Montana Cowboy Family. Linda Ford

remembered? He couldn’t say, but neither could he leave her without knowing she was okay. Ignoring the idea that she might object to his forwardness, wanting only to make sure she knew he was concerned about her and the children, he cupped one hand to her shoulder. He knew he’d done the right thing when she leaned into his palm. “Sadie, I’ll stay if you need me to. I can sleep in the schoolroom, or over at Uncle George’s. Or even under the stars.”

      She glanced past him to the pile of lumber at the back of the yard. For the space of a heartbeat, he thought she’d ask him to stay, then she drew in a long breath.

      “We’ll be fine, though I would feel better leaving them in the morning if I knew you were here.”

      He squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll be here.” He hesitated, still not wanting to leave.

      She stepped away from him, forcing him to lower his arm to his side. “Goodbye, then. And thank you for your help.”

      “Don’t forget we’re partners in this.” He waited for her to acknowledge his statement.

      “Very well.”

      “Goodbye for now. I’ll see you in the morning.” He forced himself to climb into the wagon and flick the reins. He turned for one last look before he rode out of sight.

       Chapter Four

      Sadie waved as Logan drove away. With the school bell clutched to her chest she felt a little like Sammy. Who was going to keep them all safe? Not that she feared an intruder. The danger that concerned her would come in the form of a man who thought he had the right to walk in like he belonged. No one would be suspicious of him until it was too late. And then many would still see him as a friend or partner. She shook her head, realizing she was thinking of her past, not her present.

      Logan had said they were partners in caring for the children. She wished he’d used any other word than the one that made her feel dirty inside and out, her heart clenching with a sense of abandonment.

      God, help me forget my past and focus on my future. Help me know what these children need. She went back inside and set the bell in the middle of the table.

      “Miss Sadie?” Beth’s voice carried a note of caution that Sadie wished she could erase. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help clean up the kitchen. Next time leave the dishes, and I’ll do them after Jeannie has settled.”

      Oh, Sadie ached at such an overdeveloped sense of responsibility, and it deepened her suspicions regarding the family. Could it be that Beth strove to avoid outbursts by taking care of every detail? “Beth, my dear, what you did was far more important than dishes.”

      Beth’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

      “You comforted and calmed a little girl. To my way of thinking that should always take precedence over dishes. Don’t you agree?”

      Beth nodded. “Yes, miss.”

      “Besides, there was plenty of help.”

      “I dried,” Sammy said with some disgust. “Logan made me.”

      “That’s good.” The worried furrow in Beth’s forehead disappeared.

      Sadie felt the muscles in her own forehead relax. “I need to prepare lessons for tomorrow.”

      Sammy looked about the small room. “What’re we gonna do?”

      “You could work on your sums. You need the practice.”

      “Aw. No fair having to live with the teacher.”

      Sadie laughed. “I expect it has advantages as well as disadvantages.”

      Sammy’s look demanded to know what the advantages would be but, before he could speak, Beth intercepted.

      “I’ll help him.” She sat at the table and tipped her head at Sammy to indicate he should join her.

      As slowly as possible, Sammy shuffled the three feet to the chair beside Beth.

      Sadie handed them a work sheet. It would give her a chance to observe Beth and assess what level of education she had received.

      It was soon apparent that Beth had the basic skills necessary for math. Tomorrow, Sadie would give a reading assignment so she could judge her reading ability.

      Sammy finished and grew restless. Beth shushed him several times even though he made little noise. Again, Sadie wondered if the girl wasn’t overly cautious.

      “Can I go out and play?” Sammy asked.

      “Certainly. Don’t go far. It will soon be bedtime.” She looked to Beth. “What time do both of you go to bed?”

      Beth glanced at the clock. It showed eight. “It’s about time.”

      Sammy was out the door before either of them could inform him he must stay.

      Again, Sadie looked to Beth for direction.

      Beth watched her, seeking a clue as to Sadie’s response. Again, that guarded cautiousness.

      “Should I call him back?” Sadie asked.

      Beth shrugged. “It wouldn’t hurt him to run off some energy so he’ll sleep better.”

      “What about you? Would you like to go out and play?”

      Beth blinked, and blinked again. “Play?”

      “Perhaps go for a walk? Enjoy some fresh air?”

      Beth’s gaze darted to the window. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. She jerked her attention from the window to the bedroom door. Her fingers bunched into tight fists. “I better stay in case Jeannie wakes up.”