Husband By Arrangement. Angel Moore

but I’m an independent woman who can take care of herself, too.” She lifted her cute nose up in the air just a fraction and grinned. She was trying to make him laugh and not focus on the fear she had shown.

      He made a sweeping gesture and bowed in her direction. “I will remember your ability the next time I’m tempted to help you.”

      Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly at his poor choice of words. He hoped she didn’t think he regretted helping her—or that he wouldn’t want to help her in the future.

      “Good.” She crossed to the table. “Let’s eat before these burned beans get cold.”

      Scott followed her lead and kept the conversation on easy matters for the rest of the evening. Only when he plumped up his pillow and settled into bed did he allow himself to think about her reaction.

      Their lighthearted banter had been pleasant. He’d even enjoyed it. More than he’d thought he might. But in an instant Rena had become vulnerable. Her usual flighty and fun personality had been swallowed up in her pregnancy and abandonment.

      Eugene Rodgers had stolen a lot from Rena last fall. Scott knew he couldn’t restore her to the happy and carefree young lady she’d been before, but he was beginning to hope he could at least alleviate some of her pain.