When All My Dreams Come True (19 page)

Ben looked up as the first inkling that he might be in trouble occurred to him. Moisture pooled in his big blue eyes as he shook his head. She scooped him up in her arms and gave him a hug.

“Let’s go find your mama, shall we?”

Ben rubbed his grimy sleeve under his nose, still not looking too happy.

Setting Ben up on the saddle, she climbed up behind him and held him tight against her, then pointed Mack up the incline toward the house. They had just ridden over the crest of the hill when she heard Annie screaming. Jace followed right behind Annie and appeared to be trying to get her to calm down.

When Bobbie stopped next to Annie, Jace reached up and removed Ben from the saddle and handed him to his mother. Annie dropped to the ground with Ben on her lap and sobbed as she held him to her chest. Bobbie dismounted and sat next to Annie, trying to comfort and calm her. Several minutes later, Annie’s sobs finally slowed to hiccups, then to quiet sniffles.

Annie held Ben away from her. “Why did you run off, Ben? You know you’re not supposed to do that. You scared me to death!”

Ben’s bottom lip began to tremble. “I’m sorry, Mama.” He started crying.

Annie held him tight again and whispered in his ear. Whatever she said worked because he quieted. She held his face in her hands. “I don’t ever want you to do that again, all right?” Ben nodded. “If
you want to go someplace, you
must
come and talk to me first. Do you understand?” Ben nodded again.

Annie’s attention turned to Bobbie and with her free arm, gave her a hug. “Thank you so much, Bobbie. I don’t know how I could ever thank you enough.”

“You just did. I’m thrilled I was able to find him.” She rose to her feet, and Jace helped Annie to stand. They all walked toward the house.

“How did you know where to look, Bobbie?” Annie said.

“I heard the water running in the creek. I did the same thing when I was little.”

“You ran off from your mother?”

“I was playing in the water just as Ben was doing, and when Mama found me she blistered my backside. Then she began to cry, and that hurt me much more than the spanking. I never did that again.”

Jace smiled. “How old were you?”

“Around six, I guess.”

They followed Annie into the house and, seeing her settle on the sofa with her son, they retreated to the kitchen.

“Jace, if it’s all right, I’d like to stay with Annie for a while.”

“I was going to suggest that. Just plan on staying the rest of the day. I’ll put Mack up for you.”

“Thanks, Jace.”

“Nope. I thank you. I don’t know what we would’ve done if anything had happened to that boy.”

Jace held her gaze, and something in his intense brown eyes rendered her mute.

Bobbie glanced away. “He was fine really. The turtles fascinated him. I’m sure he was planning on coming back soon.”

“Nonetheless, thank you again.”

She smiled and gave a casual wave of her hand. Still, something was making her heart pound hard. “You’re welcome.”

“Do you think I should get word to Cade that maybe he should
come out a different night?” Jace referred to the supper invitation extended to his friend.

“I don’t think that’s necessary. You’ve all been friends for so long, I doubt that Annie would be uncomfortable with him here tonight.”

“You’re probably right.”

After Jace left, Bobbie wandered into Annie’s kitchen. She forced her thoughts to what she could do to help Annie. An idea came to mind. She checked on mother and son one more time before returning to the kitchen to cook supper. Nervousness assailed her. She was more comfortable on a saddle than in the kitchen. Determined to help her friend, she pushed the nerves away and got to work. Besides, she’d tackled calves and broken wild horses. How hard could it be to cook a meal?

An hour later, Bobbie felt she had everything under control—except maybe her heart. Jace was her boss, and she was only a ranch hand. She best not read anything into his lingering look. Or the way his lips turned up in a half smile.

Supper bubbled on the stove, and a loaf of bread sat waiting to be popped into the oven. She heard Sara awaken and call for her mother, so she went to get her. Walking through the living room, she saw Annie and Ben asleep on the sofa, their heads touching.

Sara saw her and grinned. She held her arms out to be picked up. Bobbie scooped her up and planted a kiss on her cheek. She took Sara back to the kitchen, distracting her while walking through the living room so the little girl wouldn’t see her mother.

Bobbie scattered some toys around in a corner of the kitchen to keep Sara occupied, then set the little girl down. She checked the pots on the stove and peeked in at the roast. Pete came through the kitchen door just as she popped the bread loaf next to the roast and put vegetables on to cook. “Hi, Pete.”

“Papa!” Sara clapped her hands at the sight of her father. Pete bent to pick her up and, after giving her a hug and kiss, turned back to Bobbie.

“What’s wrong, Bobbie? You wouldn’t be in here doing the cooking if everything was fine.”

She filled him in on the events that had taken place that afternoon. He thanked her and left to find his wife. She watched as Pete gently woke Annie and then embraced her when she started to cry. Bobbie returned to the kitchen to allow them some privacy.

Sometime later, Annie entered the kitchen and gave her a hug. “Thank you, Bobbie.”

“I’m just glad I can help.”

“You’ve definitely done that. Now what can I do to help in here?”

“Well, I found some beef and have that cooking. The potatoes and beans are done, as well as the bread. The only thing I’m not quite sure how to do is make the gravy. If you tell me, I’ll get to work on it and you can go relax with your family.” She was proud of her accomplishment and heard it in her own voice.

“Oh, let me do that for you. I haven’t done anything all afternoon. I can at least make the gravy.”

“Absolutely not. Just tell me how to make it and then leave.”

Annie grinned and explained the procedure. Then she left as ordered.

Jace and Cade walked in as Bobbie put the finishing touches on the table. Jace stopped in the doorway. “How’s Annie doing?”

“Better, I think. I gave her the afternoon off so she’s resting in the living room with her family. Hi, Cade.” She received a smile and nod in return.

Jace hadn’t moved from the doorway. “You cooked?”

She feigned disdain at the surprise in his voice. “Yes, I cooked. And if you’re nice, I just might let you eat some of it.”

He held up his hands. “All right. Just let us wash up and we’ll be ready.” He sniffed the air. “It smells…” He sniffed again. “Interesting.”

Bobbie couldn’t wait to see that doubtful look change to one of appreciation once he tasted the meal. She moved to the living
room to announce that supper was ready. Jace blessed the food and thanked the Lord for the safe return of his nephew.

The food was passed and everyone started eating. A look of shock passed over their faces when they bit into the beef. She had been sitting back to see if they liked her meal, but at the look on their faces, she stuffed a bite of the beef into her mouth.

She chewed just a moment. “Oh my!”
I’d have an easier time chewing on the toe of my boot
.

Jace bowed his head again. “And Lord, give us the strength to chew this meat.” He smiled. “I’m sorry, Bobbie. I shouldn’t tease you like that.”

She raised her brow at their mirth, her lips twitching. “Oh, well, don’t hold back. Just go ahead and let it out.”

“Well, at least we have the rest of the meal to fill us up,” Annie said.

“That’s right.” Pete reached for the loaf of bread. He sliced at it, but the knife hardly made a mark. He stood then to get some leverage and sawed at the loaf as he would a log. “I’m sorry, Bobbie.” He looked over at her and immediately started laughing.

Jace held out his plate. “How about a slice of that gravy to go with my meat?”

Bobbie stuck out her tongue then looked over the food. “Is there anything edible on this table?” She stuck her fork into the potatoes and took a bite. Her eyebrows shot up. “These are pretty good. What do you think of the potatoes, Ben?” He only eyed them with suspicion. She gave him a playful push. “Well, you’re a big help.”

Bobbie looked at Annie. “I’m so sorry. I ruined all this food.”

“Oh, Bobbie, it’s not ruined. I can make a stew or hash out of it tomorrow. I’m just so thankful you’re here and that you wanted to help.” Annie stood and leaned over to give her a squeeze. “Besides, I really needed the laugh.”

“Well, I’m glad I could help with
something
”

Jace stood and smiled. “I’ll go see if Beans has any food left over.”

Bobbie made a face at him before he turned to go. He soon returned with a loaf of bread and a pot of stew. Ben clapped his chubby hands as he smiled at his uncle.

“Traitor,” Bobbie mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear. She eyed Ben a bit closer and noticed a lump in his cheek. “What’s this?” She tapped his cheek. He shrugged, looking uncomfortable.

Annie held her hand under his mouth. “Spit it out, Ben.”

The boy opened his mouth and got rid of the offending item. Annie held it up for closer inspection. “It’s chewed up meat. I guess he couldn’t get it down.”

The room echoed with laughter. Even Bobbie couldn’t contain her mirth. Yes, she was born a ranch hand. She pulled Ben into her arms and kissed his cheek.

Pete patted her arm. “You took all this teasing well, Bobbie.”

“It ain’t like I didn’t deserve it. If you’re up to it, Annie, I want you to teach me to cook the next time I have a few hours off. Give me a rabbit and a campfire and I’ll do okay, but I can’t seem to do a thing in a kitchen.”

“It’ll probably take more than a few hours,” Jace whispered loud enough for her to hear.

She made another face at him. He smiled at her and winked.

Jace watched the pink color Bobbie’s face and knew his wink caused it. He tried to fight back the thrill it gave him but with little success. He had an effect on her. Good or bad he didn’t know, but right now, he just wanted to enjoy the knowledge.

   FIFTEEN