Rebecca Hagan Lee - [Borrowed Brides 01] (26 page)

“Weese’s too?” Joy asked.

“Of course.” Faith nodded. “Reese will always love you.”

“Will he love your baby as much as me?”

Faith smoothed the wisps of blond hair off Joy’s forehead, then traced the worry lines with her fingertip. “Yes, he will.” She looked at Joy. “Reese will love the baby just as much as he loves you, but that doesn’t mean he’ll love you any less. Do you understand that, sweetie. He’ll love both of you.”

“Will he buy the baby a pony like Brutus?”

“No.” Faith had to hide her smile at Joy’s noticeable relief. “I promise you Reese won’t buy the baby a pony for a long time. And it won’t ever be a pony like Brutus.”

“Cross your heart?”

Faith traced her fingers over her heart.

“Good.” Joy beamed up at her sister, her confidence in Reese’s affection fully restored. She pulled her slate onto her lap. “You want me to draw you a picture?”

“That would be nice.”

“Okay.” Joy bent her head over her task.

“What will you draw for me?” Faith asked.

“A picture of Brutus.”

Faith smiled. What else?

Joy stayed most of the afternoon. The doctor visited again. Even Charlie and Duncan stood awkwardly at her bedside, attempting conversation, but there was no sign of Reese.

Faith’s worst fears were realized. She had hoped she could make him need her, but she’d failed. He didn’t need her. Didn’t love her. Faith tried to halt the flow of tears. They were tears of self-pity, but she couldn’t seem to stop them. She curled herself into a ball and cried herself to sleep. When she opened her eyes once again, it was dark outside and Reese was sitting in the chair next to the bed. Faith blinked twice to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

“Reese!”

Reese gritted his teeth against the breathless sound of his name on her lips. He had heard her say his name that way many times when she cried out her pleasure—her satisfaction. His body responded as always to the sound and the image. She moved closer to him, but he didn’t kiss her.

Instead, he told her abruptly, “I’ve brought you something to keep your mind off having to stay in bed.” He picked up a brown paper package.

What Faith really wanted was his kiss, but her spirit brightened at the sight of a gift. He had been thinking about her.

“They’re for the baby. I hope you like them.”

Her mood plummeted. Her reply was polite, mechanical. “I’m sure I will. Thank you.”

He unwrapped the package and placed the contents on her lap. Inside the paper were pieces of fabric in various shapes and colors, most of the patterns in cotton flannel.

“I had the dressmaker cut them out for you. I thought you would might like to sew a few things for the baby.” He held up one half of a gown. “I brought your sewing basket and all the things the dressmaker said you’d need,” he finished awkwardly.

He had wanted to do something for her no one else had thought to do. While the others brought her books, newspapers, and homework to review, he had thought of the baby. Faith enjoyed sewing. She was always mending his shirts and reattaching his buttons. Now, she could sew for someone besides him and Joy. She could make things for the baby.

“Thank you. They’ll keep me very busy.” Faith’s eyes were dull, her voice soft.

“Faith, are you all right?” His chocolate brown eyes were full of concern, but Faith couldn’t tell if it was for her or the baby. “I thought you liked sewing. I thought you’d like staying busy.”

“Oh, I do,” she replied absently, “and this way, you won’t have to pay anyone else to make clothes for your child. It’s very economical.”

He flinched at her words. He hadn’t meant his gift to sound like he was attempting to save money. “Are you sure you feel all right?”

“I’m fine. The doctor came twice today.”

“I know. I spoke to Kevin.”

“Then you know I’m much better.” Faith told him.

Reese nodded. “That’s what the doctor said.” But he wasn’t so sure he agreed with him. Reese didn’t think she was any better.

“Will you be here tonight?” The question sounded casual, but Reese knew it was not. The deliberate lack of emotion in Faith’s voice told him how important the question was.

“I’m afraid not.” Reese didn’t elaborate.

“More paperwork?”

“Something like that.”

“I see,” she replied, drawing the covers up around her as if to shield herself from his view. “Then I guess there’s nothing more to say.”

Reese sat there looking at her, stunned by her dismissal. She was acting angry—hurt. Surely, she understood the sacrifice he was making by staying away from her. Surely, Kevin had explained the risks. “Faith, I…”

She looked at him coldly. “Goodnight, Reese.” she said. “Pleasant dreams.”

He got up from his chair and stalked out the door.

* * *

Four days later, the morning of Faith’s twenty-fifth birthday dawned clear and cool with visible signs of warming. It was a welcome sight for the men of the Trail T. They stumbled into the main house for breakfast after three days of rounding up cattle on the open range in numbing cold and fresh snowfall.

A freak winter storm had dumped several inches of white powder snow on the ranch. The cows were dropping their calves, and the newborns were in danger of freezing to death. All able-bodied men were working long hours to round up the cattle and rescue the calves.

Reese hadn’t seen Faith during that time. He’d bunked with the hands in a shack on the range. This was his first morning home. He sank into a chair and gratefully wrapped his hands around a cup of Sarah’s strong, hot coffee. Most of the herd was safely bedded down inside the holding pens.

“How’s Faith?” Reese asked Mary as soon as he pulled his wool scarf from around his face.

“Lonely. Bored. Missing you,” Mary replied bluntly.

Reese was silent.

“Well?” Mary asked.

“What?” He stared at his cousin.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” she demanded.

“Has Kevin been in to see her?”

Mary heaved a dramatic sigh. “Not yet, but I expect him this afternoon.”

“Doesn’t he have any other patients?” It bothered Reese to know the handsome Irishman was spending so much time on the Trail T. He’d asked Kevin to check on her. He hadn’t asked him to move in.

“Faith invited him for supper tonight,” Mary told him.

“She what?” Reese slammed his coffee cup against the saucer. Drops of hot coffee splashed the back of his hand.

“Faith invited Dr. Kevin for supper. It’s her birthday, you know,” Sarah replied in Cherokee, setting a plate in front of Reese.

“Yes, I know it’s her birthday.” Reese muttered an obscenity beneath his breath. “I telegraphed David several days ago. Has he sent a reply?”

“On your desk,” Mary told him. “It came yesterday.”

Reese shot up from his chair and hurried into his study. He ripped open the telegram and scanned the contents. David was brief. He and Tempy were arriving in Cheyenne on the 4:15 train. Reese walked back to the kitchen and finished his breakfast. “I’m going to try to grab some shuteye,” he told Sarah. “Will you wake me in a couple of hours?”

Sarah nodded, then went about her business.

Reese rose and started back to his study.

“Aren’t you going up to see Faith?” Mary asked the question everyone in the kitchen was dying to ask.

“I’ll see her at supper,” Reese replied, then strode into his private retreat and slammed the door.

* * *

Four hours later, freshly bathed, shaved, dressed in a clean suit and overcoat, Reese climbed into the surrey. Joy, bundled into her heavy coat and mittens, sat next to him. The temperature had risen above freezing, but the hard-packed, dirt roads were still solid. Reese prayed the train carrying David and Tempy would arrive before the ground began to thaw, and the roads turned to mush.

He hadn’t planned on Joy’s company, but decided to bring her along when she threatened to tell Faith. He had forgotten what a tyrant Joy could be when she wanted something. She was in the barn feeding lumps of sugar to her pony when Reese ordered the team hitched to the surrey. He was going somewhere and Joy was determined to go with him.

Reese made a tactical error when he attempted to dissuade her by explaining why he was going to town. Joy seized the opportunity. When the promise of a licorice whip failed to buy her silence, Reese was forced to bring her along. He’d been outmaneuvered by a six year old expert.

Joy was immune to Reese’s bad mood. She climbed over his thigh, then settled herself on the wedge of seat between his legs. Placing her red-mittened hands over his gloved ones, Joy proceeded to guide the vehicle into town.

* * *

The train pulled into the station right on schedule. Tempy could hardly wait to alight from the railroad car. She danced on her tiptoes, searching for Reese. David Alexander chuckled in amusement.

“Conduct unbecoming a grown woman?” Tempy asked, hearing the rumble in David’s chest and sneaking a glance at his amused expression.

“Not at all.” David shook his head, trying to appear serious despite his obvious laughter. “I think it’s entirely appropriate for an aunt who dearly loves her nieces.” He had visited Richmond over the past few months and come to know the ladies of the sewing circle fairly well. He knew Temperance Hamilton best of all; especially after spending four days traveling alone with her.

David smiled at the memory. Virtuous Jessup had pitched a fit over that prospect.

“Temperance Hamilton, you can’t be seriously considering traveling all the way to Wyoming alone with
him
?” Virtuous had asked, outraged.

“Faith is ill,” Temperance calmly replied.

“But what will everyone think? He’s so dark and a Yankee to boot.”

“I don’t care what anyone thinks. My…Faith needs me.” Tempy was adamant. “I’d travel with General Sherman and a whole band of Yankees to be with Faith.” Tempy’s hand flew up to cover her mouth, suddenly cognizant of the fact that David Alexander was privy to the heated exchange. “No offense intended, Mr. Alexander.”

“None taken, ma’am.” David inclined his head.

“Well, you were never one to care much for proprieties.” Virtuous sneered. “First, an Irishman, and now, a Yankee!”

“Virt!” Hannah and Agnes gasped in horror.

Tempy blanched at her sister’s unexpected attack, but stood her ground. “And I won’t care much for proprieties when I trounce you in front of Mr. Alexander, either, Virtuous May! Now, get out of my way. I’m tired of arguing with you. You’re wasting my time.” Tempy picked up her bag. “Do keep in mind while I’m gone,”—she smiled sweetly at her older sister—“that if something happens to Faith, the money you’re so pleased with will be forfeit. Think about that, Virt, while I worry about your niece!” Tempy had pushed past her sister and followed David Alexander out the door.

Temperance Hamilton was small, petite in stature, just like her niece, but David now understood where Faith’s temper came from. She had inherited it from Temperance. He smiled at the irony of that. He’d become quite fond of Faith’s aunt.

“There he is!” Her cry of recognition brought David back to the present. “Joy’s with him and… Oh, dear Lord, she’s got on a black coat! I hope Faith…” She leaped down from the car to the platform, pushing through the startled onlookers in her frenzied haste to reach Reese.

David was just a few steps behind her. He had spent the better part of the journey assuring Temperance that Faith was fine, but the older woman was convinced Faith was seriously ill. She had repeatedly reminded David of her niece’s sick spell before departing Washington. David had done his best to persuade her, but apparently, he’d failed. Miserably.

“Faith? Is she…?” Tempy burst out, colliding with Reese’s hard chest as he stepped down from the surrey.

Reese’s hands reached out to steady the woman. Her eyes were wide, bright, and frantic with worry. Her gaze darted about his face, searching for the truth. Her heart hammered against his chest, her breasts heaving with exertion.

“She’s resting. At the ranch,” Reese said softly.

“Thank God!” Temperance slumped against him in relief.

“Didn’t you get my telegram?” Holding the woman close, Reese glanced over her head to find David standing behind her.

“Yes,” David replied. “I even showed it to her, but she was concerned about her niece.”

“I can see that,” Reese said dryly.

“The little girl is wearing a black coat. Miss Hamilton thought…” David elaborated.

“It’s her warmest.” Reese explained. “I never dreamed…” He looked down at the older woman. She had regained her breath and most of her composure. “I apologize to you, Miss Hamilton, for giving you such a fright. Faith is fine. In fact, she’s much better.”

Temperance managed a weak smile. Mr. Jordan’s gaze was warm, even tender, the frown between his brows confirming his genuine concern.

Reese gave Tempy his best smile of assurance, then turned to Joy. “Say hello to your aunt, sprite.” He lifted Tempy up to sit beside Joy.

Joy hugged Temperance, then began bombarding her with all the news of the ranch.

“Climb in,” Reese told David. “I’ll see to the luggage.”

“We left in a hurry,” David said. “We each brought only one bag. I told Miss Hamilton she could buy whatever she needed when she got here.”

“Fine,” Reese agreed. “I’ll get your bags and we’ll be on our way. I need to make one stop before we leave town.”

Tempy interrupted Joy’s nonstop chatter. “Is that necessary, Mr. Jordan? I don’t mean to pry, but I’m anxious to see my…niece.” She leaned forward.

Reese grinned, then turned his charming smile on Temperance Hamilton. “Very necessary. Today is Faith’s birthday, and in addition to you, I have a couple of other gifts to pick up.”

Tempy sat back in her seat. “Oh, my goodness, how could I have forgotten? I didn’t even bring a gift!”

David laughed aloud. “My dear Temperance, you
are
the gift!”

Reese nodded, his cocoa-colored eyes sparkling, “The best gift I could hope to give her.”