A Heart's Blessing - Linda Ford Page 0,59

Ryder.

If only they were all together as a family, riding into their future. Instead, they were returning to town and their normal lives.

“Thank you so very much for all the help you’ve been. Now the children can live without fear.”

“It’s my pleasure to be able to help all of you. What are you going to tell the children about their uncle?”

“I don’t know. It seems wrong to rejoice that their uncle is in jail. But they need to know that they don’t need to be afraid any longer.”

“Praise God for that. Things are turning out rather well, wouldn’t you say? It seems the preacher is going to be all right. The kidnappers and Alonzo are locked up and will never again be a threat. I have a new kitten.” He looked at her.

Did she see something in his eyes that accounted for the way her heart picked up pace or was she only wishing?

He continued. “And I like to think you and I have become friends.” He waited. Watched. Wanting her answer.

Friends? Was that all? She’d hoped…

Never mind. She’d have to accept whatever he offered. At least he was a man she could trust.

“I think we have.”

“Good.” He patted her hands where they lay on her lap.

It was good to have him as a friend. She smiled though her insides were cold. Her heart empty. Her life lonely. Her future barren.

12

Ryder took Delcie and the children home. They’d had a long day and it wasn’t over yet. He’d let them enjoy some peace and quiet, and then he’d begin serious courting. He smiled in anticipation as he took the wagon to the livery and left it there for Mr. Holmen to pick up next time he was in town. Until then Ryder could always rent a horse if he needed one, but he didn’t see that he would. His plans would keep him close to town and close to Delcie.

He returned to his place and got the kitten comfortable in the back entrance so the children could easily visit. Then he went across to the store and purchased enough supplies that he could make himself some decent meals.

When he returned the children were at the back waiting to be let in to see Tiger.

“We brought food for him.” Kent showed him a dish of soup.

Tiger ate it eagerly than sat down to clean his face and paws, purring loudly.

Kent giggled. “Do you think real tigers sound like that?”

Ryder sat on the step, watching. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen one except in pictures.”

“Where would you have to go to see a real tiger?” Kent sat beside Ryder, his expression eager, as if he meant to learn about the animal the cat had been named after.

“I suppose you would see them in a circus or zoo. Other than that, you’d have to go to Africa.”

“That’s a long way away?”

“Very far. You’d have to take the train from the fort, then across Canada and then spend a few weeks on a ship.”

“Wow. Guess I’ll never get to see a real tiger.”

“Not to worry. I don’t think they’re as friendly as our little tiger.”

“Children, suppertime.” Delcie’s voice came from next door.

Kent and Sally said good-bye to the kitten and left the room. Kent paused at the doorway. “You coming?”

“I think I’ll eat at home tonight.”

“Aww.”

“I’ll take Tiger in with me, so he won’t be lonely.”

“I didn’t think of that. Can we come back after supper?”

“If your aunt says it’s all right. Maybe she’d like to come and see him too.” Maybe she’d like to come and see Ryder. Only he couldn’t say that.

The children left. Tiger stared after them and gave a plaintive meow.

Ryder scooped him up and carried him into the kitchen. “You sit here and watch while I make supper.”

The kitten curled up by the stove and slept. “You too? Does no one want to keep me company?” His quarters were so empty his footsteps echoed as he crossed the floor to look at each room more closely. They’d not interested him in the least when he first moved in. Now he studied them. “Lots of room for a family,” he said as he returned to the kitchen to make his meal.

Now all he needed was a family to fill these rooms. Not just any family. He didn’t mean that. No, he had a particular family in mind. He’d just have to be patient and give Delcie time. After all, he understood her trust in men had been shattered so many