“Almost. We just need to tell Mrs. Greyson what outfits to make.” He turned to Ella. “Are you satisfied with your choices?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
He eyed the fabric Mrs. Greyson gathered for Ella. His wife had chosen practical—and inexpensive—material in solid colors—navy blue, dark green, and brown. While they would look pretty on her, a sudden impulse came over him. With Ella’s attention distracted by the children, he stopped beside Mrs. Greyson. “Please add the green and flowered light blue fabrics for my wife.”
“Of course.” She leaned forward, a wide grin on her face. “It seems you’re a quick study in the secret to being a good husband.”
Cody suppressed a snort. Doubtful. He just had a feeling Ella would appreciate the prettier colors, much as Cassie did.
Their business was soon finished, and the remainder of the day at home passed without incident. Once the children were in bed for the night, Ella yawned. “May I turn in early?”
Cody looked up from stoking the parlor fire. “You don’t need to ask permission. If you’re tired, go to bed. I want you to feel at home here.”
A blush stained her cheeks, and her gaze fell to the floor. “I’m sorry.”
He groaned. Clearly, the words hadn’t come out right. Straightening, he went to her. “Don’t apologize. What I meant is that I want you to feel safe. I’m not your master. You can make your own choices.”
Her throat worked. When she finally looked up at him, tears swam in her eyes. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”
To his shock, she leaned forward and hugged him. His arms remained at his sides as bolts of lightning raced up and down his spine.
Ella quickly pulled back. Her cheeks went bright red. “Thank you.” Turning abruptly, she hurried up the stairs.
Cody watched her go. Something unfamiliar curled in his chest. He suddenly wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms and soothe away any lingering fear or doubt she might possess.
And that was exactly what he couldn’t do. Not without risking his heart.
Despite her exhaustion, Ella tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Without Cody’s solid presence in the room, fear clutched her in its cruel talons. How she could be so dependent on him sleeping near her after only two nights was a mystery. Most men gave her reason to distrust them. With Cody, she felt safest when he was close. It made no sense, but it was true.
After an hour, she pushed back the covers. Sleep wouldn’t come so long as she was alone. Ella shivered in the cold room. The fire had long since died down. She donned a warm shawl that Cassie had lent her along with slippers for her feet. Keeping her steps quiet, she padded downstairs. Dim light flickered in Cody’s office. What was he up to at this hour? She crept to the door.
Her husband sat in a chair with something on his lap. When she knocked on the door, the thump soft and quiet, he looked up. Surprise lit his eyes. “Ella. I thought you’d be asleep.”
She shrugged. “Sleep was elusive.” As she came closer, she saw the item in his lap was a book. “What are you reading?”
A hint of pink touched his cheeks. He snapped the book shut. “Nothing.”
His gruff tone heightened her curiosity. “Nothing looks a lot like something.” The playfulness in her voice surprised her. She halted. What was she thinking? If he didn’t want to tell, he wouldn’t appreciate her prying. Howard hated it when she questioned him. A knot settled in her stomach. She lowered her eyes. “I didn’t mean to intrude. Goodnight.” Spinning around, she made for the door.
A hand on her arm halted her progress. Cody’s grip held her in place. “Ella. Look at me.”
She dragged her gaze upward until it met his. No annoyance rested in his blue eyes. The look of compassion there nearly did her in. He gentled his tone. “Come sit with me. Please.”
She allowed him to lead her to the smaller sofa in the parlor. When he sat beside her, his large body took up a majority of the space. Ella sucked in a soft breath as their shoulders brushed. Cody didn’t seem to notice. He extended the book he’d been reading toward her.
Ella pressed her lips together. “You don’t have to show me this if you don’t want to.”
“I want to.” He pushed the book into her hands.
For a moment, she didn’t move. The book sat in her grasp, lighter than she expected. The cover looked worn and faded. Carefully, Ella opened it to the first page. Neat, flowing script met her gaze. It only took a few moments to decipher the contents. Blinking, she looked up at Cody. “Poetry?”
The pink in his cheeks deepened.
Understanding rushed over her. “You were embarrassed to be caught reading this?”
“Maybe a little.” Cody’s half smile appeared. “Reading poetry isn’t considered a manly pastime.”
“It just means you have a sensitive, romantic side.”
