“You seem surprised.”
“It’s the moon.” Shining big and bright overhead. “We have light enough to travel even though the sun has gone down.”
“That’s good news. Now, if the clouds will stay away.”
“God’s got it under control.” Relief as light as perfume brought laughter.
Eddie, who had fallen asleep behind her, stirred. “Mama?”
“Go back to sleep, son. “
“We almost there?” he mumbled.
With a quirk of her eyebrow, she asked Jace how much further they had to go.
“I’d guess another hour.”
“Almost.” It was enough information for Eddie, and he curled up into a sleeping ball.
The air was cool, and they were without sweaters, shawl, or blanket. Goose bumps freckled her skin. She drew her arms around her to preserve body heat.
“Cold?” Jace asked.
She wanted to deny it, but her bones ached from the brisk mountain air. “Eddie must be cold.”
“Whoa.”
Alarm sliced through her. What was wrong now?
Jace leaned over, picked up Eddie, sat the boy on Dianne’s lap, and resettled himself. “If we huddle together, we’ll keep him warm.”
The idea was good…practical even. But she’d already thrown herself on him. Doing so had created a longing for more. More tenderness. More acceptance. She couldn’t continue heading in that direction, but for Eddie’s sake, she’d do it again. She shifted as close to him as she could. He put an arm around her shoulders with Eddie ensconced in front of them, covered by her arms, while Jace’s arm warmed and protected them both.
Moisture filled her eyes. Longing flooded her heart. Oh, to feel this protected and cared for always. She blinked back tears. All she needed was a home. A place where she and Eddie would be safe and secure.
They traveled on in relative silence. The horses slowed for corners and trotted on straight sections of the trail.
Thank You, God, for the moon.Past Jace’s shoulder, golden light gave the land a sepia tone. Stars studded the navy canvas overhead. She lifted her head as a white light streaked across the sky, disappearing over the southern horizon.
“A falling star.” Awe rounded her words. “Did you see it?”
“I did. Did you wish on it?”
Her cheek pressed to his sleeve as she shook her head. “No need to.”
“Nothing you wish for?”
Each word vibrated against her ear like a gentle humming. Ma used to hum as she worked. The sound had always soothed Dianne. She brought her attention to his question.
“I wish for a home, for Eddie to grow into a good man and for—” For Jace to take over the ranch so she and Eddie could stay there. He suggested a foreman could do the job, but she didn’t want someone else. Nor was she going to analyze that thought. “Of course, I pray for those.”Please, God, a home, health, and Jace to go to the ranch. “What did you wish for?”
Pressed to his side, his arm around her shoulders, she couldn’t miss the way he stiffened. Was it because he had wishes he couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge? Would he tell her what they were?
“Whoa.”
At first, she thought he meant to inform her to stop asking questions. Then she realized he called the horses to stop. Not wanting to allow cold air to intrude, she turned her head without moving from her comfortable position. But what she saw made her change her mind, and she sat upright.
Chapter Eight
