UNBROKEN PROMISE

~38~ More Than Just Duty

The midday sun was warm, and a soft breeze ruffled the clothes on the line as Oma carefully hung up the last of the laundry. She had spent her time immersed in chores, hoping to keep her mind busy, but her thoughts continually drifted to Logan and the unbearable tension that had grown between them.

When Megan walked over, Oma glanced up. Megan looked a little disheveled but smiled warmly as she came closer.

"Thanks for finishing up, Oma," Megan said, grabbing one of the damp shirts to shake it out before placing it on the line.

Oma studied her for a moment, her brows furrowing slightly. "You alright?" she asked softly, noticing Megan wince just the tiniest bit as she reached upward.

Megan paused, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "I'm fine," she said, brushing off the concern with a wave of her hand. "Don't you worry about me."

Oma didn't press further but continued hanging the clothes, her movements slower now. Megan watched her for a moment before asking, "What about you? You doin' alright?"

Oma shrugged, her eyes focused on the shirt in her hands. "I'm fine," she said quietly, but there was no conviction in her voice.

Megan didn't push, though her smile softened. She leaned in slightly and whispered, "Well, let's go make lunch. Ain't nothin' better to lift spirits than a good meal."

Oma gave her a small, appreciative smile and nodded, following her back to the kitchen.

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Inside, the kitchen was warm with the smell of fresh bread and spices. Caleb had been napping on a little cot in the corner, but his small footsteps padded across the wooden floor as he rubbed his eyes and shuffled into the room, Cookie trailing behind him. His hair was tousled, sticking up in odd directions, and his face still held the softness of sleep.

Mama Becca, who had been sitting in her rocking chair knitting, immediately set her yarn aside and scooped Caleb up in her arms. "Well, good afternoon, sleepyhead," she said, pressing a kiss to his chubby cheek. Caleb giggled, snuggling into her arms while Cookie wagged his tail excitedly at her feet.

"Cookie waitin' for his share, I reckon," Mama Becca teased, ruffling the dog's fur before setting Caleb down.

Megan handed Caleb a slice of cake she had baked earlier, along with a glass of chilled lemonade. His face lit up as he took the treat, sitting on the floor beside Cookie. Megan bent down to give Cookie some leftover bacon from breakfast, earning a happy bark from the dog.

As the women worked in the kitchen, preparing the afternoon meal, Mama Becca began telling a story about Caleb's mischief that morning.

"Would y'all believe," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement, "this boy tried to ride Cookie like he was a pony? I found him holdin' onto Cookie's tail, hollerin' 'Giddy-up!'"

Megan burst out laughing, nearly dropping the spoon she was stirring with. "He didn't!" she said, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"Oh, he sure did," Mama Becca said, shaking her head with a grin. "Cookie didn't know what to do, poor thing. He just stood there waggin' his tail, feelin' proud of himself ."

Oma giggled softly, her spirits lifting slightly as she listened. Caleb, munching on his cake, looked up innocently, his cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.

As the laughter filled the kitchen, the door suddenly creaked open, and Logan stepped in. The lighthearted chatter died instantly, the room growing quiet as his presence filled the space.

"Afternoon," Logan said gruffly, clearing his throat. His hand scratched at his chin. P His eyes flicked briefly toward her before darting away.

Oma immediately stiffened, her posture straightening as her hands fidgeted with the edge of her apron. She avoided his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. The tension between them was palpable, and she wasn't sure what to expect.