“None of us lives forever. We only have as many days as God grants us.”
“Like my papa and gramps? They’s dead already.”
“Something like that.” Was that uncertainty?
“Did God sends you instead?”
The innocent question and silence stalled her thoughts.
Would he acknowledge it was part of God’s plan? But would that include Chet’s death? She couldn’t go down that trail. It was impossible to believe God had used Jace in such a troublesome manner.
Jace murmured something she couldn’t make out. Hearing him close the door, she hurried to the kitchen to pour tea.
Would he mention his conversation with Eddie?
She put cookies on a plate and handed him a cup of tea. He didn’t say anything, but she didn’t want to let it go.
“Eddie is getting attached to the place.”
Jace angled his hip against the cupboard, making no movement toward the sitting room. “Guess that’s an indication you should stay.”
She’d never planned anything else. There were no options for her just as there was no point in reminding him of that fact and the bigger one—that she couldn’t manage the ranch on her own.
“He’s growing fond of you as well.” Her gaze steady, challenging, and perhaps hopeful; she didn’t shift from his study.
“He’s a nice little boy.” He eased away from her. “You ready for another game of checkers?”
Her chin jutted out. “Only if you play honestly.”
“Are you accusing me of cheating?” His mild tone might have been teasing or denial. But all she saw was his back, so she couldn’t tell.
“At least try and win.”
Balancing his tea on the nearby table, he unfolded the checkerboard and set out the pieces—red for her, black for him—and sat back to study her.
“Aren’t you enjoying the evenings?”
“Of course I am.” The heat in her cheeks likely glowed pink.
“Then what does it matter who wins or loses?”
She lowered her gaze lest he read her silent admission that it was his company she enjoyed. The game was but an excuse tospend a few hours with him. “There’s something true about that.”
“You go first.”
They played for several minutes until he cleared the board in one move.
“I won.” He raised his hands as he cheered.
She laughed. “I wasn’t paying attention.”
“I won fair and square.” He readied the pieces for another game.
Peering into his eyes, she said, “I got used to you playing sloppily.” Would he kiss her? Did she want him to?
He tweaked her chin. “Guess you better pay attention.”
The next game was a deadlock as they both concentrated on each play.
