That Mccloud Woman

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“—and,” Mandy continued pointedly, trying hard not to smile, “this same man—the one, by the way, who was hired strictly for his sexual prowess—will also steal you blind, the same as Frank did.” She lifted her glass of tea, and smiled at Alayna from behind it. “I think that’s about all she had to say on the subject.”

Alayna arched a brow. “Are you sure?” she asked dryly.

Mandy tossed back her head and laughed. “No. But those are the best parts.”

Annoyed, Alayna folded her arms beneath her breasts and crossed her legs, her foot pumping like an oil derrick. “I swear. I love Maudie to death, but there are times...”

“I know, I know,” Mandy agreed, still laughing. “But she means well.”

In spite of her annoyance, Alayna found herself chuckling, too, as she thought of Maudie with her mother-hen-heart and her bossy ways. “Yes. It’s her only redeeming quality.”

Mandy nodded her agreement, then glanced around. “Where is he, anyway? I thought for sure I would be interrupting something really sordid by dropping by without calling first.”

“He went to town to pick up some supplies.”

“Oh, well. Maybe next time.” As she sipped her tea, Mandy continued to look around, making note of the changes since her last visit. “You’ve really done a lot with the place.”

Alayna followed her cousin’s gaze, smiling her pleasure at all she’d managed to accomplish. Frank had completed a lot of the work before he’d run out on her, and after only a week, Jack had done quite a bit more. “Yes, but there’s still a lot to be done.”

“All in due time.”

Alayna’s brow creased with worry. “But that’s just it. I don’t know how much time I have. I want to be ready if they should call and have more children needing a home.”

Mandy leaned over and gave Alayna’s knee a comforting pat. “You’ll be ready.” She smiled at the doubt she saw in Alayna’s eyes. “Have I told you that I’m proud of you?”

Alayna blushed, uncomfortable with the praise. “About a thousand times.”

Mandy settled back in her chair. “Well, I can’t say it enough. Few women would consider doing what you are doing, and fewer still would be able to do it well.”

Alayna scooted to the edge of her chair, reaching out to clasp her cousin’s hand in hers. “Oh, Mandy,” she said her voice filled with doubt. “I want to do this well, I really do, but I’m frightened. Billy and Molly seem to be doing well enough, but what if I somehow fail these children and do them more harm than good?”