AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Colt found that painful to hear. He thought it might explain why his father had been so distant with him and Spring; he’d patterned their upbringing after the way he’d been raised by Ben.
Ben rose to his feet. “I never forgave Spring Rain for leaving me and never will. Never trusted another woman after that either. Neither should you. I’ll get my things.”
Colt thought over his grandfather’s story. Of course, Ben wouldn’t admit that his treatment of Spring Rain had more than likely caused her to leave. Had he loved her? Was he still bitter because he was going through life with a broken heart? Did his father, Lewis, know why he was motherless, or that Ben hadn’t wanted him? Why had his parents named their daughter after Spring Rain? Had it been over Ben’s objections? Colt had so many unanswered questions. When he heard Ben leave the house, he went to the window and watched him drive the old wagon away, maybe for the final time.
Regan and Anna returned a short while later and he went out to meet the wagon. His dart-throwing wife showed him a cool smile, which he took in stride. “Did you get everything you needed?”
“I did.” She handed him a basket. “There are eggs in there so be careful with it.”
Anna said, “Papa, I saw Livy’s pony. She’s white and her name is Snowbird. Livy said if I had a pony we could go riding together.”
“What do you think of that?”
“I don’t know.” She climbed down and Regan followed.
Regan grabbed a small crate out of the bed. “Our hens for dinner. Has Spring arrived yet?”
“No, but Ben stopped in to pick up his belongings.”
She stopped. “He’s welcome here.”
“I told him that, but he’s going to live at the cabin for now.”
She seemed to sense there was more to the story. “Okay. You can tell me about it later.”
She looked to Anna. “Race you to the door, Anna!”
Anna screamed joyfully and took off running. Watching them filled Colt with his own joy. Ben’s advice didn’t apply here. Regan was a perfect choice. Carrying the eggs, he followed them to the house.
Spring arrived just as Regan placed the two roasted hens on a platter.
“Smells good in here,” Spring said, coming into the kitchen through the back door. “Brought you some bacon.” She placed the package on the counter.
“Thanks. How are you?”
“Fine. You need my help?”
“No. You’re a guest. I’ll put you to work next time. Go see your niece. She’s very excited about you joining us.”
“I’m excited to be here. What have you been feeding my brother to make him offer the invitation?”
Regan chuckled. “Not your grandfather’s awful stew, that’s for sure.”
“Lord, I despised it. Another reason I was happy to leave, but you and I can talk later. Going to go see Anna.”
“Thanks again for the bacon.”
“You’re welcome.”
Once Spring left, Regan resumed her preparations.
They had a leisurely meal filled with laughter and conversation. Each time Regan looked up, she found Colt watching her. There’d been no words between them about last night so far and she hadn’t encouraged any. She’d see what the rest of the day held.
Spring said, “One Eye was prowling around my place last night after you left, Colt. Ran him off with my shotgun.”
“Who or what’s One Eye?” Regan asked.
Colt explained about the one-eyed mountain cat, adding, “Ben and Odell were supposed to be hunting him and setting traps after the attack on Silas and his dog, Lucky, a few weeks back.” He then told her about nine-year-old Silas and his brave dog.
