      “Uh, I don’t think so. Why?”

      “Because they’re giving me a shower tonight and the girls are supposed to go with me. Mandy needs a new dress. I thought I’d drive into town and see what I can find. Shall I buy one for Beth, too?”

      “Would you know what size?”

      “Of course not. I would need Beth to go with us.”

      “Uh, okay. You want Josh to stay here with me?”

      “I don’t think he has anything to wear either. Would I be able to find a suit for him?”

      “Maybe. But nice slacks and a white shirt would be dressy enough.”

      It suddenly occurred to her to ask about his wardrobe. “You are wearing a suit tomorrow, aren’t you?”

      “Of course I am. They were just joking about me being a heathen, Suzanne.”

      “Would you have Beth ready in about half an hour?”

      “Yeah.”

      She should’ve checked with Mac about the children’s allowance before now. Looking in Mandy’s closet reminded her that Mandy would need more clothes. She’d apparently just had a growth spurt. When she announced to the children they were going into town with her to get new clothes, Mandy clapped her hands, even though Suzanne wasn’t sure she understood what she was going to do. Josh frowned at her.

      “Why?”

      “Mmm. Well, I have something to tell you. Mr. Walker and I are—are going to get married tomorrow.”

      Both children stared at her. Josh finally said, “What happens to us?”

      “Sweetheart, you’ll come with me wherever I go. We’re family. We’re just going to have a larger family. You and Mandy and Beth will be our children.” No response. She asked, “Will that be okay?”

      “So we’ll live in his house?”

      “Yes.”

      “Who will live here?”

      That question hadn’t occurred to Suzanne. “Josh, I don’t know. I suppose we could rent it out, but—we’ll ask Mr. Walker, I mean Ryan, when we go pick up Beth.”

      “We’re going to take Beth with us?”

      Uh-oh. “Don’t you like Beth?”

      “She’s bossy.”

      “We’ll work things out. But she’s used to being an only child. It may take her a little while to get used to having a brother and sister.”

      Suzanne tried to discuss cheerful things after that. But when they got to Ryan’s place, she remembered Josh’s question. “Ryan, who will live in the house on our place?”

      “I was going to ask you about that. I’ve got a good man who deserves to be manager. But I’ve already got a manager. I thought I’d make him manager of that land and let him and his wife live there. They’re expecting a baby soon and don’t have much room where they’re living. Would that be all right?”

      “Yes, of course. Did you hear, Josh? Some people who are going to have a new baby.”

      “A boy baby?”

      Suzanne looked at Ryan. He squatted down in front of Josh. “Yeah, Josh, they’re having a boy baby. Another cowboy.”

      “Good. My daddy was going to teach me to be a cowboy. But now he can’t.” Josh’s sad eyes almost made Suzanne break into tears.

      Ryan, however, took care of the situation. “No, he can’t, but I can. Want me to teach you?”

      “Even how to ride?”

      “Well, of course. Riding is the first thing to learn.”

      “Daddy said it was too dangerous for me to learn now.”

      “But you’re older now. You’ll take to it right away. After things have settled down, I’ll show you how.”

      “I can ride,” Beth announced, looking triumphantly at Josh. He scowled in return.

      “Beth rides with me some. But I’ll teach you together.”

      Though Suzanne was concerned about the safety factor, she was grateful for Ryan’s offer to Josh. “That’s very good of you, Ryan,” she whispered before leaving with the children.

      “It’s no better than you taking Beth shopping.” He opened his billfold. “Here’s some money.”

      “No. I’ll charge it and you can pay me back later. I don’t know how much it will be.” Besides, she would pay for her own wedding. Even if she didn’t want one.

      Four hours later, she knew Beth a lot better, including her stubbornness, which Suzanne was sure she got from her father. But overall, she was a sweet little girl who played well with Mandy. In fact, Beth acted like Mandy’s mother, and Josh tried to corral both of them. Suzanne found herself looking forward to spending time with all three children.

      She’d found the girls dresses for the wedding, matching pale-blue dresses. And she’d bought them simpler dresses for the shower this evening. When she told Josh he’d be going with Ryan, he hesitated. Then he asked, “Ryan won’t mind?”

      “Of course not. Maybe he’ll show you how to throw darts.”

      That cheered him up.

      She bought fast food for dinner, since she wouldn’t have time to cook, clean up and get dressed for the shower. Not and get three children ready. She suggested Beth stay with them to get ready. Suzanne promised to fix her hair for her. “If we have time, I’ll even paint your nails.”

      Beth was awed by that offer and if Beth liked it, Mandy clapped, too. Suzanne made a special note to paint nails.

      At last they were all dressed in their new dresses and Josh in nice slacks and a blue dress shirt. At the very moment Suzanne thought she should maybe call Ryan, he knocked on the door.

      Beth ran to the door, dying to show off to her father. When she opened the door, she beamed up at him. “Look at me, Daddy! Aren’t I pretty?”

      “Beth, a lady should wait until a man compliments her. Then she thanks him,” Suzanne pointed out, but she was smiling.

      “Okay, Daddy, tell me.”

      Ryan scooped Beth up and obliged. “You are absolutely beautiful. And Mandy is, too.”

      “Look at my nails,” Beth said, practically sticking them in her father’s eyes. Mandy, standing on the floor and looking at the man and her new friend, held up her nails for him to see, too.

      Ryan dipped down and picked Mandy up with his other arm. He admired her

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