She tested the heat of Cody’s stew and wrinkled her nose. She couldn’t serve him tepid stew. Ella returned it to the stove, then busied herself washing dishes. As she set the last plate on the rack to dry, Cody returned. “Sorry about that. Isaiah was right ruffled.”
She set about scooping the stew into another bowl, then tore a hunk of bread off a fresh loaf. “He’s scared.”
Cody thanked her as she set the food in front of him. Instead of picking up his spoon, he pressed his lips together. “I get it. Loss is horrible. He’ll always carry that with him.”
Ella sat beside him, waiting while he said a quiet blessing over his supper. When he began to eat, she softly asked, “Are you speaking from experience?”
He chewed on some bread, a faraway look on his face. “Yeah.”
Ella knew better than to say anything more. She sat back, letting him process his thoughts while he ate for a while. After a couple minutes, he put down his spoon and released an audible sigh. “I don’t want Isaiah to end up like me.”
What?Clamping her lips tightly to keep from speaking, Ella waited for him to continue.
Cody ran a hand through his already ruffled hair. “Losing my parents, never getting adopted…it shattered me. I never felt like I was good enough for others.” He blew out a hard breath, his head dropping. “That’s why I fell so easily for Liza. She wanted me for me, and that stoked my pride. Or so I thought. Being jilted…it showed me yet again I wasn’t enough. So I’ve kept myself locked up, gruff and distant, refusing to be hurt again.” He swallowed. “I don’t want that to happen to our kids.”
Something about the way he saidour kidsunleashed a current of flutters in Ella’s stomach. She’d begun thinking of the kids as theirs too. They were becoming a true family. He might have a hard time showing his affection, but it was there. It was obvious in the way he took the children in, gave them a mother because it was best for them, worried over their future.
She reached out, covering his large hand in both of hers. “Cody, you’re the best thing to have happened to the children. I think they’re going to be fine, because they have two parents who love them and will do anything for them.”
His face shifted. Hope glimmered in his eyes. “You think so?”
“I do.” Ella pressed his hand. “And if it helps, I think you’re enough just the way you are. I rather like my gruff, soft bear.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized how they sounded. Her eyes widened, and her breath stuttered. She might as well have made a declaration of love.
Cody’s gaze caught fire. He lifted his free hand to her cheek, the motion both tentative and strong. His warm palm branded her skin. “How did you work your way so quickly into my heart?” he murmured, his gaze roaming her face.
Ella’s lips parted as if of their own accord. Cody’s gaze dropped. His eyes lingered on her mouth. He leaned forward.
She froze, a battle raging inside. His kiss last night felt good and safe. But now, outside of the quiet intimacy of candlelight, a kiss seemed like a bigger step. One she wasn’t sure she was ready to take.
Her husband paused, his gaze flitting up to meet hers. Hurt flashed over his rugged features. He began to pull away.
Pain ripped through Ella’s heart. After all he’d just confessed, her hesitation added another scalding rejection, another proof that he wasn’t enough. Gathering her courage, she slipped a hand behind his neck to halt his retreat. “Don’t stop.”
It was impossible to miss the desire written on his face. Still, he didn’t move. His eyes searched hers. “Are you sure?”
“I trust you.”
Cody swallowed. A sheen of moisture filled his eyes. “That means more than you know.” His attention fixed on her mouth once more. “We don’t have to rush this, darlin’. As much as I want to kiss you, if you need time, we can just…”
Ella didn’t let him finish. She leaned forward, brushing his lips lightly with hers. Heat stole over her as she pulled back. Never before would she have attempted such a bold move, but it had the desired effect. Cody’s gaze heated. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. Ella’s eyes fluttered shut. She breathed in his masculine scent, waiting for the moment their lips would meet again. Would it be another gentle kiss? Or would they share something deep and fervent? Her heart sped up in anticipation.
“Mama?”
They both froze.
Another little voice joined in the first. “Addie’s sad.”
Ella turned to face their two boys. Willing her heart to stop racing, she tried to speak normally. “Sad?”
Isaiah nodded while Jonah made a beeline for Cody. “She’s cryin’. I think she’s hungry.”
Cody lifted Jonah into his arms. The little boy snuggled close.
A rush of empathy swirled through Ella. Clearly, she and Isaiah weren’t the only ones who’d worried tonight. She pushed herself to her feet and held out a hand to Isaiah. “Shall we check on her together?”
He nodded, sliding his palm against hers. Ella glanced at Cody before leaving the room. No words passed between them, but the look he gave her spoke of a promise of things to come.
