“I have a picture for him!” Trent set her down, and she ran from the room. Simon chuckled. She was adorable.
“Uncle Ash, huh?”
Mr. Gibson shrugged. “They don’t actually have any relation.”
“But you clearly do.”
“And apparently it’s obvious. We must both take after our father. Hopefully only in appearance and not in nature.”
Running footsteps could be heard before Maggie burst back into the room, a piece of paper rattling in her hand. She ran straight to Simon and held it out. “It’s a pony!”
“Did you paint this?” The shape vaguely resembled a horse, but she had obviously put in effort to make sure it was white with large brown splotches.
She nodded animatedly.
“Well, you are talented.”
“Trent says I can’t have my own pony, but one day, I want one just like that.”
“I will give your beautiful painting to your uncle Ash when I see him. I’m sure he’ll treasure it.” And if Simon knew the measure of the man, there would soon be a young pinto mare delivered here, just for her.
“It’s time for you to go back to bed now, Little Mouse.”
“Will you read to me again?”
Trent shook his head. “You know you don’t get another story when you get back out of bed.”
“Please?”
Simon bit his lip to keep from laughing. That little girl knew exactly how to get what she wanted.
“Go on up. I’ll be up in a few minutes, and we’ll see.”
She smiled, knowing she’d won, and then ran from the room.
When Madelene came in from her morning walk, she found Selma in the front sitting room with guests.
“There you are!” Selma beamed at her and waved her into the room.
Donna was seated on the sofa opposite, along with a man, who was probably her son. He quickly placed his dishes on the table and got to his feet. Suppressing a sigh, Madelene walked over to join them.
“Donna was passing, and wanted to see how you were settling in.”
Madelene forced up the corners of her mouth. She should be grateful for the kindness, but she knew what was coming.
“I’m well, thank you.”
“That’s wonderful.”
As Donna stood, Madelene braced herself. “I’d like to introduce you to my son, David. He was helping me on my errands today.”
He stepped forward, a kind but nervous smile on his round face. He gave a half-bow as he reached for her hand. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Lund.” A blush crept beneath his freckles. Perhaps he was just as uncomfortable as she was.
“Likewise.” She tried to at least sound gracious.
His shoulders relaxed, even as he continued to grasp her hand. Madelene looked down at their hands, and he quickly let her go, clearing his throat.
It was hard not to laugh. Not at him, just the awkwardness of the situation. He was surely a decent man, but he felt more like a boy. His blue eyes didn’t hold any storminess, and he didn’t exhibit confidence, making her know he’d protect her from any threat.
