“But, Mama, the horsey called me.”
“Horses can’t talk.”
“He did. Like this.” He wagged his head and made a whinnying sound.
The horse whinnied back, and Eddie laughed, reaching through the rails to pat the animal’s neck.
“He likes me.”
She squatted to Eddie’s level. “He seems like a good horse, but what have I told you about running up to an animal you don’t know?”
Eddie slowly brought his attention to her. “I’s not to do it.”
“That’s correct. Why?”
“’Cause some aren’ts friendly.” He shook his head. “He is.”
Thank goodness. But there’d been no one to rescue him if the horse decided to take a bite out of him. “You must obey Mama.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Now, let’s go back to the cabin and make plans.”
He held back, but she pulled him onward.
“Mama, we gonna stay here?”
“No, son. We’re going to a ranch, just like I said.”
He drooped from his head to his knees.
“Besides, you saw. There isn’t anything here to eat except beans, and they won’t last forever.”
Still, the boy dragged his feet.
Dianne lifted her head and swept her gaze full circle. She could understand his attraction to this place. Quiet woods surrounded them. Brisk air filled her lungs. Pink blared across the sky. It was enough to make her pause and whisper, “Glory to Your name, Lord.” The promises she clung to flooded her thoughts. Her favorite was found in Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” She’d clung to those words as the train trundled across the rocks and prairies and as she bounced onward in the stagecoach. “In God, I trust,” she murmured.
They stepped into the cabin, where Jace stirred a pot.
Beans, of course, seeing as there was nothing else in the place to eat.
As soon as they got to the ranch, she’d be sure they got better fare. Of course, that meant the pantry was adequately supplied. But it would be. From the things her father had said about Chet, she knew the man to be a good provider. “I’ll be leaving as soon as I’m ready,” she informed Jace. There was nothing to do but fold the blanket she’d slept under and straighten the one on the bed.
“Might as well eat first.” He held up the big spoon as if offering her a serving.
While she hesitated, Eddie hurried to Jace’s side. “I’s hungry.”
“He’s always hungry.” Not that she meant to criticize her son, but he liked to eat.
“He’s a boy.” Jace flashed Eddie a smile. As if being a male explained everything. “We’ll eat first. Then I’ll escort you to the way station.”
His offer was the last thing she expected. “Thanks.” Her voice wobbled. By rights, she should tell him it wasn’t necessary, but could she find her way back? Even if she could, there was that moose and even Crazy Jane.
“Least I can do.”
What did his tone indicate? Perhaps weariness, as if he didn’t think he had any choice. But, of course, he did. He could refuse to help them even as he refused to take over the ranch unless she could persuade him otherwise. No doubt he’d admired Chet. Didn’t that bring a certain responsibility to carry out the man’s wishes?
They took their places at the table, Eddie perched on her knee. Again, Jace murmured a quick prayer. The exact words he said the day before. Not that she thought that meant anything. She taught Eddie a similar prayer to make it easy for him to learn the habit of saying grace.
