Surprise has his eyes jumping to hers and he grins.
“I am irresistible, Sugar,” he quips.
Abbie shoves him and he captures her hands, holding them to his chest. “Abbs I never dared dream that I would be able to love after what I’ve been through. You’ve taught me that God’s plan is always better than ours.”
She interrupts him quickly, covering his mouth with her hand and praying that he understands. “Right now, Tucker…,”
“I know. I promise to be patient Abbs, but when the time is right, we will have to talk about us.” He demands.
“Of course,” she spins away to check on Coralie and finds Mason watching them.
“Lunch is ready,” she says and shows him where to wash up.
Tucker watches them go, before stretching out on the floor in front of Coralie. “Hey little one, lift up that head.”
She lifts her head, bobbing under the weight, and he grins, “That’s my girl,” he encourages her and laughs when she blows bubbles and drops her head back down to suck her fist.
Chapter 40
“Let’s go,” Wyatt says after Shep and Maggie leave.
“After you,” Coop replies. They ride on horseback, determined to make it to the next town and grab a train.
“What’s next?” After years of working together he has learned to trust and rely on Coops’ instinct.
“We’re heading straight to Nebraska. Tucker has no idea what he’s up against,” Coop explains.
“I know.” Wyatt frowns. “Although, I’m still confused over this Mill owner in another city thinking that her rebuilding the Mill would cut into his profits,” Wyatt says.
“It’s the demand for corn meal. Who knew there was money to be made that way? Apparently, Abbie is expanding her mill to process flour and corn. Which would have cut into his profits as her husband already had a large customer base,” Cooper replies.
Wyatt frowns, “How many men did he say this Mill owner had on the payroll?”
“Ten.”
“We have to get to town before they do.” Both men nod and kick the horses into a run.
Later, after they buy tickets on the express train and are seated Wyatt looks at his friend and asks, “Are you seriously considering leaving the police force?”
“I’m done. The system is corrupted here and I’m looking for a change of scenery,” Coop says.
“Private security pays really well,” Wyatt says with a grin.
“True, and it’s less dangerous,” Coop teases as he straps on his shoulder holster and waist belt.
“What about Shep?” Wyatt asks.
“Shep’s got his eye on a certain nurse. I doubt he will leave her,” Cooper laughs.
“To each his own,” he comments and stretches out to enjoy the train ride. They left the informant tied up in a cabin on a steamship going to Oregon. He’ll live.
Coop laughs, “You’ll be next pretty boy, mark my words.”
Chapter 41
Mason watches Tucker playing with his sister on the floor. He doesn’t respond, just watches him intently.
“Are you hungry, Mason? We have lunch ready,” Abbie asks.
“Yes, Ma’am,” he says. Without being told he walks to the bathing room to wash his hands and returns. Sitting he waits for her to give him permission to eat. Tucker stands up and joins them at the table.
Abbie glances at Tucker with a frown and he shrugs his shoulders. She makes three plates of food, one for him and one for her. Maybe he will be more comfortable if he doesn’t have to eat alone.
“Shall we pray?” she reaches a hand out to each of them and waits. Tucker takes her hand immediately.
Mason’s eyes jump to hers and when he slips his hand into hers, she bows her head to pray. Her heart does a victory dance at the feel of his hand in hers.
“Dear Lord, as we gather around this table, we thank you for providing for our needs and for granting the wishes of our heart. Today we are especially thankful for each other,” she squeezes both hands, “for family and friends who enrich our lives and challenge us to grow spiritually. Let us join together in loving fellowship to celebrate your love for us and for each other. Amen.”
Mason pulls away immediately, but Tucker hangs on for a second.
“Sorry if it was long,” she says.
“It was perfect.” He drops her hand and smiles at the boy watching them.
“My Grandma used to say if the only prayer you said was simply, “Thank you,” it would be enough,” Tucker says.
Abbie grabs a biscuit and butters it before looking at Mason. “Do you like biscuits?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” he says.
“Mason, I know this is awkward for you, but we will get to know each other on the trip home. You can always tell me what you like or don’t like. Are you allergic to any foods?”
“No, Ma’am,” he replies.
“Have you ever tried Blueberry jam?” Tucker asks as he spreads it over the two biscuits on his plate.
“No, Sir,” he replies and watches them eat.
“Try a piece of mine and see if you like it. That way you don’t ruin yours.” Abbie watches and offers him a piece of hers with strawberry on it as well.
They turn to each other and begin to eat, giving him a chance to get accustomed to them.
“Tucker do you remember when we were Mason’s age, and someone put salt in the sugar bowl?” Abbie laughs softly.
“Remember, Abbs, surely you know it was me?”
“What?” her chocolate eyes dance with merriment. “Of course, you’d do something like that.” She laughs and glances at Mason who is smelling the strawberry jam. When he grows brave enough to pop
