Instant Prairie Family

“I’m real sorry, Miss Stewart. I didn’t know Mrs. Scotts had gone to stay with the Jankowskis.” He didn’t dare look at the small woman next to him. It was just about two in the afternoon and they still had another hour to go before they made it to the house. What was he going to do for her?

“It’s all right. You couldn’t have known. I’m sure we can come up with something. Maybe I can sleep out in the barn if there’s no place for me in the house.”

“It’s not a question of a place for you,” Will tried to explain. After all, he had thought ahead and planned for a housekeeper. “You can sleep on the first floor in the parlor. It’s been converted into a bedroom.” He didn’t elaborate that the conversion had been for Auntie Sheila and had never been rearranged once she left.

“It’s just that it might not be... It might ruin your reputation to be living on the homestead with two men and two boys and no woman to chaperone.” Even as he forced the words out, he felt his face flame. “Not that there would be any reason. We’ll... Jake and I will behave as gentlemen at all times and you can sleep in the parlor or up in the upstairs if you want. We’ll sleep out in the barn,” he offered.

“I don’t want to put you out of your own home—but we’ll do whatever you say is best.” She didn’t look at him but kept her face toward the waving grasses stretching out in all directions.

Relieved that he could at least offer some protection from gossips, Will stole a glance at Miss Ab...Miss Stewart, he reminded himself. He supposed it was all right for the boys to refer to her as Auntie Abby, but he would still be reserved and careful around her. He didn’t want to be any more familiar with a pretty, young woman than he needed to be. That’s what had gotten him into trouble when he was barely able to shave.

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