“I’m guessin’ they weren’t the only ones worried.”
Memories from last night flashed through her mind. The harsh glow on the bedroom ceiling. The smell of smoke. “When I saw the barn in flames, my heart stopped. I can’t imagine life without Cody.”
Hattie reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. “You’ve fallen in love with him, then?”
“Yes.” A delicious glow accompanied her words, turning her stomach and arms to mush.
“I’m glad of it, child. You two complement each other. Seeing how far you’ve come warms my old heart.”
Ella smiled. “I’m rather glad for it myself.”
Addie cooed. Her chubby hands lifted to Ella’s cheeks.
Ella chuckled. “How’s my big girl today?” She rubbed her nose against Addie’s. Her daughter laughed, clapping her hands.
“You’re a natural mother, Ella. Only a few months into this, and it’s as though you’ve been with them forever.”
“Why, Miss Hattie, that might be the kindest thing you could have said. Thank you.” She smiled down at Addie. “It feels like I’ve been their mother forever. In the best way possible.” Her heart pitter-pattered. “And I feel as though I’ve known Cody much longer as well.”
A knowing smile pulled at Hattie’s lips. “If you think you’re in love now, just wait. You fall more deeply as time goes on. Do you wanna know the most romantic thing my husband does? He makes me coffee each mornin’, just the way I like it. He’s been doin’ that for the last forty years. We may be miffed at each other about any old thing, but he’s never missed a day of makin’ that cup of coffee.” She sighed, the smile softening. “It’s his way of sayin’ ‘I love you.’ It’s small and ordinary—and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Ella caught her breath. “How beautiful.” A desire to do something to show Cody her love burned in her gut. Almost immediately, a thought came to mind. “Miss Hattie, may I ask you a favor?”
“Of course, child.”
“Cody’s birthday is coming up. I’d like to go into town next week to pick up a gift and some grocery items. Would you mind watching the children on Thursday?”
“Happily.” Hattie leaned forward, eyes bright. “What’re you gonna make?”
“His favorites. Chicken pot pie and caramel cake.”
“You’re a sweet wife, young lady. He’ll appreciate that.”
Ella’s lips turned up. “Don’t say anything to him. I want it to be a surprise.”
“My lips are sealed.”
On the fourth day after the fire, Cody sat across from the man who’d been harassing his family. Every muscle in his body ached for him to jump across the table and wipe the smug smile off Ashton Jacobson’s face. For being handcuffed to his chair, the man seemed awfully relaxed. He hadn’t given Travis much information. So far, all they knew was his name. If he’d given his real one. He had an accent similar to Ella’s, but it sounded rough, coarser. Clearly, he was from Boston. The only question was whether he worked for Mr. Mountbatten or Howard.
Travis sat behind his desk, hands steepled. His index fingers tapped together in a slow rhythm. He pierced Jacobson with an icy glare. “Tell us who sent you.”
The man shrugged. “Don’t see why I should.”
“You were caught committing arson red-handed. I should think the reason clear.”
Jacobson simply grinned.
“Are you working with anyone?”
“Nah. Don’t want no partner gettin’ a cut of the…” He snapped his mouth shut.
“A cut of the profit,” Travis finished. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. “So you’re working for someone back in Boston and you’re here alone.” A slow smile formed on his lips. “Good.”
Good? Cody frowned but said nothing. He didn’t understand his friend’s logic, yet he knew Travis had a plan.
“Looks like I can charge you with arson, cattle rustling, destruction of property…” Travis’s eyes hardened. “And attempted murder.”
Ah. There it is.
