Then she went back to her baking, slid the pie in the oven—no vinegar because she planned to have some herself—got potatoes on and sliced ham to fry. She couldn’t do much of anything fancy because her hands tended to start shaking.

Mr. Hawkins came to the kitchen early for dinner as usual. To watch her work.

She smiled as she poured him a cup of coffee. She’d learned his preferences: bring the cup to the table, then get the pot and bring it to the table, and pour. He said he liked it piping hot and that helped, but in truth he liked her standing near him.

While he sipped coffee, she got the table set. Next the pie was out of the oven, the potatoes were mashed, and the ham was keeping warm on a platter on the back of the stove.

Setting the table, she was surprised when Mr. Hawkins rose. He seemed to like to sit and be served. She half expected him to ask her to cut his meat and fork it into his mouth.

“Everything’s ready, Mr. Hawkins. I’m just bringing the coffeepot over.” She reached for the big pot on the back of the stove, thinking of how she’d liked the idea of having the big water pitcher between them. Even better to have the boiling hot coffeepot.

Before she got hold of it, Mr. Hawkins caught her arm and pulled her away from the stove.

Startled, she squeaked as he turned her to face him. “Molly, I think it’s time we talked of things other than food and drink.”

This was it, then. Whatever he said right now, she’d have to leave. Assuming he allowed it. There’d be no staying for another day once words came out of his mouth that suggested they be more than employer and employee.

“I’ve enjoyed having your help here. You’re the best housekeeper I’ve ever had. But my feelings—”

A sharp rap on the back door made him back up a few steps just as the door swung open.

Molly looked, hopeful it would be Wyatt but glad for any interruption.

“Hi, Pa, Kevin and I thought we’d stop in for dinner.” Win waved with a big, if somewhat phony, smile on her face. She came on in and headed for the table.

Kevin was right behind her.

“Oliver, good to see you and Molly.” Kevin walked straight to her, his expression mild, pleasant, but his eyes were sharp, and he clearly wanted to know how she was doing.

“Kevin.” She lost all control of herself and threw her arms around her big brother.

Catching her by the waist, Kevin lifted her to her toes. “I’ve missed you, little sister.”

He gave her too tight a squeeze, and close to her like this, he whispered, “I want a chance to talk to you before we go.”