Thomas smile saying to her, "Now perk up and let us go downstairs and meet our guest." Seeing the nod Thomas stood up so she could get off the bed.
Helping her with the dress zipper then her jewelry.
When Thomas took out one of her high sandals, she replaces it and reaches out and took a pair of red slippers I got her when we now got married.
Seeing his nod of approval, Christa smiles. When dad calls out to us letting us know our guests have arrived. Christa, raised her head, looking up at him.
Thomas knew she was afraid and a bit doubtful of what may transpire for the evening. Seeing how shaky she was.
Reaching down, I kiss her cheek, not wanting to kiss her lips, because her lipstick will smudge and will delay the inevitable.
Holding her hand, we ventured out. Thomas knew she was nervous, gently stroking her wrist with his thumb.
Going to the living room, Bill stood up and bow.
"I now understand why we had to wait, you are very alluring, and my heart is completely captivated."
Thomas did not whisper a word, looking at his partner next to him, who was quite beautiful herself.
When she hunches him, Bill responds, "I am sorry, Tom this is Jill Burma, Honey this is our host, Tom, and his house guest Christa."
"I see you both have a drink already," Christa replies, "And I have kept you waiting, so how about we go into the dining room?
Mom, Dad thank you for entertaining our guest, do you mind if we start dinner a bit earlier this evening?"
"I have no problem child, I missed lunch and my stomach is making a summersault."
Christa likes her father-in-law a lot; 'He doesn't ostracize or criticize her like the other family members, and he enjoys taking me to church now.
But my mother-in-law does not say anything much, her eyes are always glaring at me. And it seems she has some serious reservations.'
In the dining room when I started to open the dishes, "Christa, please sit and I will get Mrs. Marva to come and do her duties?"
"Mom, Mrs. Marva is unwell, so please don't worry, I will serve."
"So, who prepared all these dishes?"
Thomas responds immediately, "Mom does it matter, Christa is a wonderful cook."
"I know that Thomas, but this is a lot of preparation, she must be tired."
"You are right mom, so I will help her to dish out."
"Please, you sit it is just the six of us, you will clean up after we are done here."
Hearing his father laugh, "You buy that cash Thomas, but the child has done all this works by herself. So I will help you, and this food smells delicious."
"Wait, until you taste the chicken it is sensational dad."
Bill just listened to the father and Son praise her while he observes how the mother keeps looking at her.
I could see the care from the outburst but it seems as though she has some serious reservations, but why?
Christa is beautiful and from what I notice she can cook very well, she respects the in-laws. And why it is that Thomas has not told the ranchmen that Christa is his wife?
And have them to believe she is his house guest? Also, we have been friends for so many years, so when did he get married and no one knows?
I have met many of his friends and none of them said a word to me? Has he hidden this news from them also?'
Enjoying the evening, the dinner was very delicious. I could not ask for more and Jill seems pleased with the company. I thought she might become jealous but instead, she was relaxed.
When I told her it was not at a restaurant, she seems disappointed but she had settled down when she met Christa.
As strange as the evening was, Thomas was very proud of his wife and wanted his mother approved.
When the parents retired after the desert Thomas had taken all the dishes into the kitchen, as Christa attended to the preparation of the tea and coffee.
Jill was happy to assist Christa with the wiping and neatening of the dining table, as I help Thomas with the dishes. He seems happy, he can't seem to stop talking about the dinner.
We were all seated in Thomas sturdy when I said to Christa. "Chris, I wanted to ask you to be my assistance, Tom told me you love animals and you help with one of the cow delivery?"
Christa noticing how Jill was looking at him, then said, "Sorry, I just happened to be there when the need arises and did the most logistical thing at the moment."
"To you, it might be the logistical thing but from what I heard, you did a pretty, amazing job, you save mother and young.
My workload is very difficult having to manage all by myself, and seeing that you love animals, you made the extra effort.
I need someone like you who loves animals to be my assistant. It is not hard work and I will have company."
"Maybe in a few months, but these few weeks I have not been too well. It seems as though I am still adjusting to the weather pattern here.
Sometimes, I get tired very easily and the sun seems to be overbearing these few days.
Only yesterday, I try walking to the pen and felt so weak as if the sun was scorching my skin and had to return home.
Then take my evening walk when the place cools down a bit. So, tell me how is the cow doing now?"
"She will live thanks to your quick thinking."
"Will, the young survive the ordeal?"
"We have to wait and see, if the antidote reaches the young before any serious damage is done, we might have a chance."
"Then my effort was not in vain."
"Christa, because of your determination the cow has survived. Do you know how much Tom has saved by you just insisting that the vet examine the cow? It was very brave of you even though you get such a fight down?"
"I still have to think about your proposition Bill, but it sounds wonderful and I love the fresh air. If I change my decision when you visit next time, I will let you know.
Now I must say I enjoy this evening very much. And it was nice meeting you Jill, I hope we will be friends, and having you over for dinner was great.
With Mrs. Marva in the kitchen, I might forget how to cook but we should do this again soon?"
When Jill replies, "Your meals were very delicious and the company was exceptional. Bill promised me dinner but I thought it was at a fancy restaurant.
This however was great and I get the opportunity to meet you. I like the idea of us being friends. And as you said, we should do this again.
Only we must be your host, oh and I cannot promise you a gourmet dinner as yours though?"