Page 28 of Mail Order Meeting
She reached for her apron and felt the letter still tucked inside.Then she stood and turned back to the stove, readying herself for when the door would open.
Chapter Eight
Sebastian knew somethingwas wrong before he even opened the door.The cabin was warm, and he could smell supper, but it felt...quiet in a different way.Not like when Lula was working and simply didn’t speak.
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.“I’m home,” he said.
“I’m in here,” Lula answered from the stove.The cabin was small enough that she knew he could see her from the door, but it felt right to tell him.It may be the only thing that would feel right all night.
He hung up his coat and washed his hands, taking longer than necessary.It gave him a moment to think.A moment to decide if he was going to ask.By the time he turned, she had already set two bowls on the table.
“Stew again?”he asked as he sat.
“It was what we had ready to use,” she said.“I didn’t want it to spoil.”
“That makes sense.”
They sat across from each other.He took a bite.It was good.It always was.“You’ve been busy today.The cabin looks great.”
“I went into town,” she said.“Took meat to Katie.Belle told her that I get paid for the meat I take in, and I don’t have to share the profits.”
He nodded.“That’s good.”
“Yes,” Lula said quietly.
He watched her for a moment longer.She wasn’t looking at him.She was eating more slowly than usual.Careful with every bite.
He set his spoon down.“What are you not telling me?”he asked.
Her hand stopped halfway between her bowl and her mouth before she forced herself to take another bite.
“I’m not hiding anything,” she said.
He didn’t respond right away.“Yes,” he said finally.“You are.”The words weren’t sharp.Just certain.
Lula set her spoon down.“I told you about my father,” she said.
