White Nights (19 page)

Sofia muttered something in her native tongue to her granddaughter.

Coralie gently handed Jordan the sleeping boy and together, she and the other women rushed into camp, going immediately to Eirica’s wagon. They stopped when James stepped out of the tent.

Jessie ran up to her brother. “Eirica? Is she all right?” The others flanked her.

James made a shushing sound. “She’s fine,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Wait here.”

He stepped inside, then returned with a wrapped bundle in his arms. With everyone crowding close, silent, their breaths held, he peeled away the towel to reveal one contented, sleeping baby. “Meet Summer Halley Macauley.”

Oohs and ahhs filled the air. Anne and Sofia exchanged looks. “Who delivered her?” Anne asked, peering at the sleeping babe.

James stood a bit straighter. “I did.”

Jessie’s jaw fell. “You? All by yourself?”

“Yep. Well, Eirica did all the work. Rook and me just helped some.”

Sofia stepped forward. “James, does Eirica need help with bathing or anything else?”

James wore a smug, self-satisfied expression. “Nope. Everything’s done.” He frowned. “’Course, it’d be real nice if one of you ladies volunteered to wash them sheets and stuff for me. Birthing sure makes a helluva mess.”

They laughed. Sofia and her granddaughter volunteered.

“How about if Wolf and I take the children tonight so Eirica can rest?” Jessie asked.

“Great,” James exclaimed. He bent down and called Eirica’s children to him. “Now come meet your new sister.” After a brief look, the three youngsters wandered away. “Guess it’s not such a big deal to them.” He turned to his sister and shrugged.

Jessie stared down at the tiny wrinkled face with awe. She glanced back at her brother who still wore a pleased grin as if he’d been responsible for the whole thing. “I still can’t believe you delivered her,” she said, shaking her head.

Eirica’s sleepy voice came from inside the wagon. “Your brother did a fine job, Jessie.”

James turned beet-red. “I told her it weren’t no different than birthing calves,” he muttered. More laughter followed from the gathered women.

Coralie fingered the towel and looked at James. “Could I—I mean, if Eirica wouldn’t mind—”

James chuckled and put the baby in her arms.

Coralie held her breath. She’d never felt anything like the warm glow of love welling inside her as she stared down at the baby. Jordan put his arms around his wife and met her gaze with a questioning look.

“Tell them, Jordie,” she urged.

A wide grin split Jordan’s darkly tanned face, his mustache quivered with his suppressed excitement. Then he blurted, “I’m going to be a father.”

Voices rose with excitement and the couple was bombarded with questions. James took the baby back into the tent, then came back out, herding everyone away. He led the way to Rook’s wagon, saying only that he had another surprise for the group.

Jessie groaned. “I suppose this means more baby clothes to make.”

Everyone laughed then the women looked at one another. Sofia clapped her hands. “A party. We have to celebrate and give Eirica our gifts.”

Everyone voiced their agreement. Rook met them, a wide grin on his face, his cupped hands held close to his shirt. “Rook, did you see the baby?” Coralie asked.

His eyes twinkled. “Sure did, lass. We has lots of babies.” He held out his arms. Cupped in his hands, resting on his palms, lay a tiny white pup.

More excited chatter followed as everyone crowded around the wagon where Rook had made a bed for Sadie and her pups. Sadie received her share of praise. She wagged her tail while six other pups, mostly black or brown, or some combination of brown, black or white, fought for prime nursing spigots.

Sofia put her hands on her ample hips. “I need to plan something special for tonight.” She glanced at Wolf. “We’re not leaving in the morning are we?”

Wolf shook his head. “No. We’ll spend two more days here, then see how Eirica and the babe are doing.”

“Good. I’ll fix Eirica a nice clear broth and some tea.”

Rook set the seventh pup, the only pure white one among the litter, and chased after Sofia. Their arguing as to what they’d fix for Eirica’s supper left everyone in high spirits.

Wolf sat outside the tent he and Jessie had set up for the Macauley children. He’d relieved James from duty for a few days to allow him to remain with Eirica. Tonight, and maybe tomorrow, Eirica’s children could sleep here, to give their mom some time to rest and gather her strength. Darkness surrounded him. He hadn’t bothered to start a fire as he and Jessie usually ate with the other hired hands.

Jessie came out of the tent. “Asleep and all tucked up. The girls were so excited.” Jessie sat beside him, then shifted, straightening her skirts beneath her.

“You seem to be favoring your dress much more these days.” His glance slid down over her curves.

Jessie grimaced. “It’s more comfortable.”

Wolf reared back, his brows lifted in disbelief. “Since when?”

A look of devilment, one he knew well, crept into her eyes, but she didn’t say a word.

“Spill it, Jessica Naomi White. What have you been up to now?”

She giggled. “Same thing as you.”

He frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Jessie turned and hugged him. “Wolf, we’ve never talked about it, but do you want a family? Children of your own? I know running a boarding school will take our time but—”

He silenced her. “Of course I want children. We’ll have our own family someday—” His voice trailed off and his gaze slid down the front of her dress to the gentle swell of her breasts. Thoughtfully, he cupped them. Demands of the trail and his responsibilities had meant little time for him and Jessie in the last couple of weeks beyond precious stolen moments to be together. Now he felt a subtle difference. His hands skimmed down to her once-flat belly. There was a gentle swell there as well.

“We’re having a baby?” Wolf’s voice rose with disbelief.

“Yup.” Jessie bit her lip, her gaze anxious.

“Are you sure?” He had to swallow several times before the words left his mouth. His gaze dipped to her breasts and her waist.

“Yup, my monthly is never late.”

He closed his eyes, feeling incredibly blessed by the Great Spirit. First for giving him Jessie, then a purpose to his life, and now this.

“Are you happy?” Jessie asked.

His eyes flew open. “You’ve made me the happiest man to walk this land, my sweet Wild Rose.” He kissed her with a need that rose inside him like an underground river rises to the earth’s surface. Like the springs they’d encountered along the trail, happiness welled up inside and spilled out, encompassing his whole being. Life was good. Incredibly good. Next spring, they’d return to his people, the Miniconjou Sioux, in the Nebraska Territory to start a boarding school for the children of his tribe and raise their own family. His mother would also be thrilled to have more grandchildren.

Staring down into her face, Wolf lowered his head, slanting his mouth over hers. Lifting his lips when they were both breathless, he murmured, “Guess I’d best get used to seeing you in a dress.”

Jessie wrapped her arms around his neck and straddled him. “Yup. I’ve got to admit, they are good for some things.” She whispered in his ear, in great detail, what she wanted.

He cleared his throat and quickly glanced around to see if anyone was in sight. Finding no one moving about and grateful for the deep shadows hiding them, Wolf loosened his breeches and pulled his wife on top of him.

Word spread about the birth of Eirica’s baby and during the next day well-wishers dropped by to bring special treats or small gifts. The following morning, on their last day of rest, Eirica sat propped against pillows and quilts, feeling quite sinful lying abed. James refused to allow her to get up and lift a finger, no matter how many times she’d assured him she felt fine, was perfectly capable of resuming her activities.

For just a little while longer, she’d indulge in the luxury of having someone see to her needs and those of her children. Holding her infant daughter close, Eirica marveled anew at the healthy pink of her peacefully sleeping newborn. She fingered the girl’s soft reddish-gold curls and ran the tip of her finger down the babe’s button nose.

The baby was no longer wrapped in Rook’s shirt. Before her daughter’s birth, Eirica had torn an old quilt into squares to use for diapers and blankets. She’d even used one of her old dresses to make a couple of gowns. They weren’t much, wouldn’t last through many washings, but they’d have to do. When Summer awoke a short while later, Eirica put the baby to her breast. She loved this closeness, the bond that had already formed between her and this precious child. With Birk, she’d never been allowed the luxury of just watching her newborn child. This baby, this new life, symbolized Eirica’s own new start.

When the baby fell back asleep, Eirica changed her, adding the soiled cloth to a growing mound of laundry. She wrinkled her nose. Already, a pile of dirty garments waited. Between the guilt of not starting that laundry and the growing heat in the tent, Eirica rose from her bed and made sure she was presentable. Cuddling her daughter close, she stepped outside, marveling at how well she felt. A glance down at herself made her smile. She’d soon regain her figure, and it was wonderful to be able to get up without struggling.

Warm, bright sunshine and clear blue skies greeted her. Songbirds filled the air with their sweet music, and around her, the now-familiar comforting bustle of emigrants going about their business went unnoticed. “Welcome to the world, Summer,” she whispered to her sleeping daughter.

Glancing around for a safe place to lay her infant so she could start the laundry, Eirica realized she’d have to empty a box to make a temporary cradle. She spied Coralie sitting alone on a wooden crate, her back to her. Remembering the girl’s worry about becoming a mother, Eirica went to her.

“Coralie, would you like to watch Summer while I start the wash? Unless you’re busy,” she added, noting the sewing in her lap.

A myriad of emotions crossed Coralie’s features as she shoved a piece of pink material back into her sewing basket. Her gaze filled with longing as she stared at the infant stretching in its mother’s arms. Delight and awe followed, quickly replaced by uncertainty and fear. “I’d love to, but I don’t know what to do with her. What if she cries? What if I drop her?”

Eirica laughed and put the baby in her arms. “All you have to do is hold her. Relax and let your instincts guide you.”

Coralie pouted. “I don’t think I have any instincts.” She cuddled the baby close to her breast. “Oh, she’s so tiny, so beautiful. I hope I have a little girl.”

Watching Coralie adjust her hold and sway ever so slightly in a rocking motion that came naturally to most women, Eirica knew Coralie was wrong. She had the mothering instincts, she just didn’t recognize them. “I’ll be by the river if you need me,” Eirica said. “She just ate and I just changed her, so you get the fun part—holding her while she sleeps.”

Back at her own campsite, Eirica put on a large pot of water to boil then took the dirty clothing down to the river to rinse the worst of the soil out. She had nearly finished the washing when James returned from a walk with her other three children. He strode down to the river where she was gathering the washed clothing. All that remained was to hang them to dry.

“What are you doing? You shouldn’t be up yet. You should be resting.”

Eirica rolled her eyes. “James, I lay abed all of yesterday and this morn. I’m fine. In fact, I’ve never felt so good.” His concern touched her.

He stepped forward and took the wrung-out clothes from her. “I’ll finish this. You go back to the tent and rest.”

Her brows lowered. Well-meaning was fine and dandy, but she wasn’t an invalid. If she had to endure any more time alone in that hot, stifling tent, she’d go crazy. She put her hands on her hips. “James, I’m perfectly able to finish the washing. You’ve already done so much.”

His jaw firmed. “Not enough. You deserve to be pampered and spoiled.” As his voice softened, a hint of pain flashed into his eyes then was gone.

Eirica knew he was remembering her past and though his reasons were sweet, his intentions unselfish, stubbornly she held firm. If they were to marry, they’d have to arrive at some middle ground, for she wouldn’t allow James to treat her like an invalid, nor would she allow him to do more than his share of the work. Her own gaze gentled. “James, you can’t make up for the past. It’s done with. Nothing can change it.”

Obstinate green eyes clashed with equally determined blues. “No, but I don’t have to watch you work hard only days after giving birth. It’s bad enough that we have to leave tomorrow, but at least you can ride.”

She lifted a brow. “Or walk.”

“Ride.” His lips compressed.

“Are you asking or telling me?’ She crossed her arms in front of her and tapped her foot.

He threw his hands up. “Woman, what is it with you?”

Watching him remove his hat and thread his fingers through his thick, wavy black hair, Eirica couldn’t stay mad. She wasn’t really that angry to begin with, but she had to make her point. She stepped toward him and held out her hand for the washed baby clothes he held.

When he glared at her and refused to pass them over, she snatched them from him with one hand and with the other, poked him in the chest with one finger. “Don’t go getting bossy, Mr. Jones. I know my body, know what it can handle. If I need to rest, I’ll rest. If I can’t walk or get too tired tomorrow, I’ll let you know. And if you’re so keen on doing laundry, start with your own.”

With a shove to his chest, she pushed him out of her way so she could gather the rest of the washed items.

Standing at the edge of the bank, James stumbled off balance when the soil beneath him gave way. He fell, landing with a startled yelp, on his backside. Eirica ignored his cursing as she returned to camp.

A short while later, while hanging nappies and blankets out to dry, James came up behind her. His hands slid around her from behind. “I suppose I deserved that.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Suppose?”

He had the grace to look ashamed. “All right, I deserved it. I apologize for being pushy and trying to order you around. I just worry about you.”

Eirica turned in his embrace and smiled. “I know. And it’s wonderful knowing someone cares. But I’m not an invalid. Nor am I a piece of fragile glass.”

James ran his hands up the sides of her neck. His grin turned sheepish. “No you’re not. I forget about that red hair of yours. Forgive me?”

Standing on tiptoe, Eirica kissed him on the mouth. “Forgiven.” They stared at each other until a voice from behind James broke them apart.

“Ahem. If you’re done with your laundry, Eirica, we have a surprise for you.” When Eirica turned, she saw that Jessie stood there, watching, amusement lurking in her dark green eyes.

Eirica blushed.

James scowled. “And what if I’m not done?”

“Tough,” Jessie said, laughing. “Come on, Eirica, everyone is waiting.”

“Waiting? For what?” Puzzled, Eirica glanced around, just now aware of the sound of muted whispers and laughter. To her surprise, there was a large group of women gathering at Sofia’s wagon.

“For the mother of that adorable little girl.” Jessie grabbed her hand. “Come on. James will watch Ian.”

Curious, Eirica followed Jessie, leaving James to scowl after them.

When Eirica and Jessie arrived, the group parted, revealing a makeshift table laden with food. The women quickly sat on a large quilt spread on the ground. Jessie led her to where a pile of hastily wrapped gifts awaited. Her two daughters were jumping up and down excitedly. As soon as Eirica realized all these people were there to celebrate Summer’s birth, she felt tears sting the back of her eyes. Their thoughtfulness overwhelmed her.

Mixed among the women in her own wagon party, there were several others—neighbors on the trail, much as one had neighbors back home. “Oh, my. Oh, my,” she whispered, unable to speak around the lump in her throat.

“Well, come on, we’re all waiting,” Coralie said, looking as excited as the two little girls.

Laughing, Eirica used her apron to wipe the tears from her eyes as she took up the seat of honor. For the next hour, Eirica opened gifts—some tied in paper, others hidden in scraps of material, and others unwrapped, folded in a neat square. Excited chatter followed with each revelation. Some of the gifts were new, others used, but all given in sisterly love and support.

Eirica couldn’t believe the number of snowy-white linen gowns, quilts, blankets, tiny dresses and even the knitted sacque with matching booties sitting before her. Anne had even made matching dresses for Lara and Alison and a shirt for Ian so her other children wouldn’t feel left out. She’d never had so many nice things for any of her kids and the thoughtfulness overwhelmed her. Now she knew what Anne, Jessie, Coralie, Sofia and Catarina had been doing all those evenings when she’d felt so left out. They’d been sewing, planning this all along.

Touching the wonderfully soft baby garments, tears filled her eyes. “I don’t know what to say. I’ve never—I mean—” Once again, words failed her.

Jessie leaned forward, an impish light in her eyes. “Just say thank you, Eirica. We know.”

Eirica smiled through fresh tears. “Thank you. Thank you all.”

“Wait, I have one more.” Coralie passed Summer to Jessie who, to the amusement of all, squeaked that she didn’t know how to hold a baby.

Coralie smirked at her. “Nothing to it, my dear sister-in-law.” She handed Eirica a large package.

Eirica peeled back the cut-up canvas sack and gasped. With shaking hands, she lifted up a long infant dress made of pink satin with ruffles and an undergarment of matching linen. The bodice and hem of the dress bore tiny pastel flowers and there was a pink linen blanket to match, with an embroidered center and the baby’s name in one corner.

Oohs and ahhs greeted the sight. Jessie stared at her sister-in-law with a dumbfounded look on her face. “You couldn’t have made that?”

Coralie preened. “Every seam and stitch. I traded for a dress from a woman I met and took it apart to use it for a pattern.”

“I didn’t know you could embroider,” Jessie said, her gaze on the items being passed around.

Coralie, pleased by the reception of her gift, tipped her chin haughtily. “I may not sew or knit very well, but my grandmother in Boston insisted ladies had to be able to embroider their own lace hankies and such.”

Eirica jumped in. “It’s beautiful, Coralie, but where did you get such exquisite material?”

“Just something I had,” Coralie muttered, looking uncomfortable.

Jessie handed Eirica back her daughter then turned to Coralie, a look of admiration and awe in her eyes. “You had one more dress saved, for a grand entrance when we reached Oregon, didn’t you?”

“Oh, Coralie, you shouldn’t have cut up your fine dress,” Eirica said, fingering the exquisite material.

Shrugging, Coralie waved her off and glared at Jessie. “Grand entrances just don’t seem to work for me anymore. Besides, where in Oregon is a farmer’s wife going to wear something like that?” There was no rancor or bitterness in her voice, just pride, as she added, “I even have some left for if I have a girl.”

Eirica rose and gave Coralie a hug, then Jessie. The women all stood and Eirica made sure she thanked each and every one. Then they moved to the food and pots of tea and cocoa Rook had brought over. The merrymaking went on until it was time to start supper.

Several hours later, as the sun lowered, leaving the sky above turning orange and pink, Eirica knew she couldn’t be happier. With the baby sleeping, and her children giggling at something James had said while they ate, she watched. Could life be better? She had three happy children, a healthy newborn and a man who loved her.

Nope, life couldn’t get any better man this.

Nearly three weeks later, a broken axle on Elliot’s wagon forced the emigrants to stop for the night early. No one minded, though. With the first of September right around the corner, they’d been pushing themselves and the animals very hard. They’d come more than thirteen hundred miles, and had another six hundred to go before the snows arrived.

“Well, I for one am not sorry we are stopping here,” Anne said, staring at the myriad falls before them.

Eirica agreed. The view was glorious. Immediately opposite, a subterranean river burst from the middle of the basalt cliffs, sending cascades of foamy white water spewing forth to spill over the rock and sage to the river below. There had to be a thousand waterfalls, some no more than thin ribbons of quicksilver water, others raging torrents.

“This couldn’t be a better place,” she sighed. After leaving Fort Hall, they’d followed the Snake River. Its banks were sometimes impossible to get down due to precipitous, practically vertical cliffs. The landscape had turned volcanic with groupings of black, jagged upthrusts of lava rock. Yet, as if trying to make up for the alien austerity of the valley, the Snake River boasted a marvelous beauty in waterfalls unlike any Eirica had ever seen.

Some were so loud, the emigrants could hear the roar from miles away.

Coralie held out her arms. “Can I take Summer for a little while, Eirica?”

Eirica smiled. “Sure.” She transferred Summer to Coralie’s waiting arms. “If you’d like, you can give her a bath.” She hid her smile at the look of happiness that sparked in the girl’s eyes.

“Really? Oh, I’d love to.” Coralie checked Summer’s nappies. “I’ll even change her.”

Jessie rolled her eyes when her sister-in-law rushed off. “This means she’s not helping Rook and me with supper again. She’s going to be impossible when her own baby is born.”