Page 33 of More Than This Land

“Father, thank You for this food and the hands that prepared it.” His fingers spasmed around hers. “Thank You for family and friends who’ve become like family. Bless this meal and the time we share. Teach us to trust You more and ourselves less. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

“Amen.” The chorus echoed around the table.

Luke’s hand lingered in Claire’s for a beat longer than necessary. He pulled away and dropped his hand to his thigh, digging his fingertips into his slacks.

“So, Claire.” Graham scooping some mashed potatoes. “Mom says you helped organize the meal at Friday’s branding. That’s usually her domain.”

“I just followed orders.” Claire accepted the salad bowl from Noah. “Your mother ran the whole thing. She’s very organized.”

Luke took the bowl when she held it toward him. “That’s Mom.”

“Oh, stop.” The older woman’s pleased smile contradicted her words. “I like feeding people. Makes me feel useful.”

“You are useful.” Wade’s expression went soft when he looked at his wife. “You’re the heart of this place. Always have been.”

The easy affection between Wade and Ruth reminded her of her parents. They’d always been that way with each other. Talking about love and praising each other. They’d even finished each other’s sentences.

“How’s the rejected calf?” Caleb redirected attention to Luke.

“Doing better.” Luke’s shoulder brushed Claire’s as he reached for his water glass. “Taking bottles well. Should be strong enough to reintegrate with the herd in a week or so.”

“Luke bottle-fed him in the barn Friday. It was really sweet.” She didn’t mean to open her mouth, but the instinct to show them the real Luke refused to stay buried.

All eyes swiveled to her.

“Sweet?” Noah’s grin turned wicked. “Did my brother just get called sweet?”

Her cheeks blazed hot enough to fry an egg. “I meant the calf. The situation. The whole thing.” She waved her hands in the air, which did not help the situation and made her feel more foolish by the minute.

“Mm-hmm.” Graham wiggled his eyebrows. “Sure, you did.”

“Boys. Leave her alone.” Ruth’s warning cut through the teasing, but the damage was done.

Luke’s ears turned red at the tips, and he looked straight down at his plate, hacking a piece of meatloaf into tiny bits with his fork.

“So how do you like Covenant Creek so far?” Wade redirected with the smoothness of long practice. “Big change from Billings.”

She all but lunged for the conversational lifeline. “It’s different. Quieter in a good way. I’d forgotten what it’s like to know your neighbors.”

“Small towns have their challenges.” Ruth passed the rolls to Granny Mama. “Everyone knows your business. Privacy is a luxury. But the trade-off is worth it. When times get hard, you know exactly who to call.”

Luke’s fork clattered against his plate. He shifted and his knee bumped hers under the table. Accident or intentional?

Silence sat hard between them. Claire looked up and realized someone must have asked her a question. “Sorry. What was that?”

“Nothing.” Caleb bit into his roll, filling his cheeks until they bulged fatter than a squirrel hoarding up for winter.

Noah nudged Caleb with his elbow. “Tell them about the bull that got loose Thursday.”

“Oh no.” Caleb groaned. “Do I have to?”

“Absolutely.” Graham leaned forward, grinning. “This is peak entertainment.”

Caleb shot his brothers a mock glare before turning to Claire. “We’ve got this new bull. Two thousand pounds of attitude and zero sense. Thursday morning, he decided the fence was more of a suggestion than a boundary.”

“He crashed straight through.” Noah jumped in. “Took out thirty feet of fence line like it was tissue paper.”

“And then?” Ruth prompted, her eyes twinkling.