Page 27

T he next morning, for the first time in a long time, Ed overslept.

He was walking toward the main house, still stuffing the tail of his shirt into his trousers. No need to rush down. There’d be no breakfast waiting.

But he’d get to see Rebekah.

The whole family had stayed up talking after the kids had gone to bed. Everyone but Isaac. Ed couldn’t deny the relief he’d felt that his brother hadn’t come in for supper.

He’d sat at Rebekah’s side as she’d retold the story of what’d happened in town for Kaitlyn and his brothers after the meal.

Then Kaitlyn and Drew had rehearsed Quade’s involvement in Kaitlyn’s troubles.

Nick and Drew had gone back and forth conjecturing about why Quade might be targeting the candidates. Other than the obvious.

Ed had stuck around far too late, hoping for a chance to talk to Rebekah about those letters. Which hadn’t happened. But he’d enjoyed every minute spent near her. He’d have to find a time today. Maybe he’d ask Kaitlyn to help him find a moment alone with Rebekah.

He’d spied Isaac and Nick already riding out while David disappeared into the barn. Probably starting on the chores Ed hadn’t been there to do.

The front door swung open as he reached for the latch.

Drew stepped into the morning light, not even flinching at their near collision. “You’re late. See you at the barn.”

Ed let his shoulders sink as he trudged to the table for whatever cold food he could scrounge up. He scrubbed a hand over his face only to find Rebekah setting a steaming plate at the place where he always sat at the table.

“I fought off the horde to save you a decent plate of hot food.” A warm smile lit her face.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I know.”

What did that mean? She’d wanted to?

He swallowed hard as he pulled out the chair and seated himself. He grabbed up the coffee mug in front of him. When he took a swig, he realized it was actually hot.

Rebekah didn’t move from her spot. She was studying him.

“I should cook for myself.” He shoveled in a bite. It wasn’t the first time he’d had the thought. But maybe the first time he’d said it aloud. “There’s rarely much left by the time I get here.”

“You deserve more than the scraps, Ed McGraw.”

He didn’t quite know what to say to that. Only knew how it made him feel—like he could fly.

He was aware of Kaitlyn bustling around in the kitchen, only a step away, or he might’ve blurted out his feelings for Rebekah then and there.

“Did you sleep well?” He dug his fork into a steaming slice of ham.

Rebekah flitted a glance to where Tillie played in the other room, then shifted her gaze back to him as she settled into a chair kitty-corner to him. “I woke up several times.” Her eyes dropped to her hands. “Even had a nightmare.”

Her voice, so low and sheepish, tugged at him in a new way. “You’ll be safe here.”

“I know you’ll protect me, Ed.”

She was pensive, troubled. Her brow was drawn.

“Do you regret having written the article about the bandit?”

“Of course not. I won’t let someone intimidate me into hiding the truth.” Her tone held fiery determination even as she fiddled with the edge of the table.

“That’s what I thought you’d say.” He grinned, letting the smirk linger as he noted the smear of flour across her cheek.

She cocked an eyebrow. “What?”

“You have a…a…” Ed swiped at his cheek.

Rebekah rubbed the back of her hand across her cheek, but missed it. He leaned across the table, running his thumb across the lower part of her jaw.

“There.” His eyes collided with hers. He didn’t dare linger too close for long.

The moment was broken when Kaitlyn scurried in from the kitchen, then stopped short. “Is that all the dishes? Ed, I didn’t know you were here.”

“Almost finished.” He shoved in another bite.

Tillie called out for her mother to help her with a word in a book. The front door creaked open. Ed noticed Drew pop his head and shoulders inside, though he couldn’t make himself look away from Rebekah.

“Ed? You ready?”

Ed stood halfway out of his chair, swigged the last sip of coffee.

“I’ll take care of your dishes.” Rebekah’s fingers closed over his as he gave her the cup. Sparks flickered up and down his arm.

“Thanks,” he coughed out.

He headed for the door.

“I’ll be sure to save you a plate for lunch,” she called out.

He couldn’t help looking over his shoulder, catching Kaitlyn’s raised eyebrows and Rebekah’s blush as she ducked into the kitchen.

Hope buzzed in his chest as he emerged onto the porch.

Drew was waiting nearby with both horses saddled and ready to ride out. He was staring at the new well. Drew looked up as Ed joined him.

“This is fine craftsmanship. Especially for a well covering.” Drew eyed him as he tapped the top of the well.

Ed didn’t want to discuss the well. He wanted to saddle up to ride out. Riding meant fresh air and plenty of time to think. Besides, the sooner they left, the sooner they’d get back. Back to Rebekah and her smiles.

“I couldn’t just throw together a haphazard cover.”

“No, you couldn’t.” Drew handed him the reins to Lightning, then swung into his own saddle. “But your older brother was trying to offer a compliment.”

All Rebekah’s words about his carpentry work flooded back to Ed’s mind as he placed his foot in the stirrup and pushed up to land in the saddle.

Her words rolled over with the image of her placing that steaming hot plate of food at his spot this morning.

He tugged slightly on the reins to signal Lightning to follow Drew.

“I would like more time to work on my carpentry.” There. He’d said it. Not so graceful as Rebekah would have wanted, but it was out.

“Haven’t you already been working on stuff?” Drew asked absently. His gaze was on the field ahead. “A…bookshelf?”

“A cradle.” Ed’s words emerged sharp. “And then a display case for the new bakery.”

Maybe it wasn’t Drew’s fault he didn’t know what Ed was working on. He was busy with his family, his new wife.

“It’s not enough,” Ed said, voice more even this time.

Drew was slow to answer. “There’s not much spare time around here.”

“The ranch will always be a part of me. But I want more.”

Drew frowned, but Ed rushed on. “Just think about the money I could bring in. For the family.”

Drew eyed him. “I didn’t know this meant so much to you. Why didn’t you say something?”

Ed was still at war with that sense of duty. He didn’t know how to explain it. He shifted the reins from one hand to the other as he wiped his sweating palms on his jeans. “I’ve felt selfish for wanting to ask time away from the chores. But now I’m asking.”

With a half chuckle, half huff, Drew continued scanning the field as if watching for the herd. “All the work you do around here? You’re about the least selfish person I know.”

But that was the problem. His brother didn’t know all of it. Didn’t know how selfish Ed felt at the moment, wanting Rebekah for himself when they’d all set out to unknowingly pitch her together with Isaac through that crazy mail-order-bride plan.

“You wanting to leave the home place altogether?” Drew’s focus landed on Ed now with scrutiny.

“We’ve all worked too hard to keep the homestead going for me to just up and leave. I can use the money I earn to help the family,” he repeated.

Drew considered for a long moment. “Maybe you should keep your earnings. It’s time for you to have something for yourself.”

Could it really be so easy?

Drew’s gaze cut to Ed. “Especially since you and Rebekah seem to be getting close.”

“What?” He flushed. All of a sudden, he felt as if his collar was choking him. “Did Kaitlyn tell you?”

“You think someone had to tell me you were sweet on Rebekah?”

Drew had noticed?

“She’s nice. A little independent, but she’s sure got eyes for you.”

Ed’s heart pulsed at his brother’s words.

“Why don’t you make things official? Ask her to come courting.”

“There are complications.” Ed pushed Lightning faster, outpacing Drew’s horse.

“You mean like the bruise on your cheek we’ve all been trying not to notice?” Drew came even with Ed again.

Ed felt a phantom blow where Isaac had hit him. “That, and more.” He blew out a blustery breath. “She’s always wanted Isaac.”

“That’s not what I saw last night,” Drew said. “Since you were little, you’ve always tried to compete with Isaac. Have you tried being Ed?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Be the steady beau who’s always there. A shoulder to cry on,”

Ed snorted and Drew grinned at him. They both knew Rebekah wasn’t some fainting lady from a dime novel.

Ed hesitated, then blurted, “And if that’s not good enough?”

Rebekah had pined for Isaac for a long time. Did feelings like that just go away?

“Best advice I’ve got.” Drew flicked the reins to speed up his horse, then called over his shoulder. “Strays up ahead.”

Ed gave Lightning his head.

Rebekah had been waiting for him this morning. It meant something. Drew thought so too.

He knew what he needed to do. He just needed time to do it.

* * *

Later in the afternoon, Rebekah helped Kaitlyn prepare supper in the kitchen.

“Me ’n’ Isaac. We brung celery and carrots.” Tillie made the announcement as she dumped the carrots onto the counter. “I even washed them. He told me to bring them inside.”

That sounded right. She’d seen Isaac in passing earlier this morning. He’d been headed to the barn and had clearly been surprised to see her. For once, she’d been able to read his expression.

And then he’d hightailed it to the barn without even a hello.

Thus, it wasn’t a surprise that he hadn’t come inside, not when he knew she was here.

“Brought.” Rebekah corrected Tillie in unison with Kaitlyn. Rebekah fumbled through the drawers, finally finding a knife and chopping the vegetables.

Kaitlyn added spices to the pot of venison while Tillie skipped around the kitchen. The girl narrowly missed bumping Rebekah’s elbow, which could’ve sent the knife she held slicing into the fingers of her other hand.

“Can you take these to Kaitlyn?” Rebekah handed Tillie a bowl of chopped carrots.