Jack chuckled.“On the contrary, she’s a natural with the horses.Took to riding like a duck to water.”
Jane felt a blush creep into her cheeks at Jack’s praise.“I had an excellent teacher,” she demurred, casting him a grateful smile.
As they settled around the dining table, Seth said a heartfelt grace, thanking the Lord for the bountiful meal and the company of good friends.Jane found herself nodding along, a sense of peace and belonging washing over her.
The conversation flowed easily as they enjoyed the savory stew and fresh bread.Seth regaled them with tales of growing up on the ranch, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he recounted the mishaps and triumphs.Jack chimed in with his own stories, painting a vivid picture of life on the sprawling Texas range.
Jane listened intently, soaking up every detail.She marveled at the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that bound these people together.It was a far cry from the life she had known at the orphanage.As she glanced around the table, taking in the smiling faces of her new friends, Jane felt a swell of gratitude in her heart.
After the meal, Brenda shooed them out of the kitchen, insisting on handling the clean-up herself.“You two go on and enjoy the evening,” she urged with a knowing smile.“The dishes will keep.”
Jack and Jane found themselves wandering out onto the porch, the night air a welcome respite from the heat of the day.It was still hot, but at least the sun wasn’t shining down on them any longer.The stars twinkled overhead, a vast canopy stretching out across the inky sky.
“It’s so beautiful out here,” Jane breathed, leaning against the railing.“I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stars.”
Jack moved to stand beside her, his shoulder brushing against hers.
Jane felt a tingle of electricity at Jack’s touch, her heart quickening in her chest.He seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
“Penny for your thoughts,” she ventured softly, a gentle smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Jack turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that took her breath away.“I was just thinking about how much I’ve enjoyed spending time with you today, Jane.Showing you the ranch, teaching you to ride...It’s been a real pleasure.”
Jane felt a warmth bloom in her chest at his words.“I’ve enjoyed it too, Jack.More than I can say.You’ve made me feel so welcome here.”
He reached out, taking her hand in his.His touch was warm and reassuring, his calloused fingers intertwining with her own.“You do belong here, Jane.I knew it from the moment I met you.”
Jane’s breath caught in her throat at the sincerity in his voice.She searched his face, finding only honesty and a hint of something more, something that set her heart racing.“Jack, I...”
He lifted his free hand, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.“I know we haven’t known each other long, but there’s something special about you, Jane.Something that makes me want to be around you, to learn everything about you.”
Jane leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment.When she opened them again, she found Jack gazing at her with an intensity that made her knees weak.“I feel the same way,” she whispered.
He stood for a moment, and his face seemed to be filled with an emotion she didn’t quite understand.
“May I walk you home?”he asked.
“I’d like that,” Jane replied.“I’m just going to say goodnight to Brenda first.”
Jane stepped back into the house, her heart still fluttering from the moment she had shared with Jack on the porch.She found Brenda in the kitchen, humming as she finished wiping down the counters.
“Brenda, thank you so much for the lovely meal,” Jane said warmly.“I can’t remember the last time I felt so at home.”
Brenda turned to face her, a knowing twinkle in her eye.“You’re going to grow to love Texas as much as the rest of us do.”
Jane nodded, a lump forming in her throat at the older woman’s kindness.“Jack has offered to walk me home.I just wanted to say goodnight and thank you again.”
Brenda gave her a quick hug, the scent of fresh bread enveloping Jane.
“You’re welcome here anytime,” Brenda said, giving Jane a gentle squeeze.“Now, you best not keep Jack waiting.”She winked conspiratorially, causing Jane to blush.
With a final goodnight, Jane stepped back out onto the porch where Jack was waiting.He offered her his arm, and together they set off down the path toward the Daileys’ ranch.
As they walked, Jack regaled her with more stories of life on the ranch, his deep voice washing over her like a soothing balm.She found herself laughing at his tales of mischievous calves and ornery horses, marveling at the depth of his knowledge.
All too soon, they arrived at the door of the Daileys’ home.Jane turned to face Jack, a shy smile playing at her lips.“Thank you for walking me home,” she murmured.
Jack took her hand in his, his thumb gently caressing her knuckles.“It was my pleasure, Jane.I hope you know how much I’ve come to care for you, even in this short time.”
Jane stared at him for a moment, smiling.“I care about you too.”But would she be able to be married to a man who didn’t have a place of his own?Who was working as a cowboy?She didn’t know.
She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.“Thank you for today,” she said softly before going inside the house.Oh, how Jack made her heart flutter.
