But after her mother died, Dad kept them fed. He was quite a good cook. They’d traipsed all over the country together as he dug for fossils. As soon as she could handle a pencil and paper, she’d started to draw what she saw in front of her. Her scribbles in the beginning weren’t perfect, but he saw the potential and had placed her in art classes one summer when he was working in Chicago.
She’d excelled, and the teachers raved about her amazing talent.
They’d been a duo ever since. Dad digging and preserving the fossils, while she sketched everything.
It was why she desperately needed to do something for him. She needed her father around. For a long time. She couldn’t imagine life without him. Nor did she want to.
But it was more than that. She still needed him to teach her. She loved the field of paleontology. The quest for knowledge. The constant pursuit of understanding in science. There was so much they didn’t know. Couldn’t explain.
Like dinosaurs.
Probably why Dad had always dreamed of having his one big dinosaur find.
It didn’t help that the Great Dinosaur Rush had made men do crazy things, all in the name of science. But not her father. No. He was a good and decent, hardworking and honest man.
“Anna?” Joshua’s voice broke through her thoughts.
She blinked at him. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I asked if you wanted to take a walk with me, but I know it’s late. You must be tired.”
Tired of pushing her thoughts of and feelings for Joshua aside, yes. She needed to stop pining for days gone by and move forward with her life. “I’d love to take a walk.” Without hesitation, she stood, then turned to Dad. “Do you need anything?”
“No, my dear. But thank you.”
Anna kissed him on the forehead. “I’ll see you in the morning then.”
“Good night.” Dad yawned. “Thank you for coming by, Joshua. The laughter was indeed good medicine. My heart feels like it’s almost beating normally.”
Anna walked toward the sitting room where Louise workedon some embroidery. “I’m going to take a walk with Mr. Ziegler. Dad is resting.”
“Very well, Miss Lakeman.”
Joshua headed out the door and Anna second-guessed herself. “I’m not asking too much of you, am I?” It had been a while since she’d thought about poor Louise and what she might need.
“Heavens, no, Miss Lakeman. It’s a wonderful job and I’m grateful to you for allowing me to help you and your father. We have such lovely chats. I learn something new from him every day.”
“You don’t mind all the nursing duties?”
“Not at all. I enjoy spending time with older people. They have such great stories to share and a lifetime of wisdom to pass on. I helped take care of my grandmother before she went on to glory.” Her eyes widened. “Not that your father is even close, I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that—”
“It’s all right. I understand. No need to worry. I simply wanted to make sure that you are well taken care of and that you know how appreciated you are.”
The younger woman smiled. “I appreciate that. And my parents are grateful as well.” One of her eyebrows arched up. “I don’t think you should keep Mr. Ziegler waiting on my account.”
“Oh.” Anna glanced to the door. “You’re right. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Yes, miss. I’ll have breakfast ready for you and your father and pack a lunch for the dig site.” Louise waved her hand at her. “Go on now. Shoo.”
Armed with the younger girl’s encouragement, Anna headed out the door and found Joshua waiting by the hitching post.
“I was wondering if you’d changed your mind.” His deep voice calmed her nerves.
Honestly? What had been her problem? Why was she doing everything to avoid him? “Louise and I were chatting.”
They took slow steps down the path.
A nice breeze blew across her yard this evening, which helped diminish some of the heat of the day.
