“Going by the smell, we’re in for a treat,” Jacob said.
She pulled the oven door ajar and leaned in. “It sure does smell good,” Mary said. The heavy kitchen cloths she used on the oven dish stopped her from burning her hands. “I hope you all like lamb.” She turned to face them, the hot dish still in her hands, then placed it on the wooden board on the counter top.
“That looks amazing, Mary.” Noah came up behind her and took over, placing the lamb roast onto a plate where he could carve. As he carved, she dished out the vegetables and began to make the gravy, using the delicious juices from the meat.
“You are far too spoiled,” Seth told Noah. “I just about live on beans and bacon.”
Noah chuckled. “That was me before Mary came along. She’s an amazing cook, as you can see.”
Placing the gravy into two jugs, she placed one either end of the table. “Before we eat, I’d like to say something.” Mary’s heart thudded in her chest. It wasn’t often she had to make a speech, even if it was only to three people. When she glanced up, the three men were staring at her. Suddenly nervous, she sat down and placed her napkin on her lap.
“It’s alright, Mary,” Noah said. “We’re all family here.” As if he could sense how nervous she really was, he reached out and covered her hand. A shiver went through her.
She glanced at each man. They looked as tense as she felt. “I, I just wanted to thank you, each of you, for saving my life.” She was met with silence.
Finally Jacob spoke. “There was never a question,” he said quietly. “We look out for family, and you are a big part of ours now.”
“That’s right,” Seth said.
She swallowed down the lump in her throat.
Then they all held hands and Noah said the blessing. “Thank you Lord for this abundance of food, and for sending Mary to us. We pray for the strength to grow as a family and face all challenges you send us. Amen.”
Amen echoed around the table.
Mary’s heart fluttered at his words.
Plates were filled, and light banter surrounded her. Warmth filled Mary as she finally felt as though she belonged.
It was such a joy to have real food to cook with. Not to mention surrounded by men who appreciated her cooking.
She had a blueberry pie cooling on the counter, along with a bread and butter pudding. Both favorites with Noah.
She sat back on her chair and glanced around the table. The three men talked about their various properties and what was going on with them. Suddenly Noah studied her. “I’m sorry. This discussion must be rather boring to you.”
“I was rather enjoying it,” she said. “Father never spoke at the table.”
“Never?” Jacob asked.
“No, never.” Except when he told her she was to marry Johnny Parsons. She preferred to forget that conversation. Mary waved her hands in front of her, dismissing the conversation. “How is your food?”
Seth grinned. “It is brilliant. I should pay you to cook for me every night. Better still, I could come here.”
Noah glared at him. “It’s never going to happen. Be grateful you were invited here tonight.” Then he chuckled and Mary let go of the breath she’d been holding.
As the men finished their meal, she collected up the dishes and placed them in the sink. She cleared the table and prepared to serve dessert for her guests.
“Honestly,” Jacob said. “This has to be the best meal I’ve ever eaten.” Seth agreed. It made her feel warm inside.
Noah came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “You did a wonderful job,” he said, then kissed her cheek. If only it was real instead of being for the benefit of his brothers. He lifted each of the desserts and placed them on the table. “Tuck in,” he said.
Mary prepared the mugs for their coffee, then sat down.
She smiled at the groans of delight that echoed around the table. All in all, it was a successful night. It had been a thank you gesture from the start, and she felt sure it had done the trick.
“Tell me where you learned to cook like this,” Seth asked.
“My mother. She was a terrific cook. At least she was before things got bad.” Mary was horrified. She’d said too much and now everyone was staring at her.
Only her husband understood the context, and he reached out and gently squeezed her hand. “Well, wherever you learned to cook, we are all grateful for it. Aren’t we boys?”
His brothers both nodded despite being confused. Suddenly they each took another mouthful of food.
“This really is delicious,” Jacob said. “I’m not sure how you turn stale bread into such a delicacy, but you’ve done it,” he said, reaching for another helping.
His comment made her smile. “The secret is in the jam,” she said. Mary stood to make their coffees, then turned to face the three brothers. “You have no idea how much I appreciate you coming tonight,” she said, her emotions beginning to bubble over. “Go into the sitting room when you are ready, and I’ll bring your beverages.”
She turned back before Noah spotted her tears. It was all far too much. The appreciation these three showed in one night, was far more than she’d received in a lifetime before.
How was she ever going to leave Broken Arrow Ranch? Worse still, how was she going to leave Noah – the only person who had ever meant anything to her.
Chapter Eight
“Last night was terrific,” Noah said as he prepared to set out the next morning. “The food was delicious, and my
