Page 47 of In Hiding

He gave a nod and left, disappearing into the downstairs powder room to clean up. His words roused a worry that settled in her gut, but she tried not to let her imagination get the better of her. If they’d entered the house in a light mood, it couldn’t be too serious, could it?

Gathering plates and bowls from the cupboard, she turned to set them on the table when Jake reappeared. He’d washed his face and rolled down his sleeves, hiding those shapely forearms. Holding out his hands, he waited for her to hand over the crockery.

“Smells amazing,” he said. “I see there is fresh bread. Did you bake?”

With a nod, she instructed him how to set the table and sent him on his way. From the cutlery drawer, she collected enough for them all and joined him at the table.

“It must be torture, smelling the fresh bread you can’t eat?”

“Don’t I know it, but I can’t seem to stop myself from baking. At least I know it will get eaten.”

“Well,” he stepped around a chair to stand beside her, “we are growing boys.”

She chuckled and elbowed him playfully. “I think that only applies to one of you. Did you two have a good chat?”

He nodded as William entered the room. Dressed in clean clothes, he’d even brushed his hair. “Glasses?”

She waved him toward the cupboard. “Go get them, please.”

He crossed the kitchen, putting some distance between them.

“You seem to have a good influence on him,” she said softly. “He’s never come to the dinner table so clean.”

“Oh my God!” William practically squealed. “You made apple pie?”

The delight on his face sent joy through her. “I may have.”

He pointed at the oven. “Then what’s that?”

“Could be steak and kidney pie,” she murmured, seeing his grin falter. “But no, you’re right.”

Returning with glass tumblers in hand, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You’re the best.”

“And don’t you forget it.”

Over dinner, William entertained her with a long-winded tale of how in PE, his friends Sam and Tim had tried to impress some girls with backflips, only to land on their heads. Then he proceeded to explain how he’d learned only strong species thrived in the wild. “Millie says it’s Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection.”

Her ears pricked. “Millie?”

William’s cheeks burned bright red. “Yeah, Millie. Ms. Wells’ daughter. She’s smart.”

His interest in school had never been so enthralling but hearing him talk positively hinted that maybe he’d turned a corner. Or perhaps young Millie had something to do with it.

The beef stew went down a treat, the two boys having double helpings to replenish their energies after their wood chopping contest. Sarah ate what she could, consuming her meagre amount slowly so as not to fill up too quickly. All the while, she became aware of Jake watching her.

The close attention he paid her should’ve unnerved her—worried her even—but it didn’t. She almost welcomed it, ignoring the nagging question in the back of her mind as to why.

It was obvious her son had formed a very strong bond with Jake. Trusted him. Listened to him. Accepted him. It was also clear he sought Jake’s approval. Meeting Jake’s gaze, she wondered if he understood how important he’d become to the young man.

Dessert seemed to lull both Jake and William into a serene state. She’d almost say it hypnotized them. With their stomachs full of pie and ice cream, their eyes glazed over, and their chatter died down.

“Sarah,” Jake sighed. “That was delicious.”

She agreed. Though she couldn’t eat the pie crust, the filling she’d set aside for herself hit the right spot. “Thank you.”

“Mama, you make the best apple pie.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. Would you help me clear the table?”

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