Jonah had awakened and was rubbing his eyes, but Isaiah slept on. Cody helped Jonah down before taking Isaiah in his arms. Was it his imagination, or was the child more feverish? When he turned again to face the house, Ella stood studying it. He surveyed his home, trying to see it through her eyes.
The log house was two stories, with plenty of windows to let in the light. He’d built it with the goal of providing a nice home for Cassie after he brought her back from the orphanage. A porch wrapped around the front of the house, where the two of them had spent many evenings together reading or talking. It wasn’t anything fancy, but they’d made it a home after being bereft of one for so long.
“It’s not much.” Especially not for someone used to Boston society.
Ella glanced his way. “It’s lovely.”
For some reason, his back straightened in pride. He nodded to the door. “Let’s get the kids inside. I’ll show you around right quick, but then I need to care for my horse.”
“All right.”
They walked into the house. Isaiah never stirred. Jonah stayed close to Cody’s side. He paused in the small foyer. “Let’s start with the kitchen.” He turned left, leading the way. “It’s nothing grand, but it’s got a stove and some tables for getting food ready. We’ve got a small cellar and pantry in the corner. And here’s the table we eat at.”
Ella ran a hand over the stove. “It’s nice.”
Nicewas generous, but he didn’t contradict her words. He led her back through the foyer and to the right. “This is the parlor. The kids have their toys in that box by the window.” What else could he say about the room?
“You have books?” Ella went to the single shelf holding his small collection of novels. She ran a hand over them, her eyes lighting up.
“Read any you like.” Why was his voice so gravelly as he said the words?
Ella stepped back from the shelf. “Thank you.”
“Over here’s my office.” He pointed into a small room off the parlor. “It’s got just enough room for a desk and some ledgers.”
His wife peeked into the room. Her gaze roamed it before looking back over the parlor. “It’s cozy. I like it.”
It’ll feel even cozier with five of us.He didn’t pretend the house was a good size for a family of five. At some point, he might have to expand it.
“I’ll show you upstairs.” As he led the way up the steps, he glanced back to find that her eyelids were drooping. “It’s been a long day. You’re probably exhausted.”
“I’m fine.” She yawned. A sheepish smile pulled at her lips. “But I am tired.”
They went to the children’s room first. Cody laid Isaiah on the boys’ bed and covered him with a blanket. The child didn’t stir. He showed Ella where the nightclothes were, then prepared to change the kids. When Ella’s gentle hand touched his arm, he turned.
“I’ll put them to bed. You said something about your horse needing care?”
“Are you sure?”
She gave him a timid smile. “Yes.”
“All right. Holler if you need anything.”
She nodded. He headed for the doorway but paused to look back. Ella already had Addie on the bed, looking very capable as she unpinned the little girl’s diaper. Yes, she had things in hand. Cody walked down the stairs, relief flooding him.
He was no longer alone in parenting these children. The burden he’d been carrying for weeks lifted. Sure, it had been replaced with new concerns—such as how he and Ella were going to live and work together—but that felt less complicated than single parenting.
After securing the wagon and taking out Ella’s carpetbag, Cody turned his attention to his horse. When Cody locked Preston in his stall, the stallion nickered. “You’re tired, too, aren’t you, boy?” He reached out to pet the horse’s nose. Preston pressed into his hand with a snort. “Looking for a sugar cube?” Cody smiled and pulled one from a box by the stall. “Here.”
Cody glanced toward the house, where he had one more room to show his new wife.
The other bedroom.Theirbedroom.
A shiver went down his spine, and he swallowed. They hadn’t talked about room situations before getting married. To be honest, he’d forgotten that little detail. But now it presented itself with all its awkward implications. How could he have neglected to remember such a thing?
Preston nudged his back.
Cody cleared his throat. “What? I’m not dawdling.”
