“And who is this little feller?” Rooster asks.
“I’m Lucas, and I’m not little. I’m three!” He holds up four fingers and they all smile. “What kind of name is Rooster?” he demands.
Rooster chuckles and reaches up to pluck him down. “It’s my nickname. You have to try and guess my real name.”
Lucas giggles and turns to look Eli over. “You gonna help my, Mama?” he demands.
Eli flinches, and his eyes snap to Kristin. “Mama?”
“Lucas, I can dismount all by myself,” she starts, but Eli stomps over and snatches her from the horse before she can finish her sentence and sets her on her feet. “Oh!”
Lucas giggles and holds up his stick. “I gotta stick, Mr. Rooster.”
“I don’t see no stick, I see a sword,” Rooster smiles back.
“Me too, but girls don’t ever see swords,” he whispers loudly.
Kristin smiles and looks up at Eli, the pain in his eyes when he looks at her son strikes her hard. “Please, Eli, we need to talk.” Eli’s grip on her waist tightens for a second, and he quickly releases her and turns to return to the barn.
Felicia has stepped onto the porch and gasps in delight when she sees Kristin. “Kristin! You’re just in time for breakfast.”
“It’s lovely to see you, Felicia,” she says as Eli walks away from her again. She straightens her spine only to jump when Rooster, nudges her.
“Don’t let him go this time, Kristin. Be brave,” he pleads.
“Excuse me, I’ll be right back.” Kristin follows him, smiling when she hears, Rooster teasing her son, “Did you guess my name yet?”
“Is it, Paul?”
“Nope.”
The voices fade away as she picks up speed and enters the barn. She finds him with a pitchfork, stabbing at hay and working in a stall. “Eli?”
“How many times do I have to say it, for you to understand. I’ve got nothing to say to you!” Eli growls but doesn’t stop working.
Kristin flinches but stiffens her spine, determined to be heard. “Eli, I need to explain, one last time. Then I’ll never bother you again.”
Eli keeps working, leaving Kristin no choice.
“I always thought that when I saw you again, I would explain everything, and you’d find it in your heart to forgive me. That was before I grew up. I don’t need your forgiveness.”
Eli whirls around to glare at her. Kristin tosses her dark brown braid over her shoulder and puts a hand on her hip. “I was a young girl, and I did what I had too. My sister’s life was more important than your pride.” Kristin walks closer to him. “I loved you, Eli, I always will, but I wasn’t given a choice. One day, I hope you will read the letter I wrote to you, instead of the one my Father wrote. Regardless of that, my Son is not a mistake. Lucas is the light of my life, and I hope that you will find it in your heart to find peace.”
Kristin turns to leave, and his voice stops her. “Do you love him?”
“I learned too. He died last year after a bout of sickness.” She hears him move in behind her. The heat of his body wraps around her, and her mind goes blank.
“I never stopped loving you, Kristin. I hope you find happiness.”
Kristin runs, hearing the goodbye in his voice and doesn’t bother to wipe her tears. On her horse is a picnic for two and that’s the way it will stay.
She wipes her face and puts on a fake smile before she enters the house. The sound of Lucas laughing helps stiffen her spine. “I hope my son is being good?” Kristin says when she enters the breakfast room.
Felicia jumps up and hurries to hug her. “He’s adorable, those curls are perfection!” Felicia insists and guides her to the table. “Come join us.”
“He got his coloring from his father,” Kristin says.
“Yes, but his eyes are yours,” Felicia responds with a smile.
Savannah watches the young woman walk toward them and notes the puffy eyes and determined glint. After introductions are made, Rooster looks at Lucas, “I better get back to work, any chance you’d like to see some animals, little man?”
“Yes, Sir. Mama, can I?”
“If you promise to listen to Rooster,” she says.
“Yes, Ma’am!” Lucas jumps up and runs to the older man.
“Okay, do you have your stick?”
“Yep, right here.” He holds up his stick proudly and says, “Let’s go, Chicken?” Lucas asks.
Everyone freezes in shock until Rooster roars with laughter. “Nope, that ain’t my name either,” he’s still laughing when they leave.
“I’ve missed Rooster,” Kristin says softly.
“How are your parents, and sister doing?” Felicia asks.
“Daddy passed a few months ago,” Kristin says glancing out the window. “Mama took Lily to live with her family out west.” Kristin turns to the women, “I know you’re wondering why I’ve shown up uninvited Felicia, but I promise that I can explain.”
“Nonsense, Kristin, you’re always welcome.”
“That’s kind of you, but I don’t think Eli would agree.”
Savannah snorts, “He’s too angry to see anything.”
Kristin’s eyes narrow on Savannah. “He’s experienced a great deal of loss, Miss Ward.”
“I know, but that’s no excuse to treat people so harshly. Lucky for me I’m leaving soon.”
“Oh,” Kristin asks, ignoring the knowing smile on Savannah’s face.
“I was a friend of Oliver’s, not Eli,” Savannah explains.
Kristin almost sags with relief.
“It’s true.” Felicia stands. “We’ll talk when I return with tea.” Felicia hurries to the kitchen to prepare a tray of snacks and tea.
Dark eyes follow Felicia from the room before Kristin leans forward. “Miss Ward, I work at the Becker House Hotel as a maid, and the Saloon two days a week. I met a man who was looking for you.”
Savannah frowns, “Who? I’m new
