A Convenient Christmas Wedding. Regina Scott

want to hear what was on his mind at that moment—relief that his confession was over, concern for the future—and he wasn’t so sure his thoughts were fit for the Almighty’s ears either. Then again, it wasn’t as if He listened overmuch to Simon’s petitions. Still, he bowed his head.

      “Thank You for this food, Lord, for the seed it grew from and the land that nurtured it. Thank You for the strength to harvest it and cook it. May it be a blessing to our bodies. Amen.”

      Amens echoed around the table, and his family began passing the porcelain tureen of venison stew, the platter of biscuits, the pat of butter and jar of apple preserves. He could feel Nora relaxing beside him, her shoulders coming down, her head easing up.

      “So,” James said, digging his fork into the stew, “you asked Simon to marry you. I like a woman with gumption.”

      Rina smiled as she cut a piece of venison in two, knife and fork held properly.

      Nora wrinkled her nose. “I don’t have a lot of gumption, I fear. I’m just glad he agreed.” She favored Simon with a smile that made everything taste better.

      “You came with the Mercer Expedition,” Drew put in. “What made you join the ladies in venturing West?”

      “I wanted to live my own life,” Nora replied. “Perhaps find a little adventure.”

      “And so you married Simon,” James said triumphantly. “Excellent choice. Always the adventurer, that’s our Simon.”

      Simon glared at him. “I’ll leave the adventure to those who act first and regret it later.”

      Catherine passed Nora the platter. “More biscuits, Nora? You’ll find that Levi has the lightest hand.”

      Down the table, Levi cocked a smile. “Ma taught me well.”

      Ma smiled too. “I taught all my children to cook.” She nodded to Nora. “But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t welcome new recipes or another hand in the kitchen.”

      “I’d be happy to help,” Nora said.

      Given what she’d faced with her brother, Simon wasn’t about to see her forced into labor again. Not that his family was demanding in that way. They all shared the chores, and help was received gladly. But Nora found it hard to say no, and he feared she’d soon find herself overwhelmed with their requests.

      “Nora plans to continue working,” Simon advised them all. “She has commissions she must meet.”

      “Like my new waistcoat,” James agreed, reaching for another biscuit.

      “I’m sure I’ll have time for other things,” Nora said with a look to Simon.

      He’d have to advise her about his family later. For now, he let the conversation veer off to other things and finished eating.