For the first time since he’d arrived, Aidan smiled as he ruffled his brother’s hair. “Always the Casanova.”
Elliott’s face scrunched. “The what-a-nova?”
“Good with the ladies.”
Elliott’s chest puffed up. “Duh.”
A more genuine smile played on Shiloh’s lips. “I bet Kai will like you just as much. Hold out your hand.”
I didn’t miss how Shiloh moved hers out of the way so there was no risk of her coming into contact with him. Elliott extended his hand. Kai sniffed it a few times and then lashed out with his tongue, giving the boy a good lick.
Elliott giggled. “That tickles.”
“Wait till he licks your face. Thatreallytickles.”
Aidan sent me a hesitant glance. “Thanks for letting him pet your, uh, dog.”
“Sure.” I waved them towards the house. “We’re breaking for our afternoon snack. We can talk about your responsibilities while we eat.”
Shiloh’s brows rose at that, knowing that hadn’t been in our routine so far. But I should’ve guessed she’d already have figuredout the why for it. Her gaze kept traveling to Aidan, picking up on each piece of his appearance.
“You don’t have to feed us, sir,” Aidan said.
“Call me Ramsey. And you’re working here, so you’re getting fed.”
Elliott grinned. “I could eat.”
Aidan’s expression softened as he pulled his brother back to his side. “You can always eat.”
“I’mgrowing. You said.”
“You are.”
We made our way to the front porch. I pointed to a long set of rockers. “Grab a seat. I’ll get the food.”
I stepped inside before anyone could say a word otherwise. I moved past the entryway and through the open living space with its massive windows. Coming to a stop in the kitchen, I grabbed the sandwiches I’d made this morning, some drinks, and a bag of chips. It would have to do for now. Balancing everything in my arms, I headed back.
As I reached the entryway, the door opened, and I stiffened. Shiloh poked her head in. “Do you need any help?”
“I’m good,” I gritted out. Even just having her hover at the door had my pulse quickening.This is Shiloh, I reminded myself. Someone whose gentleness seeped out of her pores. It wasn’t her that bothered me; it was the crossing of that invisible boundary and the loss of control.
She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Who are they, Ramsey?”
I glanced out the front window, taking in the boys as Aidan pointed to some horses. “Kenny Chambers’ kids. Aidan needed a job.”
Shiloh’s eyes widened, and then anger lit in them. “He’s not getting enough food.”
I held up the plate of sandwiches. “That’s not going to be a problem anymore.”
A shadow passed over Shiloh’s face as she took the plate from me. “You’re a good man, Ramsey.”
My chest burned. Each word hit like a physical blow. I hadn’t heard words like that in decades. Maybe longer.Goodwasn’t a word someone equated with a man who’d done hard time as a teen, even if it had been expunged from my record. It was too late to make it disappear. It had already carved itself into my bones.
Shiloh didn’t wait for my response. She turned around and headed back out to the boys, setting the plate on a small table between their two chairs before unwrapping it.
I cleared my throat. “Wasn’t sure what you liked. There’s turkey and peanut butter and jelly.”
“Turkey!” Elliott cheered.