A Time to Bloom (Leah's Garden #2)(53)

Del smiled. “If you’re sure we’re not asking too much of you.”

The beam on Mrs. Caldwell’s face was all the answer she needed.

———

Walking across the prairie toward home that evening, Del’s heart weighed heavy again despite the satisfaction of finishing another week. What was going on with the Kinsley family? What horrors might Bethany and John be facing every day? Was there anything she could do? Wait to hear what Mrs. Caldwell could find out, that was the first step. But what if one of the children was injured again in the meantime?

She trudged up the lane to their homestead and stopped short at the sight of Lilac leaning on the corral fence with a man.

Of course—RJ was bringing Captain over for Starbright tonight. She’d completely forgotten. A prick of excitement quickened her step, and she hurried into the soddy to drop off her school satchel. The house was empty. Lark must be out doing chores.

Del changed into her work dress and checked the pots on the stove. Chicken stew simmering, potatoes fried. Supper seemed well on its way. She glanced out the small window and then, unable to suppress her swell of curiosity, headed outside.

“Good evening, Mr. Easton.” She approached the corral. “How goes it?”

“They’re still getting to know each other.” Lilac leaned her arms on the fence, her sunbonnet pushed back off her flyaway dark curls. “I think Starbright’s playing a bit hard to get.”

Del stepped nearer, watching the horses. They circled each other, prancing and pawing. What a fine specimen of a stallion Captain was. His deep bay coat gleamed in the setting sun as he arched his neck and neighed after the mare.

RJ cleared his throat and shifted away from the fence. “I really think you ladies should go inside.”

Del glanced at him. His neck shone red as a sunburn, and he couldn’t look at her or Lilac. She ducked her head to smother a chuckle.

“Starbright is my responsibility and has been since she was born.” Lilac’s voice was firm. “I’m staying.”

“This is the frontier, Mr. Easton. Things are a bit different here.” Del exchanged an amused glance with her sister.

Captain whinnied again and shook his mane, then nipped at Starbright’s flank.

RJ rubbed the back of his flaming neck, then glared at Del. “Miss Nielsen, go inside.”

What, and Lilac was allowed to stay? He needn’t order her around like one of her students. But at the miserable pleading in his eye, Del sighed and headed toward the garden. She’d best gather some of the new lettuce for salad and finish supper, since Forsythia and her family would be here soon.

Lilac joined her as Del was setting plates on the table beneath the shade roof.

“He finally got you to leave too?” Del asked.

“I figured I’d better help you. Lark is almost finished with the chores. Besides, the poor man looked about ready to squirm out of his skin.”

“Well, he let you stay longer than me.”

“Starbright is my horse.”

“She’s all of our horse—belongs to all of us—you know what I mean.” Del sighed. “He just needles me at times.”

“RJ? I think he’s a mighty interesting fellow.”

“Interesting, maybe. Taciturn, for certain.”

“Well, Anders said he’s often in a lot of pain. The last time you had a toothache, you weren’t exactly personable either.”

A fair point. Del glanced over at the corral, then quickly darted her gaze back to the table, cheeks burning despite herself. It looked as though things were . . . progressing.

Lark brought in the milk just as the Brownsville wagon arrived, providing a welcome distraction. Forsythia helped serve the food while Jesse and Climie kept the children occupied outside, well away from the corral. Jesse perched on a chunk of wood, carving something while Robbie watched with his usual fascination. Climie sat nearby and played a clapping and singing game with Sofie, eliciting squeals of glee.

“Shall we wait for RJ?” Adam asked as everyone headed toward the table. The breeze nipped cooler. They’d miss these outdoor meals with autumn coming fast.

Lark shook her head. “I think we’d best go ahead. He said he’s going to stay as long as it takes.”

“Look what Mr. Jesse is making, Mama Sythia.” Robbie tugged Forsythia’s skirt and held out the rough wooden carving.

Forsythia took the little figure and turned it gently. “A horse. Is it Captain, Jesse?”

The young man ducked his head and nodded.

“You have such a gift. Already I can see the spirited arch of the neck and the way he prances.” Forsythia handed it back.

“It’s a daddy horse, right, Mr. Jesse?” Robbie leaned against Jesse’s knee.

Jesse nodded again. “Th-that’s right.”

“And you already made me a mama horse. Now maybe they can have a baby horse, right, Mama?” Robbie bounced on his tiptoes. “Mr. Jesse, will you make me a baby horse?”

Her ears pink beneath her golden hair, Forsythia picked Robbie up and plunked him on the bench at the table. “Time to eat.”

Embarrassed chuckles faded into silence as Adam said the blessing, and then the dishes were passed around. Del forced herself not to look at the corral by chatting with Climie, who was seated beside her. She’d had little time to spend with their friend of late, with so much to do at school.