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“You must think I’m an idiot.” I swallowed a sigh. “But the rocking chair, the dog staring at it, and the bouncing ball last night—on top of the feathers the night before—just unnerved me. Sorry. I don’t normally get so spooked.”
“No harm done.” His smile was empathetic, then stiffening, he glanced at the door. “Want me to add a deadbolt?”
“No.” I shook my head, sorry I’d distrusted him.
“In that case, let’s get breakfast. I’d like to finish that patio floor this morning.” He pushed open the door.
“Good morning, Lucas.” Rosie stepped from her car, carrying a sack. “Oh, Maeve, I didn’t know you were here…”
“Luke asked me to help with the pruning, so I’m bunking here.” I squirmed like a kid caught with my hand in the cookie jar.
“Glad someone’s using this cabin—so much history here.” Rosie smiled as she handed him the bag. “Breakfast tacos with plenty of salsa.”
“What for?”
“It’s Taco Tuesday.” Her smile maternal, she shrugged. “Besides, you’re my favorite nephew.”
The puppy yipped as he dropped the ball at Rosie’s feet.
“Who’s this perrito?” She leaned over to pet him.
“That’s Teddy.” I grinned as he rolled on his back, begging to be scratched. “He’s a friendly little guy—just showed up yesterday.” My smile sagged. “We’ve put signs around town, trying to find his owner. Do you recognize him?”
“No, I’ve never seen him before, but I’ll be happy to hang a poster in the café.”
“Great, I’ve got one left.” I started for the antique chest.
“Oh, my heavens.” Straightening her back, Rosie watched. “I remember this cedar chest.”
“You do?” Luke’s eyes lit up.
“And this rocking chair, too.” Rosie crossed to the rocker and skimmed her fingers over its back, as if caressing it. “My father refinished it just after my sister—your mother—was born, though originally it belonged to your great-great-grandmother.”
“If Mother told me their histories, I’ve forgotten.”
“Really?” Rosie’s eyes darkened. “These were Marianna’s when she married Mateo just before the Spanish-American War—”
“Wait a minute.” Luke held up his hand. “Who’s Mateo?”
“Oh…” Rosie’s eyes flashed. Then frowning, she chewed her lip. “You’ve never heard the story?”
“What story?” He gave a dry laugh. “This is the first I’ve heard of any Mateo.”
Lowering her chin, Rosie made a humming sound in the back of her throat. “Ramon wasn’t your great-great-grandmother’s first husband. Mateo was.”
“A love triangle.” I handed Rosie the last found-dog flyer.
“Thanks, I’ll hang it in the café.” She scanned the poster before continuing. “Marianna was so in love with Mateo that, when he enlisted in the Rough Riders, she convinced Ramon to join, too.”
“What’s her love for Mateo got to do with Ramon’s enlistment?” A deep V appeared between Luke’s eyes.
“She asked him to watch Mateo’s back.”
“You mean the Buddy Program, where friends enlist, train, and sometimes serve together.” I nodded, familiar with the idea. “Was Ramon Mateo’s friend?”
“No, but he was devoted to Marianna.”
“From her diary, we know she married him.” Luke glanced at me. “What’s the story?”
