Linda Ford Read Online Free Page B

something.”
    “I’d worry about you.” She rubbed her chest as if it hurt.
    Jake’s stomach growled again. Louder. More persistent. He really needed to find food soon. But Mother looked so worried he didn’t dare leave her. She leaned her head back, her eyelids fluttering.
    “Hannah, perhaps you would be so kind as to prepare us something,” Mother said.
    The girl stared. “The dining room isn’t open.”
    Mother lifted a weary hand. “I know that, my dear. But surely you eat. Wouldn’t it be possible for us to share your meal?”
    “B–but—,” Hannah sputtered.
    Jake knew he should have put his foot down from the first. This was not a safe place for his mother. The dining room was in shambles. Hannah seemed bent on risking life and limb to prove she could do a job beyond her capabilities. “Mother, you can’t be serious. You knew when you insisted on staying here that we’d have to go out to eat.”
    She pressed her hand to her left shoulder. “I know, but it’s not like we need anything special.”
    She spoke for herself. Jake was about ready to butcher one of his own steers and roast it in the alley. He got to his feet and headed for the door. “Anything in particular you’d like me to bring back?”
    His mother moaned and fell back on the cushion. He halted. Dare he leave her?
    “I don’t mind sharing my supper with you.” Hannah spoke softly, sending Jake a look that dared him to argue.
    “That would be lovely,” Mother whispered without opening her eyes.
    Jake ached to reject Hannah’s offer. His mouth flooded at the promise of a thick steak. But his mother’s fragile state swayed him against his personal wants. With a sigh, he mentally kissed the steak good-bye. He jerked a chair to his mother’s side and plunked down on it. “That will be fine,” he told Hannah.
    “I’ll get right at it.” She spun on her heels and headed for the kitchen.
    Jake watched his mother, worried she was so quiet. He made up his mind. “In the morning I’ll hire someone to take you home.”
    Her eyes opened quickly, and she fixed him with a determined look. “You’ll do no such thing. I have shopping to do.”
    “You’ll exhaust yourself.”
    “How can you think of sending me home as though I’ve been naughty?”
    Jake felt caught between wanting to obey his mother and being the one responsible for her health.
    His mother draped her arm over her forehead. She looked so exhausted, he decided he would personally take her home as soon as it was light out.
    “Don’t deprive me of this little pleasure,” she pleaded.
    He wanted to say no. But he couldn’t. After all, she must get lonely at the ranch. “Very well, if you promise to be careful.”
    “I promise.” She smiled gratefully. “Now why don’t you go see if you can help that sweet girl?”
    “Me?” Give him a fire and a slab of beef, and he could cook up a meal to satisfy the largest appetite, but he turned all feet and thumbs when he tried to do things indoors.
    “I’d help, but—,” his mother began.
    “You stay here and rest.” He reluctantly planted his feet under him and made for the dining room door, certain the last thing Hannah needed was his assistance. He stuck his nose into the room where she worked. “How can I help?” Should he warn her of his ineptitude in the kitchen?
    She stopped chopping something into a bowl of flour and considered him. “Help?” She sounded so surprised, he stepped into the room.
    “I’m sure there’s something I can do.”
    She looked about ready to refuse.
    “I insist.” Mother would have a fit if he didn’t do something.
    Hannah didn’t look very happy about it, but she nodded. “Very well. You can slice the chicken.” She wiped her hands on her apron and pulled a glass platter from the cupboard. “Arrange it on this.”
    He held the platter gingerly. It shone in the light and looked like it would break if he held it too hard. Or worse, slip from his fingers and shatter on the