A fire roared in the grate nearby, keeping them cozy. Addie sat contentedly in Cody’s lap. Jonah glued himself to Ella. Isaiah kept a bit of distance, throwing Ella guarded looks on occasion, but he seemed to be enjoying himself overall.
His wife wore the flowered blue dress Cody chose for her. As she doled out food, he admired her. Yes, she possessed a rare and natural beauty, but she also had a strength of character that made her stunning. Might real love eventually find them? Though his heart seized at the thought of being that vulnerable again, another part of him deeply desired the connection that came from loving a woman.
He also knew it was too soon to contemplate that. Ella might trust him, but their arrangement was a practical one, and his own heart stood in need of healing. He’d be content with friendship for now.
Ella handed him a plate. The scent of savory roast beef, spicy mustard, and tangy pickles filled his nostrils. Mouth watering, he took a big bite.
“Mmm.” He raised the sandwich in Ella’s direction. “Very good.”
She took her own bite. A look of pleasant surprise crossed her face. “It is.”
“You thought it wouldn’t be?”
Isaiah piped in before Ella could. “She makes yucky tea, but her food is good.”
A smile took over the surprise on Ella’s face. “Thank you, Isaiah. That was a sweet compliment.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
Cody ruffled Isaiah’s hair. “Is that any way to talk to your mama?”
Isaiah froze. Defiance filled his eyes. “She’s not my mama.”
Whoops.Cody tried to smooth things over. “I didn’t mean any disrespect to your first mama, Isaiah. She loved you very much, and I think she’d be happy to know that your Aunt Ella is taking care of you now that she can’t.”
Tears welled in the child’s eyes. “I miss her.”
Cody shifted Addie, about to reach for Isaiah, but Ella spoke first. “Isaiah, I know I’ll never replace your mother. I don’t want to. She has a very special place in your life. You’ll always love her.” She held out her hand. “But if you don’t mind, I’ll do my best to make her proud by raising you and your brother and sister with lots of love and happiness. We can make a family together. I think your mama would like that, don’t you?”
Isaiah stared at her hand. Cody held his breath, wondering if the boy would accept it or throw a tantrum. Slowly, Isaiah reached out and slipped his little hand into Ella’s. “You think Mama is happy we’re here?”
“I didn’t know her, but I do know most mothers want what’s best for their children. If your parents asked Uncle Cody to be your guardian, they must have known he’d take good care of you. So yes, I do think she’s happy you’re here.”
With a little cry, Isaiah threw his arms around Ella’s neck, burying his face in her shoulder. She blinked. The look on her face grew tender. She encircled Isaiah’s body with her arms, gently rocking him.
Jonah pressed into her side, gazing up at her. She smiled at him, earning a rare, answering smile from the toddler. He got to his feet and tilted his head. One chubby hand reached out, resting on her shoulder. “Mama?”
Cody’s mouth dropped open. Jonah hadn’t said a word since Jake and Harriet died. Then what he’d said registered, and Cody’s heart pounded.
Ella stared at the child, shock written on her face. “What did you say, sweetie?”
“Mama.” He whispered the word. This time, it sounded less like a question and more like a statement.
Isaiah peered at his brother, frowning. “She’s not our mama.”
Jonah frowned back. “My mama.”
Isaiah looked as though he wanted to argue the point.
Cody put a hand on the boy’s back. “It’s all right if Jonah chooses to call Aunt Ella that, Isaiah. It’s up to him. You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
“But she’s our aunt.”
Ella interjected softly. “I can be both. If Jonah wants to call me Mama, that’s fine. If you want to call me Aunt Ella, that’s fine too. I love you both the same, no matter my title.”
“Humph.” Isaiah let his hands drop from Ella’s neck, though he didn’t go far. He plopped down on the floor beside her. “That’s weird.”
Cody’s lips twitched. “That’s life, buddy.”
