She dared a glance in that direction but couldn’t make out anything except the reflection of the room.
“Do you think you can retrace your steps in the dark? And aren’t you the littlest bit afraid of who might be sharing the path?”
At least he was considerate enough not to name the dangers—the wild animals and Crazy Jane. “I’ll borrow your ax.”
“I’m afraid I can’t let you.” He crossed his arms and leaned back on his heels.
Shivers rippled through her. She clamped her teeth together to keep them from rattling.
“I don’t believe you can stop me.” Brave words from a fear-filled heart.
“I wouldn’t even try…” He let his words trail off. “Except I couldn’t live with myself if I let you go, and you or the young one encountered trouble.”
“Mama!” Eddie gasped. “I don’t want no trouble.”
“Ma’am, it’d be best if you spend the night. Wait until light to do whatever you mean to do.”
Whatever—? Had he not listened to a word she said? “I’ll make my way to Chet’s ranch just as I planned.”
“You do whatever you think best. It’s no concern of mine.”
She snorted. “Well, thanks for your permission.”
“Mama.”
Dianne turned to her anxious son. “Everything’s fine, Eddie.”
Eddie rocked back and forth. “I’s hungry.”
The mundane, ordinary request tempted a smile. A smile that flattened as she had no supplies. Her bags were on the stagecoach now far down the trail. She’d counted on food being served at the overnight stop. Must she rely on her reluctant host for food? At least for Eddie.
“I’ll rustle up something for us.” Four steps took Jace to the cupboard and stove.
“Seems unusual to have both a stove and a fireplace in a cabin this small.” It would make the air overly warm. Dianne studied the place. One room. The stove, a cupboard, and a table with two chairs filled one side. The chair before the fireplace was built for comfort—big and wide with arms that could hold both a book and a cup of tea. It would be good to settle down and enjoy some relaxation. Behind the chair, a narrow cot covered in a gray woolen blanket occupied that corner. Next to the door, hooks held an array of coats and reins, a broom rested nearby, and another cupboard reached the ceiling. Everything nice and cozy.
“Chet liked having both. ‘Homey,’ he said. He liked comfort.”
Dianne looked at the roomy chair. “I can see that.”
While her attention was diverted, Jace had lit a fire in the stove.
She shivered. Her shoes were still wet, her skirts damp, and she was chilled though perhaps as much from worry and fear as from her time in the river.
Jace pulled items from the kitchen cupboard.
“Whatcha making?” Blanket hugged tight, Eddie stepped toward the stove.
“Stay here, son.” It was safest to keep her distance. Well, distance in a cabin this small was also a relative term. But she’d at least keep Eddie at her side. No strange man would be snatching him away.
“I’ve got beans.” Jace held up a tin can with a faded label portraying baked beans. He pulled another from the cupboard. “Or beans.” He pulled out a third can. “Or beans. Which would you like?”
Eddie giggled. “They’s all the same.”
“Really?” Jace pretended to study the labels. “Why you’re correct. You’re pretty sharp to notice that.”
Eddie giggled again. “Guess we’s having beans.”
“You’re all right with that?” Jace hesitated as if considering another option.
