“Of course he does,” Kenna said softly. “He trusted me.”
Owen dinnae look away, despite the blush staining his sallow cheeks. “That I did, lass. And I’m grateful for it.” His nod was more a quick jerk of the chin. “Fine, then. If Kenna thinks ye’ll do, I ken ye’ll do. I’ll expect ye at six, both tonight and tomorrow morning. Kenna can explain her duties tae ye. I’ll show ye around when ye get there.”
He headed for the door, then turned back. “I’ll see about setting up a cot for ye, in the storehouse.”
“No need,” Kenna interjected. “He’ll be fine staying here, on the sofa.”
A muscle jumped along Owen’s jawline as he glanced from Kenna to Sean. “See that she eats.” He turned on his heel, grumbling as he started down the stairs. “We must get ye a phone, Kenna. My knees dislike all these steps.”
Despite his hard tone and obvious resistance, Sean thought he’d detected a brief look of relief when he’d accepted Sean’s help with Kenna’s duties. As for his gruff nature, Sean couldnae blame the man for wanting to protect Kenna. He wished to do the same, himself. He’d just have to work a bit harder to gain Owen’s trust. Prove himself. If ’twas possible in the short time he’d be here.
When he turned back to Kenna, there were tears shimmering in her eyes.
“Lass! Dinnae fash. Ye’ll be good as new in a day or so.”
“ ’Tisnt that,” she sniffled. “ ’Tis just that I havnae told him I’m leaving. He’s been so kind tae me. He took me in. Gave me a job and money for food and clothes, even before I earned it. He treats me like family. It cannae be easy. He just lost his wife and he’s tryin’ tae run the bakery by himself.” She dipped her head. “I owe him so much. And to repay him, I’m going to hurt him even more.”
“Aww, lass.” Gently, he touched her chin, urging her to lift her lovely face so he could see her expressive eyes. “ ’Twas indeed generous of him. And I’m verra sorry for his loss. But I ken ye coming intae Owen’s life at such a painful time was a blessing. Ye’ve helped him heal. Given him something,someone, tae focus all that love on.”
She sniffled. Nodded.
“And I ken he was right.” Sean added.
Her brows dipped in confusion. “About what?”
“That ye need tae eat.” He grinned, hoping to get a smile in return. “Let me help ye tae the table while it’s still hot.”
In what was becoming a familiar motion, Sean gathered Kenna from the sofa and tucked her against his chest, despite the few strides it took to reach the tiny table. Loathe to release her, he savored the brush of her hair against his chin. “Would ye be more comfortable with a tray of food, at the sofa?”
She nodded at the chair. “I believe I can manage nicely, right here.”
“Aye, then,” he stated.
“Sean?” Kenna asked after several moments.
“Aye?”
“Ye can put me down, now.”
“Oh. Aye,” he muttered, feeling heat suffuse his neck as he placed her on the chair.
Once she was settled, he searched her cupboards for some bowls, found spoons, a knife, and a dish of fresh butter. He sat them on the table and peeked at the soup. “Och! May the angels bless Owen McIntyre,” he muttered, gazing at the chunks of ham and vegetables swimming in a thick creamy broth. The aroma alone had his stomach clenching.
“I’ll just ladle up some of this soup. It smells delicious, does it no’? Here’s yer spoon. What about yer hands? Should I bandage them before or after ye eat? Shall I slice ye some bread? Would ye like butter? What do ye wi—”
“Sean!” Kenna’s voice was both firm and filled with laughter. “We’ll bandage after. And though I’m inclined tae argue that I’m not as helpless as ye think, I gladly accept yer offer of buttered bread.”
He blinked at her, unable to restrain a wide grin. “Well, now. There’s a surprise. Hope even, that given time ye might be tamed, after all.”
Kenna’s eyebrows shot up. “Tamed, is it? I wouldnae wager on that, if I were ye, Sean McCulloch.” She lifted a shoulder. “ ’Tis of no consequence, anyway. Neither of us will be around long enough tae find out, let alone collect.”
“Aye,” he nodded, regret clogging his chest as he brushed a curl from her cheek. “But, ’twould have been a wonderful challenge.”
Chapter Seven
Kenna tried to ignore the flutter in her belly at both Sean’s touch and his suggestion oftamingher stubborn streak. Preposterous, of course. Why then, did she have this ridiculous sense of regret? The first she’d experienced regarding leaving this time period.
They ate mostly in silence. She watched, fascinated, as Sean consumed his with complete abandon. Even in the lean times at home, she’d never seen anyone enjoy their food quite so much. If she dinnae ken better, she’d think he must have gone a long spell between meals. Or, mayhap, without them altogether.
