Page 50 of A Secret Heart
He was walking toward the main house, still stuffing the tail of his shirt into his trousers. No need to rush down. There’d be no breakfast waiting.
But he’d get to see Rebekah.
The whole family had stayed up talking after the kids had gone to bed. Everyone but Isaac. Ed couldn’t deny the relief he’d felt that his brother hadn’t come in for supper.
He’d sat at Rebekah’s side as she’d retold the story of what’d happened in town for Kaitlyn and his brothers after the meal. Then Kaitlyn and Drew had rehearsed Quade’s involvement in Kaitlyn’s troubles. Nick and Drew had gone back and forth conjecturing about why Quade might be targeting the candidates. Other than the obvious.
Ed had stuck around far too late, hoping for a chance to talk to Rebekah about those letters. Which hadn’t happened. But he’d enjoyed every minute spent near her. He’d have to find a time today. Maybe he’d ask Kaitlyn to help him find a moment alone with Rebekah.
He’d spied Isaac and Nick already riding out while David disappeared into the barn. Probably starting on the chores Ed hadn’t been there to do.
The front door swung open as he reached for the latch.
Drew stepped into the morning light, not even flinching at their near collision. “You’re late. See you at the barn.”
Ed let his shoulders sink as he trudged to the table for whatever cold food he could scrounge up. He scrubbed a hand over his face only to find Rebekah setting a steaming plate at the place where he always sat at the table.
“I fought off the horde to save you a decent plate of hot food.” A warm smile lit her face.
“You didn’t have to.”
“I know.”
What did that mean? She’d wanted to?
He swallowed hard as he pulled out the chair and seated himself. He grabbed up the coffee mug in front of him. When he took a swig, he realized it was actually hot.
Rebekah didn’t move from her spot. She was studying him.
“I should cook for myself.” He shoveled in a bite. It wasn’t the first time he’d had the thought. But maybe the first time he’d said it aloud. “There’s rarely much left by the time I get here.”
“You deserve more than the scraps, Ed McGraw.”
He didn’t quite know what to say to that. Only knew how it made him feel—like he could fly.
He was aware of Kaitlyn bustling around in the kitchen, only a step away, or he might’ve blurted out his feelings for Rebekah then and there.
“Did you sleep well?” He dug his fork into a steaming slice of ham.
Rebekah flitted a glance to where Tillie played in the other room, then shifted her gaze back to him as she settled into a chair kitty-corner to him. “I woke up several times.” Her eyes dropped to her hands. “Even had a nightmare.”
Her voice, so low and sheepish, tugged at him in a new way. “You’ll be safe here.”
“I know you’ll protect me, Ed.”
She was pensive, troubled. Her brow was drawn.
“Do you regret having written the article about the bandit?”
“Of course not. I won’t let someone intimidate me into hiding the truth.” Her tone held fiery determination even as she fiddled with the edge of the table.
“That’s what I thought you’d say.” He grinned, letting the smirk linger as he noted the smear of flour across her cheek.
She cocked an eyebrow. “What?”
“You have a…a…” Ed swiped at his cheek.
Rebekah rubbed the back of her hand across her cheek, but missed it. He leaned across the table, running his thumb across the lower part of her jaw.
