A Heart's Blessing - Linda Ford Page 0,25

look she sent Ryder made him want to protest. He hadn’t suggested otherwise. Hadn’t even considered it. The brother, however… His jaw tightened and he was filled with a protectiveness so fierce it almost choked him. These children weren’t his. And if Miss Morton had her way, she would not let him near them once the danger had passed.

But he’d been unable to protect his own child and would do his best to make up for it by protecting these from any and all danger so much as it was within his power.

“I ’member Papa. He pushed me on the swing until I could almost touch the sky.” Kent sighed with pleasure at the memory.

“We need to eat,” Miss Morton said, and looked to Ryder. “If you don’t mind, would you ask the blessing?”

He half wondered why she would ask him to pray when she felt as she did. But he wasn’t about to question her. He bowed and offered the same prayer he’d offered twice before. A grace he’d learned at home. Though he didn’t say it all. He couldn’t thank God for those he loved. Not when his wife and daughter were dead. Mind you, he’d enjoyed loving them while they were on earth and still loved them, so maybe he ought to be thanking God for that gift, no matter how temporary it had been.

The food was passed around and enjoyed. Conversation among the adults was almost non-existent. Kent and Sally seemed oblivious to any awkwardness, and chattered away, mostly asking questions of Ryder. Kent seemed especially keen to know what Ryder did.

“You do that fancy stuff on the things in your window?”

“Leather tooling, yes, I do it.”

“Is it hard?”

“It takes time and practice to become skilled at it. My father owned a saddlery shop and by the time I was seven, he was taking me to work with him and showing me what he did. I remember the first thing I made that sold. A little coin purse. I thought I’d done a nice job of it so was pleased when someone was willing to pay.” He’d been proud and promised himself to do better and bigger projects.

“What did you put on it?”

Kent’s question caught him off guard.

“Sorry. What?”

“Did you put a picture on the coin purse?”

“Nothing that fancy. I put a single flower in the middle and a simple border of connected half circles. Like I said, nothing fancy.” Though he’d gone on to make many fancier pieces.

“Is it fun?” Kent asked.

“Not fun like a game of chase, but fun to see something you’ve made.”

“Eat your breakfast.” Miss Morton spoke softly. “Let the man eat in peace.”

Kent looked like someone had snatched away a favorite toy.

Ryder knew Miss Morton didn’t mean to rob the boy of his enjoyment, but she had. “I don’t mind talking about my work,” he said. “Kent is naturally interested in what I do.”

Miss Morton smiled at Kent though it slipped somewhat when she turned back to Ryder. “So long as you don’t mind.”

He shifted his attention back to Kent. “I tell you what. If your aunt approves, when I’m back in my shop, I’ll show you how to make something.”

Miss Morton couldn’t have looked more disapproving. “I’m sorry. I don’t want him around sharp knives.”

“I understand.” He disagreed, but he wouldn’t question her in front of the children.

They finished the meal. He checked on Ezra, who lay as still as post.

“I don’t see any improvement.”

He’d heard Miss Morton limp to the doorway. Still annoyed by her attitude toward him, he didn’t turn to greet her or acknowledge her. But for Kent’s sake he must speak up. “I recall you asking Kent to retrieve a butcher knife for you.”

“He often fetches things for me. I believe it’s good for the children to realize they can be useful and productive. I think it makes them feel valued in a way that affection alone can’t.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” He shifted so his attention was on her. “Learning any sort of skill is of value, wouldn’t you say?”

She studied him. “I know what you’re trying to do. Convince me I should let Kent go over and use your sharp tools. I’m sorry, but I don’t approve. It’s my job to protect the children. I’m sure you can understand that.” She limped away.

Yes, he understood. Better than she knew. But he was convinced her reasons were not so much about protecting the children from Ryder’s sharp tools as protecting them from him.

Ezra didn’t require anything