She gave a small nod, and he stepped to the table. "Hello, Master Sean. Miss Lillian. I see you're both hard at work."
He didn't stop until he reached Mary Ellen, who had stoodon her seat and gripped the back as he approached. "Hello, princess."
Instead of reaching for her, he bent low so he could peer at her over the back. The child studied him, only her eyes peeking above the wood. She looked more mischievous than shy this time. Hopefully she remembered him from yesterday.
Eric clamped a hand over his eyes, paused for two heartbeats, then lowered it quickly. "Peek-a-boo."
He earned the hint of a smile playing at the corners of Mary Ellen’s mouth.
When he repeated the action, her mirth blossomed into a wide grin that sparkled in her eyes. "Mo!" She bounced like she always did when she was excited.
Eric obliged, playing the game again and finally earning a giggle.
Oh, that laugh... It stirred something deep inside Naomi, a pleasure that raised its head so rarely.
As he repeated the game a few more times, Mary Ellen's infectious giggles filled the room, mixing with Eric's deeper chuckle. At last, he straightened and tweaked her nose. "You're a lot of fun."
He turned to Lillian and Sean with a friendly grin, peering over their shoulders to the books and slates on the table. "Studies, I see. What are you working on?"
Lillian's voice was shy as she nudged her book. "I'm reading, and Sean is working sums."
Eric looked like he wanted to ask more questions, but Mary Ellen made a grab for him, and he barely caught her before she toppled off the chair. "Whoa, there, princess." He lifted her into his arms, and the flash of pain in his eyes showed his ribs still had much healing to do. Yet his expression changed to pleasure as he pulled their daughter close. Seeing them together like that—the two people she loved the most so happy—brought a rise of heat to Naomi’s eyes that she hadto blink away.
She returned to her chair and settled in beside Sean. Might as well give Eric time with his daughter. "Now, let's say those multiplication tables again."
Sean was mid-sigh when the door opened and Dinah entered, carrying a crate of medical supplies. She smiled at them all as she came to the table and set the box down with a soft thud.
"Hello." Her gaze scanned the scene before her, lingering on Eric. "Good morning, Eric. We didn't expect you so early."
He smiled at Dinah, shifting only his eyes since Mary Ellen was patting his beard. "The ride went faster than I expected."
"Well." She patted the box. "Is it all right if I sort these supplies here? The new bandages have to be refolded."
Frustration pressed in Naomi's chest. How in the world was she to re-establish any sort of order in the children's studies with all these distractions?
Before Naomi could manage a polite response, Sean asked, "Can we go out and use the logs for multiplication like we did before?"
That sounded so appealing. Away from these interferences. Away from the draw of Eric's presence. They could bring their workbooks, and she could adjust the assignments to use the real objects around them.
But did she dare leave the babe with Eric?
"That's a good idea." Dinah probably read her thoughts. "Eric and I can stay here with Mary Ellen. You three enjoy being outside before it gets too cold to do so."
Naomi met her sister's gaze, and Dinah gave a nod of silent confirmation. She would make sure all went well here.
When she glanced at Eric, he also dipped his chin. "I'll be here with Mary Ellen until you come back. I'm sure Dinah can help me if we need anything."
That had to suffice. She nodded, turning to Sean and Lillian. "Very well. Bring your books and coats. And your slates and chalk too."
The boy nearly sprinted to the door, and even Lillian looked relieved as she gathered her items and followed her brother.
Naomi allowed one more look at her sister and Eric, but the former had already begun pulling folded cloth from the crate, and the latter was talking to Mary Ellen as she held up her doll.
All would be well here. Surely.
CHAPTER 8
Naomi jogged to catch up with Lillian, then slowed to walk beside her while Sean ran ahead. As they moved into the path through the woods, he leapt up to pull pine needles from the trees every few steps. At least he was using up all that extra energy.
