Page 22 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“I can. I’m a good cook.”
Relief spread over Piper’s features.“That’s a plus. Now for upstairs.” She took the lead up a set of creaky stairs off the kitchen.“There’s only one available bedroom so you and the kid will have to share. I have a rollaway bed I’ll bring in,” she said as she opened the first closed door at the top of the stairs.
CaDee scanned the furnishings inside the bedroom. It was a simply decorated space but had everything anyone would need.
“I’ll leave you to wash up for dinner. The bathroom is down the hall. I’ll call in the kid and have him wash up downstairs.”
“I can go and grab him,” CaDee said as Piper started to close the door.
“I’ve raised a son, CaDee, so I know how to handle a kid. If you’re going to be living in my home, he’ll have to get used to me.” There was no room for arguments.
“Carsen.”
Piper paused in closing the door.“Excuse me?”
“His name is Carsen,” CaDee said.
Piper gave a simple nod of understanding and finally closed the door.
CaDee listened to the woman’s footsteps fade on the stairs and then she took in the bedroom with a closer eye.
The centerpiece was a wooden bed dressed in layers of soft blankets and pillows that all looked handmade. A sheer curtain on the window allowed sunlight to stream in, casting asoft glow on the room. She stepped over to peer outside and she felt an instant wave of peace seeing the view. The field was dotted with purple wildflowers and large, fluffy clouds danced in the vast blue sky.
In the bathroom, she eyed the shower, but she didn’t want to leave Carsen alone so she quickly washed her face and hands then headed downstairs where she found Piper filling bowls full of stew. CaDee’s stomach growled as a reminder that she hadn’t eaten much over the last few days. She pulled the sleeve of the shirt down over her wrist to cover the lingering bruises from the tangle she had with Dante. The last thing she wanted was for Piper to send CaDee packing because of the possibility of trouble.
“The kid—I mean, Carsen, is washing his hands,” Piper said as she filled the last bowl.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” CaDee reminded herself that she wasn’t a guest. She was an employee.
“I’m guessing you know how to slice bread?”
“I think I can manage.” Finding a knife, she began slicing the bread. She was so hungry she felt woozy.
“Mommy!” Carsen came flying into the room, cupping something in his tiny hands.“Look what I found.” He opened his hands, showing her a rock that had bits of sparkles embedded in it.
“That’s very pretty.” To see him have so much pleasure over something so simple made tears well in her eyes. This proved they had been in a bubble for the last few years. She’d done what she thought she needed to do to keep him safe.
“Dinner’s ready,” Piper said.“Sit down—I’ll get the bread.”
CaDee didn’t protest the command. Neither did Carsen, who, despite usually being picky, quickly started on the stew.
The flavorful stew was unlike anything she’d ever had before.“This is delicious. What is it?” Cadee said to Piper when she placed the breadbasket in the center of the table.
“Roadkill stew.” She dropped down into the chair.
CaDee’s spoon hit the bowl and clattered loudly.“Excuse me?”
Piper finished praying over her bowl.“Roadkill stew.” Piper dipped a chunk of bread into the broth.
“As in…”
“Relax. The meat came from the freezer not the highway,” she said without any humor.
“That’s good…I think.” Although the stew was delicious, CaDee was a bit wary.
“Mommy, I’m finished. Can I go play outside?”
She felt Piper’s inquisitive eye.“Wipe your mouth and then you can. Just stay near the house.”
