Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund Page A

mean?” But even as her question tumbled out, the resignation in his face gave her the answer. He was quitting his job as keeper.
    â€œAfter your brothers are home from school, I’ll take them over to the well and we’ll fill it together. But then first thing tomorrow, I’m riding out.”
    Her heart gave an uncertain thump. Wasn’t this what she’d wanted? For him to leave so that she could have her job back?
    Ryan studied the tower rising into the blue sky behind her. “I’m not fit to take care of the light.”
    She agreed with him, but he didn’t need her rubbing the fact in his face.
    â€œBesides,” he added, “you need the job. And I can’t take it away from you.”
    â€œYou didn’t take it away,” she said. “Mr. Finick did.” If Ryan left, Mr. Finick would only send another man to replace him. And she doubted another man would be as kind and understanding as Ryan had been.
    â€œMaybe if I talk to him, he’ll let you stay,” Ryan suggested, setting aside his plate and retrieving his coffee mug from the rock where he’d placed it.
    â€œMr. Finick wants me out of here. He’s wanted me out ever since my father died, maybe even before that. He won’t be happy until he has a man back in the keeper position.”
    Ryan took a long sip of the coffee, staring at the calm lake and the water lapping in a gentle, soothing rhythm against the shore. “So my leaving won’t do you any good?”
    â€œNot in the least. One way or another, I’m done here.” It was the truth, and the sooner she accepted it, the sooner she’d be able to make plans for her family. “I’m heading into town this morning to try to find a place for us to stay.”
    If she couldn’t figure out something, she’d have to accept Arnie Simmons’s proposal. And that wouldn’t be the worst that could befall her. At least Arnie was a sweet, kind man.
    Ryan stared into the distance. The muscles in his jaw rippled, and his eyes narrowed. “What if you didn’t have to be done?”
    â€œI’ve already tried to convince Mr. Finick, but I don’t have any say in the matter.”
    â€œMaybe I do, though.” His expression was hard. “Since I’m the keeper now, I’ll tell Mr. Finick that I’m letting you stay on . . . as my assistant.”
    She shook her head at the impossibility of such a suggestion. “Mr. Finick would never allow it.”
    â€œI’ll tell him I need your training and help.” He cocked his head toward his injured arm. “Which is the truth.”
    A tiny ray of hope speared through the confusion and disappointment that had fallen since the inspector’s visit. Ryan did need help.
    â€œYou can continue to live in the house with your family, and I’ll stay in the boathouse.” A glow began to light his face and smooth away the hard lines.
    â€œWith the colder nights coming on, you won’t make it in the boathouse much longer.”
    He shrugged. “We’ll figure something out.”
    Everything within Caroline urged her to agree to his solution. It would solve her problem of where to go, at least for the short term. But she couldn’t imagine Mr. Finick would ever agree to such a plan permanently. He seemed determined to drive her away one way or another.
    â€œWe’ll split the wages,” Ryan offered.
    Mr. Finick wouldn’t agree to that arrangement either. But she peered out over the water, the glassiness momentarily blinding her. Maybe Ryan’s offer would only put off the inevitable, but it could buy her the needed time to find work as well as a suitable place for Sarah.
    â€œI’ve already hurt enough people in my life,” he said softly. “I don’t want to add you and your family to the list.”
    She met his eyes, an expression of pure sincerity. “I guess we can give your idea