Jamie

by Caroline Clemmons

  Beth smiled at her. “Sure, think of some names you like. Do you have a family?”

  Cat nodded. “Well, ‘cept for the one that broke. ‘Livia taught me to braid and I braided the girls’ hair. It was hard.”

  Ignoring Jamie, Olivia addressed Beth. “Cat used embroidery floss to create the doll people’s hair. She did a lovely job.”

  Cat beamed.

  Diplomatically, Olivia smiled at Jake. “Jake has done a remarkable job creating his fort walls and buildings.”

  Both his children responded to her praise. How had he not known how important that was to children? He loved them and played with them when he could, but he hadn’t spent much time teaching or praising them. Until he saw the difference Olivia made, he hadn’t thought such things necessary.

  The children knew he loved them. Now he saw they needed more than that knowledge. Damn, he wished he’d known all along.

  He remembered the old saying, “Crow is best eaten when still warm.” Tonight, he had to try to climb his way out of this hole he’d dug.

  He looked at his children. “Have you thanked Olivia for helping you with your special projects?”

  Animated, Cat nodded, “I hugged her too. And she hugged me back.”

  Jake grimaced. “Girls hug, not me. I just thanked her. I didn’t want to get cooties.”

  Everyone at the table laughed.

  Olivia smiled at the children. “Now I have a new weapon—cooties. I can threaten to spread them if I don’t get my way.” She met his gaze, her blue eyes stony.

  Olivia hurried through cleaning the kitchen and getting the children into bed. She’d come to love their nighttime ritual of her reading to them in Cat’s room then tucking in her and Jake. In addition to the books she’d brought, they had several. Choosing the story was a nice process. Jamie usually sat in on the reading.

  Later in their bedroom, Olivia still hadn’t forgiven Jamie. Apparently, he thought there was nothing to forgive. At least that was the impression he gave.

  She got ready for bed quickly and climbed between the covers. Turning her back to her husband, she snuggled down to go to sleep.

  “Olivia? I…I overreacted earlier in my office. I realize now I was rude. I’m sorry you think I don’t trust you.”

  She didn’t move. “Think? I know you don’t trust me. You made that quite clear.”

  His arms came around her. “I apologized. I…I’m just not used to seeing anyone else in that room.”

  Refusing to be placated with empty words, she didn’t move. “Jamie, we’ve only been married a couple of weeks but I’ve given you no reason to distrust me. On the other hand, you’ve given me several reasons to distrust you. Go to sleep. I don’t want to hear any more excuses.”

  The mattress dipped as he moved to lean on his elbow and peer over her shoulder. “You don’t trust me? What the devil have I ever done to warrant that?”

  “Remember my riding lesson on Bolt? How many times did you promise to back me up with Jake and Cat and then fail to do so? You were so upset that Cat was wearing one of Lucy’s remade dresses that you made your daughter cry. And, incidentally, you made me feel like a thief who’d stolen a sacred relic. Need I go on?”

  He flopped back on the bed. “No. I get the idea. You think I’m a lousy husband.”

  “I didn’t say that. Adjusting to being married to a stranger has been difficult for each of us. I’m saying I’m trying harder than you are. Apparently, you believed marriage wouldn’t change your life, but you can’t prevent change.”

  “I didn’t realize how much life would change.”

  She sat up and turned to meet his gaze. “I’m here to stay, Jamie Fraser, so you might as well get used to me. I am your partner, not the subservient little woman.”

  He snorted. “I figured that out for myself. You are anything but the submissive wife hovering in the background.”

  She plopped back with her back to Jamie. “Glad you noticed. Goodnight.”

  “Olivia?” He laid his arm across her waist.

  “Goodnight.”

  “Well, hell. Goodnight.” He turned his back to her.

  Olivia was crying and that made her angry again. She almost never cried. Oh, she’d shed tears when Frederick had married Constance instead of her, but she hadn’t let anyone else see.

  Still, this was the first night since their marriage that she and Jamie hadn’t made love. She wasn’t a saloon girl who traded her favors for cash. How could she let him share her body when she harbored all this hurt and anger?

  Either they were partners or they were merely two people who lived in the same house.

  Chapter Ten

  The next morning, Olivia slipped down early to help with breakfast. Her heart still ached from Jamie’s failure to trust her. Besides that, she still felt odd taking over Mama’s duties, as if she were stepping out of bounds. Milly needed help, though, and everyone appeared to enjoy Olivia’s cooking.

  When he showed up in the kitchen with the children in tow, Jamie announced. “This coming Saturday is the Grange meeting at the Hall. You have several days to decide, but I wondered if you’d like to attend.”

  Olivia stopped where she stood, the bread basket in her hands. Was he trying to make amends? She wasn’t certain. Mama had mentioned that she and Jamie were Grange officers. Even Jake was a member. No doubt Olivia would join also because the organization was intended for families.

  For now, she set the bread on the table. “That sounds interesting.”

  Beth was already seated. “Ethan and I are going. I’m looking forward to any social activity. No offense meant, but I haven’t been around anyone but this family for weeks.”

  Ethan looked at Mama’s empty chair. “Will Mama be able to attend? She’s always enjoyed seeing everyone.”

  Jamie sent a questioning look to Olivia.

  She said, “She’d hate to miss getting out among people, especially since she’s the Grange’s Ceres. I’m so proud of her for holding one of the important women’s offices. If we can get her down the stairs and into the buggy without hurting her ankle, she can go but sit on the sidelines. No walking around.”

  “Great, then we’ll leave here about six on Saturday. Meeting starts at seven.” Jamie rubbed his hands together. “Now, pass the flapjacks and let’s eat.”

  Instead of going back to her rooms in the barn loft, Beth remained after the men had gone. She even helped clean up the kitchen.

  When they were finished, she asked, “Will you help me alter a dress? Mama gave me one of her better dresses but it’s impossible to alter it properly without help.”

  Olivia had known there would be an ulterior motive when her sister-in-law volunteered to help clean the dishes. “Did you bring it with you?”

  Beth gestured toward the living room. “I left it on the sofa. Where should I change clothes?”

  Olivia walked with her to retrieve the garment. “Let’s ask Mama if she wants us to work in her room or elsewhere. I imagine she’ll welcome the company.”

  Beth carried the gown up the stairs. “She must be going crazy by now. I am when I have to stay in Ethan’s rooms for any length of time.”

  Olivia followed behind the younger woman. “But they’re your rooms, too. Have you changed anything to make yourself owner?”

  “I want as little to do with that place as possible. Honestly, the bedroom smells like an outhouse. I can’t believe Ethan chose to put all that work into those rooms instead of a house.”

  Trying for lighthearted, Olivia said, “We can’t begin to understand what motivates a man, can we?”

  Beth glided into Mama’s bedroom. “If Jamie would consent to us building a house, then we wouldn’t be stuck in a barn. I vow I do not understand why he won’t. The family has plenty of money.”

  Olivia didn’t like hearing her husband criticized, especially now that she better understood his decision. “Jamie has a great deal of responsibility on his shoulders. He has to do what’s best for everyone i
n the family and the ranch employees rather than single out anyone.”

  Olivia didn’t share the fact her husband didn’t expect Beth to remain married to Ethan for long before she left for the city or home or that he thought Ethan needed protecting.

  Mama smiled at Olivia then stared at younger woman. “Be patient, Beth. You’ve really only just arrived. I’m sure Jamie will support you having a new house when the time is right.”

  Beth’s face turned red and sparks flew from her hazel eyes. “I’m trying to be patient but I do not understand why we have to wait.”

  Her mother-in-law closed her book and folded her hands. “For one thing, this is not the time of year to build. Best to concentrate on getting settled in and better acquainted with your new family. Now what have you girls in mind for today?”

  Beth explained about the meeting and wanting to alter the dress Mama had given her.

  “Girls, I’m so glad you decided to spend some time with me. I love this room, but I’m tired of being cooped up. Olivia, if you and Jamie ever build on to this house, I’d like a downstairs room.”

  Olivia hugged her mother-in-law’s shoulders. “You’ve been up several hours. If you’d like to get back in bed now, I’ll help you.”

  “No, I’ll stay up until after lunch and then have a nice long nap. Beth, try on the dress so we can get busy.”

  When Beth had donned the garment, Olivia started pinning. “It almost fits. If we use darts here in front and back, we won’t have to take the top loose from the skirt.”

  “Be sure I have room to raise my arms for dancing in case I don’t have a chance to buy another dress before the dance later this month.” Beth twirled with an imaginary partner to demonstrate.

  Olivia tugged her back in place. “Save your dancing for Ethan. As soon as I pin this, I need to give Jake his lessons.”

  Mama sorted through the sewing box by her chair. “I can help Beth while you see to Jake and Cat. I must say, Olivia, that you’re making great progress with those two.”

  “Thank you for saying so, Mama. We have ups and downs. Making the doll house and fort appears to have helped them like me better, but now Jake doesn’t want to stop and have lessons. I’m beginning to think there’s no way to win.”

  That went for their father too, but she hesitated to say so to his mother. Mama Fraser could criticize her sons but she took offense if anyone else did. She’d seen that happen with Beth talking about Ethan standing up for himself. In her opinion, that meant her sister-in-law wanted her husband to stand up for what she wanted, regardless of Ethan’s wishes.

  Olivia gestured toward her sister-in-law. “Okay, now take off the dress and baste where I’ve pinned and you can try it on again.”

  Mama smiled at Beth. “The soft green color is lovely on you and compliments your hazel eyes. There’s a robe hanging on a peg behind the screen if you’d like to wear that while we baste in the darts.”

  Beth appeared pleased at Mama’s compliment as she donned the robe.

  “I’ll leave the two of you to get the dress ready for Saturday.” Olivia hurried down the hall to get Jake’s lessons in motion.

  ***

  Fortunately, Olivia had been curious about birthdays and had checked the family Bible. Cat’s birthday was on Thursday when she’d be five. Olivia slipped in and talked to Mama Fraser.

  Her mother-in-law clapped her hands to her cheeks. “Oh, my word, how could I have let that slip up on me? I’m so glad you checked.”

  “Will you help me with something I have in mind to make for her?”

  “Of course, but what can I give her? I should have had Pete get something when he went for supplies. What do you have in mind?”

  “I wonder if there are scraps of any of the men’s pants around that I could use to make overalls for her dolls? She mentioned ‘the dolls want overalls’ and I thought that would make her happy. I could make blouses to match hers.”

  “I can stitch them while I’m sitting around. We might even have an old pair of her overalls around somewhere. They’d be pretty worn out after both Jake and she wore them.”

  “I thought maybe Jamie could make a cradle for her dolls. I drew up a pattern I had in mind for later, but I think it would be easy enough for him to saw and shape.”

  “Won’t that be fun for her? You know, there’s probably that much lumber stored in the barn or one of the sheds. Ethan would know. He likes to build things.”

  “Ethan does work well with wood, but I think Jamie should make the cradle. Of course, he might have something already in mind for her.”

  Mama Fraser appeared near tears. “Oh, Olivia, he always left that sort of thing up to me. I’ve let the weddings and Caleb’s injury and then this ankle fill my mind. My poor little granddaughter’s birthday got pushed clear out of my head.”

  Calmly reassuring her mother-in-law, she said, “We still have time. Where will I find the clothes they’ve outgrown?”

  “In the attic. We have trunks and boxes up there filled with all their outgrown clothes plus who knows what else?” Her hand fluttered to her neck. “I admit I save everything.”

  Thinking aloud, Olivia said, “I’ll need to take a lantern.”

  “No, there’s one there and a matches tin beside it. The stairs are steep, so get Jake or Beth to go with you.”

  “What a great idea. I’ll bet Beth would enjoy helping. I’ll send Jake for her.”

  While she waited for her sister-in-law to arrive, Olivia climbed to the attic. Awed at the amount of furniture and assorted odds and ends of all kinds, she searched for anything that looked as if it might contain children’s clothing. In the third container, she found what she sought.

  Beth arrived while she was sorting through the contents. “Jake didn’t know why you summoned me but Mama Fraser sent me up here. Is this a treasure hunt?”

  Olivia laughed and gestured at the attic contents. “Could easily be, couldn’t it?” She explained her idea and Beth was enthusiastic.

  “Maybe Ethan could build her something. What would she like?”

  “A little chair her size would be nice, but large enough she could use if for several years. I want Jamie to make her a cradle.”

  “Oh, I’ll make a mattress and blanket. I wonder if there are scraps of fabric up here?” Beth edged between pieces and poked into drawers and boxes. She held up a piece of cloth. “I found some.”

  Olivia joined her. “These look as if they were left over from a quilting project.”

  Even in the soft light, Beth’s eyes sparkled with pleasure. “Let me use them, please. I get so bored all day and I am very fond of Cat.”

  “Thank you, Beth. She’s going to be so happy. I’ll write down the measurements for the mattress.”

  Excited, Olivia collected the clothes she’d found and the two women went back to Mama Fraser’s room. The three conspired to create a birthday surprise for Cat.

  When Jamie came in that evening, Olivia showed him the pattern she’d drawn and asked him to build a cradle for Cat’s dolls.

  He stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. “What put a fiddle-headed idea like that in your head? Sure she sleeps with a doll but she’s never played with them.”

  Did he have no clue about his daughter? “She does now. Beth and I have each made clothes for her dolls. We’re making more for Thursday. If you don’t want to bother making a cradle for your daughter’s birthday, I’ll ask Ethan to build it.”

  He appeared aghast at the idea. “I’ll be the one to make my daughter’s gift.” He snatched the plans as if they might disappear otherwise.

  Scanning the drawing and measurements, he nodded. “This shouldn’t take long. I’ll cut it early tomorrow before we head out. Probably have some paint somewhere.”

  “Thank you. Beth’s making a mattress and blanket. Mama and I are making doll clothes. I’ve already made a new nightgown for her. Thank goodness I hadn’t given it to her before I learned of her birthday.”

  Olivia was even busier
the next day with preparations for Cat’s surprise party. Even so, she was excited thinking about the pleasure the event would bring the child.

  After the children were in bed, Jamie carried wood to their room. “I’ve brought this here to fit the pieces and glue them. Messing around the barn bothers Beth and Ethan.”

  She gathered her supplies and sat in the rocker nearest the fireplace. “Us working together will be nice. While you’re assembling the cradle, I’ll be sewing.”

  “If you think this is all right.” He laid the pieces on the floor.

  Watching his deft movements surprised her. “I knew you were gifted at handling the horses, cattle, and all phases of the ranch. I didn’t know you were also good at working with your hands.”

  He sent her a cocky grin. “What? You said I had magic hands.”

  The heat of a blush spread on her cheeks. “You know very well I meant something else entirely.”

  He chuckled. “I didn’t know married women still blushed.”

  She lowered her gaze to the fabric in her lap. “I didn’t know that either. We’ve both learned something.” She sewed parts of a doll’s shirt together.

  “Sanding is going to make a mess in here. You want me to go outside?”

  “You’d freeze.” She stood and spread a sheet on the floor. “Sand on this and I’ll gather it and take it outside and shake the dust free in the morning.”

  “You are organized. I like that about you.”

  Surprised, her eyes met his. “I’m glad you approve. I’m not sure I could change that about myself.”

  “Running this house and caring for children is a big job. Mama and I have noticed you do both well.”

  “You’re certainly in a good mood this evening.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be? Things are going well. You found out about Cat’s birthday in time for us to have a nice party, not that she’d know if we missed it by a few days. Saturday, I’ll be installed as Master at the Grange meeting. Life’s good right now.”

  “Oh, Jamie, that’s wonderful. Congratulations. Mama said you’ve been an officer before.”

  “Olivia, the town is not that large. Yes, I’ve had about every office. My father did, too. I’m carrying on the tradition.”