“You had a hard childhood. I’m sorry, Jesse.”
“I’m not sorry. Comin’ here was the best thing that ever happened to my brother and me.” He smiled wider. “Your pa has always treated us like his sons.”
“Pa loves you very much.”
Jesse was touched by Summer’s comment, but before he let sentimental emotion take him, he stepped back into the shadows. “I better see how supper’s comin’ and if Rosie needs any help.”
“Jesse?”
He stopped and looked at her again. “Yes?”
Her gaze dropped to her hand. He wasn’t used to her acting so reserved.
“I never got the chance to congratulate you on becoming a deputy. I’m certain it made Cal proud to have you working next to him.”
Jesse chuckled. “Cal is a good sheriff, but he’s a task-master, that’s for sure.”
Her smile returned. “So, how is that handsome brother of yours? Is Cal married yet?”
Jesse let out a bark of laughter. “No. I’m not even sure he’s given his heart to anyone.”
“How old is he?”
“He’s five years older than me, so he’s thirty-three.”
“That’s not too old.”
“He’s still in the prime of his life.”
A tomblike silence fell upon them. Now his body was no longer pressed against the unsettling warmth of hers, he was again able to think clearly. One question prodded him—why in the world were they being nice to each other? The pleasant expression on her face proved she was up to something.
“When are you and Rosie getting married?” Her sweet voice purred, which confirmed his suspicions. She was putting on some kind of show.
“We really haven’t decided. Rosie changes the date as often as she changes her bonnet. She’s funny that way.”
“Do you plan on fixing that flaw?”
He shrugged. “Only if I can.”
Off in the distance, Rosie’s voice rang through the air, calling them to supper.
“Well, I suppose we’d better go.” He turned to leave, but Summer stopped him by touching his arm.
“Jesse? Thank you for everything.”
“Sure, darlin’.”
“It was nice talking to you. I don’t think we’ve ever really carried on a decent conversation before.”
“No. Not unless it consisted of yellin’ and name callin’.”
She laughed lightly. “That’s true. I was rotten when I was younger, wasn’t I?”
He moved closer and gently touched his finger to her nose. “You’ve changed into a lovely young lady, but there’s still a childlike stubbornness to you.”
“You’re right.” She paused for only a moment. “It’s like I told my aunt before I left to come home, if I’m ever challenged to a sling-shot game, I’ll not turn it down. Although I’m trying to become a lady, I still miss the games I used to play.”
“Then, how about havin’ one sometime?”
