Pa looked at Poppy. “You hungry too?”
Poppy nodded.
Pa clasped her hand. “Is supper ready?”
Zach dropped to the nearest chair as relief sucked away his strength. When Amelia’s head drooped to her chest, he touched her shoulder. “You must be tired.” She’d been out almost the entire day.
Sighing, she straightened her posture and slid into a chair. “Tired, but so grateful he’s home safe and sound.”
“Thank you for keeping him safe.” He squeezed her shoulder.
She shook her head. “I should have been watching him more carefully.”
“I’m not blaming you. It only takes a minute for him to disappear.”
Kat skidded into the house. “Is everyone all right?”
Pa smiled. “Why wouldn’t we be?”
“Yes, Kat. Why wouldn’t we be?” A wagonload of irony weighted Amelia’s words. She winked at Kat, and the two of them started to laugh.
At the humor in the situation, Zach laughed with them.
Pa and Poppy joined in, though probably as much for the simple enjoyment as anything.
Gil gaped at them. “You all been out in the sun too long.”
Soon Gil set a meal before them. Pa ate like a starving man.
Amelia grinned at Zach as if sharing the same thought. For now, he’d enjoy having Pa back to this state instead of staring into space, waiting for Ma. But weary lines pinched around Amelia’s mouth. It had been a difficult day for her. He’d have to make up for it.
He did chores while Amelia helped Gil clean up from the meal. When he returned to the house, she was headed upstairs with a sleepy Poppy in her arms. Afraid she might decide to go to bed too, he said, “Would you join me for a walk after she’s settled?”
Amelia studied him as if trying to understand what his request meant. Then she nodded and continued into the bedroom she shared with Poppy.
“You courtin’ her?” Kat sat on the bottom step, watching him.
He blinked. “Why would you think that?”
“Well, I don’t understand why she’s here, is all.”
“She mistakenly came to Golden Valley and has no place to go until other arrangements can be made.”
Kat shrugged. “It’s nice to have someone around to help with Pa and all.” She sauntered away before Zach could think of how to answer. But she was right. And he meant to thank Amelia.
Amelia returned downstairs. “Is Kat around? I need her to listen for Poppy.”
Kat reappeared. “I’ll stay here.”
“Thank you.” Amelia squeezed the girl’s hand. “I don’t know if you realize how much help you’ve been. While I was out with your pa, I knew Poppy was safe with you.”
“I didn’t do nothin’.” But Kat plunked herself back on the bottom step.
Zach had no intention of correcting her grammar and ruining the moment. He led the way to the door and held it for Amelia. Then realized he had no notion of what he wanted to do. His chuckle sounded self-mocking, even to himself. “I wanted to go for a walk with you, but after the hours of walking you put in today, it seems foolish. What would you like to do?”
“For the most part, I sat with Pa, trying to persuade him to come home.” That sigh could signal exhaustion or frustration. “I’d like to enjoy the view of the mountains. Don’t suppose I’ll see much of them in the Dakotas.”
“Guess you won’t.” He’d almost forgotten about the farmer with a desire for a wife. Maybe he’d forget it a little longer, but in a couple of weeks, he’d send one of the men to town to see if a letter had arrived for Amelia. Unfortunately, he couldn’t expect one sooner than that. “Let’s go past the barn. There’s a pleasant view of the mountains there.”
