Page 63 of Courage, Dear Heart

He touches my elbow. “Come sit.”

My cheeks burn. I hold on to the mug with both hands and walk around the long table to take a seat next to Jamie.

Grace walks in with a plate piled high with bacon. She winks at me. “My, my, what a lovely flush you have this morning, Jillian. This place agrees with you. Must be all the fresh air.”

The burn in my cheeks intensifies. “It’s the coffee, very hot.” I blow at my mug for emphasis and drop a kiss on top of Jamie’s head before sitting down. “Good morning, sweetie. Did you sleep well?”

Jamie smiles and shoves a big bite of pancake into his mouth.

Grace points at the food. “Help yourself.”

Elliott takes the empty chair next to me.

I’m so very aware of his closeness. “Everything looks delicious. I’m sorry I was not up to help.”

She waves off my apology. “Oh, no. I didn’t make any ofit. Carmen does all the cooking. I’m not even allowed in the kitchen. It’s her domain. If I try to do anything, she threatens me with a rolling pin.” Grace chuckles.

I smile, not totally believing her.

Elliott reaches for a slice of bacon. “It’s true. I’m not allowed in there either.”

Grace smacks his hand. “Elliott, manners. I taught you better than that. Use the spoon to put whatever you want to eat on your plate and pass the rest around.”

“Yes, Grandma.” Elliott passes the bacon plate to me and winks.

I take some for myself and Jamie. And pass it back to Grace. We eat breakfast, and the conversation flows easily, with Grace telling us stories about the house and the surrounding land.

I set my mug on the table. “It’s a beautiful property. Must feel like you’re on vacation all the time.” My elbow bumps against Elliott and an electric current flows up my arm and to the back of my head, my skin tingling. I’m hyperaware of his presence, his every move as he shifts in his seat. It takes effort to focus on what Grace is saying and her all too observant eyes seem to miss nothing. I reach for a pitcher of water and fill my glass, hoping the cold liquid will cool me off. I can’t look at Elliott without remembering the feel of his lips on mine. Damn hormones.

As soon as breakfast is over, Grace stands up. “Now all of you go out for a walk. Elliott knows all the best trails for a hike. Go now before it gets too hot.”

Elliott turns to me. “You two up for a hike?”

Jamie nods and is already pushing his chair back. I rufflehis hair. “I guess that’s a yes. Jamie needs to change out of his pajamas.”

Elliott stands up and pushes his chair in. “I’ll meet you out on the porch in fifteen minutes.”

“Sounds good. Come on, Jamie. Let’s get you dressed.”

THIRTY-FOUR

Elliott

When they step outside,I’m already waiting at the base of the porch steps. The morning air is crisp, carrying the faint scent of hay and wildflowers, and I breathe it in, feeling lighter here than I have in weeks. The ranch always does this to me—strips away the layers I build to survive in the city and lets me be me.

I spot Jillian and Jamie, and my chest tightens. She’s radiant in the soft light, wearing denim shorts and a loose shirt that flutters in the breeze. Jamie ventures a few yards away, taking everything in but keeping a vigilant eye on his mother, making sure she’s not far.

I lift the backpack slung over my shoulder. “I brought water, snacks, and sunblock. Do you want to put some on Jamie now? And maybe yourself too?”

Her eyes widen slightly, like she hadn’t thought of it, and her lips curve into a small, grateful smile. “Yes, thank you.”

Jamie scrunches his nose in protest as she kneels to apply the sunscreen. “Yes, I know you don’t like it,but you’ll like getting a sunburn even less. Come here.” She talks him through it, her voice soft and steady. The way she mothers him—gently but firmly—hits me square in the chest. She’s so careful with him, every word, every touch laced with love and understanding.

“Everyone ready?”

Jamie nods, a huge smile on his face.

Jillian stands, wiping the excess sunblock on her thighs. “We are. Lead the way.”

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