She blinked once as if letting his words reach her worries and concerns. Then, her expression softened. “I trust you.”
Trust! Why had she used that word? “I hope I can be worthy of that, but I’ve failed in the past.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his nervous habit surfacing.
She ran her hand up his arm to his cheek. “I don’t believe you’ve failed, and I know you won’t this time.”
Her faith both bolstered him and frightened him. “It’s a heavy load.” It wouldn’t be easy, but he was determined to succeed.
A chicken squawking drew their attention. Eddie had opened the pen. The chickens gathered around his feet, clucking until he tried to pick one up. Then they ran away, protesting loudly.
“Mama, I want to hold one.”
Taking Dianne’s hand, Jace went to the gate. “Maybe they don’t want to be picked up.”
“But I want to pet them.” Eddie reached for another feathery hen who squawked a protest and scurried away.
Containing his laughter, Jace signaled to Eddie. “Come and help me get feed.”
Scuffling his feet and slumping his shoulders, the boy abandoned his quest and followed Jace.
The chickens and cow tended, the horses taken care of, Jace went to the house with Dianne and Eddie.
“Time for bed, son.”
A silent protest darkened the boy’s face. “Jace put me to bed.”
Jace waited for Dianne to give her decision.
“He can tuck you in.”
“I’d be pleased to do so.” He grinned as the boy dragged his feet up the steps. Again, he waited at the bottom of the stairs and listened to the gentle murmur of their conversation. Then, like the night before, he hurried up to say good night to the boy and plant a kiss on his forehead.
Eddie wrapped his arms around Jace’s neck. “I likes you.”
“I like you too. Now go to sleep.”
The boy lay back on his pillow.
Jace paused at the doorway, smiling when Eddie’s breathing deepened.
Downstairs, he announced. “He’s already asleep.”
“Tea is ready. And there are cookies.”
“You’ve been busy.” They carried cups and a plate of cookies into the other room.
The checker game was already laid out.
Laughter bubbled up inside him. “Are you gloating?” Not that he minded. Playing the game provided him an excuse for lingering. “This time, I’m going to beat you.”
Two games later, she was still the winner, but he’d studied her moves. She alternated between two of them, and he saw what she did. He could beat her. But he didn’t even try.
After a fourth game, she sat back and squinted at him. “You aren’t playing your best.”
Uh-oh. She’d observed his careless moves. “What do you mean?”
“I gave you plenty of chances to jump me, and you didn’t do it.” Her lips pursed, she leaned across the game board until all he had to do was edge toward her.
He did so and surprised her with a quick kiss.
