Dianne stared after him. Had he meant to say something more?
Eddie’s excited voice accompanied Jace to the remains of the barn where they again began to scoop up the debris.
Leaning against the doorframe, she watched her son eagerly helping. He needed to be around men more. She understood that. But her protective instinct as a mother made her curl her fingers into her palms.
He was safe with Jace, she informed her worried thoughts. If—when—Jace decided to stay on the ranch, Eddie would be spending more time with him, perhaps being guided as Chet had guided Jace.
Air exploded from her chest as Eddie fell face-first off the wagon into the pile of broken, scarred wood. There would be sharp edges and perhaps nails posing a danger.
Chapter Sixteen
Jace pulled Eddie to his feet, brushed the gray ashes off his face, and cheeked him for injuries.
Eddie’s bottom lip quivered. Would he run back to his mama for comfort? After all, he was a young child.
“You took quite a tumble. Are you hurt?”
The boy squared his shoulders. “I’s fine.” He retrieved his shovel and returned to work.
Had Dianne seen her son fall? With a pat on the boy’s shoulder, Jace faced the house. She watched from the window. He hoped his wave reassured her Eddie was fine. Jace would never let anything harm the boy. Not if he could help it, he added, realizing the world was full of dangers he couldn’t always protect the boy from.
Dianne lifted her hand, flattened it against the glass, then ducked out of sight.
An urge to run to the house and make sure she was all right pressed at Jace’s breastbone. He ignored it and turned back to the work before him.
He sent Lee to hunt meat and Cal to bring the wagon. This handcart was too slow, although it was fine for him andEddie to use.
Cal stopped the wagon near a huge pile of debris and attacked the rubble. He paused to wipe his brow and catch his breath, then returned to the task with a surprising vigor. The brothers gave the work their everything. Chet always admired their enthusiasm for whatever task was set before them.
At noon, Dianne called them for dinner.
The aroma of something savory greeted them as they made their way to the house.
“Nice to have someone to cook for us.” Cal’s voice was soft, always keeping his opinions to himself.
“Couldn’t agree more.” Jace again supervised Eddie washing his face and hands. Then the three of them trooped to the table where Dianne set a big pot of stew and a plate of golden biscuits.
Jace’s prayer might have been hurried and accompanied by several loud swallows as saliva flooded his mouth. The food tasted every bit as good as it smelled, and the only sound was of utensils against the plates.
After two helpings, Cal and Jace both slowed down. Eddie had run out of steam with half a biscuit clutched in his hand.
“That was delicious.” Jace swiped crumbs from his plate. “Thank you.”
“There’s more.” She refilled the coffee cups and served huge portions of cake.
“Sure is good to have a cook,” Cal murmured.
“I’m happy to make your meals. I enjoy doing so.”
Jace was tempted to linger, but Cal pushed his chair back. Eddie scrambled to his feet and prepared to follow.
With a quirk of his eyebrows, Jace asked Dianne if she minded.
She studied her son. “Aren’t you tired?”
“I not.” He scowled, clearly offended she asked in front of Jace and Cal.
Chuckling, Jace followed Eddie back to the remains of the barn.
