“What did your father do for a living?” The way she spoke in her gentle voice made him want to know more about her.
“My father worked down at the docks, doing any jobs he could. Sometimes he left to work in the mines for months at a time. He was a hardworking man. I was around my mother more often, but he made an effort to spend time with both of us whenever he was home.”
“I can see through you that your father was a hardworking man. You never shy away from any hard work, and your chores around the house are always done. That speaks of a good upbringing to me.” He examined her to see if she misunderstood what he was saying. “Please don’t think that I’m spying or checking up on you. I only meant that you work hard and I appreciate that,” he explained as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck.
Rosaline let out a light laugh. “I didn’t think that for a moment. I appreciate that you notice my efforts.” She shyly tucked a loose piece of hair behind her ear. “It’s always nice when hard work is appreciated.”
“How is Robbie coming along?” he asked and watched how she drew her bottom lip into her mouth and nibbled the skin.
“He’s still taking a while to warm up to me. I’m not sure how to get him to trust me.”
Thomas noticed the hurt and concern in her eyes.
“I’m sure it will just take some more time. When he was fussy Mary would always...” he began to reassure her with advice, but stopped himself. Talking about his late wife wasn't something that he felt ready to do with Rosaline, and he wasn’t even sure if she wanted to discuss the subject.
“What would she do?” Rosaline asked after a moment of silence. “Really, anything at this point will help.”
The honesty in her eyes set him a little more at ease. “When he was fussing she would rock him in the chair and stroke the curls at the back of his neck. It always seemed to soothe him.”
“Thank you,” she said softly. “I’ll try that next time he is fussing.” She leant over the table and gently touched his hand. “It’s okay if you want to talk about your wife Thomas. I can tell you loved her a great deal.”
“I did, still do. I don’t think a love like that can ever go away,” he looked up quickly, expecting to see hurt in her eyes.Why do you think that would matter to her?he felt a small inner voice ask him. To his surprise, Rosaline smiled.
“I don’t think anyone would ever expect you to replace Mary. The love you had reminds me of the love between my parents. They loved each other with all their hearts and souls. But don’t be afraid of letting other people in. Love can come in many shapes. Your father and son love you, and,” her voice took on a gentle note of teasing, “I have a sneaking suspicion that the Gideons don’t entirely dislike you.”
Thomas laughed, feeling a little more at ease in her presence. “I can’t say I haven’t had that sneaking suspicion myself.”
The kettle began to boil furiously over the open flames of the fire. Rosaline stood and poured them both a cup of coffee. “Thank you for the advice, Thomas. I really appreciate it,” she said honestly before taking her seat and sipping her coffee.
“Please don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything else.” He sipped his coffee and smiled at her over the rim of his mug. He felt a growing warmth towards her that set him at ease. Her gentle nature and kind heart was something that he was beginning to admire and look forward to seeing every day.
Chapter Twelve
Rosaline strolled beside Arthur as they walked the path that lead to the creek. It had been a week since she’d come to the ranch, and things were still difficult with Thomas, though they had improved a little. He still refused their invitations every evening to join them in the kitchen after the evening meals.
Evenings spent in the kitchen were fast becoming a family ritual, one that Thomas seemed reluctant to embrace.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Arthur asked.
They’d been strolling along for a few minutes in silence. “I was just wondering about Thomas.”
A wry smile crossed Arthur’s lips.
“Our friendship is growing, and I’m grateful that we talk to each other now at least. It makes life a lot easier. I was wondering what I could do to make him more comfortable. He seems so reluctant to join us in the evenings.”
“He will come around, lass.”
“You keep saying that.” Her voice held a note of frustration. “I haven't seen him pick up Robbie once. It’s just... A son needs his father. Any child does.”
Arthur looked up at her with a kind expression. “Do you miss your parents?”
“All the time. I only knew them for ten years, but those years were the happiest of my life,” she said, sighing. “They were the best parents any child could ever hope for. I only want the same for Robbie.”
“He has you now,” Arthur said gently.
“Am I enough, Arthur? He won't let me feed him or hold him unless Buena is around.”
“Don’t underestimate small steps lass. When you first arrived a week ago he wouldn’t let you do any of that, even with Buena present. There is only one way to build a herd. One calf at a time.”
