don’t see how he can think that since you’re leaving.”
“Go on inside where it’s warm and I’ll tell you,” Jack ordered.
Elizabeth went inside, but she wasn’t sure Jack was going to tell her what she wanted to hear. It was time for Jenny’s bottle, so she prepared it.
Brady had come in with her and sat down at his partially eaten cake. She wasn’t surprised when Jack joined them. She thought about suggesting that he eat separately from them, but she didn’t think he’d agree to that.
“You see, Elizabeth, Tom expects us to maintain his home while he’s gone. My particular job is to make sure that you and Brady and Jenny are taken care of.”
“I can take care of us,” Elizabeth insisted.
“Is that so? I’ll be the one taking care of you and the kids. It’s my job.”
“Somehow, I think I’ll be taking care of you unless you want to starve to death and wear dirty clothes.”
“Okay, so we’ll take care of each other. Tom likes the idea of having a family again and I’m going to make sure he comes home to a family. Brady, will you be glad when Grandpa comes back?”
“Are you sure he’s coming back?” Brady asked.
“I told you he was, son.”
“Don’t call him that,” Elizabeth exclaimed.
Jack looked up at her, confused. “What?”
“Never mind. Brady, go hang your coat up.”
As Brady did as he was told, Jack leaned in real close to her. “You’ve got to relax, Elizabeth. Things are different now.”
Elizabeth prepared a simple meal that night, knowing Brady and Jack had filled up at the wedding reception. When she called them to the table, Jack and Brady came downstairs together.
“Brady, did you put away your toys?” Elizabeth asked.
“Sure, Mommy. Jack helped me.”
“I hope you told him thank you.”
“I did,” Brady said agreeably.
“He was great, Elizabeth,” Jack said. “He thanked me and showed me the right place to put things. He keeps his room neat, too. He’s a great kid.”
Elizabeth turned her back on Jack. She didn’t want him to praise her children.
Jack opened the silverware drawer and took out what they needed for the meal.
Elizabeth stopped him. “I’ll do that.”
“No need. I can help.”
She put out the cold-cut platter and said, “Brady, I found the little oranges you like.”
Brady climbed up to the table, anxious to see his mother’s surprise. “Thanks, Mom!”
“We bought those when I was trying to tempt Tom to eat something different,” Jack said. “Thank goodness we found Carol instead. She’ll do a better job.”
“Yes, I imagine she will. Tom is a lucky man.”
“Yeah, I kind of think you’re right. She’ll keep Tom in line.”
“She will and he’ll be able to take care of her. That’s the way a marriage should work.”
“I’m glad you mentioned that,” Jack replied.
Elizabeth’s mouth instantly dried up. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t think I should tell you yet.”
“Tell me what?”
“I think you’ll understand it well enough.”
“Does Tom know?” she asked.
“It was his suggestion.”
“Unless you’re going to tell me what you’re talking about, just be quiet and eat. Brady’s almost asleep.”
Brady opened his eyes wide. “No I’m not, Mommy,” he protested.
She leaned over and kissed his forehead. “Yes, you are, sweetie, and you’ll need to go to bed as soon as you finish eating dinner.”
Brady sank back into his chair. “Okay, Mommy.”
Jack asked, “If I promise to go to bed, will you give me a kiss too?”
She froze and then glared at him. “You’ve had enough kisses today.”
He smiled a broad smile and his eyes twinkled. “I think everyone needs kisses. I’ll be glad to supply you, Brady and Jenny with kisses.”
“I can take care of Brady and Jenny. They don’t need your kisses.”
“But what about you? Don’t you need my kisses?”
“I most certainly do not,” Elizabeth protested.
“Oh, I think you’re wrong,” Jack said as he leaned in and kissed her again.
Chapter Ten
ELIZABETH helped Brady spread red and white icing on a candy cane cookie a few afternoons later when Jack came in from the ranch.
“You’re back early,” she said without looking up.
“It’s turned awfully cold. I need to warm up.” She had her suspicions and looked at him skeptically. Whichever, she cautioned herself to keep her distance.
The second cookie sheet was ready to come out of the oven when Jack joined them.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“That should be obvious, Jack,” Elizabeth said.
Brady immediately piped up. “We’re making Christmas cookies for Santa.”
“You are? Do I get one?”
Brady giggled. “You’re not Santa!”
“No, but I’ve been friends with him a long time.”
“You have?” the little boy asked in amazement.
“Yeah, he and I are old friends.”
“Jack, you’re misleading Brady.”
“Elizabeth, Brady should know that Santa needs help occasionally. He might need help getting Brady’s toys to him.”
“Do you want a cookie?” Elizabeth asked.
