Page 42 of Westbound Awakening

"Would you like me to move those sacks into the shack?" Alan asked John who also turned to him. "It may rain this afternoon. Won't do to leave them out there."

"I'll come help," John replied. Then giving her a lingering look, he left to go with the man.

Mae collapsed onto a chair. Why did just John's presence alone have her second-guessing her decision to accept spending time with Joshua? Her heart beat so hard it banged against her breast. Was this what a cheater felt?

John had all but told her to move on. He had no intention of seeking a relationship with her. So why did she feel guilty about considering a relationship with Joshua? Her palm hit the table, and she growled under her breath.

"Miss Mae?" Alan beckoned her from the doorway, and she got up and went to him. They walked to the cart and he stopped, placing one hand on the side of the wagon. "I'll go see about picking up the staples from the general store." He looked past her to the house and frowned. "Will you be all right? You can accompany if you wish."

The unexpected invitation took her by surprise. Not sure why she should decline, Mae could only stare at him. She stalled for time to come up with a reason not to accompany him. "I -- I was not planning to go into town." She smoothed her hands down her skirt and Alan's lips curved knowingly.

"Not dressed for town Miss Mae?" His eyes twinkled when meeting hers and Mae smiled up at him with gratitude. "Very well, I will leave the wagon and go into town on horseback. I have the large saddlebags with enough space to hold the supplies you need."

"Thank you Alan." Mae watched him mount and realized she genuinely liked the man.

"You're welcome Mae," Alan replied and touched the tip of his hat.

Mae made it back to the house just as John came from the side of the shack. He lifted his hand at Alan who rode past him toward town.

They entered the room, and John moved toward Wesley and leaned to inspect the child's toys. "You're got quite a set up there Wesley."

The boy gave him a proud smile and continued to play.

Mae sat at the kitchen table and reached for the embroidery she'd brought along to keep busy with. John approached her and peered down at her. "I have to finish checking the fencing to make sure the horses don't get out."

She looked to him and forced a bland expression. "Go on John. I know you have things to do, so I will keep Wesley company. You can spend time with him once you finish."

Two hours later, Mae called both to John and Wesley, who sat together to the table, and father and son went to wash up.

Mae carried the steaming pot to the table where Wesley and John were already settling into chairs. Matching pairs of eyes followed the ladle to the bowls and she held back a chuckle. "John can you please pull the bread from the basket."

The three ate keeping the discussion light to include Wesley who managed to eat almost as much as the adults. Mae quizzed the boy on his words to show John how much progress he'd made?

Soon they finished eating and Mae allowed John to pour her coffee while Wesley went back to play.

"I've inquired about a housekeeper, and Mrs. Shelby, the seamstress in town recommended a widowed woman who's looking to do such a thing. I will go see about meeting with her next week."

"There's certainly no hurry..." Mae began.

"Yes there is," John interrupted her. "Its time for my boy to live here. I appreciate all you've done and continue to do for us."

"But?"

"I could never repay you for everything. By the way, thank you for the feed. I planned to go into town to get more." His lips curved and she was mesmerized at the sight. "Your bottom lip is quivering. Please tell me it doesn't mean you are about to cry. Mae, you do this each time I talk about bringing Wesley home to live with me." The concern in his eyes made her want to cry even more.

"Home?" She swung away from him and blinked away the moisture. "I am not about to cry John. There is something in my eye. You're right I'm sorry. He is your son and should be with you. It's just that I will miss his so."

"Thank you for loving my son," John moved to stand in front of her, his eyes concentrating on the cloth napkin she wrung with both hands.

Mae closed her eyes. She would not cry, had to be strong. After all, John had a right to have his son living with him.

"It seems Joshua is interested in courting you."

John's flat statement shook her, and Mae swallowed. Deciding it was best not to respond, she got up to clear the table. John's hand over hers stayed her.

"Your lack of reply tells me that perhaps I'm right." Although the words were spoken in a soft tone, she heard the anger that bubbled beneath the calm façade and was secretly gratified by it.

"My lack of reply is just that John. I don't have anything to say about Joshua to you. What does or does not happen between us is just that, between us." She slid her hand free and picked up the bowls.