Page 44 of All We Carry Home

His voice changed at the mention of his wife, and a twitch in his jaw confirmed my suspicions. Eddie had shared few updates about Violet and how long she planned to be in New York. He had moved the contents of their small apartment in Baker to a shed behind the barn for the summer, to save on rent.

“I’m sure you’ll work things out, Eddie,” I said softly.

“I wish I had your confidence.” He frowned and shook his head. “I’m grateful for all you’ve done for us.”

He nodded at Peter, who stood at Phantom’s pen again. The kid had been different today after his trip to Pendleton with Warren. Warren hadn’t arrived yet, so I hadn’t heard how it all went.

“I may never get through to his mother,” Eddie said, “but I hope one day that boy will forgive me.”

“Forgive you for what?”

“For leaving them all behind. I missed so much of their childhood, and he and his mother both blame me for our struggles now.” He nudged the rocks at his feet with his boots, his eyes downcast.

“And Annie?”

“Annie doesn’t say much, or she didn’t until we came here.”

My heart swelled at that but still ached for his family. The war had taken so much from us all.

Eddie looked over as a vehicle turned into the driveway. Warren. My pulse quickened, though I wasn’t quite sure why.

Eddie returned to the barn and waved in greeting to Warren as he strode up, as handsome as a recruitment poster. I looked away, a bit surprised at that thought.

“Morning.” He smiled warmly.

“Captain.” I tipped my head.

He glanced past me and nodded at Eddie’s son. “Peter still interested in the horse?”

“Hasn’t left all morning.” I crossed my arms. “How was your trip yesterday?”

“Illuminating.”

“How so?”

“I had a conversation with Stuart Davis,” he said. “That unseemly matter has been put to rest.”

“What?” My heart thudded against my rib cage. “That’s what you were doing?”

He chuckled. “I told you I’d take care of it.”

He had said as much, but I hadn’t expected him to talk with Stuart directly. Last I’d heard, Stuart lived in Washington State, not Pendleton.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“That’s a first,” he said with a teasing wink.

I crossed my arms, unable to feign indignance. Yet again, Warren had swooped in and defended me. “Well. Thank you.”

He tipped his head in a slight bow.

I drew in a deep breath and started walking toward Phantom. “I was just about to try to take off that old ratty halter and see if he might let me handle him a bit more.”

“Think he’s ready for that? It’s only been a few days.”

“Well, if you’d give me more than a month . . .”

“You haven’t seen what I’ve seen him do.” Warren’s humor disappeared. “Please don’t rush things.”