Hesitancy flickered in her eyes. “Was that wrong?”
“No!” He put his hands on her shoulders. “Not at all. I’m just surprised.”
She gave him a little smile. “It took my mind off the fact that you weren’t here.”
“I’m sorry, Ella. Someone pulled down the north fence, and all the cattle in that pasture got out. We had to repair the fence and round up the lost cows.”
Her eyes grew large. “Someone broke it?”
“Yeah.” He stopped walking, taking Ella’s arm. “Go back inside, darlin’. I’ll get Preston bedded down and be in shortly.”
She nodded. “I’ll get your supper.” After he thanked her, Ella headed into the house.
Cody blew out a breath, all the worries from the day crashing into him again. He needed answers. Was this the work of unorganized rustlers…or someone under orders from Ella’s father?
Ella sank into a chair after placing Cody’s food on the table. Words couldn’t express her relief to have her husband home. When he hadn’t come back on time, she imagined the worst. But new concerns rose like sentinels in her mind. If someone had cut the fence…so soon after Mr. Blackwell’s threats…
She pushed the thought away. Maybe it was just an unhappy coincidence.
The children had been quiet at supper. Isaiah had stared at Cody’s empty space before looking at Ella, tears welling in his brown eyes. “Where’s Uncle Cody?”
His tone and expression betrayed his deep fear. And no wonder. After losing his parents, it made sense he’d fear losing his new guardian.
She’d taken his hand and looked straight into his eyes. “Something must have come up. I’m sure he’ll be back soon. Perhaps we can do his chores after supper so he can rest when he gets home. What do you think?”
That helped a bit. They’d completed the chores together, but when Ella put the boys to bed, a few tears fell from Isaiah’s eyes. She’d wondered if he would ever fall asleep.
Moments later, she had her answer. Isaiah padded into the kitchen, clutching a blanket, eyes red. “Did Uncle Cody get home?”
Ella held out her arms. Isaiah ran to her and allowed her to pull him onto her lap. “Yes, sweetie, he’s home. He’s just getting Preston bedded down.”
Isaiah burst into sobs. He buried his face in Ella’s chest. “I thought…he wasn’t…coming back…like my daddy.”
Throat tightening, she held the little boy close. “He’s safe, Isaiah. He’s home with us.” The words were as much for her sake as for his.
The front door opened. As soon as Cody entered the kitchen, Isaiah vaulted from Ella’s lap and launched himself at his uncle, still sobbing. Cody caught him. Confusion knit his brow, but he lifted Isaiah into his arms. “What’s wrong?”
Isaiah only burrowed closer to Cody and cried harder. Ella felt like doing the same. Despite how their marriage began, Cody steadily made his way deeper into her heart. That tender kiss last night sealed it. Her reaction to his late arrival whispered that she could no longer deny her feelings. Whatever they might be.
Cody sat in the chair beside her.
She put a hand on Isaiah’s back and leaned toward Cody. “You coming home late made him remember his parents’ accident.”
Understanding lit his eyes. He patted Isaiah’s back. “It’s all right, bud. I’m fine.”
Cody’s discomfort while holding the boy was evident. His large hands looked out of place against so small a child. But the tenderness her husband showed to Isaiah melted her heart. Being a father didn’t come naturally for him, but he was a good one.
His stomach growled, which spurred Ella into action. She rose and held out her arms. “Come, Isaiah. Uncle Cody needs to eat.”
Isaiah shook his head and clung all the tighter to Cody.
“I’ve got him.” Cody stood, giving Ella a reassuring look. “I’ll put him back to bed.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded. “Be back soon.”
She watched as he headed out of the kitchen. Warmth stole over her along with pure admiration. Strong attraction churned inside. Ella blinked.Am I falling for him?She pressed a hand to her stomach, dismissing the thought. There would be time to dwell on that later.
