CHAPTER 16
“All the cows are accounted for?”
Ella nodded, bouncing Addie on her lap. Cassie had come to visit while Cody and Travis went to town to find Blackwell. Cody had wanted to make sure the man knew he wasn’t welcome at Brooks Ranch again. Ella tried not to dwell on that while she answered her sister-in-law. “Cody said they found the final four this morning several miles from the ranch.”
Cassie exhaled, leaning back against her chair. “I can’t imagine the burden it would have been to lose more cattle. Cody’s already struggling. This winter has been brutal.”
Isaiah came skidding into the kitchen, interrupting the conversation. “Is Uncle Cody back?”
“Not yet.”
The little boy pouted. “But I want to play with him and Sheriff Travis.”
Ella chuckled. “They’ll be back soon enough, sweetie. You have to be patient.”
“Humph.” Isaiah plopped onto the floor, chin in hands. “Fine.”
Cassie hid a smile behind her hand. “How’s motherhood?”
Addie snuggled against Ella’s chest. Her little eyes drooped shut. Ella breathed in her sweet baby scent before responding. “It has its challenges, but I love being a mother.”
Her friend surveyed her over a cup of tea, a smile playing on her lips. “So you’re glad you married my brother?”
“I am.”
Cassie shot her an impish look. “Has he kissed you yet?”
Ella’s cheeks heated. The memory of Cody’s gentle kiss by candlelight flashed through her mind. “That’s a rather personal question.”
“Ha!” Cassie pumped a fist in the air. “He did!”
Isaiah harrumphed again from the floor. “They were kissin’ in the kitchen last night. It was gross.”
“No, we weren’t.” Never mind the fact that they would have if the boys hadn’t interrupted them.
Isaiah made a face. “My mama and papa used to kiss. That was gross too.”
Cassie ruffled his hair. “That’s just what mamas and papas do. You might as well get used to it, Isaiah. I have a feeling you’ll be seeing Uncle Cody and Aunt Ella doing the same.” She winked.
Isaiah gagged. Ella buried her face in Addie’s soft curls.
Cassie’s laughter floated to her ears. “Don’t worry, Ella. Falling in love is a beautiful thing.”
“Girls are gross.”
The difference between the two statements made Ella laugh. “You’ll change your mind someday, Isaiah.”
“Ew!” Isaiah jumped to his feet and darted toward the stairs. “No way!”
Ella changed the subject before Cassie could continue her line of discussion. “How are you feeling?”
Cassie placed a hand on her stomach. “Most days I’m fine, but others I can’t stand the smell of food. Which makes owning a restaurant rather difficult. Josephine had to take on some of my shifts. We might have to hire another person to help out.”
A blast of cold air hit the room as the front door opened. Moments later, Travis and Cody appeared in the kitchen. Cassie pushed herself up to greet her husband. Cody slid into the chair beside Ella. His eyes looked troubled.
Her heart thundered. “What’s wrong?”
“Mr. Blackwell is gone.”
