Page 55 of Discovered Magic
“I’d love to know his history.” Patting his arm, Evie said, “But for now, I need to speak with Nate and Damian.”
“Why?”
“Wilder was right. That poor dear should be healed without delay.”
“You know, you would make an excellent Guardian, Aunt Evie. I’m surprised they haven’t recruited you for the job.”
“They have. I told them after my boys were settled, and only with Nathanial by my side.”
“It sure doesn’t hurt that the garden is beside your favorite son’s estate,” he teased, wishing his own parents had been as loving as his aunt and uncle were.
“I don’t have favorites. I can’t say the same about my husband. He’s always had a soft spot for Damian.”
“Do you think you can convince him to help Mary—uh, Abbie?”
“He’s going through a stage where he believes he knows best. But Damian will come around after a good talking to,” she assured him.
The only place to find a meal was run by a man named Cookie, who was sweeping up when Wilder and Abbie arrived.
“Kitchen’s closed.”
“Even for a weary traveler and his lady love?” Wilder asked.
“Don’t play favorites,” Cookie said, not bothering to look up from his chore.
“We’ll take whatever you have leftover. It doesn’t matter if it’s not hot.”
The owner finally glanced up, eyeing him before Abbie. His expression softened. “Was in the bank that day. It’s sorry I was for what that good fer nothin’ Harlan did to ya, gal.”
Abbie nodded her understanding.
“It’s good to see ya up and around. Don’t hold with harmin’ women or children.”
Sensing her discomfort over the topic, Wilder wrapped an arm around her. “Abbie and I would really love a meal, sir. We’re happy to pay extra.”
Cookie gestured with his chin to a table by the window. “Have a seat. I’ve got extra stew and biscuits I’ve been saving for Gus. Boy’s a reed.”
Gus.
He’d heard the name earlier as one of the gang members who’d initially found Abbie.
“He’s a good boy, Wilder.” She covered his hand with hers. “Really.”
“Has he already eaten? I wouldn’t want to take his food.”
Cookie barked a laugh as he set his broom aside. “That boy had four meals today alone, and none of them small.”
“Fair enough.”
Wilder drew out a chair and assisted Abbie into it, then immediately sat beside her.
Within minutes, two steaming bowls were placed on the table, accompanied by a plate of biscuits and a beer for each of them. With one bite of the savory dish, Wilder’s taste buds were transformed.
“Good lord! Are you a wizard?”
Cookie chuckled and continued his closing procedure.
Abbie watched Wilder with a fascination new to him. Even in their early days, she wasn’t as enthralled. The disturbing sensation caused him to look away.
