Chapter 20 #2
She turned to him with a smile. His heart thumped hard when she slid her arms around his neck and pushed up on her toes to kiss him.
He responded at once, his hands pulling her close.
A man could lose himself in moments like this.
When they pulled back, he smiled. “If I’d known that’s the greeting of a woman in love, I’d have tried wooing you back when we first married. ”
Her breath tickled his lips as she laughed. He leaned forward again, catching those lips in his and kissing her thoroughly. After a while, he finally let her go. Her eyes twinkled, and she ran a hand over his cheek. “I’m glad you’re home.”
Reality crashed in. Cody gently gripped her upper arms. “I need to head out to get Hank.”
Her lips opened as if to protest, but she paused. “Is this about the garden?”
“Yeah.”
“Do you know what it is?”
“I’m afraid it’s salt.”
“Is that bad?”
“It depends. That’s why I need to bring Hank over, before daylight disappears.”
She nodded, her hands resting against his chest. “Go. I’ll keep your supper warm.”
He enveloped her in a brief embrace, then headed back to the barn to saddle the horse and galloped to Hank’s.
Minutes later, they were back at the house.
Hank surveyed the ground. He scratched his head, hat held loosely in hand.
“It looks like salt, Boss. But how’d it get there?
Your wife wouldn’t add any to the water can, would she? ”
“No. Besides, the amount of salt needed for it to look like this is huge. It would take several bags’ worth.” Did the mercantile even sell that much?
Hank squinted. “Look.” He pointed to several spots. “Boot prints. I’m guessing they ain’t yours.”
“Nope.” Cody squatted beside the nearest one. “Whoever did this is big.” He stood, then pulled off his boot and set it next to the print. “He’s got a couple inches on me.”
“And you’re one of the tallest men in Harmony Springs.”
Cody pushed his foot back into the boot. “That might make it easier to find him.”
“Want me to get the sheriff?” Hank held up a hand before Cody could open his mouth. “And before ya protest, I was plannin’ on going to town anyway to sup at the café.”
“Then I’d appreciate that. Thanks, Hank.”
Plopping his hat on his head, the foreman gave it a tip. “I’ll get there lickety-split.”
Cody headed into the house.
Ella met him at the door. “Is it salt?”
“Looks like it. Hank’s off to get Travis.”
His wife looked out the door. “It’ll be nearly dark before he gets here.”
“We’ll light some lanterns. He’ll probably come back in the morning if he needs to see things in the daytime.”
Ella slipped her hand into his and pulled him toward the kitchen. “Come, eat. You should relax a bit while you can.”
“Thanks, darlin’.” He inhaled deeply, the savory scent lingering in the air. “Smells great.”
Jonah came running into the kitchen. “Papa!” He grabbed Cody’s leg, a toothy smile spread wide over his little face.
“Hey, buddy.” Cody lifted the child into his arms. “Did you have a good day?”
“Uh-huh.” Jonah looked at the plate Ella pulled from the oven. “I want ’tatoes.”
Ella put the plate on the table. Grabbing a pitcher, she poured a cup of water and set it in front of Cody. She smiled at their son. “More potatoes?”
“Pwease!”
“He can share some of mine.” Cody sat with Jonah on his lap.
As he ate, he alternated taking a bite of potatoes, then offering the next to the boy.
Ella joined them with a cup of tea. She got up periodically to check on Isaiah and Addie in the parlor.
Cody had almost finished his meal when Jonah wiggled off his lap and headed for his siblings.
Ella watched him go, a thoughtful look on her face. “Those children share a special bond.”
“They always have. Isaiah and Jonah were happy, playful boys before their parents died. Jake said they were inseparable. Both withdrew after the accident.” He reached out, claiming Ella’s hand. “You coming into our lives changed that.”
She shook her head. “You took them in, gave them a home. They received stability because of you.”
“I guess that means we make a good team.”
The throaty quality in his voice surprised him. Tenderness flashed over Ella’s face. She put her free hand over their joined ones. “We do.”
He started to respond, but a knock sounded at the door.
Ella gave his hand a squeeze. “That’ll be Travis.” She reached for his plate.
He handed it to her with a smile. “Thanks.” Heading for the door, he opened it to greet his friend. “Thanks for comin’, Trav.”
Travis nodded. “Not a problem. I don’t like the implications of a tampered garden.”
“Me neither. First the snakes, now this. Someone’s targeting our family. And we both know who.”
“Not to mention the cattle fence being down.” Travis snorted. “I’d put money on Mountbatten. He threatened you and Ella more than once. This is exactly the kind of power struggle he thrives on. He won’t dirty his own hands, but he’ll hire others to do it.”
Cody’s fists clenched at his sides.
Travis put a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll figure out what’s going on.”
Not trusting himself to speak, Cody nodded.
He turned to see Ella in the space between the foyer and parlor. He wanted to rush to her and wrap her in his arms, protecting her from whatever scheme her father had in place. A smile stretched over her lips as she motioned to them. “You have to see this.”
The men joined her. Ella put a finger to her lips, then pointed into the room. Cody peered over her shoulder.
Isaiah sat on the floor, his back against the sofa. Addie lay cradled in his lap, Jonah snuggled up to his side. The boy sang softly as he rocked his sister. She looked up at him with sleepy eyes and a contented smile. Cody recognized the tune “All Through the Night.”
Ella turned. She touched his cheek with her fingers.
“You see, Cody? This is what you giving them a home did.” Rising on her toes, she pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“Now, you and Travis figure out the garden. I want a full report when you’re done.
” Her fingers trailed down his cheek before she went to join the children.
Cody stood for a few moments, taking in the picture his family made. His heart swelled and his protective instincts rose once more.
He’d do whatever it took to keep them safe.