He laughed. “Your ma was just about to give up hope of you ever becoming a genteel lady.”
“And now, what does she think?”
Lifting his bandaged hand, he brought it to her cheek and barely touched it before it dropped back on the mattress. “She’s not worried. She’s sure you'll make Adam Fairbanks a wonderful wife.” He looked over at Rosie, who sat on the chair next to the bed. “Just as your sister will be with Jesse.”
Rosie smiled and touched his shoulder. “Thank you, Pa.”
“You’re getting a really good man, my dear,” he continued as he kept his gaze on Rosie. “I like Jesse very much. He’ll make you very happy.”
“Yes, I know, Papa.”
Rosie’s expression wavered. Could her sister possibly have the same kind of doubts as Jesse?
“Jesse Slade is a good man.” Pa paused, his attention moving back to Summer. “And I’m sure Adam Fairbanks will treat you well, too.”
Summer couldn’t have replied if she’d wanted to. Her constricted throat and achy heart threatened the cry of anguish already gathering on her tongue. She nodded and gave him her best smile. Deep down inside, she knew she shouldn’t entertain the idea of Jesse loving her when Pa obviously wanted Jesse to marry Rosie.
“Girls?” Ma poked her head inside the bedroom. “Why don’t you let your pa get some rest now?”
Rosie stood and gave Pa a kiss, and left the room, and Summer followed. She wanted to speak to her sister, but Rosie excused herself and went up to her room, closing the door behind her.
Feeling as if she also needed solitude, Summer decided to go to the livery. Instead of changing into boy’s breeches and shirt, she stayed in her dress. During the day, she’d switched to a coffee color skirt, minus the slips underneath. The round neckline of the beige blouse cooled her as she worked around the house, and loose bell-shaped, see-through sleeves helped to circulate the air around her arms. Tonight’s weather was chilly, so she grabbed a shawl before leaving the house.
She walked slowly to the stable, and once inside with the animals, comfort settled in her chest. This would always be her haven. She prayed that after she married Adam that he would allow her to work here.
She smiled and patted Buck’s nose. No matter what her problem, she could always find peace and solace with the horses. Just like now. Buck had been bedded for the night, but she still picked up a brush and stroked his mane.
She smiled. “Hello, handsome.” He whinnied, and she chuckled.
“Have you missed me? I’ve certainly missed you.” She leaned forward and nuzzled the side of his head.
A rustling came from behind her. “I wish you’d be as sweet to me as you are to that horse, Summer.” Jesse’s voice purred in the quietness of the barn.
Letting out a gasp, she swung around and faced him, her hand flying to her chest. “Land sakes, Jesse.” Her heart jumped. “Why in the blazes do you insist on sneaking up and scaring me all the time?”
“Didn’t think I was sneakin’. A corpse would’ve heard me a-comin'. Shoot, even Buck heard me, so why couldn’t you?”
She shrugged. “I guess I was in deep thought.”
“Your pa?”
“Yes. Did you hear what happened last night?”
He took a step closer. “Yes. How is he today?”
“He has a faraway look in his eyes as if he doesn’t care what’s happening to him. He is much weaker, and his skin appears a grayish color.” She stepped away from Buck and closer to Jesse. “I heard him tell Ma he wished he were dead so that he wouldn’t be a burden on us.” Her voice broke, and she covered her mouth. She fought the tears gathering in her eyes.
“Is there anythin’ he needs? Anythin’ I can take care of for him?” She shook her head. “How ‘bout your ma? Is there somethin’ I could help her with?” Negative response again.
“No, Jesse. My parents don’t need anything.”
“How about you?” His fingers grazed her cheek softly. “Is there anythin’ Summer Bennett needs?” His gentle smile warmed her. “Anythin’ I can do for you, my darlin’?”
Her heart lodged in her throat again, and his touch shot waves of desire throughout every part of her body, but she couldn’t let him know.Pa wants Jesse to marry Rosie.There was nothing she could do—or would do.
“No, I’m fine.” She stepped back and broke the contact. “How are you?” She managed a teasing grin. “Did you have a splitting headache this morning?”
“Yes.” He leaned back against the stall and stuffed his hands in his pant pockets. “I want to thank you for bringin’ me home last night. I really don’t know how you did it.”
