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“Lilah? You okay?” Boots crunched across gravel.
Lilah looked up, zoning in on the tall, blurry frame jogging toward her. She knew who the man was even without her glasses. “Trace?”
As Trace neared, his familiar dark features and gray-blue eyes came into crisp view. “Just pulled in. Managed to catch the end of your pig-wrestling match.” He stopped in front of her, offering his hand and a sympathetic smile. “You hurt?”
“I’m okay.” Lilah put her least dirty hand in Trace’s. He helped her up and out of the puddle. “Just wasn’t expecting a mud bath tonight.”
She’d expected to clean up dinner, help the boys feed the animals, and go to bed. Now she’d have to spray herself off with a garden hose before she stepped foot back in the house.
“I think the pig won that round,” Trace said, giving her a once-over that made her very aware that she was dipped in mud.
“He definitely did.” Lilah raised a brow and shook her head.
“Momma!” Ben shrieked as he ran over. “You’re filthy!”
She couldn’t help but crack a grin. Trace did too.
“Filthy?” Trace asked Ben. “Like the time you and your brother decided to play tackle football in the neighbor’s flooded field?”
“Yeah, like that time.” Ben giggled and put a hand to his mouth as he remembered. Then he latched on to Trace’s jean-clad leg in a hug. “Mom made corndogs and tater tots. You want some?”
Trace brushed a hand over Ben’s blond hair. “That sounds really good, but I just stopped by to drop off some papers for your mom. But maybe I could stop by another night? If that’s okay with your mom.” Trace glanced at her.
Lilah grinned. Her kids adored Trace. “For sure. And maybe I’ll make something a little fancier than corndogs and tater tots.”
Ben made a face. “Why?”
“Nothing wrong with some dogs and tots.” Trace flashed a smile that gleamed white against the dark stubble that covered his jaw. He patted Ben on the shoulder.
“I don’t think Daryll wants to be in the barn,” Andy called as he walked over, joining the conversation.
“Daryll?” Trace asked.
Ben let go of Trace’s leg and hooked a thumb at his own chest. “I named him,” he stated proudly.
“Seems like a good name for a pig.” Trace gave an agreeable shrug. “And you guys did a good job rounding him up.”
Andy looked distracted. “Yeah, but he did this same thing yesterday. Took us forever to catch him.”
“I think you’re right, Andy.” Lilah shook some slop from her arm. “Daryll might be happier outside. Can you boys get his dinner and a bucket of water? Put it in the arena?”
The boys turned and began racing each other toward the barn.
“Trace, do you see my glasses anywhere?” Lilah spun around, searching.
Trace did the same, but he wasn’t blind as a bat. He quickly retrieved her glasses from the gravel nearby, gave them a quick wipe with the hem of his T-shirt, and handed them over.
“Thank you.” Lilah slid the glasses onto her face and sighed in relief, suddenly able to see the world again.
“Go inside. Get cleaned up. I’ll help the kids finish feeding the animals,” Trace offered.
“Are you sure?” Lilah wasn’t surprised by Trace’s offer. He was always willing to help her out, but she didn’t want him to feel like he was obligated to help her every time he stopped over.
“I’ll bring the boys in when we’re done. Besides, I’ve got paperwork for you from my mom. And she sent along a box of chocolate caramel fudge.” Trace raised an eyebrow, knowing Lilah would be excited about the latter part. Trace’s mom ownedKandi’s Candy, the sweet shop in Maple Bay. Lilah managed the books for several of the town’s businesses, including Kandi’s. It was the only way she made enough money to continue feeding her critters.
“She sent fudge?” Lilah’s eyes went wide. She would’ve hugged Trace if she wasn’t covered in filth.
Trace smiled, and Lilah again noticed how it made his eyes crinkle. “I’ll bring it in after the animals are fed.” Then he turned toward the barn.
