Читать книгу Her Christmas Family Wish - Lois Richer - Страница 13

Chapter Four

Wyatt’s ranch was gorgeous.

While Gracie played with Cade in the sandbox, Ellie gazed at the ever changing horizon, mesmerized by the rosy hues of the November sunset above the craggy mountain peaks. For three evenings she’d watched this view and it was never the same.

Immersed in the display, she jumped when Wyatt asked, “Looking for something?”

“If I was, I found it. You have the most glorious sunset view I’ve ever seen.” She tried to ignore the flutter of nerves his presence always brought.

“I do have that.” He stood beside her, watching as the golden sun sank from view. “God’s handiwork is pretty amazing.”

“It is,” she agreed, then snapped out of her daydream. “Are you finished already?” She checked her watch, surprised to find she’d been out here more than half an hour.

“I doubt I’ll ever be finished on this place,” Wyatt admitted in a dry tone. “But I’m finished for tonight.” He lifted one shoulder and winced.

“Are you overdoing it?” Ellie asked as she shepherded the kids inside.

“No. I’ve just grown weak and out of shape since Cade came along.” He grinned as he swung the boy in his arms and carried him inside to the bathroom. “Cleanup time. You, too, Gracie,” he called over one shoulder.

“I’m coming.” Gracie obediently trotted along behind him.

“And don’t cheap out on the soap either,” Wyatt warned. “I’m going to smell your hands when you’re finished, and I only want to smell soap.”

“Did your mommy used to smell your hands?”

Uh-oh. In the kitchen, Ellie froze at her daughter’s question and the sudden silence that ensued.

“Supper’s ready,” she called, hoping to end Gracie’s inquisitiveness and relieve Wyatt from the necessity of answering. To her surprise the three emerged with big grins. “What happened?” she asked in confusion.

“Cade splashed water all over the floor. We nearly floated away,” Wyatt said as he set his son in his high chair. “And, no, Gracie. My mom didn’t tell me that. Actually I didn’t have a mom while I was growing up.”

While Ellie set the serving dishes on the table she tried to decipher Wyatt’s tone. She saw no distress on his handsome face.