“Helping.” He guided their hands to Sadie’s teats. “Take hold.”
When she complied, Cody wrapped his hands around hers. “Now, let’s take this slowly, okay? One squirt at a time.” He increased the pressure of his hands, helping Ella to squeeze and tug correctly. Milk began to stream into the pail.
She let out a delighted giggle. “It’s working.”
The scent of lavender assailed his senses. Cody leaned closer, his nose almost buried in Ella’s silky hair. He closed his eyes and breathed her in. He hadn’t been allured by a woman in so long, he’d forgotten what it felt like to be swept up in a moment. For a few blissful seconds, he let himself get washed away like a wave leaving the shore.
“Cody?”
Too late, he realized their hands had stilled. When he met her eyes, they were only inches apart. Ella’s were wide, her breath escaping in shallow gasps through parted lips. The desire to kiss her returned. The slightest of movements would make that a reality. Would Ella welcome his advances, or would he shatter the trust that had been building between them?
Deep down, he knew the answer. With every ounce of self-control he possessed, Cody lurched backward, rising to his feet. “I think you’ve got it. Give it a go on your own.”
Confusion wrinkled Ella’s forehead. She stared at him unblinking before breaking eye contact. “Of course.” He barely caught her mumbled words. She began to milk again, proving that she had indeed gotten the concept down.
Cody backed out of Sadie’s stall. “I’ll work on Becky.”
Ella nodded without a word. The silence between them hung heavy. Cody chastised himself for his stupidity. His wife clearly needed to heal from whatever happened in her past, and he’d nearly messed up.
That could not happen again.
Ella strolled down the street toward the seamstress’s shop on Saturday afternoon. Cassie had volunteered to watch the children so Ella and Cody could get some things done in town. Thankful for the reprieve, they’d decided to split up so they could finish faster. Cassie promised them a hearty lunch once they got back to her house. Cody gave Ella the choice of whether to visit the mercantile for some groceries or the seamstress shop to check on the clothes they’d ordered. Awed at the fact that he gave her a choice, she picked the seamstress shop.
Mrs. Greyson grinned when Ella came through the door. “Mrs. Brooks, how lovely to see you. Are you here to pick up the outfits?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m not finished with all your dresses, but some are complete. The children’s and Mr. Brooks’s clothes are done and wrapped. Would you like to see the dresses before I wrap them?”
While she didn’t mind one way or another, Ella sensed Mrs. Greyson would gain some happiness by showing off her work. “I’d love to.”
The older woman beamed. “Excellent. Let me get those for you.” She bustled to a rack. “Here’s the first one.”
Ella smiled in approval, taking in the navy dress. Simple and practical. “It’s perfect.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Mrs. Greyson replaced it and pulled another dress out. “This one will be stunning on you.”
Ella blinked. The light-blue fabric boasted tiny white flowers throughout, bringing to mind a meadow on a summer’s day. It was lovely, but not a fabric she chose. “That’s not my dress.”
“Of course it is, dearie. Mr. Brooks selected it himself. Along with this one.” She took another dress from the rack. The color matched that of a holly leaf, with lace trimming the collar and long sleeves. Ella pressed a hand to her lips, disbelief coursing through her. “My husband chose those?”
“That he did. He’s got a good eye.”
Slowly, as if in a trance, Ella reached out and touched the green fabric. It felt smooth as butter under her touch, but it also possessed a solid durability. Beautiful and practical. Not something she would have expected from Cody, but his thoughtful gesture chipped away another section of the wall surrounding her fragile heart.
“I didn’t know.”
Mrs. Greyson grinned. “That’s the best part. He let it be a surprise.” She sighed, a hand over her heart. “Love is a beautiful thing, isn’t it?”
Ella wouldn’t know, but she forced a smile and didn’t correct the woman’s assumption.
Mrs. Greyson must have taken that as agreement. She gathered up the three dresses. “I’ll just wrap these and get the other packages. Is your wagon outside?”
“It will be shortly. Cody said he’d meet me here once he’s finished at the mercantile.”
“Perfect. Give me five minutes.” The woman hurried to the back of the shop, dresses in hand. Ella wandered the aisles, but she didn’t see the fabric. Her mind turned to her husband and the way he gifted her two dresses. What struck her most was that she’d noticed both fabrics when choosing dresses but thought them too pretty for ranch life. Yet they were the ones he picked for her.
What had been his motivation? A little shiver went through her. Howard had sent her gifts of clothing on occasion, usually when there was a big event they were expected to attend together. Never once had he chosen something she liked, but she’d worn it anyway to appease him. Cody, after knowing her such a short time, picked something she would have chosen for herself. She didn’t know what to make of that.
