“I’ve heard of it. Never knew anyone who took advantage of it, though.”
“Pa did. We were coming from Missouri. My parents had their eyes on the Montana Territory. I couldn’t understand why they wanted to leave the United States, but I was excited about the adventure. We’d almost made it here to Harmony Springs when…” His throat closed. Even now, twenty years later, the memory sparked intense pain. “We were traveling along a deep ravine. The wagon hit a rock and tipped. My pa fell first. There was no saving him.” Cody’s throat felt thick, as though a heap of molasses had gotten stuck inside. “Ma knew the wagon was going to go over the edge. She told me to get out as fast as I could while she grabbed Cassie. My feet hit the ground, and I hurried around the wagon. Ma must have realized she couldn’t get both herself and Cassie out in time, so she chose to save my sister. She looked at me…and it was as though time froze. She knew she was going to die. Her face was sad but determined. She threw Cassie to me just as the wagon plummeted down the ravine.” His stomach turned. “I didn’t have time to process what happened. Cassie screamed in my arms, crying hysterically. I had to be strong for her.”
Ella’s soft gasp puffed against his neck. She reached up with her free hand and laid it against his cheek. “I’m so sorry.”
Tears blurred his vision. “It was a long time ago.”
Her fingers trailed down his jaw before leaving his face. “That doesn’t make it hurt any less. You watched your parents die, Cody. That’s something that will scar a person for life.” She covered his hand with hers. “I see why caring for your little ones was so important to you. They experienced a similar loss, and you saw yourself in them.”
He looked down. “Something like that.”
“You’re a good man, Cody Brooks.”
That brought his gaze back up to hers.
Ella’s lips turned up in a gentle smile. “Everyone keeps telling me that, and I know soon enough, I’ll believe it myself. You have a selfless spirit.”
Her gentle praise thawed something long frozen in his heart. A touch of heat entered his cheeks. “I’m just trying to do the right thing.”
One side of Ella’s mouth lifted higher than the other. “Exactly.”
Cody’s face went hot. He brought his attention back to her hand, wrapping her palm in a few deft movements. “There you go. It might sting for a bit, but you’ll be good as new in no time.” He stood, taking the basket back to its cabinet. “Supper smells good.”
Ella stood, running her uninjured hand down her skirt. Her smile became self-deprecating. “Miss Hattie made the stew, so I imagine it’s delicious.”
He paused, glancing back. “Miss Hattie was here?”
“She came this morning and was a lifesaver. I don’t know what I would have done without her help today. She’s with the children now.”
As if on cue, Hattie came bustling into the kitchen. “I don’t know how long it takes to pull biscuits from the oven, but…oh!” Her eyes landed on Ella’s bandaged hand. “Did you burn yourself, dearie?”
Ella nodded.
Hattie’s gaze moved to Cody. “There you are! I was wondering when you’d be home.” She clucked her tongue. “It’s nigh suppertime, you know.”
He chuckled. “Hello, Miss Hattie.”
She wrapped him in a warm embrace. “Now that you’re here, I’ll be taking myself off to my family.”
“Won’t you stay for dinner?” Ella asked.
Hattie smiled. “Thanks for the offer, but I need to get back. My grandkids ain’t used to me being gone for so long. I’ll come back for a bit tomorrow. I can teach you to do laundry.” She headed for the door. “The young’uns are in the parlor with their toys. I’ll be seein’ you both soon.” With a wave, she left the house.
Cody took some bowls from another cabinet. “Why don’t I serve the stew with you?”
Ella’s eyes widened. “But…isn’t that my job?”
“I’m thinking you could use some help.” He motioned to her hand.
She stared at him as though he was some foreign creature. Slowly, she shook her head. “You want to…help?”
The incredulity in her tone spoke volumes. Cody rested a hand on her shoulder. “I take it you’re not used to a man offering assistance.”
She ducked her head. “Not like this.”
A smile pulled at his lips. “You might as well get used to the idea, Mrs. Brooks. This marriage of ours is a partnership. I intend to pull my weight and hope you do the same.”
Ella blinked rapidly, her mouth dropping open. He’d shocked her.
