A Texas Legacy Christmas (9 page)

Zack had too many thoughts swirling around in his brain, but one thing at a time. His children were safe, and that was most important. He pulled them close to him and wondered when he’d begun to love them—really love them.

Chloe had avoided Zack the rest of the evening, knowing he’d ask questions about Eli. She couldn’t let him find out how Eli used to follow her home and later to the creek . . . and the things he’d said and tried to do. She’d been successful in fighting him off with Pa’s knife, even left a mark or two. But her efforts seemed to make him more determined. Thank God she’d found the job at the boardinghouse. The memories of what he’d attempted were fresh. Frightening.

Now as morning peeked over the horizon, she considered keeping distance between her and Zack. How humiliating if he knew of the times she slept by the creek. She bundled up the sheets and pillowcases and placed them in a basket for pickup later. Saturdays always had extra people wanting breakfast, and she wanted to help Simeon.

The stairs creaked, and she glanced up to see Zack heading her way with an armful of linens. Despite the darkened stairway, she’d recognize his features anywhere. The mere sight of him took her breath away.

“Good morning.” She smiled. Why did he always have to look so perfect?

“Morning. We had a little accident last night.”

“But he’s doing better.”

“Yes, he is.” He stopped on a step. “Chloe, are you upset with me?”

“Of course not. Why do you ask?” Her heart thudded against her chest.

“Because ever since the problem at school with Eli yesterday afternoon, you’ve seemed to ignore me and the twins. I’ve already surmised that you had problems with Eli, and I’m sorry.”

She took a deep breath. “Work keeps me busy.”

He stared at her. “I thought you and I were friends. Good friends. Maybe the start of more than friends—and not because you help me with the twins.”

If he didn’t hush, he’d hear her heart pound like a bass drum. Yet what if he was serious? “I was embarrassed by Miss Scott’s apology to me.”

“Sounds to me like Eli is the one who should be embarrassed.”

“Maybe so. I’d like to think I’d grown up and escaped schoolhouse problems.”

“I think I understand. If you ever want to talk about it, I’m available. I can be a good listener.”

“I remember your listening to a little girl with all of her childish whims.”

“Those times were a pleasure. Would you join us for church tomorrow and dinner with my parents?”

You’d like for me to accompany you again? Her pulse raced with the thought. “Are you sure they won’t mind?”

“I’d be ordered to turn back around if you refused.”

She sensed her lips curving upward. “I’d be delighted.”

“Wonderful.” He deposited the soiled linens into the basket. “We’ll not see you until dinner. I’m taking the twins with me to deliver papers, and we’re having lunch with my uncle and aunt, George and Ellen Kahler—the other side of the family. I haven’t seen him since he was elected mayor.”

“He’s doing a fine job. When word got out about the possibility of moving the county seat to Kahlerville, he worked hard to make it happen.”

Zack started up the steps, then swung around. “Do you have plans for Thanksgiving?”

Her heart threatened to burst from her chest. “I have to work through breakfast, but then Mr. Barton has someone coming in to relieve me.”

“Would you accompany us to my uncle Morgan’s that day? There’s a bunch of us, but we always have a good time.”

Chloe wondered if he could ever ask anything she’d refuse. “I’d like that very much. Please let me know what I can bring.”

“A smile and a hearty appetite. There will be plenty of food and lots of leftovers. Almost seems a shame at times, but none of it goes to waste with hungry ranch hands.”

Chloe heard Simeon whistling “Clementine.” Did he hear everything from his post in the kitchen? If she didn’t love the dear old man, she’d scold him.

“The last time I came down these stairs he was whistling ‘Oh! Susanna.’ Does he ever run out of songs?”

“I don’t think so.” Especially when it came to teasing her about suitors. “Would you like to take a cup of coffee back to your room?”

In the shadows, she could see his smile.

“Can’t refuse a cup of Simeon’s finest brew.”

The two walked into the kitchen, where the older man deftly peeled potatoes. “You two meet at the oddest places and times. Why, when I was in my courtin’ days, we went on picnics and took long walks in the moonlight. You two court in the stairway and in my kitchen.” He laughed and grabbed another potato. “Guess that makes me a chaperone.”

Chloe thought she’d sink right through the floor. A witty remark danced across her mind, but at that moment, Simeon started whistling again. And this time he danced a little jig.

She poured Zack his coffee and met his gaze. He certainly knew how to make her tingle to the tip of her toes. His smile stayed fixed in her mind the rest of the day. She allowed the old dreams to creep back into her heart. Maybe the start of more than friends. He wouldn’t have said something he didn’t mean. Zack Kahler was far too noble for that. Sometimes she wondered if she’d put him on a pedestal too lofty for a mere mortal. But she blamed her kingly opinion of him on love. Surely he had faults . . . somewhere.

*****

Zack enjoyed delivering papers to rural folks. It gave him time to meet with good people. Some of them seldom saw anyone except on Sunday, and they were always eager to talk. A lot of wisdom rested in country people. Today he had the twins to show off and hoped the two behaved. Sometimes their language slipped to those things from the streets of New York City, but he was working hard to eliminate inappropriate words from their vocabulary.

The air had turned crisp, and the scent of straw filled his nostrils. The rolling fields were bare as though resting until next spring. He glanced to the back of the wagon to see what Curly and Charlie were doing. Knowing them, they were conspiring how to sell more of their poppy’s newspapers. They perched on a stack of the latest edition while taking in the countryside, pointing to this and that. The country air sure smelled a lot sweeter than the sewers of New York. Zack’s attitude had improved tremendously too.

One of the twins laughed about something. Those two. He shook his head. Guess it was about time he set them straight about a matter.

“Hey, you two wild animals.”

“Yes, Poppy.” Charlie’s sweet voice sounded like a tiny bird.

“I love you.”

“Both of us?” Curly said.

“Yes, both of you.”

Curly reached from the back of the wagon and touched Zack’s suspenders. “We love you too.”

“Mama told us that once,” Charlie said. “But most of the time she was too tired ’cept to sleep. Does Miss Chloe love us?”

“I bet so.” Zack watched the two of them exchange glances, then cover their mouths to conceal a giggle.

“Do you love her like you love us?” Charlie said.

“Nope. I love you in a whole different way.”

They laughed again. What were they up to now?

“Miss Chloe is going with us to celebrate Thanksgiving.”

Curly tugged on his suspenders again. “What’s Thanksgivin’? Miss Scott talked about it at school, but we don’t know what it is.”

Had they not shared in a Thanksgiving before? “Well, a long time ago when folks first came to America, they had a hard time growing food and having enough for everyone to eat.”

“We’ve been hungry, Poppy,” Charlie said.

He shook off the emotion rising in him and concentrated on his story. “The Indians living nearby showed them how to plant corn and other vegetables so they wouldn’t starve. One year they had a big harvest, and the people decided to have a feast to thank God for all of their blessings. They invited all the families and friends, including the Indians. It’s a time when family and friends get together and thank God for all of their blessings. We have a big turkey dinner with plenty of food for everyone. This year my uncle Morgan and aunt Casey have invited the whole family to their ranch.”

“What about the hungry people?” Curly said.

“Our church has taken care of those people, and we’ll do it again at Christmas.”

Charlie’s eyes widened. “Good. Nobody should be hungry. Does Uncle Morgan and Aunt Casey have kittens?”

“Do Uncle Morgan and Aunt Casey, not does. Anyway, I’m not sure if they have kittens or not. We’ll have to check. They have horses, but you two stay outside the fence.”

“Yes sir. We promise,” Charlie said.

He wondered if heaven heard those two cherub voices.

“I’m glad Miss Chloe is going with us. She’ll make a fine mama,” Charlie said. “I already told her.”

Zack gulped. “You what?”

“Yeah,” Curly chimed in. “When she was holding ice on my eye and crying ’bout Eli hitting me, we both told her that.”

“What did she say?”

“Nothing, but she did say she loved us,” Charlie said.

“Don’t you think if I’m ever to get married and get you two a mama that I should do the choosing?”

Curly shook his head. “We already chose Miss Chloe.”

Lord, help me here. I thought You wanted me to run a newspaper—bring the truth to light. In a matter of a month, these two have jumped into my heart, and Chloe is close behind.

“Maybe we should talk about having lunch at Uncle George and Aunt Ellen’s.” Anything to get those two off the subject of Chloe and needing a mama.

“Do they have a ranch?” Curly said.

“No. They live in Kahlerville in a big house that Uncle George built. He owns the lumberyard and sawmill. He’s also the town’s mayor. You will have lots of cousins to play with.”

“How many?” the twins chorused.

“Ten. Five boys and five girls. Mind your manners. And don’t talk about me and Miss Chloe.”

“Why?” Charlie said. “Are you mad at her?”

“Oh no.” Lord, help me. “I think all the cousins will be interested in getting to know you and Curly.”

“Do you want us to tell them about New York?” Curly said.

Zack had to think about that. “I think you could tell them a little but not the bad things.”

Curly sighed like an old man trying to get the energy to stand from his rocking chair. “Like pickpocketing?”

“Not much to tell except the bad stuff we did,” Charlie said. “But we won’t use outhouse words.” Her eyes lit up. “I know. We’ll talk about Sister Agatha and Sister Catherine. They were nice and loved us even when we did things that Jesus didn’t like.”

Lord, have mercy.

“Looks to me like an active pair of children need a nap.” Mama tilted her head toward Curly and Charlie slouched over on the front porch steps after Sunday dinner.

“We’re too big for naps.” Curly yawned.

“Afternoon naps are a great way to dream about Santa and what you’d like for Christmas.”

“We don’t want anything, ’cause we have Poppy and a home. And he loves us.” Curly turned to Zack and Chloe on the porch swing and offered a big smile. Soon his loose tooth would leave a gap in his smile. Already they were growing too fast.

“Thank you,” Zack managed with the tug at his heart. “You two are the best Christmas presents a man could ever want.” He glanced toward the fields. How could Curly and Charlie yank at his heartstrings one minute and be naughty the next?

“We got an extra bowl of porridge on Christmas Day at the orphanage.” Charlie folded her hands into her lap and smoothed the skirt of her green flowered dress. “We haven’t had to eat that horrible stuff since Poppy ’dopted us.”

This was fast becoming a tearful occasion. Chloe brushed the dampness from her cheeks.

“How about a story?” Mama bent toward the twins and wrapped an arm around each child’s shoulders.

Charlie’s droopy eyes gave away her need for sleep. “You read the best, Grandma.”

Mama took their hands. “Then I’ll read to you on my bed. It’s my favorite spot to enjoy a book.”

“I need to do some more preparation for tonight’s service,” Dad said. “I’ll read in the parlor.”

Once everyone disappeared inside, Zack turned to Chloe. “Why do I suspect we were left alone on purpose?”

The peach in her cheeks deepened. “I thought they all were tired.”

He chuckled. “My mother is a matchmaker.” He hesitated. “I apologize if her planning bothers you.” He waited for several long moments for her answer.

“I—I think it’s a nice gesture.”

“Good. I do, too. Now I don’t know what to talk about.”

“Tell me about lunch yesterday with George and Ellen Kahler.”

He laughed. “The twins wore themselves out running from one cousin to another, playing inside and outside of the huge house. And they were on their best behavior—except when I caught Curly sliding down the banister. He slid right into my arms.”

She giggled.

“It was really funny. You should have seen the surprised look on his face.”

“They are cute. What did they like the best?”

“Hmm. I’d say other than all the new playmates, it was a toss-up between Aunt Ellen’s sugar cookies and the family dog—a very friendly family dog.” He laughed again. “I think they might have been tempted to trade me for the pet.”

“Not if I just heard correctly.”

“They were trying to avoid a nap.”

She smiled, and he smiled. He could get used to this. Were the birds singing, or was his heart playing its own tune?

“I’m glad it went well.” She moistened her lips. “Tell me about your newspaper. Are things progressing as planned?”

He took a breath and silently thanked Chloe for suggesting conversation topics other than Mama’s eagerness to see the two of them together. He could be real tempted to steal a kiss. “To begin with, Hank is a mountain of wisdom. I received outstanding experience in New York with reporting and even advertising, but I needed to learn more about the workings of a small-town newspaper—one with high aspirations. Thankfully, Hank plans to stay on until I learn more of those things.”

“Miss Scott told me how thrilled she is to be writing a women’s column.”

Chloe’s smile and milky-white teeth were downright distracting.

“She’ll be helping me draw in more women readers from all over the area. And her ideas and writing show promise. I suppose all the years of teaching English have something to do with her expertise.”

“You are helping this town grow, Zack Kahler.”

“That’s my dream. I hope to bring the news of the surrounding communities, the country, and the world to the doorstep of ordinary people. They want the farm and stock reports, weather predictions, and help with their crops. I remember following the World Series in October between the Philadelphia Athletes and the New York Giants . . . Philadelphia won 4–2. At the time, I thought of the folks here who liked baseball. Wouldn’t it be grand to give the people in Kahlerville game scores as soon as it happened? Other sports? Economics? U.S. events?”

She turned on the swing to face him directly. “What types of stories affected you the most?”

“Without a doubt, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that killed the twins’ mother.”

Chloe shuddered. “You didn’t tell me how she died.”

Sometimes he still heard the screams of those trapped inside. “It was a tragic fire in a warehouse where many women, mostly immigrants, were trapped inside. The owners were at fault. I covered the story, which is another reason why I had to help Curly and Charlie.”

“I believe you can build your newspaper into something grand. You have the determination, and you’re a hard worker. I hear the passion in your voice, Zack Kahler. You and your newspaper will succeed.”

Zack feigned surprise. “You can see all those fine things in a matter of a few short weeks?”

She laughed. “I saw those things when you were one of Miss Scott’s students.”

How did this woman manage to warm his soul and fill him with inspiration at the same time?

*****

Monday evening as Zack locked up the newspaper office, he heard a familiar voice speak his name. Miss Scott called to him and held her hat as a gust of wind whipped around her. The sight of the slightly plump woman struggling to maintain her balance in the midst of school papers flying everywhere caused him almost to laugh. Instead, he helped her retrieve her belongings and ushered her under the overhang of the boardwalk.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t get to you fast enough,” he said. “How can I help you?”

She paused for a deep breath and regained her composure. “May I have a word with you about Curly and Charlie?”

Chill bumps chased up and down his arms. “Of course.” He unlocked the newspaper office and ushered her inside. Trepidation settled on him like a black cloud. After Friday’s incident with Eli Scott bullying his children, he was more than a little sensitive to anything about them.

“It’s not serious,” Miss Scott said as though reading his thoughts.

He forced a chuckle. “I’m constantly reminded of how bad I was in school. Guess I’m nervous—like God may be giving me a dose of my own medicine. And you don’t want to know what I’ve been thinking about the problem last Friday.”

Sadness swept over her face. For the first time, he noticed her hair had streaks of gray around her face. “Eli has run away from home. But I can understand after the many beatings my brother has given him.”

“The many beatings?”

Miss Scott nodded. “My brother’s treatment of Eli is no excuse for me to have overlooked my nephew’s bad behavior. I think Eli took out his resentment on the other children. None of my talking ever made a difference—to Eli or my brother.”

“What a sad situation.” And he really believed it.

“Thank you. I pray Eli will find someone who will help him see the right road. As far as my brother goes, he’s always been rather brutal in dealing with Eli.” She stared off wistfully for a moment, then smiled. “Let’s talk about the twins.”

“Do we need to have them with us?”

“Calm down. This is nothing we can’t work out together.”

“Then you’d best tell me soon before this new father becomes ill.”

She smiled her teacher smile, which meant there were a few unpleasant matters to deal with. “Curly and Charlie are behind in their schoolwork.”

“I figured as much. From what they told me, I doubt if they attended a full week of school at any given time in New York.” He attempted to calm himself. “What do you suggest?”

“I’d like to tutor them after school until they can work successfully with their own age group.”

He relaxed slightly. “I appreciate your giving them an opportunity to catch up. I was afraid they might need to be held back next year.”

“They’re bright children, and I think the individual attention will bring them to where they should be. Lydia Anne and Stuart would then have three free afternoons, giving me time to work with the twins at school and walk them to the boarding house. Even keep them company until you return from the newspaper.”

“You are taking on a handful.”

She laughed. “They are adorable. Shall we start on Wednesday? I think three times a week is a good beginning. Do Monday, Wednesday, and Friday suit you?”

“Perfect for me. You’re the one doing all the work. And you will let me know how much I owe you for the tutoring?”

Her eyes pooled. “Oh, Zack, don’t you know me by now? The children I teach become my children. I don’t want any money for tutoring. Besides, you’ve given me a column to write.”

He started to protest, but then figured he could add to her payment for writing the newspaper column. “I have a difficult time arguing with my former teacher.”

“Precisely my point.” She nodded to punctuate her words. “Then it’s settled.”

*****

The clock in the foyer ticked rhythmically, counting down the hours after the boardinghouse had hummed with activity during the dinner hour and the conversation following. The lull in the day’s events allowed Chloe to catch up on the chores and Mr. Barton’s books. The twins and Miss Scott tended to a spelling lesson. Chloe wanted to help them with arithmetic on Sunday afternoons, but she needed Zack’s permission.

“It sure is nice of you to help the twins with their schoolin’.” Simeon sidled up to the table where Miss Scott sat with the two.

Chloe bit her lip to keep from laughing. Simeon was sweet-talking Miss Scott for sure.

“I want to see children learn and grow up to be responsible adults. I’ve taught many fine young people. I think of them as my own.” She blushed.

“And you taught Mr. Zack?”

“Oh yes.” She giggled.

I didn’t know Miss Scott ever giggled. Does she like Simeon?

“I used to worry about him when he was eleven and twelve years old, but he’s such a fine young man now.”

“I imagine every successful man and woman in town owes you thanks.”

“How kind you are to flatter me so.”

“When you’re finished, would you like a slice of freshly baked pecan pie and coffee?”

“Mr. Simeon, that sounds perfect.”

My, it looks like those two are on the courtin’ road. All of this at the end of the first week of tutoring the twins? Chloe fought the notion to hum a few verses of “Clementine.”

“I set the pie outside to cool on the windowsill,” Simeon said. “Give me a moment to slice it up and pour you a cup of coffee. Cream and sugar, right?”

“How nice of you to remember. You will join me, won’t you?”

The sugar in Miss Scott’s voice could have sweetened a whole pot of coffee.

“For only a moment. I have dinner to cook for the boarders.”

And Simeon poured on the sugar, too.

“Everything you prepare tastes heavenly. I look forward to treating myself to one of your excellent meals.”

“Thank ye kindly. I’ll be right back.”

Chloe peeked around the corner. The twins were writing diligently at a table, no doubt oblivious to the budding romance between Miss Scott and Simeon. Long moments passed. Simeon must really be going to a lot of trouble. Then he hurried into the dining room.

“Something has happened to my pie.” His face grew red as he spoke.

Miss Scott’s face paled as though he’d given her dire news.

“Yesterday, I had a loaf of bread taken right off my coolin’ window. Today a pecan pie. I believe there’s a thief in our town.”

“Should I fetch the sheriff?”

Simeon shook his head. “No, I’ll be on the lookout for whoever is swipin’ my food.” He shook his head. “If a hungry person is takin’ them, I wish they’d just knock on the back door. I’d be glad to fix ’em a plate. But stealin’ makes me mad.”

Chloe remembered her hungry years. She’d never considered stealing. Yet when she remembered picking up fallen apples from the livery’s apple tree, guilt assaulted her conscience. She took a breath and stepped into the dining room.

“Simeon, I couldn’t help but hear about the stolen bread and pie. Do you mind if tomorrow I fix a plate of food after the boarders have eaten and set it on the windowsill?”

The old man frowned. “I guess that’s all right. We best check with Mr. Barton to make sure. Hope he doesn’t take my plate and fork, too.”

“I’ll put a note on the top of the food to return them.”

A smile spread over Simeon’s face. “You know, Miss Chloe, you have a big heart. All I could think about was the missin’ food. You’re thinkin’ about a person goin’ hungry.”

No matter who it is, I can’t condemn them. Going hungry is a horrible feeling.