Robin by Julane Hiebert Read Free Book Online

porch.
                  Jacob opened one eye and wrinkled his nose as he passed by.
                   Well, if that wouldn’t kick Granny’s cat. I think the kid wants to play . John tweaked the child’s nose, then held his thumb between two fingers and waggled it. “Lookee here, what I done got.”
                  Jacob’s blue eyes widened, and a lopsided grin wiggled loose from his clamped lips. He shook his head and covered his face with one hand.
                  John pointed at the kid’s nose then wiggled the thumb again.
                  Jacob squirmed higher on Ty’s shoulder. “Huh-unh. See?” He crossed his eyes. “It’s mine.”
                  John shook his head. “Nope, I got it.”
                  “Could you give it to me, please?”
                  Robin turned to face him. “Do you have something of his, sir?”
                  John stuck his hand behind his back. “Well, not—”
                  Jacob pointed. “He gots it behind him. Look.”
                  Robin held out her hand. “Hand it over, whatever it is. The child has already lost so much.” Tears puddled in her eyes. “Please.”
                  “Now, wait a doggone howdy-do. I don’t have nothin’ of his.”
                  “Then what do you have behind your back?”
                  “He’s only a boy.” Ty scowled. “Whatever you have, please give it back to him.”
                  John stuck his fist in Robin’s face and wiggled his thumb “His nose. I got his nose.” He winced . There’s some things a growed man shouldn’t be caught doin’.
                  Jacob giggled behind his hands.
                  Robin rubbed her forehead. “Oh, for—” She shook her head. “I don’t know which one of you is the child. Would you mind giving Jacob his nose so we can get him settled?”
                  He examined his extended hand, thumb still protruding through the next two fingers . This is plumb foolish . He stepped closer, and in a flash, Jacob reached for John’s nose and pulled. Hard.
                  “Rosy, posy, I got your nosey.” Jacob clasped his hands. “I have to squish it real hard cuz it’s so big. See?” He smashed his hand against his own face. “There, now I gots your nose on me.”
                  Tears sprang to John’s eyes and he rubbed his face . Tarnation that hurt!
                  Ty tapped his foot. “John? Do you mind telling me where you want everyone for the night?”
                  “Well, there ain’t nobody but me livin’ here, so I reckon most anywhere upstairs would suit. Will need some doin’ up. Sheets on the beds and all. And if you plan on stayin’, you best bed down in the barn, Ty. Wouldn’t do for you to be a sleepin’ upstairs with my niece.”
                  Robin turned pink as a morning sky.
                   Jumpin’ bullfrogs. This havin’ a female in the house ain’t gonna be easy.
                  “I’ve got supplies I need to unload, and I’d like to check for damage at my place. I’ll take Jacob with me and give Robin time to get things ready here.” Ty turned to leave.
                  “No! Put me down. I don’t wanna go with you.” The boy bucked in Ty’s arms.
                  “I’ll bring you back, Jacob.” Ty set him on his feet.
                  The boy gave Ty a shove that sent him reeling backward.
                  The child hurled himself at John’s legs, and his knees buckled.
                  “Watch out, kid––” His rear hit the porch floor, and his upper teeth clamped onto his bottom lip.
                  “Don’t let him take me.” Jacob’s arms