Page 19 (1/2)

Cat smiled her amusement with his reaction “So it is I tell you hy don’t you go knock on Greypa’s door and tell him lunch is ready”

“Oh, boy” He was off the chair in a flash and racing out of the kitchen

“Just knock,” Sloan called after him “Don’t open the door”

“’kay, Mo room

“That boy,” Sloan enuine affection as Jessy and Laredo made their way into the kitchen

“I swear Jake only has two speeds Stop and go,” Laredo declared, rubbing his hands together to warm them

“Trey was just like that at his age,” Jessy recalled, then ress “Need some help?”

“Everything’s ready Just needs to be dished up,” Cat replied

With so many hands to help, the task was acco only Cat in the kitchen She cast a glance around the counter and stove top to lilass front She bent down slightly to check her appearance, touching fingers to her dark hair

Lips curving in alance heavenward “I’ll bet you’re up there s so feers to think I look attractive” She turned a little serious “It’s good to feel this alive again, though You don’t mind, do you?” The minute the soft question slipped from her, an easy peace settled over her “Of course, you don’t”

She entered the dining rooside theChase There was instant eye contact between thereeting

The moment Chase paused in the doorway, Jake was at his side “Greypa, I’ve been waitin’ an’ waitin’ for you to come out Me an’ Danny an’ Luke built us a snow fort Aunt Cat thinks she helped ’em, but it was me And—”

“Whoa there, son” Chase held up a shushing hand “You need to reuest Wade, this ind is randson, Jake Ca

lder Jake, ers”

With shoulders squared and his expression solemn, if a little impatient, Jake thrust out a hand “How do you do, sir?”