“I would like you to stay until Gideon is better,” Becca said.

“But you must understand that we cannot afford to pay you for your help.”

Tully leaned back in his chair. A wry smile curved his lips and showed a dimple in his right cheek. “A few days of your good cooking will be payment enough. You don’t have to worry about putting me up. I can sleep in the barn if the animals don’t mind my snoring.”

“Why are you doing this?”

His smile disappeared. His eyes grew serious. He leaned forward and clasped his hands together on the tabletop. “I wasn’t exaggerating when I said it had been a long time since I was somewhere that felt like a home. When I got out of the army two years ago, things didn’t go well for me. Let’s just say I messed up. Somebody gave me a helping hand when I needed it. I’d like to think I’m repaying that favor by helping you and your family. Just until Gideon is back on his feet.”