Page 75 of A Secret Heart
Platters of food made their way around the table for second helpings amidst the joyful celebration. Ed let his focus fall on his new wife once again as her laughter filled the space beside him. Everything in him wanted to keep her happy for the rest of their lives.
“Will you build me a cradle for Prudence?” Tillie’s request burst into his thoughts.
“Your doll doesn’t need a cradle.” Jo glared at her sister.
Drew cleared his throat. His shoulder was pressed close to Kaitlyn’s. “There’s going to be a need for a full-sized cradle first.”
There was a moment of silence and then a chaos of congratulations.
No wonder Kaitlyn had been pushing food around on her plate without eating much. Tillie bounced in her seat. Another McGraw would be arriving soon.
“Is it time yet?” Tillie pushed her carrots around her plate, causing two glasses to bump together, and Kaitlyn reached to steady them, breaking the mood after the big announcement.
Kaitlyn turned to raise her brows at Rebekah. “Want to help me cut the cake?”
Rebekah dabbed her napkin to her lips. “I think this is the perfect time for it.”
As Rebekah pushed back her chair, her cheerful countenance flooded Ed with joy once again. He lifted a hand to clasp hers, then slowly let it go as she moved away from the table. He caught Kaitlyn watching them with a wide grin on her face. As Rebekah rounded the table to join her, Kaitlyn looped Rebekah’s arm in hers.
The two had grown thicker than ever. Kaitlyn had invested part of her inheritance to help Rebekah rent the space for the paper in town. A silent partner. After Mr. Sullivan had skipped town, the bank had been eager for any renter.
“I’m so glad we’re finally sisters.” Kaitlyn’s whisper met his ears. “I knew it all along.”
Tillie pushed back from the table to follow them, Jo close at her heels.
As they disappeared into the kitchen, Ed shifted his attention to the low conversation between his brothers.
“Did you get the second part of the contract for the bakery?” Drew rested his arms on the table and leaned forward.
Ed had intended to spend more time in town next week converting the area above the newspaper office into an apartment to stay in while Rebekah worked on the paper each week, splitting his time between town and the homestead. “I can turn it down. Won’t you need more help around here with Kaitlyn in the family way?”
The old worry slipped in. Things were changing.
“Isaac and I have it covered.” Nick shared a glance with Isaac. It was good to have him back in the physical form. If only their brother were back to himself.
“David’s already stepped in to take on more chores too.” Drew settled the look of a proud father on David, who lifted his lips to form a faint smile. A lot for the boy who emulated his stoic Uncle Isaac.
Ed eased back in his chair.
“Did you hear the latest on Quade’s bandit?” David interjected the question, no doubt wanting to join the talk of the men he admired.
“Heard he refused to talk. Marshal O’Grady’s hands were tied since Rebekah was the only one who saw him on Quade’s ranch. There wasn’t enough proof to connect them.”
“Did they talk to Isabella?” As Ed spoke, David started to speak but bit his lower lip.
“She wouldn’t give them any information, not even an interview.” Even as he spoke, Drew turned his focus to hear what had David drumming on the table as he waited to speak.
“I mean about him dying,” David said.
“Dying?” Ed scanned the faces at the table. His gaze landed on Isaac, who stared out the window, the muscle in his cheek twitching. Ed glanced back at Nick and Drew. Concern radiated between them.
“The marshal went in to retrieve the dishes after the bandit finished his supper one evening only to find him dead.” In his rush to tell the news, David appeared oblivious to Isaac’s silence.
The brothers exchanged another knowing look.
“Quade’s gonna be elected as president of the Cattlemen’s Association.” Nick pulled a frown.
Rebekah had printed the truth of his connection with the bandit, but public opinion still favored him. Folks didn’t believe he’d paid the man to do his bidding. Especially after prior articles Mr. Sullivan had printed in Quade’s favor. Articles that Quade had paid Sullivan to write. It had hurt Rebekah to the core to imagine her mentor accepting a bribe, until she’d discovered Mr. Sullivan had offered to pay it back after his daughter recovered. But Quade had threatened to ruin his reputation.
