him.
“Said he’d never let Momma light a fire. Didn’t want her to get the soot on her clothes.”
“Is that so?” He chuckled and pulled a match from the cast-iron holder on the wall by the fireplace. “Well, your mother didn’t live out on a homestead. Town ladies have a different kind of life.”
She put the plates on the table. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that you’ve got a lot to learn about homesteading, and I think we need to start with the basics. You’re good with a stove, but during the winter the fireplace will need to be kept lit while we’re home. You’ll be here during the day while I’m in town taking care of my work as sheriff.”
“You could light the fire in the morning before you go.” She stood on the far side of the table.
“And what if some night I’m kept in town on business? You could wake in the morning to find the fire out. Can’t have you and the little one freezing in the cabin while I’m all cozy in my office with a fire in the stove.”
“You mean to leave me here alone with a new baby and stay out overnight?” When had their light banter turned to fear in her?
He took a step toward her. “No, Rena. I was only teasing you with the possibility that I might be caught away overnight. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
She rubbed her hands up and down her arms as if she was cold. “I’m not frightened.”
“Rena, I truly am sorry that the thought of being here alone isn’t the same as the safety you felt in town in your pa’s house.” Scott looked at her. “Life on a homestead isn’t like living in town. You’re going to need to learn to tend the fire. I’ll teach you to shoot, so you can protect yourself and the little one.” He didn’t mean to do it, but his eyes dropped to her midsection. “I’ll pray you never need to shoot anyone or anything. But it is important for you to know how.”
She shuddered, and he came to stand in front of her. “Don’t worry. You’re a brave person.” Before he thought about what he was doing, he pulled her into his arms and held her against his chest. “You’ll conquer the skills you need in no time.”
Rena relaxed against him for a moment, and then bolted out of his embrace. “I’m not going to worry.” She must have been dredged up the resolve in her eyes from the depths of her soul. It hadn’t been there when he’d reached out to comfort her. She plucked the match from his hand and went to the fireplace. In no time at all the flames began to lick up the kindling. She tossed the match into the fire and spun around. “Don’t think that my life in town kept me from basic skills. I may have been a bit pampered as the mayor’s daughter, but I’m an independent woman who can take care of herself, too.” She lifted her cute nose up in the air just a fraction and grinned. She was trying to make him laugh and not focus on the fear she had shown.
He made a sweeping gesture and bowed in her direction. “I will remember your ability the next time I’m tempted to help you.”
Her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly at his poor choice of words. He hoped she didn’t think he regretted helping her—or that he wouldn’t want to help her in the future.
“Good.” She crossed to the table. “Let’s eat before these burned beans get cold.”
Scott followed her lead and kept the conversation on easy matters for the rest of the evening. Only when he plumped up his pillow and settled into bed did he allow himself to think about her reaction.
Their lighthearted banter had been pleasant. He’d even enjoyed it. More than he’d thought he might. But in an instant Rena had become vulnerable. Her usual flighty and fun personality had been swallowed up in her pregnancy and abandonment.
Eugene Rodgers had stolen a lot from Rena last fall. Scott knew he couldn’t restore her to the happy and carefree young lady she’d been before, but he was beginning to hope he could at least alleviate some of her pain.
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