“Wrapping ourselves in sweet memories.”
They shared an understanding smile.
“Having you here has been a great help.” It was almost enough—but no. Already, her presence was keeping him from his work when it should be freeing him. On the other hand, when he was away, he knew she wouldn’t let Pa wander too far. Trouble was, he couldn’t lean too much on her watchfulness. She’d soon enough be hearing from the Dakota farmer, and too soon after that, she’d marry him and bless his home while Zach returned to his own struggles. If only Gil would quit drinking. Or if Pa’s mind would clear. Or if Ma hadn’t died. Better still, why not wish for all three?
Pa jerked awake. Poppy sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Mama.”
It was time to go home. He called Kat. She emerged from the trees and jogged to the wagon, and they were on their way. A short time later, they drove into the yard. Zach’s gaze went to the side, and he held back a throaty growl.
Gil sprawled on the bunkhouse steps, so much for staying sober.
Zach left the others at the house, took care of the horses, and then made his way to the bunkhouse.
“Gil.” He nudged him with his toe. As the man stirred, he picked up the bottle and shook it. Empty.
Gil squinted one eye at Zach. “Hi, Boss.” His words came as slurred as runny mud.
“You said you weren’t going to drink while I was gone.”
“Yeah, but it’s a gift.”
“Get cleaned up and go sleep it off.” Or the other way around. It didn’t matter. But one word burned into Zach’s brain. A gift? One from days past or recent? Had someone been there while they were away? Was this part of Sobel’s harassment?
He circled the corrals and went through the barn, but could see no evidence of an intruder.
Still, he couldn’t shake his uneasy feeling.
Chapter Eight
As Zack trundled the wagon to the barn, Amelia put away the picnic things. Poppy had found a red ball among the toys and rolled it back and forth to Gampa. Kat drank water from the bucket on the counter. They’d be all right for the few minutes it would take Amelia to put the blanket back in the upstairs closet, so she clattered up the steps to tuck it away.
As she stowed the items, Poppy called out. “Gampa, come. Play with me.”
Amelia’s nerves twitched. Had Pa wandered off? She made it downstairs in record time. Banging came from the pantry.
“Kat, stay with Poppy.”
Amelia moved close enough to see Pa tossing things from the shelves. “Pa, are you looking for something?”
Giving no indication he heard, he pushed a heavy pot to the floor. The thunk echoed through the house.
Amelia edged closer. “Pa. Pa.”
When he didn’t respond, she touched his arm. “Pa.”
He spun to face her, nostrils flaring. “Don’t you take one more thing from me.”
His mind was confused. Could she distract him? “Would you like a cup of tea?”
“Don’t think you can make me forget.”
What did he think she wanted him to forget? She’d like to see him remember everything—including who he was.
“It’s your fault.” He shook his fist in her face.
She stepped back. Maybe he wouldn’t strike her, but she couldn’t be sure.
“Pa!” Kat screamed and rushed forward.
