Rescuing the Rancher Read online

  “Well, I expect no more of that,” Faith said sternly, then turned to the sink before the children saw her grin.

  By the time she turned back, the twins had finished eating and were huddled together. It worried her. She glanced across at Martha who was watching them carefully. “They tend to plot things to do,” she said with a touch of mirth in her voice. “They don’t usually do much harm though.”

  Checking the time, Faith put a tray into the oven. Another half hour or so before the workers would return for coffee. She filled the kettle – it felt as though that’s all she did lately – then set the mugs out for their drinks.

  “Papa will be soon home for coffee,” Martha told the twins, and they jumped up and down excitedly. “Go and tidy yourselves up.”

  They immediately ran toward their room.

  “How do you like it so far,” Martha asked once the twins were gone.

  Faith sighed. “I haven’t stopped all morning, and to be honest, I’m worn out already.” She slumped down into a chair opposite the older woman with a mug of tea.

  Martha reached out and covered her hand, patting it as she spoke. “I’m sure you’ll get used to it. Give yourself some time to get into a routine.”

  Faith glanced up at her and nodded. “I’ll try.”

  “Please,” Martha implored her. “We really need you. Desperately need you. At least give us a week or two before you make a decision.” She held Faith’s hand tightly. “I’m not sure what we’ll do if you leave.”

  Frowning, Faith studied her. “Is it really that bad?” Perhaps she didn’t truly understand the situation. “Besides, I have nowhere else to go.” It really was that simple. She would have to make this work because above all, she couldn’t go home. Not ever.

  Suddenly it hit her.

  It was far too quiet, and the twins were out of sight. What were they up to?

  Making her way to their bedroom, Martha followed. “They’re little tricksters,” Martha said. “They always have some little scheme to fall back on.”

  Faith opened the bedroom door but saw nothing. She looked under the bed; they weren’t there. Could they have climbed in the wardrobe? She certainly hoped not – they could possibly suffocate in there.

  Her heart was pounding, and she felt suddenly ill. Where on earth could they be?

  “Cora, Leo, where are you?”

  She heard the faintest of giggles but couldn’t work out where it was coming from. Until she noticed the movement of the bed coverings.

  She quietly went over to the bed and began to tickle. Two heads popped out, still giggling.

  Such fun! Faith couldn’t remember a time she’d had such fun since she was a small child herself. She glanced across at their grandmother who clearly didn’t approve. “I hope they stop this nonsense soon,” she said. “This behavior can be quite wearing.”

  Those few words confirmed Faith’s fears – the children were far too much for Martha. She just hoped she could sustain working here and take over from the older woman.

  “Right, out of bed you two. Time to make your beds.” She first made Leo’s bed, since the children were still in Cora’s, then made the second bed.

  Faith picked up a few toys scattered around the room and returned them to their rightful place – the toybox. “From now on, toys must be returned to the toybox when you finish playing.” She kept her voice stern, but gentle.

  “Yes Faith,” they both said, their eyes downcast.

  She threw open the drapes to let the light in, then closed the door behind them.

  The kitchen smelled divine, and she wondered if the workers would appreciate her little surprise. She hadn’t made oat cookies for far too long. She’d always enjoyed baking but didn’t usually have the time. Or the inclination.

  Hopefully that would change.

  She opened the oven a fraction, and saw her cookies were ready. She snatched up a couple of kitchen towels and pulled the hot tray from the oven and placed it on a wooden board on the counter. She reached for a cake cooler from the cupboard and taking them off the oven tray, sat them there to cool.

  It wouldn’t be long and the menfolk would arrive. She wanted her cookies ready to eat by the time they sat down.

  She lined the mugs up ready for their coffee and took a large platter from the cupboard. It wasn’t long before she heard screams of excitement. “Papa, Papa!”

  She continued with her preparations, the enticing smell making her hungry. She felt his presence before she knew Jonah was standing directly behind her at the counter.

  His hands sat either side of her on the countertop and his body brushed up against hers as he leaned in. “They smell delicious,” he said into her ear. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

  “Yes, she did,” Hank yelled. “I won’t say no.” She heard his laughter and knew he was joking.

  “Thank you,” Jonah said quietly, and she cranked her head back to look at him. She hadn’t realized how tall he was before. Possibly since he’d sat most of the time they’d talked.

  She spun around to look at him properly. “You’re welcome,” she said. “I’m not sure you’ll get this every day, but I don’t mind baking. In fact, I enjoy it most of the time.”

  She stared into his eyes. They were the bluest eyes she’d ever seen, and she was totally mesmerized. She finally pulled her gaze away. “I’d better get these on the table and pour the coffee,” she said quietly, then slipped out from under his arms.

  Heat was zinging around her body. What was it about this man that caused such a reaction in her?

  It had to be his kindness. No one had ever been so kind to her before.

  Faith decided that had to be the answer. The longer she worked here, she was certain things would calm down. At least she hoped that would be the case. She already felt like she had feelings for her boss. Hopefully they were feelings of gratitude and nothing more.

  Chapter Five

  The twins were tucked up in bed sound asleep, and Faith was ready to drop.

  She had no idea it would be so exhausting looking after two young children. It had been extra busy today, Martha told her, because the men were working close to the house. Normally they worked farther away, and wouldn’t be in from breakfast until supper.

  As selfish as it sounded to her, it also sounded like far less work. To be fair though, she’d caused a lot of the work herself. They hadn’t expected anything more than coffee when they came in, but she’d insisted on making cookies.

  Not a lot of work for sure, but it was added stress.

  “Make yourself a cup of tea and take a break.”

  She glanced up to see Martha sitting on the sofa. “I might do that. Thanks.”

  “Better yet, why don’t you lay down and rest while the terrible two sleep?”

  Could she? Did she even dare? What if Jonah came in and found her sleeping on the job? It was tempting, but she couldn’t afford to lose her job after only one day. “I can’t,” she said quietly. “I might lose my job.”

  “My dear girl,” Martha said, wriggling about, trying to get comfortable. “Jonah has done what you’re doing now. He will completely understand. Besides,” she said, finally happy with her seating. “You look ready to drop. You won’t last until supper the way you’re going.”

  She was totally right and Faith knew it. She checked the stew that was slowly cooking on the stove, and stirred it.

  She refilled the kettle and added it to the stove, but not before stoking the wood fire stove and ensuring it had enough fuel.

  Martha studied her. “My dear girl, if you don’t go soon, it won’t be worth bothering.”

  “You’re right, of course you are. I just feel so guilty…”

  “Stop it! There is nothing to feel guilty about. Now go.” Martha grinned at her. If she hadn’t done so, Faith would have felt like a child being chastised by an overbearing parent.

  “I’m going,” she said, then headed to her bedroom with a smile. Closing the drapes t
o hopefully help her sleep in the middle of the day, Faith pulled off her apron, and then her boots. Lastly she removed her gown and lay it across the chair in the corner. She threw back the bedding and climbed in. It felt like she was floating on air, the mattress was so comfortable. But she realized it was also because she was beyond exhausted.

  She closed her eyes and was soon fast asleep.

  “Is she dead?” The harshly whispered words shattered the tranquility of Faith’s dreams. She opened one eye.

  “I hope not.” Leo’s distraught voice made her heart thud.

  She opened the other eye. “I’m not dead,” she said, still half asleep.

  “I’ll get Jonah to put a lock on this door. You don’t want these two waking you when they’re up and about.” Martha stood in the doorway watching the children stand over her.

  “It’s perfectly fine,” she said, pulling the bedding up around her shoulders. “I can’t believe I slept so long. It must be getting late.”

  Another hour or so and it will be supper time,” Martha said. “You obviously needed the sleep, like I thought.” She smiled briefly. “I stirred the stew for you, and didn’t let it burn.”

  Faith’s heart rate accelerated. “I’m supposed to be making your life easier, not the other way around.” She was totally distraught. How could she have slept for so long? “Oh my gosh, I have biscuits to make,” she said, suddenly in a panic. “I knew I shouldn’t have laid down. Now I’m behind in my chores.” She was getting a headache just thinking about it.

  “Faith, it’s not a problem,” Martha said, shooing the children out of the room so Faith could dress in peace. She was grateful for the privacy.

  After dressing she pulled the drapes aside. The sky was already darkening – she would have to work quickly if she was to get the biscuits made and in the oven in time for supper.

  She still couldn’t believe she could sleep so long. It mustn’t happen again. She would not let herself be talked into resting in the middle of the day again.

  Making her way to the kitchen, the chill in the air hit her. She glanced across to see the fire had died down. She squatted down to get it going again and was reminded of the last time she’d done this very same thing.

  Heat rose in her cheeks as she remembered the feelings she’d had watching Jonah. She threw some twigs on the fire, and lit a screwed up newspaper, trying to get the fire started. Faith found it frustrating as she’d done it many times before, but here it wasn’t working.

  She took a deep breath.

  This time she tried to calm herself down. Everything here was new to her and she was nervous. Perhaps she was trying too hard? Whatever was causing it, Faith found it frustrating. She picked up the fire iron and stoked the fire. She could see the burning embers and shoved some twigs into them.

  Slowly she added the newspaper that had earlier refused to cooperate. Finally the fire began to burn. She was mesmerized by the flames. This time two days ago she was worrying about being injured from her father’s brutal attacks. Today she was feeling safe, and even loved, in a home where she was needed and wanted.

  She threw a small log on the fire and waited for it to catch alight. Faith now knew she had been inpatient. Something she’d long been known for. In the past though, she was impatient for what amounted to freedom.

  Adding a couple more smaller logs, she had to trust the fire to keep alight without her assistance. She needed to get those biscuits made and in the oven. She hoped the fire in the stove was burning nicely, otherwise she’d really be in strife.

  She almost ran there, and discovered it burning beautifully – exactly how she needed it to be.

  Faith gathered up all her ingredients and a large bowl. She was cooking for far more than usual, not to mention these were hungry men, and they ate a lot.

  Closing the oven door she heard the back door open, and she went into a panic. She stirred the stew, which was going well, and quickly set the table. She filled the kettle and prepared the crockery ready for the food to be dished out.

  She already had the children’s food cooling. Would Jonah challenge her over the decision to let the children eat with the adults?

  Her heart fluttered when she glanced up to see him studying her. “Faith,” he said with a nod of his head.

  “Hello, Jonah,” she said, then busied herself with the meal preparations.

  She felt his presence near her before she knew for certain he was next to her. “The children said they thought you were dead today.” There was the slightest hint of a smile to his face.

  She wasn’t sure what was so funny about it.

  “I’ll put a lock on your door tomorrow. You don’t want little intruders while you sleep.”

  She prepared herself for a backlash. “I, I shouldn’t have been sleeping. It won’t happen again.”

  He frowned. “Why not? Those two are exhausting. Might as well rest while they do. My wife always did that.”

  He stepped closer and stared into her eyes. So close she could feel the heat from his body. “You need your privacy,” he said quietly. “I appreciate you being here, Faith.” His gaze went down to her lips and she licked them. “Today was the first time in a long time I wasn’t worried about the children while I worked.”

  She glanced up into his eyes. “Really?” He trusted her that much already?

  “Yes, really. Ma is beyond it. I always worry when she’s alone with the little ones. What if something happened to her like…” He suddenly stopped and his face went pale, then he looked away.

  It was clear to Faith that something terrible had happened, but she wasn’t going to push him. “You can trust me to care for your children,” she said gently, and put a hand to his arm. Heat surged through her, and he turned his head to stare at her hand.

  He covered it with his own. “Faith,” he said in her ear.

  “Papa, Papa!” The twins came running across to him, wanting to be picked up. “You’re home, Papa! I missed you,” Cora said.

  “I missed you too,” Leo shouted, not wanting to be outdone.

  The moment was lost, but Jonah studied her until the moment he turned away toward his children. Had he also felt the connection?

  She shook her head. They were almost strangers, and had known each other for less than two days. There was no way there was any sort of connection is such a short period of time. Faith convinced herself her imagination was way out of control, brought about by nervous shock.

  The back door being thrown open brought her back into the moment. The biscuits must be near to ready. She checked the oven; they were almost done.

  She put a slab of butter on the table, filled the coffee mugs, and began to dish out the beef stew.

  “That smells mighty good,” Percy said to no one in particular. “No offence to you, Martha,” he quickly added.

  “None taken,” Martha said with a frown. “I never once made beef stew.” She stared at him as though daring him to say otherwise.

  It was all Faith could do not to laugh. “I, I thought the children could eat with us tonight,” she told Jonah. “Their food is already cooled.”

  He stared at her as he continued to hold the terrible two, then stared at each of them consecutively. “Will you behave?” he asked them, or should you go to bed now?”

  Cora put her little fingers to her Papa’s cheek. “I’m hungry, Papa,” she told him.

  “Me too,” Leo added.

  “Your face is sharp, Papa,” Cora added, which made Jonah grin.

  “As long as you promise to behave, you can eat with the adults.” He glanced across at Faith. “It can be an experiment for now. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll go back to feeding them separate from the adults.”

  She agreed. Besides, what choice did she have?

  With everyone seated at the table, Faith began to serve out the food, placing a plate of stew in front of each adult. She then served the children their supper. “This should be perfect. Not too hot,” she told them.

  Leo
stared down into his food, then swooped down with his hand and picked up a mouthful, shoving it into his mouth.

  “Leo!” Faith’s voice stopped all chatter at the table. “We do not eat with our hands.” She took a dish cloth to him and cleaned his hand. “Use your spoon. You cannot sit at the table with the adults if you don’t eat nicely.”

  Leo bent his head. “Yes, Faith. Sorry, Faith,” he said, sounding remorseful.

  Jonah was watching the exchange very carefully. Was he unhappy she had scolded Leo? He didn’t look unhappy, although he did seem annoyed at first.

  But now he nodded slightly and grinned at her. Perhaps he didn’t mind after all.

  “Oh, my biscuits!” she shouted, and rounded to the oven. “I hope they’re not burned.”

  She opened the oven door to find them slightly browner than she would normally be happy with, but they weren’t burned, and that was the main thing.

  She grabbed the platter and placed them all on it.

  “Faith, for goodness sakes,” Jonah said, sounding exasperated. “Sit down and eat.”

  She placed the platter on the table. “But I have to make the coffee,” she said, leaning so close to him she could feel his breath.

  “Everyone can make their own coffee, right fellas?” He looked around the table.

  “Right.”

  “Of course.”

  “Mmmm,” Hank said as he chewed. “For sure,” he said when his mouth was empty.

  She stared at Jonah, and saw his determination. “Sit.” She didn’t argue.

  Chapter Six

  With the children tucked up in bed, the adults sat in front of the fire.

  Everyone helped themselves to coffee since Jonah would not allow Faith to become a slave to them all.

  There were enough cookies left over from this morning for them to each have at least one. The fire was burning beautifully, and between the heat and the crackling sound, Jonah was beginning to doze.

  Faith was constantly up and down from her chair, not able to relax. He opened one eye. “What is wrong with you,” he asked groggily. “You never sit still. Me, I am glad for the downtime.”