Lauri Robinson Read Online Free Page A

way his insides churned said he probably couldn’t drink any, but he didn’t want to leave. “Sure, that would be good.”
    She rose and moved to the stove. “Isaac wasn’t here when Ester passed.”
    “Where was he?”
    “Otis found him in Wichita.” She rinsed out the pot and refilled it. “Brought him home for the funeral.”
    “I was there. At the funeral,” he explained.
    “I know. I saw you.”
    He swallowed the bitterness forming on his tongue, recalling the way Isaac had held her as the two of them stood over the grave that cold wintry day. “I saw you, too.”
    “Most of it’s a blur to me. Anna was barely a year old, Elsie just two months.” She moved to the stove, and opened the fire door.
    Wanting something to remove the images from his mind, Spencer rose. “I’ll get the fire.” He nodded toward the pot. “You grind the beans.”
    An utterly charming smile appeared on her pert lips, making her eyes glitter like dew in the morning. “Thank you.”
    She turned back toward the counter and Spencer let the air out of his lungs. The need to hold her again, kiss her again and chase away all her worries—past, present and future—had his hands shaking. By the time flames licked at the wood, she had set the pot on top of the cast-iron stove, and stood, looking down at him. He rose from his crouched position slowly, watching her face the entire time. A connection sparked between them again, as they looked upon each other. He felt it, but more so, saw she felt it, too.
    She turned away, moved toward the cupboard. He went back to the table and sat down, thankful for the sturdiness of the chair.
    “Isaac went to Sister Marie’s Saloon as soon as we got home that afternoon.”
    Spencer frowned, but held silent.
    “That’s where he spent most of his time in El Dorado.” She set two cups on the table as well as a plate of cookies.
    It seemed odd in a way, sitting here, receiving her hospitality and talking about her dead husband. Spencer accepted it, that and the fact he’d gladly be the friend she needed right now. In many ways it was more than he could hope for.
    “I didn’t mind.”
    Spencer’s mind snapped to attention. “What do you mean?”
    “What do you think I mean?” She met his gaze. “Cream or sugar?”
    He knew what he thought she meant, but was that it? Wondering how to ask, he said, “Neither,” before stating, “You and Isaac had two daughters together.”
    She pulled out her chair and sat. “Yes, we did. Anna was conceived on our wedding night, and Elsie one night when he was angry because Ester wouldn’t give him some money.”
    His cheek twitched. “Did he hurt you?”
    She shook her head.
    He passed the cup between his hands, wanting to know more. The only way was to ask. “Are you telling me, you and Isaac were only together two times?”
    “There were a few other times before Anna was born, but none after Elsie arrived.” She shrugged. “I only saw him five times after Ester died. He came home once a year at first, but then…”
    Spencer’s insides were in such turmoil he knew he’d never be able to drink the coffee when it was done, which said a lot considering he practically lived off the stuff. “Why are you telling me this, Della?”
    “Honestly?” She shook her head. “I don’t know, Spencer. Maybe because I want you to know that my life hasn’t been as bad as people say. Isaac wasn’t abusive.”
    “But he didn’t provide for you as he should have. He didn’t help you raise your daughters, or—”
    “No,” she interrupted. “He didn’t.” She rose to the stove as the coffee gurgled. “But he did give me two beautiful children, and a home to raise them in. It’s what I always wanted. Or at least thought I did.” Picking up the pot, she carried it to the table. “I don’t know why I haven’t seen it this way before.” She filled both of their cups. “Maybe I was so busy thinking about all the things I didn’t have it was impossible