Kitabı oku: «Her Motherhood Wish»

Chapter One

March 1875

The sight of the golden-haired beauty stopped Chip Evans in his tracks. He hadn’t seen the lovely Miss Caroline Hunt since he’d returned to Placerville. But there she stood, shielded from the California sunshine by the hotel’s balcony as she rummaged in the beaded handbag dangling from her wrist.

He drank in the vision with the eagerness of a man who’d been stranded in the desert for days. The Plan didn’t call for him to begin courting a lady for another three years, but a fellow couldn’t pass up the opportunity to feast his eyes on such a striking specimen of femininity, could he?

Callie, as everyone called the petite woman with the smile as warm as a spring day, could have walked out of the pages of one of those fashion magazines at the mercantile. Her light pink gown, with its form-fitting bodice, hugged her in all the right places. The rosiness in her cheeks added a nice splash of color, drawing his attention to her exquisite features—clear blue eyes, a pert nose and petal-soft lips. Or so he imagined.

He gave himself a mental kick. Although he’d welcome the opportunity to kiss Callie, he had no business thinking such a thing. Sure, she’d agreed to dine with him. Once. They’d enjoyed a delicious meal with delightful conversation, but that was the extent of it. Entertaining romantic notions could be a distraction and keep him from reaching his goals.

Why he’d asked her to join him in the first place remained a mystery. One minute she’d been seeing to his order at the Blair Brothers Lumber Company, where she worked as a clerk, and the next he’d issued the invitation. Giving in to an impulse wasn’t like him.

Callie snapped her reticule shut, spied him and started. She composed herself, lifted a gloved hand to shoulder level and gave a demure wave, appearing almost shy. Odd. The Callie he knew exuded confidence.

Chip sauntered across the wide main street to the Cary House, his boot heels thudding against the hard-packed earth. He stepped onto the plank walkway and struck a casual pose, leaning against one of the pillars supporting the balcony overhead. “Where are you off to all fancied up like that?”

She blinked in rapid succession. “Fancied up? If you intended to compliment me, that’s not the way to go about it.”

“No, but you look cute when you’re piqued.”

“So you admit to intentionally irritating me?”

He would admit to no such thing, even it was the truth. “I’d say you look stunning—” which she did “—but you’d probably accuse me of being too forward.”

The hint of a smile lifted the corners of her mouth, but the irksome woman wouldn’t let it break free. Normally, she was easygoing. “Although I appreciate the thought, I’m unclear as to the reason behind your flattery. Was there something you wanted?”

Since admitting the sincerity behind his compliment could be telling, he chose to answer her question instead. “You’re standing at the stagecoach stop, and you were smiling when I first saw you. It appears you’re going somewhere and are looking forward to your trip. Am I right?”

She swept her gaze from his slouch hat to his boots and back again. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. I’m going to visit my brother.”

“Is he still in Shingle Springs?”

Her trademark smile burst forth in all its radiant glory. “You remembered.”

“Of course.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that...” She brushed the toe of her boot over a knothole in the walkway, the leather sole rasping over the rough pine.

“Go on.”

“I told you where my brother is living when you took me to lunch. That happened six months ago, and since you lef—” She winced, a slight gesture he might have missed, if he hadn’t been so focused on her every movement. “Since I wore your ears out that day, I’m surprised you were able to recall anything I said.”

He remembered their conversation in detail. They’d started off talking about the lumber business but quickly moved on to more personal topics. They discovered that they’d both lost their parents during childhood.

Unlike other women, Callie was easy to talk to. She might wear fancy dresses on occasion and carry herself with the bearing befitting a society lady, but she didn’t put on airs.

“I’m headed to Shingle Springs, too. I have a job down that way. If you don’t mind riding in my wagon, you could go with me.”

To her credit, she showed no outward sign of surprise at his abrupt change of subject, other than a brief pause. “I’d like that.”

“Good. It’s parked behind Dr. Wright’s office. I’ve already filled my wagon with lumber, so we can set off right away.” He was tempted to offer Callie his arm, a gentlemanly courtesy he would normally think nothing of, but refrained.

Although he would enjoy having her hand wrapped around his elbow, he wasn’t in the habit of strolling with a lovely lady. Since he’d asked her to lunch during the last week of September the previous fall, showing a lapse of judgment on his part, she might get the impression he’d taken an interest in her. He would keep things nice and friendly-like this time so there would be no misunderstanding.

Chip swept an arm toward Coloma Street, opposite the hotel. “Shall we go?”

They arrived at his wagon minutes later. She accepted his help climbing aboard, rewarding him with a friendly smile and simple thank-you.

Perhaps his earlier concern was unfounded. She’d been pleasant company that day at the restaurant, but her reaction to seeing him today proved she hadn’t set her cap for him. The reception she’d given him the past July, when he’d taken second place in the horse race at Placerville’s Independence Day celebration, had indicated the same thing. The first-and third-place winners had each received a kiss from the ladies who presented their ribbons. All he’d gotten from Callie was a businesslike handshake.

The springs of his new buckboard creaked as he climbed aboard. He no longer needed to rent one, thanks to having achieved the first of his two yearly goals, the other being the completion of his kitchen. With the hefty load he was carrying under the tarpaulin today, his recently acquired team of workhorses would earn their oats.

He took his place on the bench seat, leaving a respectable distance between Callie and him, grabbed the reins and got underway. Her rigid posture and lips pressed firmly together gave him the impression she didn’t care for his company. “If you’re not comfortable riding with me, just say so.”

She sent him a parlor-perfect smile, stiff and insincere. “It’s fine.”

“Really? You look as relaxed as my thoroughbred before a race.”

“How is Dusty?”

“He’s doing well. I’d stop by my place and let you see for yourself, but we need to get underway. If you’re still willing to join me, that is.”

“I am. I appreciate your offer.” She raised a delicately arched eyebrow. “I’m just not sure why you made it.”

He chuckled. “Because we’re going to the same spot. Why else?”

“Yes. Of course.” She faced front once again, as tense as before.

His experience with his female customers had taught him that women didn’t always say what was on their minds. Perhaps if he helped out Callie, she’d give him a clue what she was thinking. “It’s not like you to be on edge. Is something wrong?”

She fidgeted with her fan. “Since you asked...I didn’t think you cared for my company.”

“What gave you that idea?” He enjoyed spending time with her, more than he should.

“You left town so abruptly. We’d dined together just two weeks before, and yet you didn’t even tell me you were going away until the day you rode off.”

A warning gong sounded inside his head. He hadn’t realized his departure would matter to her. The fact that it had proved his earlier decision not to offer his arm had been a wise one. Although Callie made a wonderful companion and possessed many of the qualities he would seek in a wife, he had three years to go before he would be ready to go courting. He wasn’t a cad, though. “I’m sorry. As my friend, you deserved to know. Can you forgive me?”

The momentary drooping of her lovely lips followed by a genuine smile told him his message had been received. He’d accomplished his goal, so why did his chest feel so hollow?

* * *

Friend? Callie hadn’t known where things stood between them. Now she did. Chip hadn’t asked her to lunch because he harbored feelings for her. He’d made that clear when he’d failed to let her know he was leaving town until the last minute. His standoffishness earlier that morning when he hadn’t offered her his arm reinforced the message.

A lady couldn’t help but hope a man as accomplished and attractive as Chip would take an interest in her, though, could she? She longed to marry and have a family. She’d wondered if the powerfully built carpenter with the broad brow, thick brown hair and adorable lopsided smile could be the answer to her prayers. The charming man was a bit too regimented for her liking, but he was hardworking, generous and oh, so handsome.

She drew in a calming breath in an attempt to slow her racing heart. Why it had taken to thumping so wildly was beyond her. It wasn’t as though there was anything between them.

Although Chip could be a mite exasperating at times, his engaging personality and ready laugh made him a delightful companion. Since she enjoyed his company and wasn’t likely to see much of him once she began her new job in Shingle Springs—provided she got it, of course—she would make the most of this unexpected opportunity to spend a few hours with him.

Conversation flowed freely, just as it had when they’d shared a lunch all those months ago. He urged the horses into a slow trot, and the miles flew by.

A familiar screech rent the air. Callie put a hand above her eyes to shield the sun and peered at the sky, where a large bird circled. “Just what I thought. It’s a red-tailed hawk.”

“I didn’t know you watch birds.”

“I don’t, but my brother does. Isaac can identify most species. It’s one of his many talents.”

“You don’t talk about any other brothers or sisters. Was it just the two of you?”

She nodded. “Mama and Papa wanted more children, but that wasn’t to be. What about you? Did you come from a big family?”

“Big enough. And noisy. There were four of us boys, although I’m the only one left. Alexander was the oldest. I was second in line. Jeremiah came next, and Montgomery was the caboose kid, as Pa used to say.” He gazed down the road, a sorrowful look in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry.” Although she wanted to find out what had happened to his brothers, she couldn’t come up with a question that suited her.

Chip sent her a too-bright smile. “It was a long time ago, but I have good memories.”

She followed his lead, avoiding a subject he obviously didn’t want to dwell on. “You must have had a lot of fun together.”

“That we did. I look forward to the day my home is filled with the joyful shouts and laughter of my children.” He cast her a quizzical glance. “What about you? Do you look forward to having a family one day?”

She did, very much, but the question never failed to shake her sense of peace. Chip’s emphasis on the word my breathed life into fears she fought to suppress. Most men had a strong desire to father children of their own, just as most women dreamed of becoming mothers.

But what would happen if a woman couldn’t bear children? The elderly doctor who’d treated her after the accident when she was a girl of six said she couldn’t.

A muffled sob coming from behind a thick stand of manzanita bushes spared Callie the need to answer Chip’s question. “Did you hear that? It sounds like someone’s crying.”

Not just someone. A child.

Chip brought his wagon to a halt, jumped to the ground and looped the reins around a low-hanging branch of a scraggly oak. His team shifted restlessly, causing the heel chains on their harnesses to jangle. “It’s all right, fellows. I just need to have a look.”

Callie climbed from the wagon and stood beside Chip. Although she listened intently, she heard nothing but rustling leaves. “The crying seems to have stopped, but I’m certain there’s a child out there somewhere. We have to find the poor dear.”

He beckoned. “Follow me.”

They rounded the plentiful shrubs. He stopped and pointed toward a downed tree in the distance, where two youngsters sat huddled together, their attention on each other. “Look.”

“I’ll try to get closer without scaring them.” She approached slowly.

A twig snapped under Callie’s foot. The little fellow, who appeared to be all of five years old, pulled the small girl to his side and stared at Callie, wide-eyed.

She held up her hands in the classic surrender position. “I’m not going to hurt you. We’re here to help.”

The boy froze, but the slip of a girl broke free and ran into Callie’s open arms, dangling a doll in one hand. She pulled the child to her in a tender embrace. “I’ve got you, sweetheart. Everything’s going to be fine.” Or so she hoped.

Left alone, the young fellow’s gaze darted from Callie to something over his shoulder. He was shaking. What could have happened to terrify him so?

Chip drew closer to the boy. “It’s all right. We won’t let anything happen to you.”

“No.” The lad’s lip quivered. “The bad people left us here and made Papa drive away, but what if they come back? I gotta keep Ruby safe.”

Chip’s features tightened, but he spoke with admirable calm. “Ruby’s a nice name. What’s yours?”

“Jasper.”

“That’s a great name, too. You said the people took your father, Jasper? When was that?”

The young fellow shrugged. “Not too long. One of the bad men hollered to the others and told them to get back on their horses when you come along.”

Thank the good Lord they’d shown up when they did. These children could be in danger. It sounded like their father was. Callie joined Chip, cradling the frightened girl to her chest. “Do you know where they went?”

“Over there.” Jasper pointed to the north, where a cloud of white smoke crested the trees.

Callie inhaled sharply. Something was on fire!

Chip leaned over, putting himself on the boy’s level, and spoke with such tenderness that Callie stifled a sigh. “I need you to stay here with my friend Miss Callie while I look for your father. Will you do that?”

“Y-yes.”

“Good.” Chip straightened, assumed a take-charge manner Callie found reassuring and spoke beside her ear. “I don’t like leaving you and the children alone, but I have no choice. Take them back behind that log—” he angled his head toward the downed tree where Jasper and Ruby had been hiding “—and keep out of sight until I come back.”

Although she did her best to keep her voice level, it cracked. “I’ll do that. What about you? They’re sure to be armed.”

“I have what I need.” He flipped open his jacket, revealing a revolver strapped to his hip.

Callie nodded. “Go on then. We’ll be fine.”

He left, and she hustled the children to their hiding place. She held Ruby in her lap and pulled Jasper to her side.

“What’s the tall man’s name?” the boy asked.

Callie replied in a hushed voice, using the informal manner of address preferred by the owners of the Double T orphanage, where she hoped to work. “Mr. Chip.”

“I never heared that name before.”

“I’d never heard it, either, until I met him.” It had to be a nickname, since his parents had given his brothers longer names. “I like your name. Did you know Jasper is a special stone?” If she could keep him talking, perhaps the traumatized boy would relax.

He scoffed. “’Course I do. Papa told me. He makes pretty things out of stones like that.”

“Oh, is he a jeweler?”

“Yep. He’s gonna start a jewelry store up in Placerville. Have you ever been there?”

“I live there.” But if her interview went well, she’d be moving to Shingle Springs.

Jasper’s face pinched with worry. “When will Papa and Mr. Chip come back?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart. We must be patient.”

“Why did the bad people take him?”

She wished she knew. “I’m sure we’ll find out shortly.”

The rapid-fire questions continued until Chip returned. Alone. Callie approached him with Ruby on her hip, eager for good news.

Jasper raced around the log and faced Chip, with his legs spread and arms folded, scowling. “Why didn’t you bring Papa back? You said you would.”

Chip squatted and rested a hand on the boy’s shoulder. The kindhearted man spoke with such compassion that Callie’s eyes misted. “I looked for him like I said I would, but I’m afraid I have some sad news, Jasper. Your papa won’t be coming back. He’s...gone.”

The boy’s face paled. “You mean he’s dead, don’t you?”

Blood rushed in Callie’s ears, drowning out all other sounds, much as it had the day the robbers burst into her parents’ house and took their lives all those years ago. She clutched Ruby to her and pressed a kiss to the girl’s mass of blond curls.

No, Lord, no! How could You let this happen to these precious children?

She drew in a calming breath. Giving way to sorrow would do no good. The days ahead would be difficult ones for the children, but things would work out for them, as they had for her.

With her composure restored, she became aware of her surroundings once again. Chip stood nearby, holding the brokenhearted boy tightly, his features drawn.

Ruby clung to Callie, soaking her shoulder with tears. How much did the darling girl understand? She couldn’t be more than two or three years old. How could she grasp the harsh realities the way her brother had?

Jasper had told Callie about his mama going to heaven not long after Ruby learned to walk. With their father gone, too, they were orphans. Callie could empathize with their pain, as could Chip. How like the Lord to put the two of them on the road at the precise time Jasper and Ruby had been left alone.

Chip set the boy down, held his small hand and looked into Callie’s eyes. “I suggest taking our young friends to the Abbotts’ place. I know space is limited, but from what Spencer said, Tess won’t turn away a child in need.”

“I think that’s our best option.” While life in an orphanage was not ideal, the bighearted owners gave the children in their care a nice place to live, plenty of food in their bellies and a whole lot of love. If the couple hired her, she’d be able to look out for Jasper and Ruby during their first days as orphans. In time, smiles and laughter would replace tears and sorrow, as they had for her after Mom and Pop Marshall had taken her in.

Callie inclined her head toward the area where the children’s father had lost his life. “Do you need to tend to anything before we leave?”

“I saw to the most pressing matters. I’ll come back as soon as I can to finish the job.”

Since she saw no sign of smoke, he must have extinguished the fire. Without tools or a wagon, there would have been little more he could do. She’d get the details later. “We should get going. The sooner we get the children there, the better.”

“You’re right.” He scanned the area. “I’m fairly certain we’re alone now, but we don’t want to encounter any...company en route.”

They returned to the wagon. Jasper sat on the buckboard’s seat between Chip and Callie, putting on a brave front that was at odds with his red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. Ruby sat in Callie’s lap, trembling.

Jasper broke the lingering silence. “Where are you taking us?”

Chip answered. “To a place where some nice people will look after you.”

“What kind of place?”

“It’s called the Double T, and I think you’ll like it.” Chip sent the inquisitive boy a warm smile. “There will be plenty of other children to play with.”

Jasper’s brow furrowed. “Is it one of them orph’nages? Papa told me ’bout them. He said they’re cold and dark and stinky.”

Callie hastened to reassure the misguided boy. “The Double T is nothing like that. The buildings are big and blue, and there are lots of windows to let in the sunlight. Each child has a comfortable bed, a wardrobe full of clean clothes and plenty of delicious food to eat. Outside, there are horses and lots of cows. My brother, Isaac, works there. He teaches the children how to ride horses.”

Jasper eyed her with suspicion. “Are you fibbing?”

“Not at all. It’s a wonderful place. The boys live in Humpty Dumpty House and the girls in Miss Muffet House—for now anyhow. Mama Tess and Papa Spencer are adding Jack and Jill House, where the youngest children will live once it’s opened. There is a large playroom on the first floor. Girls will live on the second and boys on the third.”

He smiled. “I know them names! They’re from Mother Goose.”

“That’s right.” She sent him an encouraging smile. “What a bright boy you are.”

The rest of the trip passed in a flurry of questions. Jasper’s curiosity knew no bounds. Callie and Chip took turns telling him about every aspect of the Double T, from the cattle-ranching lessons Spencer gave the children to the impressive tree house in the massive oak behind the dormitories. She was surprised at Chip’s familiarity with the orphanage, but then, according to her brother, he did make regular deliveries of wooden toys he’d created.

Chip turned off the main road in Shingle Springs, heading north. When they’d traveled about a mile, the Double T came into view.

Ruby had fallen asleep, but Jasper let out a whoop that woke her. “It looks just like you said! I never seed so many cows.”

Callie breathed a sigh of relief. They hadn’t encountered any criminals along the way. Plus, she and Chip had succeeded in painting an accurate picture of the place and overcoming Jasper’s hesitation. If all went well, the dear boy would find solace here.

Ruby rubbed her eyes, looked up at Callie and pouted. “Where’s Papa?”

Oh, dear. The blond-haired darling hadn’t grasped the sad truth after all.

Jasper rested a hand on his sister’s arm and spoke with the assurance of a devoted big brother. “Papa went to heaven, Ruby, like Mama done, but it’s all right. I’m gonna take good care of you.” His boyish declaration melted Callie’s heart.

Seemingly satisfied with her brother’s explanation, Ruby clutched her doll tightly and nestled against Callie.

Chip brought the wagon to a halt in front of the main house. “You’ve got a right fine brother, Ruby.” His compliment hit its mark, putting a smile on the young fellow’s face.

Tess saw them and waved. The tall women left a group of older children working in the garden and crossed the yard. “Well, this is a surprise. One of the girls saw your wagon coming and told me a family had arrived, but I see that’s not the case after all.”

A surge of longing flowed through Callie. Her greatest wish was to have a family. The fact that she, Chip and the children had been mistaken for one was understandable. Jasper and Ruby, with their golden locks, did bear a resemblance to her, and the boy’s eyes were the same sapphire-blue as Chip’s.

Chip hopped from the wagon. “When I learned that Callie was coming this way, I offered her a ride. Along the way, we came across these children and discovered they’d been orphaned this very morning. We couldn’t think of a better place to bring them.”

Tess’s hand flew to her throat. “The poor dears. All our beds are full, but we’ll make do until you get the new ones built, Chip.”