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Ruthy hadn’t been hauling rocks for long.
    Luke and several other men were working at the rock pile. Speaking too loudly himself, Luke said, “Ruthy, you should take Glynna into the house. It’s too cold out here . . . uh, for the children.”
    By the way Luke spoke, and the way Ruthy glared and plunked her hands on her hips, Glynna suspected Luke had been objecting to Ruthy helping from the minute they’d started.
    â€œIt is a bit chilly, and we’re not bundled up very well.” Glynna turned to help Janny down from the back of the wagon and whispered, “Try and look cold.”
    Janny let a grin peek out, her second that day. Glynna prayed it was the second of many more to come. Wiping away the smile, Janny crossed her arms over her chest and did a serviceable job of shivering.
    â€œIt was colder than I thought it’d be on the ride out.” Janny stuck her bottom lip out and it almost looked like her baby girl was fighting tears. “But I will stay out here with you if you want me to help carry stones, Mrs. Stone.”
    Paul, jumping down from the wagon behind Janny, muttered into Janny’s ear, “Carry stones, Mrs. Stone.”
    Glynna saw the spark of humor in Janny’s eyes and turned to face Ruthy in such a way as to block the sightof her supposedly distressed daughter—who looked to be on the verge of giggling.
    â€œI’d be glad to stay and help,” Paul announced and then walked toward the jumble and began heaving rocks out of the way. It struck Glynna that her son, though still not broad-shouldered, was as tall as some of these men and nearly as strong.
    â€œMaybe after we warm up, we could come back.” Glynna did her best to sound doubtful, which was no hardship. She would help pick up rocks if it was needed, of course. She wasn’t afraid of hard work. But there were, with Jonas and Vince and Paul, and Luke’s hired men, a large crowd of men to do all this heavy lifting. Glynna thought she would probably just get in their way.
    â€œAnd I think Dare should come inside, too.” Glynna waited to be overruled by the stubborn doctor, but he surprised her.
    â€œI thought I’d have more strength, but I need to get off my feet for a fact.” Dare walked toward the rubble, sounding like he meant every word.
    Luke had made headway clearing a narrow path, but not even a horse could get through it yet, let alone a wagon. On foot they’d have to climb over a few of the big flat rocks.
    Ruthy gave the pile of rocks an almost comically frustrated look as if she couldn’t bear to leave such a mess. Then her good manners took over. “Yes, of course. Anyway, I need to get a good meal on for everyone.” She raised her voice. “Luke, I’ll make enough for the men, too.”
    â€œNope,” Dodger said, shaking his head. “I’ve left Tennessee behind in the bunkhouse this morning. His jointsache something fierce in the cold, but Old Tenn ain’t got any pride if he can’t help somehow. At least let him make the cowhands a meal. Reckon he’s already started it anyhow. Just plan on your family and friends, Mrs. Stone.”
    Glynna recognized gray-haired Dodger Neville and gave him a smile. He’d helped save her, too.
    Dodger touched the brim of his hat, then went back to heaving rocks.
    Glynna directed Janny ahead of her. They followed Dare through the debris and headed for the house. Glynna kept waiting for Dare to find a way to go back and prove a mountain falling on his head couldn’t keep him from work, but instead he went with them toward the house. He looked a little pale by the time they reached the two-story log-and-stone cabin.
    Once inside, Ruthy said, “Come on into the kitchen. I heard about the cut on your back, Dare. You can straddle one of the kitchen chairs and not put any pressure on your stitches. I’ve got coffee left from breakfast. You can have a cup,