He met Emily’s surprised gaze with smiling eyes, and her heart lurched. Wondering how long he’d been standing at the doorway watching, she quickly looked away.

Chase reached for the ball of string on the end table, snipped off a tiny piece and glued it on the globe in the shape of an M. “There,” he said. “The Rocking M Ranch.”

Ginny followed the letter with the tip of her finger, a big smile on her face. “The horses are here,” she said, moving her finger to indicate the stables. “And the mama cows and their babies are here.” Her finger had moved from one end of Texas to the other.

Chase laughed and winked at Emily. “It looks like the Rocking M Ranch has taken over the entire state.”

Feeling heat rush to her face, Emily looked away. Lately, just being in the same room as Chase made her feel all flustered and confused. It was unsettling, annoying, and more than anything, worrisome.

Emily didn’t dare speak for fear Ginny would say something about stammering and love.

Fortunately, Ginny had other things on her mind. “Would you take me to see the newborn calves?” she asked Chase.

“I think you should ask your teacher to bring you,” Chase said, seeking Emily’s eyes.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Emily said, careful to control her voice. Ginny’s use of the word see no longer surprised her. Sometimes, she could swear that the girl could see more than most sighted people. “I want to see the calves too.”

Chase looked pleased. “I’ll leave you two to your lessons.”

He left the room, seeming to take some of the light and most of the oxygen with him. Shaking the thought away, Emily turned to Ginny.

“Tomorrow, we’ll learn about the other states. Now it’s time to read.”

Ginny seemed reluctant to leave the globe, but she finally settled on the divan next to Emily and snuggled up to her.

“I’m glad Mr. Knight didn’t marry the rancher lady.”

Emily’s breath caught in her throat. She had no idea that Ginny knew about Mrs. Decker. “Why…why do you say that?”

“I heard Kansas Pete say she was good with cattle and would have made Mr. Knight a fine wife. But I bet she wouldn’t have read to me or taught me all the things you do.”

Emily hugged Ginny close. “Reading to you gives me great pleasure.”

“If you were working with the cattle, you wouldn’t have time,” Ginny said.

Emily smiled. “You’re right. I wouldn’t.” Irritated that even the mere mention of Mrs. Decker made her feel inadequate, Emily released Ginny and reached for a book. “Since we finished Five Little Peppers, I thought you might like Swiss Family Robinson.” Emily opened to the first page of the book and began to read. Ginny listened with rapt attention and was especially intrigued with the tree house. When at last Emily closed the book, Ginny’s mouth dipped in disappointment.

“It’s almost time for dinner,” Emily said. Cookie always whipped up something special for the noontime meal. “We’ll read more tomorrow.”