It would have been nice to slip into her nightgown, but that would have
been inappropriate with Cole there, of course, and so she put on a
clean chemise and a dark gray dress that was at least two sizes too big
for her. Like most of her other clothes, the gown was a
hand-me-down.
Jessica hadn't had time to take it in because she was always too tired
in the evening after spending her days chasing after Caleb. As she
slipped the dress over her head, she vowed once again to become more
organized and headed back to camp.
Caleb was sound asleep with his back squeezed up against Cole's side.
She thought Cole was also asleep. He was resting on his back and using
one of the saddles for his pillow.
She sat across the campfire from him. Kicking her shoes off and
tucking her feet under her, she proceeded to brush the tangles out of
her hair.
She loved this time of night, wheneverything was so peaceful and she
had a few minutes to herself. She knew she should go to sleep, for
tomorrow promised to be as exhausting as today, but she was enjoying
the solitude too much to do the practical thing. The heat from the
fire warmed her face. She tilted her head to the side so that her hair
was draped down past her shoulder and leaned close to the flames.
'You're going to catch on fire, ' Cole said.
She jerked back. 'I thought you were asleep, ' she whispered so that
Caleb wouldn't be disturbed.
'You don't have to whisper. Your son's out cold. Nothing's going to
disturb him.'
'He's put in a long day, ' she said, a smile in her voice.
A few minutes passed in silence, and then he spoke again. 'You're a
good mother, Jessica.' She put her brush down. 'No, I'm not, but I'm
trying, ' she said. 'I had never been around babies when I was growing
up, and I know I've made mistakes with Caleb. I'm more relaxed with
him now, and hopefully I haven't done anything that's going to
permanently damage him. I've spoiled him, though, but I don't care.
Babies should be spoiled.'
'The boy needs a father, ' he said. 'Are you going to find him one? '
Her answer was quick and forceful. 'No, I'm not. Caleb had a
