Abandoned Hearts (The Ozark Durham Series) by Tittel Regina

Author:Tittel, Regina [Tittel, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2011-05-02T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Jacob found his dad at the stove raising the lid to one of the pans. “Didn’t Mom always say whoever got caught with their hand in the cookie jar would be the one to wash it?”

Luke dropped the lid back on the pot before he replied, “Then I guess it’s a good thing you stopped me. That way I can avoid dish detail.” He inhaled deeply. “Smells just like Mom’s cooking, doesn’t it, Son?”

“Yeah, it sure does. What have you been doing this afternoon besides sneaking bites of food?”

Luke chuckled. “Oh, a little of this and that.”

“I sure could’ve used your help out there today. I had to chase ol’ Bessie around the field all morning before pulling her calf.”

Luke patted his son’s shoulder. “Sorry, I didn’t see you. I was probably asleep in the recliner. Next time, come in and holler for me.”

“Hope you mean it. I’m sure there be plenty more opportunities.”

Luke looked out the window. “You know it’s a shame Tommy’s not visiting. He’d be great to have around when you decide to hunt that wild cat.”

Jacob didn’t mind the change of conversation. It was something he’d given thought to as well. “No doubt about that. He has the sharpest eye of anyone I know.”

Just wish he kept a better eye on his personal life. Jacob wasn’t sure his dad knew how turned around Tommy’s life had become. He’d always viewed the eldest of the Stevenson’s children as the younger brother he never had. When Tommy made the decision to move away, Jacob vowed to visit. But with each trip, it became more evident what path Tommy had chosen. Between his weakness for women and his desire to party, the third visit became Jacob’s last. Though he was aware his own walk with the Lord wasn’t where it needed to be, he assumed Tommy no longer held to any belief.

Ann and the children stepped through the doorway with the energy of spring.

“Go wash up, then we’ll eat,” Ann told them.

The children made their way down the hall, talking to Luke and Jacob the whole way. Jacob had washed and changed from helping the calf and now sat at the table.

Before Luke took a seat, he offered coffee to Ann. “You’ll need this to keep up with those two.” He smiled as he pointed in the children’s direction.

Jacob couldn’t take his eyes off Ann. Her cheeks had taken on a bright rosy hue from the crisp spring air and she radiated the same enthusiasm as the children. Her presence brought an unexpected completeness to his family. He’d never tried to fill the vacant spot the children’s mother left. Though there were a few single women at church that expressed their interest, he didn’t want to marry just to give the children a stepmother. But Ann, he realized, would never be seen as a stepmother. The children would eagerly accept her as their own, which is why he had to be careful and slow his feelings enough to fully consider the implication of his actions.

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