Big Sky Daddy. Linda Ford
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Papa.”
Caleb stared at his son. “Me? Why would you say that?”
“You always put your boots in the exact spot every night. Once I moved them ’cause I wanted something and you made me put them back. You always make me sleep on the same side of you even when I want to sleep on the other side. And every morning, you stare at the fire until the coffee is ready. And you tell me not to talk until you have your coffee.”
It was all true. “That doesn’t mean I’m like Bossy. I can change if I want.” He stole a glance at Lilly. She had her head pressed to the cow’s flank, but—he narrowed his eyes—her shoulders were shaking. “You find this funny?”
She nodded without lifting her head.
He crossed his arms and considered the two of them. Teddy innocently petting a lap full of cats. Lilly trying to hide her amusement.
So his son considered him inflexible. Stuck in a routine. As for the coffee, he simply had to get his first cup before his brain started to perk. It didn’t mean he was bossy or stuck in a rut.
Lilly gasped, tipped her head back and laughed aloud. She held up a hand to indicate she wanted to say something as soon as she could speak.
He waited, none too patiently. Did the woman intend to spend the rest of the day laughing?
She swiped her hand across her eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh, but if you could see your expression...” She chuckled some more and then tried to press back her amusement, but it showed clearly in her eyes.
From a deep well within, one that felt rusty with disuse, a trickle of laughter escaped. It grew in volume and intensity. He laughed. And laughed. And continued to laugh until his insides felt washed with freshwater. Until his stomach hurt. Until he realized Lilly and Teddy were watching him with wide smiles.
He sobered and drew in a deep breath. “I guess it is funny to realize a five-year-old has been taking note of my habits.”
She grinned. “It’s kind of sweet if you think about it.”
He couldn’t seem to break from her warm gaze. It was as if she approved of him. No. That wasn’t it at all. Really, it was as if she approved of the way he and Teddy were together.
Bossy tossed her head.
“Okay. Okay.” Lilly turned her attention to the cow. “I’m done. I’ll let you go.”
If Caleb had a lick of good sense left, he’d be done, too. He’d be on his way before his brain got any more affected by this woman.
Only he couldn’t break the promise he’d made to Teddy. He’d stay the night, enjoy one day of being part of a normal family. Then he’d return to the Caldwells and his job with his resolve renewed and his face set to reach his goal.
He’d dare not linger overlong at the Bell place and risk losing his job with the Caldwells.
Not that he was tempted. Not at all.
Lilly turned the cows out. “I’ll take the milk to the house and let Ma know you’re staying overnight. She’ll expect you to join us for supper.”
“That’s not necessary,” Caleb said. “We have supplies in our wagon. But could I turn the horse in to the pasture?”
“By all means.” She wanted to kick herself for not suggesting it the moment Caleb had said he’d stay.
She would have accepted his refusal to join them for supper, but Ma would have had a fit if she didn’t bring them.
“Ma’s a very good cook.”
Teddy got a look on his face that could only be described as hungry. “Papa, she’s a good cook.”
Caleb chuckled. “Are you saying I’m not?”
“I like your food.” He sounded so uncertain that Lilly smiled.
Teddy brightened. “But it might be nice to try someone else’s for a change.”
Caleb gave his son such a loving, amused look that tears stung Lilly’s eyes. She almost envied the boy such devotion, which was plumb foolish. Ma and Pa loved her every bit as much as Caleb loved his son. But oh, to see such a look meant especially for her. She shook her head hard, trying to clear her brain of such confusing thoughts.
Caleb and Teddy had followed Lilly as she put the cows in the pen for the night. He turned his horse in to the pasture, and then they returned to the barn.
“Look, Papa,” Teddy chirped. “Blossom wagged her tail. Isn’t that good? Means she’s getting stronger.” Teddy eased himself down beside the dog and petted her, murmuring encouragement. “You’re safe here. Don’t be afraid. No one will hurt you now.”
Caleb pressed a fist to his chest as if, inside, his heart were hurting.
Lilly touched his arm. “He’s safe, too.”
Caleb nodded, but his eyes did not show relief. “I wish—” He shook his head.
She patted him twice. “I’ll ask Ma to look at his leg after supper.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll leave you two with Blossom.” She hurried to the house to strain the milk. As she passed through the kitchen, she stopped to speak to Ma.
“How’s the pup?” Ma asked.
“She’s a fighter. I think she’ll be okay. Ma, I asked them to stay overnight so they could be with the dog.”
Ma nodded. “Sounds sensible. Did you ask them to come for supper?”
“Yes. Ma, the little boy has something wrong with his leg.” She repeated what Caleb had said. “I said we’d do what we could to help. Can you look at the leg after supper?”
“Certainly.” She stirred a pot on the stove.
“Caleb was afraid we might torture his son.” She told Ma the things Caleb had said.
Ma dried her hands on a towel and looked out the window toward the barn. “That poor little boy and that poor father. I hope you assured him we’d be very gentle with the lad.”
“I did, but I warn you, he’s very protective of his son.”
“As well he should be.” Ma returned to the stove and her meal preparation, her lips tight.
Lilly stared. Was she thinking of her three daughters? She had never said much about the circumstances of their adoption. She had only assured the girls over and over that they were loved, that they were a blessing from God to a childless couple. But no doubt she wondered what had happened to the girls’ birth parents. Or more accurately, their father. Cora could remember their mother had died. Lilly figured it must have been something horrible that caused their father to abandon three little girls in the middle of the prairie. She went to Ma’s side and brushed her hair off her forehead. “You’re the best ma,” she said. When had Ma’s hair gotten so gray? Both her parents were in their seventies, but she didn’t like the thought that they were getting old.
“I’m glad you think so. Now you get on with your chores so you’ll be done in time for supper,” Ma said. “It will be ready soon.”
“Yes, Ma.” Lilly went to the workroom, strained the milk and set it to cool. Pa would take the cans to the river after supper and hang them in the water, where the cold would keep the milk fresh and sweet for days. Soon that wouldn’t be necessary. The workroom would be cold enough once winter set in. Many days it was so cold the milk froze. Lilly smiled. She loved spooning the crystalline milk from her cup. It was almost as good as ice cream, a rare treat they only enjoyed at community gatherings.
Although done, Lilly lingered. She didn’t want to rush back