The Lone Cowboy of River Bend. Lori Connelly

into his study but he remembered no complaints. “I didn’t know.”

      “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a bookkeeper in place before they return so your father would never have to do them again?”

      Nate admired her persistence. Alice had a plan and wanted it done. “What then? I put Pa out to pasture?”

      “No, lazing about for days on end would drive the man crazy but I’m certain he’d enjoy spending his time on other things.”

      Restless, Nate got up. He put another fir round on the fire and listened to a bit of pitch crackle in the heat. “Pa could’ve hired someone himself years ago.”

      “Jeremiah doesn’t trust outsiders easily, especially with money.”

      “I know.” He turned to face Alice again. “That’s why your bookkeeping idea won’t work.”

      “Hannah is a longtime friend of my son and his late wife and is now a close friend of mine. Your father won’t consider her a stranger.”

      “I’m not so sure. And I-”

      “Could do with some proper help.”

      Distracted, he shook his head. “I’m doing fine.”

      “Still keeping all the information in your head? What if you get sick or hurt?”

      “Ben knows enough to help then.” Nate reclaimed his seat, leaning forward and assuring Alice, “I appreciate your concerns, truly.” He paused, taking a small breath then moved on, bringing up the point he’d wanted to make before. “You know I share Pa’s aversion. Bringing a stranger to live on the Bar 7 doesn’t sit well with me.”

      “Hannah’s not a stranger.”

      “You just met her.”

      “Yes, but I’ve heard plenty about her over the years. She and Bessie were closer than most sisters.” Calmly, Alice looked him square in the eye. “Hannah’s a good person. If I had any doubts about her character, I wouldn’t ask this of you.”

      “I know but… I’m not convinced hiring her is a good idea.”

      “Nor am I,” Hannah announced from the open doorway.

      But time’s running out. In measured strides, she crossed the room and rejoined those by the fire, a mask of composure concealing the nature of her thoughts. The notion of turning down a job, even a temporary housekeeping one, knotted her stomach.

      “I meant no offence.”

      “None taken.” Hannah clasped her hands together in her lap to hide how they shook. She couldn’t stop the effect of growing fear but refused to allow it to overcome her. So far, no other place had offered her work. Her choices were few. “But, should you be inclined, I’m willing to discuss Alice’s idea.”

      Nate studied her a moment before offering a few polite words. “Another time, perhaps?”

      “Of course,” Hannah agreed graciously. It’s fine. I really don’t want a job with the Rolfes anyway. Michael must have had a good reason to warn me away. Tension tightened a band around her chest. He must have.

      Alice cleared her throat, drawing Hannah’s attention. “Will you both to give my suggestion some serious consideration?”

      “I will,” she promised, in a whisper.

      Somber, Nate also assured her. “As will I.”

      “Good.” Alice got up. “Now, I’m heading to bed. It’s been a long day and this old lady needs to rest.” Nate stood, offering her his arm. She refused it with a weary smile. “Good night.”

      The older woman walked away. After the dull thuds of her boots faded, only the occasional hiss from the fire disturbed the silence for a long moment. Uncomfortable, Hannah murmured an excuse, got up, and went over to start clearing the table. Nate followed, helping, unasked. Working together provided a short-lived but surprisingly pleasant experience. However, as soon as they finished fresh tension filled her.

      Either she or Alice routinely tried tempting Jed to eat something around this time. Hannah dished up a small portion of stew, took a deep breath, then looked over at Nate. “Excuse me, I’ll be back shortly.”

      “Taking Jed supper?” At her nod, he continued. “Would you ask if he’d like to visit with me?”

      Hannah held his gaze a moment. “I’ll ask but…”

      “It’s pointless.”

      The young woman didn’t have the heart to respond. Without a word, she strode off, carrying the food into Jed’s bedroom. She moved easily through the dimly lit area straight to him. Hannah placed the bowl in his hands, then waited several seconds until his fingers flexed, gripping it before she stepped back.

      “Nate is still here.” Jed didn’t give any indication he heard her. His gaze remained focused beyond her, out into the darkness. “Would you come out and talk with your friend?”

      After waiting for an answer for some minutes, Hannah headed toward the door. The soft chink of the bowl being set on the side table next to Jed sounded loud in the quiet space. A step from exiting, she stopped and looked back, saddened. He hadn’t eaten all day again, to the best of her knowledge. She missed the man he’d been before: a good friend, playful father, and loving spouse. Bessie would be appalled to see her husband now.

      Hannah blinked back the urge to cry and continued forward, closing the door behind her a moment later. Her gaze found Nate sitting near the fire again. He lifted an eyebrow and she gave a small shake of her head in answer to his silent inquiry. Without a word, she slowly walked over to join him, pausing on the way to grab the sewing basket.

      “Would you like some more coffee?” She put the basket down on the floor next to a chair.

      “No, thank you.”

      As soon as he declined, Hannah sat down, picking up Jemma’s spare dress out of the pile of clothes needing mending. Pulling the needle out from where she’d left it, she settled back. There was comfort in tending to a familiar task, yet more than a sliver of guilt traveled through her.

      Her little girl was growing fast. She’d outgrown all but the dress she’d worn today, filthy from running around with the boys, and the one Hannah held. The repair had to be finished by morning. She focused, keeping her stitches strong and small.

       I need to provide better for my daughter.

      It was past time to sew Jemma more clothes. I should’ve taken care of it weeks ago. It felt like there were never enough hours in a day. For a moment, the weight of her responsibilities threatened to overwhelm her. Hannah swallowed a sigh, unwilling to draw Nate’s attention to her inner turmoil. After a short time, she dug up her determination. Tomorrow, she’d go through her trunk and pick out some of her mother’s old dresses to cut down for her little girl.

       If only all my problems were so easily solved.

      Unexpectedly, Nate broke the silence. “Alice isn’t replaceable.”

      “I agree. She’s a special woman.” Although Alice’s blunt proposal had been a bit embarrassing, Hannah knew her friend had the best of intentions. She glanced up at Nate then back down to her stitching, trying to think of what to say next. “Your ranch must do well to have a housekeeper for so long.”

      As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. It sounded like she was fishing for information. Her hand stilled mid-stitch while Hannah considered if an apology would make it better or worse.

      “We do fair.” Nate got up, gesturing to the wood stacked beside the fireplace. “May I?”

      Relief coursed through her upon hearing his casual response. He wasn’t offended. Stop over-thinking every word. She relaxed and resumed sewing. “Please.”

      He