do well to have a housekeeper for so long.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. It sounded like she was fishing for information. Her hand stilled mid-stitch while Hannah considered if an apology would make it better or worse.
“We do fair.” Nate got up, gesturing to the wood stacked beside the fireplace. “May I?”
Relief coursed through her upon hearing his casual response. He wasn’t offended. Stop over-thinking every word. She relaxed and resumed sewing. “Please.”
He added another round on the low-burning flames. “My mother likes working outside. Time often gets away from her. A housekeeper was a wise investment.”
Curiosity brought her gaze up from the little dress to the man standing nearby. “Your mother works as a ranch hand?”
“On our ranch, yes.”
“Even when you were young? With Jemma underfoot, simple chores around the house often take twice as long.”
“When it was just me, Ma claims it wasn’t too hard.” Nate returned to his chair. “Then she married Pa and, in short order, I had four siblings. According to my mother, Alice was a gift from Heaven.”
There was a slight curve to his lips, a suggestion of a smile, which intrigued her. In a few simple words, the love he felt for his family was obvious. Hannah smiled at him and for a second a thread of connection seemed to weave between them. She looked away, jabbing the needle into cloth nervously.
“How long has she worked for your family?”
“Since I was eleven.”
“Then you know Jed well?”
“He’s closer to Sam but, yes, I do.”
Hannah finished mending the tear, knotted the thread, then snipped the needle free. The hour was late. She folded the tiny dress and set it on top of the basket. It’s best to know. She met his gaze and held it squarely. Time is short.
In a pleasant but forthright manner, she inquired. “Are you giving serious thought to Alice’s idea?”
“I am.” The look in his eyes was unreadable. “Would you take the job if it was offered?”
“I don’t know.”
“Perhaps we should sleep on it, talk more tomorrow?”
A wave of exhaustion crashed over her. Tomorrow promised to be another long day. Suddenly, sleep held great appeal. In the morning, rested and refreshed, perhaps the problems facing her wouldn’t feel so overwhelming.
“That’s a great idea.” Hannah pushed herself out of the chair, up onto her feet. “In fact, I believe I’ll turn in now.”
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