Free Shelter in Seattle by Rhonda Gibson Page A

sniffled loudly and wiped the tears away. Caleb stood to his feet. “Here, sit down, and I’ll teach you.”
    Julianne did as she was asked.
    Caleb watched her tuck the baby close to her body and lean forward. She took a teat in her hand and squeezed.
    May Bell let out a loud moo. Caleb saw fire and a challenge rush into Julianne’s eyes.
    “Don’t start.” She ordered the cow then she looked up at him with those bright eyes. “I don’t think she likes my touch as much as she does yours.”
    He chuckled. “She’s used to me milking her. She’ll get used to you, too. Just give her time.”
    “But, I thought you bought her yesterday, how come she’s used to you already?”
    “I picked her up yesterday. I bought her a couple of weeks ago.”
    “Oh, that explains the fresh milk.” Julianne leaned forward and tried again.
    May Bell stomped the ground with her back leg.
    Caleb moved behind Julianne and placed a hand over hers. “Here let me help you. Take a teat in the palm of your hand.”His hand engulfed hers. Caleb was shocked at the difference in their sizes. Squeeze the teat at top with your thumb and forefinger, like this.” He suited his actions to words. “Continue squeezing each finger around the teat, and this forces the milk to come out in a stream.”
    The smell of lavender floated up to him with the heat from the sun. He moved their hands together and showed her how to pull so that the milk would come out. He was unaware of the lesson; only of the woman in front of him.
    After several moments of pulling, Caleb felt her body ease back against him. He gently scooted her forward on the stump and sat down behind her.
    Jonathan woke from his morning nap. His sleepy gaze met Caleb’s.
    “He’s growing fast.” Caleb drew her closer to him by putting his left arm around her waist.
    Julianne worked with both hands now. Caleb released her right hand and completely circled her in his arms.
    “This is fun.”
    Caleb wondered if she meant the milking or being in his arms. He bent his head and nuzzled his face into her hair. The smell of lavender grew even stronger.
    “Well, now iffen this ain’t right cozy.”

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 10
     
    Julianne shot up from their seat on the stump. “Maggie, I wasn’t expecting you to visit today.”
    Caleb caught the bucket before it spilled. He stood slowly, bringing the milk with him. “Morning, Maggie. Come on, May Bell. I’ll take you out back where there’s fresh grass.”
    “I can see you weren’t.” He heard Maggie’s rich laughter as he headed behind the barn.
    Julianne stared after Caleb. His broad shoulders and narrow waist set her heart to pounding. The strength in his arms was matched by the even stronger strength of his character. For a few brief moments, she had felt safe in his arms.
    Maggie’s voice pulled Julianne from her thoughts. “He’s quite a man isn’t he? I’d have chased him myself, if I was a few years younger.”
    Heat filled Julianne’s cheeks. Were her thoughts that obvious? She turned away from the inquisitive look on Maggie’s face.
    Jonathan wiggled around in the blanket. He gave a small cry, and Julianne felt moisture against her stomach. She sighed. He needed changing again.
    “Would you like to come inside while I change the baby?” Julianne asked.
    At Maggie’s nod they headed for the house. Julianne pulled the door open and slipped inside to the bedroom.
    Maggie ladled two glasses full from the water bucket. “You and Caleb going to attend services tomorrow?”
    Julianne changed the baby. “I don’t know. Does he usually attend church on Sunday?”
    Jonathan cooed up at her from his crib. She pulled the damp dress over her head and slipped into her last clean one. Maggie handed her a glass of water as she entered the kitchen. “He usually does, but I wasn’t sure if he would this Sunday.”
    “Why wouldn’t he?” Julianne set the glass on the table and looked intently