Her curiosity drove her to the doorway. “You won’t be leaving while—?” She nodded to the trail hoping he’d understand she meant while Al lurked about.
His eyes held assurance. “I’ll be staying for a bit. Guess the team and wagon won’t be missed for a spell.”
It was another reprieve—one she could have done without. But it was an answer to her prayers, and she wasn’t about to question God’s ways.
Eddie sat at Jace’s feet, his arm around Skip’s neck.
Dianne patted the dog’s head. When she straightened, her gaze locked with Jace’s. Everything fell away but the way he looked at her. Was he remembering last night and how she’d clung to him, her face pressed to his chest? Oh my. Now, her cheeks were burning. She spun away and hurried inside, not stopping to catch her breath until she stood over the stove.
Later, the food ready, she called them in. The cups were full ofcoffee, and the food was served as they took their places and bowed their heads.
Jace cleared his throat and prayed. “Our heavenly Father, kind and good, we thank Thee for our daily food. We thank Thee for Thy love and care and for Your kind protection. Be with us, Lord. Amen.”
Your kind protection.He’d added those words in gratitude for last night. That acknowledgment warmed her from the inside out. She lifted her eyes to him and smiled.
He nodded, but it was enough to bless her.
Eddie bounced forward to the edge of his chair. “Mama, can me and Skip go ’sploring?”
His question pressed her back. How safe was it for her son if a man like Al wandered freely?
Jace patted her hand. “Why don’t we all go?” His steady gaze promised he’d look after them. She nodded.
Eddie cheered.
“First,” Jace warned. “There are chores. Your mama is going to milk a cow.”
“She’s gonna milk a cow?” Eddie’s eyes went wide.
“And gather eggs.”
“Again?”
“Every day.”
Eddie’s wide-eyed admiration brought laughter to Dianne’s lips.
Jace chuckled. “Your mama’s going to be a real farmer.” His eyes glowed as well.
Her heart warmed.
The meal over, Jace pushed from the table. “I’ll tend the horses while you clean up and then off to do chores.”
Eddie trotted after him. “Can I go with you?”
Jace glanced at Dianne. “If your mama allows it.”
She nodded. Her son was safe with him. Of that, she had no doubt.
It took only minutes to put the kitchen back to rights. Shepicked up the basket she’d used yesterday and went to take care of the chickens.
Jace and Eddie were with the horses, and she waved, smiling when they waved back.
Again, the chickens clucked around her feet and followed her cheerily as she put out feed and filled the waterer. She found only six eggs this morning and, humming, took them to the kitchen.
Minutes later, Jace, Eddie, and Skip marched to the house, like a motley little army.
She leaned back, enjoying the moment.
