Love Inspired Historical November 2014 (49 page)

Molly reached for the sugar cookie on her plate.

In a soft voice, Leah reminded her, “You have to eat half your sandwich and drink half your milk and then you can have the cookie.”

The little girl looked to Jake. Was she asking him to intervene? What harm would it do if she ate the cookie first? His gaze moved up to Leah's. The look on her face warned him that now wasn't the time to dispute her words.

He grinned at Molly. “Eat up. If I finish my sandwich first I might be tempted to eat your cookie, too.” Jake took a big bite from his sandwich.

A twinkle filled Leah's eyes as Molly grabbed her own ham and bread and began to eat at a fast pace. “Remember, ladies thoroughly chew their food before they swallow,” Leah reminded the little girl.

Molly nodded and her eyes danced with pleasure as she ate and drank her milk. Leah picked at her sandwich and looked about the room.

Leah seemed to know exactly what the little girl needed to know to grow up into a young woman with manners and healthy eating habits. How was he going to be both mother and father to the child? To take his mind from the scary thought, Jake glanced around his room.

He was thankful he'd stopped long enough this morning to make the cot up. “I hope you don't mind eating here. Other than the main dining hall there was no other place, and I wanted to talk to Molly before I spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Frontz.”

“This is fine,” Leah assured him.

Molly's stopped chewing and looked at him. He read the question in her eyes. She wanted to know why he'd want to talk to her.

He put his sandwich down and placed his elbows on the table, one on each side of his plate. Molly continued to stare at him. She cocked her head to the side and waited.

Jake took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly.
Lord, please help me say the right thing
. “Molly, did your daddy ever tell you he had a brother?”

The little girl shook her head.

John and Sally had never told Molly about him. What had he expected? He'd abandoned his family. Only, where did he go from here?

Jake continued to hold her gaze. She looked so much like Sally, with her corn-silk hair, heart-shaped face and rosy cheeks. The only difference was her eyes. She had John's expressive brown eyes.

Seeing John's eyes looking back at him tore into his very soul. Over the years he'd missed his brother and realized that his memories of Sally were fading, but he'd never forgotten his brother.

Molly slid off Leah's lap and came around the table. Jake turned so that he could still face her. The little girl reached her arms upward and he pulled her onto his lap. She stretched her small hand up and touched Jake's hair and then ran her fingers over his lashes.

He closed them so she wouldn't poke him in the eye. Was she searching for similarities between him and his brother? Or was she simply curious about him? When he felt her hand on his head again, he looked into her face.

Leah said in a soft, encouraging voice, “Go ahead and tell her.”

Molly looked from him to Leah and back to him again. She placed her hand on his heart and leaned her head against his shoulder.

“I'm your Uncle Jake, Molly. I'm your daddy's brother.”

She raised her head and smiled at him. Had she already guessed? “Your daddy sent me a letter and in it he said you can live with me now. Would you like that?”

Molly nodded and then pointed to Leah.

Was she asking if Leah could live with them, too? Jake looked to the young woman. Her cheeks were turning a lovely shade of pink. It wasn't his place to tell Molly that her friend would soon be leaving to marry Mr. Harris.

Jake found himself holding his breath as he waited to see what Leah would say. Molly climbed down from his lap. She hurried back to Leah and waited to be picked up. Molly was small for her age and weighed very little.

“Molly, you will be staying here with your uncle Jake, and I will continue on to meet my new husband. Remember? I told you that I was coming out here to get married.”

Tears filled Molly's eyes. She wrapped her arms around Leah's neck and hid her face. Leah's sorrow-filled gaze searched out Jake's. He wanted to help them but didn't know how. His experience with heartache hadn't prepared him for raising a child who had lost so much already. Or helping a young woman who seemed to be looking at him for reassurance—or something else that he knew he'd never be able to give her.

Leah gently pulled Molly back. “I'm not leaving right now, little one. We have a few days to be together. Let's not be sad during the rest of our time together. All right?”

Molly wiped the tears from her cheeks and offered Leah a wobbly smile. She patted Leah's face as if to say,
I'm all right
. Her sad eyes seemed to say that it wasn't fair and that she felt as if she were losing her best friend.

* * *

Later that evening, cold air swept through the room, announcing that Jake had entered the parlor. Leah glanced his way and then faced Mr. Frontz once more. With her hands planted firmly on her hips, she protested, “I don't understand why a pony express rider can't take me on his next run and drop me off at the Harris ranch.”

The old man shook his head. “Send him a letter. I won't risk sending you out to him.”

Exasperation and weariness filled her. “But I've already told you. I sent a letter last week and haven't received an answer.” Fear crept up her spine, sending chills down her back. The letter should have gotten to him days ago. Why hadn't he come? Had Thomas changed his mind?

Two pony express riders, Cole and Timothy, sat on the settee, snickering. Leah scowled at them. Didn't they realize this wasn't funny? This was about her future. Her new home. The older man snorted and she turned her glare back on him.

Molly tugged her small fingers free of Leah's and hurried to Jake. The little girl grabbed his hand. Her big brown eyes took in the scene that was unfolding before them. His seemed to be doing the same.

Leah and Molly had kept their distance from each other. Truth be told, Leah had pretty much isolated herself from everyone because she didn't want to see the questions in their eyes. But, even so, she'd sensed he wanted no part of being around her. He'd come inside and play with Molly or take her out to the barn to ride the horse but he'd said very few words to Leah over the past week.

Mr. Frontz's firm voice drew her attention once more. “Pony express riders don't deliver women, they deliver mail.” Mr. Frontz turned his back and stoked the fire in the fireplace.

Leah took a deep breath and slowly released it, then spoke her thoughts. “Well, I am a mail-order bride. Thomas Harris has paid my way to your stagecoach stop and I'm sure he will pay any cost you want to charge to deliver me to his ranch.”

The old man hooted with laughter. “Honey, even if he could afford it, I'm sure Mr. Harris wouldn't pay for you to be delivered like the U.S. mail.”

“Not at five dollars a half ounce,” Cole muttered loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

“I'll wager that gal weighs about one hundred and twenty pounds, give or take a pound.” Timothy snickered back.

Leah glanced at the two young men. Each wore a wide grin and had laughing eyes. But that didn't stop her. She stood a little taller and glared at each of them. “I'll have you know, I only weigh one ten. Not that that is any of your business.” She turned back to Mr. Frontz feeling foolish for arguing with the boys like a child.

Mr. Frontz looked Leah straight in the eyes. “Look, it's not just your weight, it's also not safe. These boys have to ride fast and they face all kinds of dangers while out on the trail. That's why they get paid twenty-five dollars a week to be riders.” He dropped the poker into the wrought-iron holder on the hearth. “Plus, that weather out there has turned for the worst and would have you shivering so much you'd throw the horse and rider off balance.”

Leah wasn't ready to give up. She raised her chin and declared, “I'm willing to face the dangers, Mr. Frontz.”

“Well,” the old man smothered a yawn with his hand and said, “I'm not willing to have you face danger and I don't believe these young men are, either.” He yawned again, this time not bothering to hide the fact that he was tired, sleepy and finished with their conversation. “The subject is closed for discussion, Miss Hollister.”

Leah marched after him. He pointed at the riders behind her. “If I can talk one of them into taking me, would you forbid it?” She dared him to say yes.

“Not at all. You are welcome to ask away, but I'm telling you—” he nodded at the group behind her “—and them, no one is taking you anyplace.”

The express riders stood at once, as if they'd received some unspoken code. They hurried from the house like chickens with their heads chopped off, scattering in all directions.

Dejected, Leah plopped down in the chair beside the fireplace. Molly released Jake's hand and hurried to her side. The little girl wrapped her arms around Leah's neck, offering comfort in the only way she knew how.

Ike, another young rider, stepped from the shadows. “Miss Hollister, did you say Thomas Harris?”

She looked up hopefully and nodded. “Would you be interested in taking me to him, Ike?”

The young man shook his head sadly. “No, ma'am, and it pains me to tell you but I think I know why he hasn't rit you back.”

Confused, Leah asked, “Why not?”

Ike's words rushed from him like water over river rocks. “When I was in Julesburg yesterday I heard that Mr. Harris died. He got caught in that last storm and froze out by his pond.”

Leah gasped. Sorrow and despair hit her at the same time. Thomas had seemed so nice in his letters. It was a shame that he'd died. But what was she going to do now? Where would she go? Not back to Texas since there was nothing and no one there for her. Then the thought hit her. She tried to stand but dread weakened her knees so that she couldn't rise from the chair. How on earth was she going to pay for the nights she'd stayed here and the food she'd eaten?

Jake moved to stand beside her. He placed a firm hand beneath her elbow. Was this his way of offering comfort? Why would he do so?

“Is this information from a reliable person, Ike?” Jake asked, bringing her thoughts into focus once more.

“Yep,” Ike said as Leah watched his Adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed hard before continuing. “The sheriff was talking to the undertaker.”

With Jake's support, Leah got to her feet, picking Molly up. Her voice was strained as she said, “Thank you for letting me know, Ike. If you will excuse me, gentlemen, Molly and I will retire now.” She walked to the stairs with her head held high, refusing to let them see that her world had just crumbled at her feet and that she had no idea how to make it all right again.

Chapter Three

T
he next morning, Jake sat at the dining table facing his employers, Mr. and Mrs. Frontz. It was still early and everyone else rested in their warm beds, something Jake hadn't done comfortably since Miss Hollister and his niece had arrived.

Mrs. Frontz yawned, then said, “Thanks for making the coffee this morning, Jake, but I wish you'd get on with whatever needs to be said. I have breakfast to cook.”

He lowered his drink. “All right, then, I'll get to the point. Miss Hollister learned last night that her fiancé has passed away.” Jake watched both of them nod and focus their gazes on the cups in front of them. He couldn't help but wonder how long they'd known about the demise of Mr. Harris. He shook his head and continued because that simple fact really didn't matter right now. “That means she will be leaving soon.” Again he watched them nod.

“What does that have to do with us, son?” Mr. Frontz asked, raising his head and meeting Jake's eyes.

The older man called everyone son, so Jake didn't take any notice. “Well, if Miss Hollister leaves, I assume full responsibility for Molly's care. So I guess I'm trying to tell you I'll be leaving soon, too. I can't raise a girl in the tack room off the barn.”

Mrs. Frontz's face saddened. “Where will you go?”

“Back to Texas. I guess the family spread is mine now.”

He didn't want to move back to Texas. Too many memories were there for both him and Molly. How would she feel going back to the place where her parents had died? But it was his only choice.

He didn't tell them he had no idea what he was going to do on that small piece of land. He'd hoped to make enough money to start a horse ranch, but now, with a child to raise, Jake just wasn't sure what he'd do. And he still had the problem of how to care for the child once he did have a work plan.

“Now, boy, you aren't making any sense,” Mr. Frontz grumbled. “You're going to leave a good job here to go to Texas. For what? So the girl will have a place to live? What's wrong with living here?”

“Yeah, what's wrong with living here?” Mrs. Frontz echoed, fully awake now.

“I told you, I can't raise her in the tack room. At least back in Texas, I have a cabin.” Jake didn't like it any more than they did but what other choice did he have?

Mr. Frontz studied him over his coffee cup. He took a drink and then plopped it down on the table. “So are you saying that if you had a roof over your heads, then you'd stick around?”

Jake nodded. “I reckon so.” He loved working for the pony express and taking care of the horses. Most of them were mustangs and half-wild but he did love them. There were a few, like the one he allowed Molly to ride, that were tame. All of them were intelligent.

They sat in silence for several long minutes before Mrs. Frontz spoke. “You know, Charles. He could move into the old homestead. It needs a little work but it's livable.”

Mr. Frontz nodded. “Yep, I could get the boys to clean the place today and have it ready to move into by this evening.” He picked up his coffee once more.

“I'm sure I could round up some sheets and other things you'll need to make it a fine home for the little girl,” Mrs. Frontz added in a hopeful voice.

Jake shook his head. “I'm not sure that's such a good idea. The other men aren't going to like that I have a nice home to live in when all they get is a room that they must share with each other.”

“You leave the boys to me. Besides, the cabin's not that much bigger than their room.” Mr. Frontz pushed his chair back. He dropped a big, callused hand on Jake's shoulder. “I'm glad you're staying. I didn't look forward to replacing such a good stock tender.” He shoved his hat on his balding head and stomped to the back porch.

Jake studied the grounds in the bottom of his cup. That was one problem taken care of, but he had others to deal with.

Mrs. Frontz laid her hand on his. “Something else is bothering you. I can tell. Want to talk about it?”

He looked into her bright blue eyes. “I'm just thinking that if Miss Hollister leaves I'll need to hire someone to watch Molly.” Jake sighed, his choices in babysitters were majorly limited here in South Platte. Other than Mrs. Frontz, there were only a handful of women and most of them were past their prime and unhealthy. The others were too young and looking for a husband. Jake Bridges had no intention of letting any of them look at him as husband material.

“I'll be happy to watch her for you,” Mrs. Frontz volunteered.

No, Jake knew he couldn't ask her to take on Molly's care. Her slumped shoulders spoke of how tired the older woman was. She already cooked and cleaned from sunup to sundown. He couldn't imagine her trying to keep up with an active four-year-old child, too. “That's nice of you to offer but I'll think of something. She's a handful and you already have plenty to take care of with the riders.”

She nodded and stood. “Yeah. Speaking of the boys, they'll be down soon needing breakfast. Who's up first today?”

Jake grinned ruefully. He noticed she hadn't argued with him about Molly's care. “Ike.”

“I'll make sure he gets an extra helpin' this morning.” She muttered to herself as she pushed through the kitchen door.

Well, having a house to live in would be a big help but what was he to do about Molly's care? Jake knew he couldn't take her to the barn with him every day or have her follow him about the place while he made repairs. She needed a woman's care. A soft whisper filtered through his mind. She needed Leah Hollister.

What would Leah do now that Thomas Harris was no longer available to offer her marriage? Would she return to Texas? To what? Why had she left in the first place? There were so many things he didn't know about her. But he did know that she cared for Molly. She'd also shown no special interest in him or the other young men.

Would she be willing to marry him to assure herself that Molly would have a home? As far as he knew, Leah and Thomas hadn't really known each other before she agreed to be his bride. Perhaps she'd consider replacing Thomas with himself.

It sounded crazy as Jake ran the thoughts through his mind but a marriage of convenience might be what both of them needed. He sighed and took a sip of his now-cold coffee. Of course, he'd have to tell her that he couldn't offer her a real marriage, only friendship and a home. Would that be enough to keep Leah here with Molly?

Long before he could actually see her, the sound of her skirts swishing against the hardwood floors alerted him to Leah's arrival.

Molly entered the room seconds before Leah. His niece looked sweet this morning with her hair up in two braids like pigtails. Her cheeks were pink, as if she'd just endured a good scrubbing. She swung the rag doll by one arm. He reminded himself he would have to rearrange his entire life to accommodate Molly and prayed Leah would go along with him for the same reason.

* * *

Leah came to an abrupt stop when she saw Jake sitting at the table. A quick glance about the room revealed that he was the only one there. Molly waved as she skipped past him and headed for the kitchen.

“Good morning.”

The richness of his voice flowed over her like melted butter over hot potatoes. She offered him a smile and replied, “Good morning.”

Leah pressed on to the kitchen to talk to Mrs. Frontz about working to pay for her room and board. She'd lain awake most of the night and had come to the conclusion that this was the only way to pay back what she owed. She wasn't good at cooking, but Leah did know how to clean. Maybe Mrs. Frontz would teach her how to cook and then she could help out in both the kitchen and with the housework.

“Do you have a few minutes to spare this morning? I'd like to talk about last night and I have something I need to ask you.” Jake's deep voice interrupted her line of thought.

Leah turned to face him. He cradled his coffee cup between his two large hands. Rich brown eyes surveyed her face. Wasn't it bad enough that he'd witnessed her reception of last night's bad news? Did he really want to talk about it now?

“I should probably go help Mrs. Frontz with breakfast.” Her hand flapped toward the kitchen of its own accord. She hoped he'd not noticed her lack of helping in the past.

“Please. I promise I won't take long and I'd like to talk without Molly's little ears hearing.” He gestured for her to sit across from him.

He seemed determined, so Leah thought she might as well get it over with and sat down.

“Thank you.” He rubbed the checkered tablecloth absently as if having difficulty forming his next words. “I'm sorry to hear about Thomas Harris. I understand he was a good man.” Jake paused and took a sip from his cup.

Honestly, Leah didn't know if Thomas was a good man or not. They'd only known each other through the sparse letters they'd shared. She nodded, hoping Jake would continue.

“Correct me if I'm wrong, but you'd never met, is that right?”

Leah sighed. “That's right.” What was his point? Was he going to suggest that since she had no marriage prospects she wasn't fit to watch Molly any longer? Did having one's fiancé die make her unfit? The irrational thoughts raced through her mind.

“So there is no chance you were in love or anything like that?” Jake leaned his arms on the table and stared into her eyes.

Feeling uncomfortable, Leah answered. “No, we weren't in love. Mr. Harris needed a wife to help out on the ranch. His mother is getting up in years and she hinted that if he should marry, his wife could take over the cooking, cleaning and such.” Leah didn't mention the grandchildren Mrs. Harris had wanted and now would never have since Thomas was an only child. She wondered what would happen to Thomas's mother now that he was gone.

“So would you say it was a marriage of convenience for both of you?” Jake pressed, never taking his gaze from her face.

Leah felt heat crawl up her neck into her cheeks. This wasn't a conversation any woman wanted to have with a man she'd met only a few days ago. “Mr. Bridges, would you please just tell me where we are going with this conversation?”

He nodded. “After you answer my question.”

“Fine. Yes, it was more of a marriage of convenience, but I would have made him a fine wife.”

Jake leaned back in his chair. “Good.” He continued to study her long and hard.

She pushed up out of her chair. “Well, if that is all you wanted.”

“Wait.”

Why she did as he said, Leah didn't know but she found herself back on the hard wood seat. “Why?”

Jake leaned forward once more. “I want to offer you the same deal as Harris.”

“What?” The one word squeaked from Leah's throat. Was he offering to marry her? Was this God's answer to her prayer? It was so sudden.

He reached across the table and snagged one of her hands. Leah wasn't sure if he was trying to be endearing or simply holding her hand to keep her from leaving the room.

“I don't understand. What exactly are you proposing?”

“Well, I can't promise you love but I can promise you a home.” He raked his fingers through his hair with his free hand. “Molly needs a mother and I have to work. So if you and I were to marry, she'd have someone to take care of her and you'd both have a home.”

Home.

The word sank into Leah's heart. Hadn't she always wanted a home? Just last night she'd pleaded with God and asked for a home. She didn't ask for love. No one could or would love her, and if they claimed to, she'd always wonder what their motives were. After all, her own parents had given her away and they were the people she'd expected to love her forever. Love wasn't something she could rely on, her whole life she'd relied on herself, not her parents and not a man. No, as long as love wasn't involved, Leah felt sure she'd be all right. She raised her eyes and studied Jake. He wasn't offering love, or even pretending to offer love, but he was offering her what she'd always wanted. A home.

“Look, I know it's not much, but it's all I can give you. I'm not a man who is going to fall in love with you. But I can offer you a house, food and a life with a little girl who needs you more than you'll ever know.” His eyes pleaded with her to understand what he was proposing. “You will never want for anything as long as you are my wife.”

Leah couldn't find words to express how she felt. It was a lot to take in. She'd gone from having no plans or future, to having a man offer her marriage and a daughter. She loved Molly, and yet she still couldn't get out the word
yes
.

Molly burst out of the kitchen door and ran to Leah. The little girl grabbed her free hand and tugged for Leah to follow her to the kitchen.

Leah gently pulled her back and said, “Go tell Mrs. Frontz that I'll be there in a few minutes.” It was only after the little girl hurried away that she remembered Molly couldn't or wouldn't speak. How was she going to tell Mrs. Frontz what she'd said?

Leah turned her attention back to Jake. He still held her hand firmly in his. “What about friendship, Jake? Can you allow yourself to be my friend? My best friend?” Leah didn't need love but she did need friendship.

He squeezed her hand gently and warmth filled his voice. “I will give you friendship and respect, and I believe we will get along fine, Leah. Just don't ask for my heart, my love or more than hand-holding.” He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand before releasing it.

His words both shocked and comforted her. Leah inhaled deeply. As she exhaled Leah whispered, “Then I'll marry you, Jake.”

“Thank you.” He got up and came around the table.

Leah stood also, unsure what he planned to do. Just moments before he'd said she should expect no more than hand-holding from this union. She turned to face him. Did he plan to seal their engagement with a kiss? Her heart quickened. Her first kiss from a man—her soon-to-be husband.