yellow sweater with three-quarter-length sleeves, and headed for the kitchen. She planned to attend church this morning. To thank the pastor again for presiding over Krissyâs funeral.
Plus, she hoped with some concentrated prayer, the Lord would provide the guidance she needed.
The smell of rich coffee and the sound of male voices drew her. She stopped at the kitchen doorway and gawked. Bryan and Grandpa were sitting at the table. Jay, wearing a frilly pink apron that had to have been Grandma Lisbethâs, was cooking pancakes on the griddle. He flipped one in the air. It landed smack in the middle of the plate he was holding in his hand.
âVery impressive.â She had no recollection of Jay preparing meals during any of her prior visits. Yesterday heâd already left to see to the horses when sheâd come in for coffee. âYou have an unexpected talent.â
He shot her a grin that crinkled the corners of his eyes and sped gooseflesh down her skin. A man had to be seriously macho to carry off a pink apron with such aplomb.
âWhen I lead a trail ride into the wilderness, the clients expect good eats and plenty of it.â He flipped a second pancake onto the plate and handed it to Bryan.
The boy grabbed the butter, slathered the pancakes, then reached for the syrup.
âSit yourself down,â Jay said. âIâll cook up a couple for you.â
âNo, thatâs not necessary. I only have coffee for breakfast.â
âYouâre too skinny, girl.â Grandpa forked a bite of pancake into his mouth. âJayâs pancakes will put some meat on your bones.â
She put an affectionate hand on her grandfatherâs shoulder. âA woman my age has to be careful not to put too much meat on her bones.â
He harrumphed and ate another bite of his breakfast.
âYou look like youâre dressed to go somewhere fancy,â Jay said, pouring two more circles of batter on the griddle.
She got a mug from the cupboard and poured herself some coffee. âI thought Iâd go to church this morning. Anyone like to come with me?â When no one responded, she turned to Bryan. âHow about you? We could hang out.â
He looked up at her with hooded eyes and shook his head.
The prick of rejection hurt. She shrugged it off. Bryan was asserting his independence. Understandable under the circumstances. Eventually heâd come around. She hoped. âHow about you, Grandpa?â
âMy arthritis is acting up bad this morning.â He downed a gulp of coffee. âThere must be a storm coming.â
So far the day looked as sunny as yesterday had. But Paige knew not to challenge her grandfatherâs weather predictions. She remembered all too well a picnic down by the dock at the lake with her mother, grandmother and Krissy with baby Bryan. Theyâd ignored Grandpaâs warning about the weather and heâd been right. Their picnic had been rained out.
Jay slid another plate of pancakes onto the table and sat down. âIâll drive you.â
Her mouth gaped open. She hadnât expected him to volunteer to take her to church. She wasnât sure she wanted to spend time with him alone after the animosity heâd shown her last night. Besides, she was perfectly capable of driving herself.
She sat at the table opposite him. âThatâs all right. Thereâs no need. I drove my car here.â
He crooked a single dark brow. âNo sense to take two vehicles.â
âDonât you have a trail ride this morning?â
Jay swallowed his bite of pancake. âNope. Sundays are a day of rest for us and our horses. So itâs all settled. Weâll go to church together.â
Bossy cowboy! She closed her hands around her coffee mug, letting the heat seep in. âFine. As long as you promise not to wear Grandma Lisbethâs apron.â
He looked down at himself. Color darkened his ruddy cheeks. âYeah, I