Free Change of Heart by Fran Shaff Page B

building at sunset, she
knew for sure it was indeed as large as it had appeared from miles
away. She’d had no idea a rancher would live in such a fine
home.
    Jase helped her down from the buggy. “Let’s
go inside. I’m sure Mabel has our supper ready. I’ll bring your
things in later.”
    “And I’ll help,” Zack said, jumping down from
the buggy.
    “Yes, you’ll help.” Jase pulled the boy’s
knitted hat from his head and fluffed the blonde curls.
    Marietta turned to Jase. “Do you mind if we
look around before we eat? Your house is far more intriguing than
anything I’d imagined. I expected to see something much more
humble.”
    A light of pride shone in Jase’s coffee-brown
eyes. “We’ll look around while Zack washes up. Right, Zack?”
    “Yup, Jase. I’ll wash up while you two look
around, and I’ll help Mrs. Whipple set the table or wash dishes or
take out ashes or fill the cistern or anything else she wants.”
Zack was clearly intent on living up to his promises to be
helpful.
    Jase grasped Marietta’s arm and urged her up
the front steps. “I’m glad to hear you being so cooperative, Zack.
Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome.” The boy rushed past them
and ran inside, leaving the door open. “I’m back, Mrs. Whipple. And
I brought my aunt!”
    Jase chuckled. “I guess the news is
broken.”
    He led Marietta inside, took her coat, and
hung it in the front closet next to his own. They stepped into the
kitchen where he introduced the two ladies.
    Marietta was aghast at the modern kitchen
Mrs. Whipple had to work in. A bright yellow warmed the walls, the
latest in cook stoves heated the room as well as their supper, and
the whitewashed cabinets looked more like they belonged in a
Chicago mansion than in a home in the middle of a prairie. What a
luxury it must be on baking day to have so much workspace on top of
the lower cabinets.
    After the introductions, Jase led Marietta to
a smaller room across from the kitchen. “This is my library.”
    “A library! Mr. Kent, look at all the books!”
Marietta scanned the wooden shelves filled with books. “It’s a
little piece of Heaven right here in this house.” She stepped close
to Jase and turned her beaming face up to meet his gaze. “We’ll
have to read to each other as we did in the cabin.”
    The instant the suggestion crossed her lips
she knew she’d gone beyond her bounds to suggest such an intimate
activity. It was one thing to pass the time reading to each other
in the cabin when they’d been held captive by the storm, but here
in Jase’s home... She’d been much too bold to suggest it.
    Jase touched her shoulder lightly. “I can’t
think of anything I’d rather do, Miss Randolf.”
    Marietta felt her cheeks burning. Did Mr.
Jason Kent have feelings for her? His eyes said he did. His quick
acceptance of her daring suggestion punctuated the gleam in his
eyes. She’d found the cowboy attractive the moment she’d laid eyes
on him. When they’d been in the cabin, she’d understood during a
few special moments with him how Kathy must have felt about Clint,
and how Amy must feel about Lt. Carson. But could she and Jase ever
be more than acquaintances? She’d be leaving in a few weeks, and
she’d never see him again.
    “Would you like to see the parlor?” he asked,
waving his hand toward the door.
    “Of course.”
    He showed her his entire house, upstairs and
down, promising he’d give her a tour of his outbuildings in the
morning. Marietta was amazed at the beauty of his home. Its décor
was simple, but the rooms were as homey and as comfortable as any
she’d seen in Chicago. Staying in Jase’s house would be as
comforting as being in her own home. She knew it the minute she’d
stepped into the radiant kitchen.
    The first week on the ranch went by quickly.
Jase spent most of his time working, and he took Zack with him
everywhere he went. During the day, Marietta busied herself with
sewing. Zack had nearly outgrown all his