Nora's throat tightened. He told me about what happened. Did he now? Hank looked surprised. That's something.
Boss doesn't talk about it. Not to anyone. Fact that he told you means he trusts you, ma'am. That's rare. Hank if someone wanted to help him, to give him a reason to live beyond just existing, do you think he'd accept it, or would he push them away?
The old cowhand studied her for a long moment, his eyes knowing. Depends on how it was offered, I reckon. Elias don't like charity, don't like people feeling sorry for him. But if it was practical, mutually beneficial, something that served a purpose beyond just making him feel better, then yeah, I think he might accept it. Might even welcome it down deep, though he'd never say so.
Even if it meant letting someone close again, risking getting hurt? Ma'am, begging your pardon, but a man like Elias he's already about as hurt as a person can get. Question isn't whether he'll risk getting hurt. Question is whether he's willing to risk feeling alive again. Nora left the barn with more to think about than ever.
But Hank's words stayed with her. Willing to risk feeling alive again. Was that what she'd be offering Elias? Not just a solution to her problem, but a chance for him to step back into the world of the living? And what about her own heart?
Could she marry for practicality and protection, knowing she might never feel for Elias what she'd felt for James? Or worse could she handle it if she did develop feelings for a man who'd made it clear this was purely transactional? On the fourth day, Tommy solved the dilemma in the way only a child could, with perfect innocent clarity. He'd been following Elias around all morning, helping with chores in the way 4-year-olds help, which mostly meant getting in the way and asking constant questions. But Elias tolerated it with what Nora now recognized as his version of patience.
At lunch, Tommy climbed into the chair next to Elias instead of his usual spot beside Nora. Mr. Elias, can I ask you something? Suppose so. Are you going to be my pa now?
The room went silent. Every hand stopped eating. Nora froze with a spoonful of soup halfway to her mouth. Elias stared at the boy with something like panic in his eyes. What makes you think that, son?
Cuz you take care of us. And you live here with us. And you carved me a horse. And you told me a story when I had bad dreams. That's what pas do, right?
So I thought maybe you were going to be mine. Nora found her voice. Tommy, sweetheart Mr. Ward is just being kind. He's not Would you want that?
Elias interrupted, his eyes still locked on Tommy's face. A pa like me? Tommy nodded vigorously. You're strong, and you know everything about horses and cows, and you don't get mad when I ask questions, and you make mama smile sometimes, even though she tries to hide it. So yeah.