There was a swagger to Eddie’s steps as he sauntered to the house.
“Better wash up.” Dianne’s words rounded with amusement.
Eddie watched to see what Jace would do, and when Jace headed for the washbasin, the boy nodded. “I do it.”
Wiping his face on a towel, Jace stepped aside. His gaze went to Dianne, and they grinned at each other.
She mouthed, “Thank you.”
He mouthed back, “Welcome.” No doubt she meant for allowing Eddie to help him. But did her thanks extend further—perhaps to the earlier outing? And the kisses.
His thoughts must have revealed themselves, or maybe it was the way his gaze lingered on her lips for pink blossomed like summer roses in her cheeks. She hurried to the kitchen.
Chuckling softly, hoping she wouldn’t take offense, he helped Eddie wash and then dried his face for him, rubbing his nose to make him giggle.
They gathered around the table.
Jace tucked away his smile at how Eddie studied Jace’s posture and did his best to imitate it.
“I’ll ask the blessing. Our heavenly Father, kind and good, we thank Thee for our daily food.” He stalled. The words of his customary prayer seemed inadequate. “We thank You for—” His heart flooded with memories of the afternoon, the awareness that was growing between himself and Dianne, and the joy of having a little boy at his side. “Friends and home.” It was lame but all he could think of. “Be with us, Lord. Amen.”
The three of them ate with the eagerness of people who had been working and living in the sunshine.
“I appreciate the food you prepare,” he said.
“Thank you. It’s easy to make decent meals when the pantry is full, and cellar shelves are lined with the result of Mae’s hard work. I’d like to make bread tomorrow.”
“We’d be happy to have you do so, wouldn’t we, Eddie?”
The boy gave a flip-flop of his head. “Mama makes good bread.” His gaze darted to his mother but returned to Jace’s seeking his approval.
“She’s a good mama.” Jace’s words came from his heart.
“Yup.” Eddie sat back, satisfied with Jace’s response.
Had his mama approved? Jace slid his gaze to the woman onhis right. If the smile warming her eyes meant anything, then yes, she did approve.
After supper, he amused Eddie on the porch with a little game of hiding a bit of wood that had the boy laughing and the dog jumping up and down in excitement.
“I’m done with the dishes.” Dianne leaned against the doorframe. “Who wants to help me do my chores?”
“Spoken like a true farmer’s wife.” He pocketed the piece of wood, signaling to the boy and dog that the game was over. “We’ll help, won’t we, Eddie?”
“Yup.”
The three of them—four counting the dog who’d become Eddie’s constant companion—sauntered to the chicken pen. While she gathered the eggs, he and Eddie put out more feed and water and carefully closed the gate behind them to keep out predators.
She carried the basket of eggs gingerly and set it aside as she chased the calf into its pen.
“That’s done.” She wiped her hands together in satisfaction.
Back at the house, she paused. “Would you like to come in? I can offer you tea.”
Before Jace answered, Eddie grabbed his hand and dragged him forward.
Jace chuckled. “I guess I’m coming.”
As soon as she put the eggs in a safe place, she turned to Eddie. “It’s bedtime, young man.”
