at the depth of his devotion. Many men would simply accept the fact their son would only walk with crutches and get on with their lives. But not Caleb. It seemed he meant to move Heaven and earth to help his son. It was truly admirable and brought a sting of emotion to the back of her eyes.
Teddy fussed with the dog, petting her head and talking to her, urging her to eat more.
Neither of them had noticed Lilly in the doorway until Grub padded toward her.
She stepped inside. “Supper is ready.”
Caleb tugged on the lobe of his ear. “We don’t want to be a bother.”
“It’s no bother.”
Slowly he rose. “If you’re quite certain?”
“I most certainly am.” More than anything, she wanted them to join the family for a meal. She wanted more time to observe them.... She meant, observe Teddy.
“Then we will come.” He signaled for Teddy to join him and the pair fell in step with Lilly as she crossed the yard.
Teddy grinned up at his father. “I was afraid you would say no.”
“Why would you think that?”
“’Cause sometimes you are so stubborn.”
Lilly choked back laughter. Young Teddy must have really kept Caleb on his toes.
“Son, must you point out all my flaws and perceived failings in front of Miss Bell?” His voice deepened.
She couldn’t say if it was from amusement or annoyance or perhaps a combination of both. “Please, call me Lilly.” He’d used her Christian name several times already—perhaps not aware he was doing so. She certainly didn’t want to revert to a more formal way of address.
“Lilly and Caleb it is, then.”
She realized she, too, had easily used his Christian name even without permission. Maybe working together over an injured pup erased some of the normal polite restraints.
“Papa, I only say what I see.”
Lilly could not contain her amusement at Teddy’s directness and burst out laughing.
Caleb rocked his head back and forth in dismay, but she understood it was only pretend because his eyes brimmed with mirth, and in a moment he chuckled.
Teddy grinned, pleased with himself for making them both laugh.
Ma and Pa would enjoy a young boy’s presence at supper. Even Rose would see Caleb was a nice man.
She realized her smile might have appeared too bright as she entered the house, so she forced a bit of seriousness into her expression.
* * *
Still chuckling, Caleb followed Lilly to the house. Teddy had not once complained about the simple food they ate, but perhaps the meals, although adequate, were lacking in imagination.
He was willing to give his son a good meal tonight. Then it was back to their regular fare after tomorrow.
Lilly led him into the house.
The scent of roast pork, turnips and apples brought a flood of saliva to his mouth. The meals he’d had over the past few months certainly didn’t carry such tantalizing aromas.
“Papa, it smells awfully good,” Teddy whispered.
“It does indeed.” Caleb glanced about. It was a usual-looking kitchen—cupboards to one side, a big stove belting out heat, a wooden table. But there were touches that revealed the family, too. A rocking chair with a basket of mending. A spinning wheel and a basket of carded wool. A stack of papers teetering on a side table. And on the cupboard, four golden brown loaves of bread were cooling beside jars of applesauce and jars of dark blue-purple jam. He could almost taste the jam on the bread.
He and Teddy seldom had bread. A man on his own didn’t have time to make bread, even if he knew how. They ate biscuits unless they found bread to purchase in one of the many towns he’d visited in his search for a doctor who could help Teddy.
The woman by the stove turned at their entrance.
Lilly pulled them forward. “Ma, this is Caleb Craig and his son, Teddy.” Lilly and her mother’s love for each other was evident in the way they each smiled. “Caleb, my mother.”
Both Teddy and Caleb offered their hands and Ma shook them. “Pleased to meet you.”
Mrs. Bell indicated two chairs at the table and he and Teddy sat down.
The others took their places. Rose and Lilly sat across from him and Mr. Bell sat at the end, facing his wife.
Caleb glanced around the table, but his gaze stalled when it landed on Lilly. She smiled as if to assure him they were welcome.
“Papa.” Teddy tugged at his sleeve to get his attention. “This is like we used to have.”
Caleb nodded. “Yes, son.” They’d once known family. Though Amanda admitted she didn’t love him and had married him only to get away from her overly strict upbringing. He’d tried to love her as a man should love his wife, but she had rebuffed every attempt, so they had lived together in peaceful coexistence, both committed to providing their son with a pleasant home.
But that home had never felt as warm and welcoming as this one did already.
Mr. Bell cleared his throat. “Welcome to our guests. I’ll give thanks.” He reached for Rose’s hand on one side and Caleb’s on the other. Seeing what Mr. Bell meant for them to do, Teddy reached for Ma’s and Caleb’s hands.
Caleb hesitated. Regret, refusal, confusion and pain all flashed through his brain. Being invited so intimately into this family circle had set his nerves to jangling. He had vowed to distance himself from people after Amanda’s murder. Or maybe it had begun long before that, during the years when Amanda had remained cold to his love. Slowly, over time, he had closed his heart in order to protect it. Now he was grateful he had done that. It kept him from overreacting to this current family situation. He’d only be here one day. He sucked in air and allowed Mr. Bell to take his hand.
He sought Lilly with his eyes. She smiled and gave him a tiny nod. Confused by the way his heart tipped sideways at her gesture, he bowed his head as Mr. Bell asked the blessing. A question blared through his mind. Why had he looked to Lilly for reassurance? He didn’t need or want assurance from anyone. And yet his insides felt soft and mellow knowing she was sitting across from him, and she cared enough to take note of his hesitation.
He jerked his thoughts to a halt. If he kept going in that direction he would lose sight of his every goal. He was only there to get a dog tended to, his son looked at and a savory meal or two eaten. Then he would return to the Caldwell ranch.
All that mattered was getting Teddy to that doctor down east.
“Amen,” Mr. Bell said, and the word echoed around the table.
Throughout the meal Teddy raved about the food. He turned often to Mrs. Bell to ask questions.
Mrs.
