Becoming a Family (Cutter's Creek Book 6)

by Annie Boone

  “Good morning, sir. Ma'am. My name is Janine Hewitt and I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I don’t mean to intrude, but perhaps there is something I could do to help?”

  The railroad officer had just about had enough.

  “Young woman I cannot imagine what you can do to help Miss Braithewaite’s rising hysteria.”

  Nonplussed, Janine said, “Well I was going to suggest that perhaps Miss Braithewaite would like to share my Pullman Car. You see I have the entire car to myself and I would enjoy the company.”

  “Oh could it be? Are you serious? How could I ever repay you?”

  “Oh no need for repayment. I'm sure this good gentleman can make sure that you could continue to occupy the same Pullman car after I exit in Cutter’s Creek. You may have the car for the rest of your journey to Lewiston. Am I right, Sir?”

  Janine Hewitt spoke with an air of authority that belied her young age. The railroad employee had nothing more to say or do other than to agree with her.

  “I’m sure this gentleman will make sure your baggage is delivered to my car and that the mix-up in cancelations and refunds will be directly brought to you. Right?”

  Janine hooked her arm in Jemma’s and led her to Pullman Salon Car Number Eight.

  “My husband always tells me that I shouldn't listen in on others’ conversations and that I should mind my own business. But lucky for you I can't seem to do that.” Janine laughed with child-like glee. “Seems to me like my overhearing your problem has ended up as a positive thing for both of us, don't you think?”

  Jemma was astounded at the young woman's forthrightness and amazing friendliness. Never had she run into someone in the big city of Chicago that was so willing to jump in and help her. She was used to making her own way.

  But honestly she did not know what she would have done without Janine Hewitt stepping in. When the officer told her that the reservation was canceled along with her mother’s and father's reservation, she almost fell to the ground in a heap of tears. Even though she knew the hysteria would do no good.

  “You have no idea what an answer to prayer your presence and your offer is to me. I have had the most horrible last few days, and I just could not take one more note of bad news.”

  “Enough of that. My name is Janine and your first name, Miss Braithewaite?”

  “Oh! I apologize! Where are my manners? Jemma Braithewaite, eternally grateful to you, Mrs. Janine Hewitt!”

  “It is no problem and my pleasure to be of assistance to you, dear. Now let's get ourselves into our salon carriage before this train decides to leave without us, shall we?”

  The two ladies gathered their skirts and stepped up into their private carriage. Jemma was immediately taken aback at the plush nature of the carriage. She had heard about the wonderful new Pullman Salon Carriages and had poured over the details and seen the sketches in Harpers Weekly. But the actual carriage was exceedingly lush and nicer than her own front parlor at her parents’ home.

  There was deep walnut paneling on every wall. Separated by a silkscreen was a private chamber with a gilt framed mirror, small sink, and facilities. There were two sofas facing each other on one side of the carriage. On the other was a small bed made up with a velvet throw and small toss pillows. It may have been larger than what Jemma slept in at home. There was a pull down loft bed over the two sofas. It was clear there would be plenty of room for two small women.

  The porter assigned to their carriage peaked his head in and asked if he could get anything for the ladies before the train started their journey.

  “No thank you, not right now. But we will have tea in an hour,” Janine instructed.

  “Now let's rest for a moment. I want to hear all about these last two horrible days, my new friend, Jemma.”

  Jemma certainly did feel as if a friendship was beginning. She sat down on the sofa facing Janine. Even though she felt near total exhaustion, she began to tell Janine her story.

  Chapter Three

  “Start at the beginning,” Janine encouraged.

  “Oh my,” Jemma said. “I'm not sure which beginning to start at. Truly, Mrs. Hewitt I am so overwhelmed at your generosity, and I can hardly believe my good fortune. Surely the good Lord was watching over me and you are an angel that He sent to save me.”

  “Now enough with that Mrs. Hewitt formality. I’m Janine and you are Jemma and we are going to be fast friends. Just sit back my friend and relax. I'll ask questions to help you, OK? Where in Chicago do you live, Jemma?”

  “I live with my parents on the southwest side of Chicago. I'm a schoolteacher at Nut Street Primary School. I've always lived with my parents, but lately I've been thinking about moving to one of the women’s boarding houses. They seem to be popping up everywhere. My life is quite simple, you see. I teach. I go to church and I may have dinner with my friends or other teachers once or twice a week. Not much more exciting than that.”

  “What age children do you teach, Jemma?”

  “I teach seven- and eight-year-olds. Some children come to me ill prepared. Despite that, it’s absolutely my favorite age. They’re beyond the neediness of younger children and their curiosity is soaring. They’re like little sponges soaking up the world around them. It gives me such great pleasure to see their joy in learning. It's absolutely perfect for me.”

  Jemma’s excitement for what she did showed brightly in her face. Her natural beauty sparkled when she talked about her work that she obviously loved. She’d forgotten the worry and fear that had been etched on her face earlier.

  Of course the dull gray skirt and jacket did absolutely nothing for her porcelain complexion. And her eyes seemed to change with her emotions. They were a brilliant blue most of the time.

  “You’re a lovely young woman,” said Janine.

  Jemma blushed and her cheeks took on a vivid pink tint. “Well, um, thank you. I don’t normally think of myself as pretty, but I appreciate your saying so.”

  “So that knot of hair at the back of your head. Do you ever let your hair down?”

  “At home I don’t keep it tied up. When I’m at school or in public, it just seems more proper to keep it pulled into a bun. Why do you ask?”

  “It just seems to me that letting it down at least part of the way would be an alluring style. Having your hair flow around your flawless face would make you an unforgettable beauty.”

  “Oh, I doubt that,” responded Jemma. “I appreciate the suggestion, though.”

  “Do you have a gentleman friend, Jemma?” Janine prodded gently.

  “No, unfortunately I don't at the moment. I saw a gentleman I met at a teacher’s conference for almost six months last year. I’d hoped that would work into a marriage proposal, but it didn’t. He said he traveled quite a bit for his job. I eventually found out he was courting me and another woman at the same time,” Jemma said with some distain and still some hurt from that situation.

  “Well he obviously wasn't worthy of someone as fine as you, Jemma. I know how badly that must have hurt, though. But you must believe that there’s something better on the horizon for you.”

  “Yes I think there’s something better for me. Even if it involves single parenthood. I have a feeling that’s pretty much going to determine if I ever have a man in my life now.”

  Jemma looked up in surprise when their door opened. Janine also looked toward the door. The porter popped his head in then he entered the small compartment.

  “Here is your tea, ladies,” he said jovially. “Enjoy.”

  He laid out a tray of small egg sandwiches and a pot of steaming black tea. Janine poured each cup perfectly. The two started to nibble on the snacks and drink the strong delicious tea.

  “Now tell me about these precious children you’re headed to fetch. Where did you say they live? Is it the Idaho Territory?”

  “My, where do I start?” Jemma tried to hold back the tears but the pressure of the last couple days got to her. Tears began to slowly stream down her face. J
emma was suddenly overcome with Janine’s kindness, the tragedy she faced and the reality of the journey she was embarking on.

  Janine, who had been an unexpected benefactor, reached easily into her small reticule. She pulled out a delicate handkerchief and handed it to her. “There dear, I don't mean to upset you.”

  Jemma sniffed, “You're not upsetting me, Janine. It's all just so overwhelming. You see it was only two days ago that we found out that my brother, William—oh, we call him Billy, and his wife, Sylvia, died. It’s such a shock to lose them both at the same time.”

  Janine gasped and then tried to regain her composure. “I’m so sorry, Jemma. I’m sure it’s life changing grief. I lost my sister-in-law several years ago and I feel for your grief. I’d love to hear about them. Do you want to tell me about them?”

  Jemma nodded reverently. “I think it would help me to talk about them. So much is bottled inside me right now. They left Chicago six years ago. Billy had built up a reputable horse tack supply business. The row of buildings where the shop was located burned and everything was lost.”

  “That must have been a blow. Was your family able to help them?”

  “Yes, my father offered to help. Billy decided they needed to make a complete change instead of rebuilding. My parents were sad that they were leaving, but they supported what they wanted. They started over by going to Lewiston, Idaho to manage a farm. The elderly couple that hired them never had children and needed help. They were so grateful for the help and kind of adopted them into their family. Billy, Sylvia and their son, Tim seemed to thrive there based on their letters.”

  “Your parents must have missed them. And you? Were you close?”

  “Billy was a bit older than me and I idolized him. I still can’t believe he’s gone. I suppose it takes a while for news like this to sink in.” Fresh tears rolled down Jemma’s face. “I suppose now’s the time to cry since I don’t want to be a basket case in front of the children. They’ll need me to be strong.”

  Janine sat quietly for a moment. Then she reached across and took Jemma’s hand, squeezing it gently. “They will, but you can’t hide your grief. It’s too much.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. I just want to get there. They must be so afraid. Tim won’t remember me and Delilah’s so young. She’s never seen us. Sylvia wrote that she talked about their family in Chicago all the time. Maybe that will help them not be afraid of us.”

  “So you’re excited to see them. I’m so sorry such a happy event was brought on by a tragedy. You can make the most of it, though, and build a good relationship with them,” added Janine thoughtfully.

  “Yes, Delilah’s four now and Tim is eight. We talked about making the journey out to see them, but we never could make the timing work. But, now I'm going there alone. I have no idea what our life is going to look like with two young children in our home. And my thoughts of moving out on my own simply cannot be now.”

  “Your parents will help you with them?” Janine asked.

  “Yes. They would be with me now, but my father broke his leg. Just yesterday, actually. So there was no choice but for my mother to stay with him and for me to go to Idaho.”

  “He broke his leg yesterday? Oh gracious. You’ve all had a rough go, haven’t you?”

  “Yes,” nodded Jemma as she took a deep breath. “And then this mix-up with our reservations. Of course, you know the basics of that because that's when you stepped in. You truly are an angel sent from the Lord.”

  Janine looked at Jemma and smiled sincerely. Then she looked out the window for a moment and seemed to be gathering her thoughts.

  Chapter Four

  Janine looked back at Jemma. She continued to nod as if confirming her thoughts.

  “Oh I don't doubt that the Lord sent me to you, Jemma. Not one bit. He works like that, I know. He puts people in our lives for reasons that we don’t always understand. Maybe He sent you to me, too! You’re already an encouragement to me. You’re strong and independent. I don’t know if I could do what you’re doing now.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you could. We do what needs to be done when things get difficult, don’t you think?”

  “Maybe, but I just feel like there’s more to it sometimes. I married very young. I feel as if I never had a chance to be an independent young woman like you. Of course I love my husband and my two beautiful boys, but sometimes I wonder how different my life would be if I’d made different choices.”

  “I suppose that makes sense. Don’t we all wonder sometimes about things like that? So your boys. What about them?” Jemma smiled.

  “Oh, the boys. Well, they're six-year-old twins. Jacob and Nathaniel. I’m a twin, too, but we were still surprised to get two at a time,” Janine’s smile flooded her face with joy when she spoke of her children.

  “I guess that’s one way to do it! Get two for one. So what took you to Chicago? If you don’t mind me asking.” Jemma said.

  “Oh, I don’t mind your questions at all. I’m an open book! My husband’s parents live in Chicago. They aren’t able to travel to see us in Cutter’s Creek so we visit them once or twice a year.”

  “Cutter’s Creek? Where is that?”

  “It’s in Montana. Going to Chicago is usually a good time for all of us. They’re always happy to see the boys and us, of course. I left a day early to get back to Montana. My brother and his wife are celebrating their first anniversary and I wanted to help prepare for the party.”

  “That should be fun. Who doesn’t love a big party?” said Jemma wistfully. She thought about the get-togethers the family had enjoyed before Billy and Sylvia went to Idaho. Janine continued the story and brought her back to the present.

  “There’ll be plenty of children there, so my two will be excited to have a party to go to the next day after they get home. They’ll have a bit of cabin fever after being penned up at their grandparents’ house and then on the train for over a week. They’ll need some wide open spaces to run around.”

  At Janine’s honest description of what her twin six-year-old boys would be like after a long journey, Jemma was impressed. So many parents seemed oblivious to what their own children were really like. This woman seemed like one of those who had it all figured out.

  “Janine, I hope I can be the kind of parent to my niece and nephew that you are to your boys. I’ve wondered how it’s going to come together for us to raise our Tim and Delilah. Now that Father is injured, I’m starting to think that it’s really going to fall to me to do it all.”

  “I imagine it’s a concern for you. This tragic event will change your life in more ways than one. From the little I’ve seen of you so far, though, Jemma, I think you’re going to do just fine.”

  “Thank you. I hope you’re right. There’s just so much that’s unknown. I suppose that’s how life is, though, isn’t it?” said Jemma.

  “True. We never know what the next minute is going to bring.”

  “My father was hoping to retire in the next five years. If he’s going to have to support his grandchildren, he may not be able to do that. If I take them myself, I’m not sure how I’ll support them on my teacher’s salary. It’s all so uncertain right now.”

  “I know you’re worried. God will provide. I know He has a plan for you. He always does. The practical things will fall into place. Try to worry less and just get through the next few weeks. After some of the pain has lifted, perhaps you’ll be able to think more clearly.”

  Jemma nodded. “My parents have worked so hard their entire lives. I know they’re no different than anyone else, but they’re my parents. I want the best for them. Mother does sewing work and her hands are bent. She has a hard time doing it now.”

  At the thought of her parents, Jemma began to cry quietly again. Janine moved to the sofa beside her and put her arm comfortingly around her.

  “Jemma, dear, you have had such a trial. What you need now is just to rest a moment. Just stretch out here and take a nap,” Janine said as she pulled out a light bl
anket to cover her.

  Jemma gave in to the suggestion. The thought of a nap to clear the sad thoughts away for a while was an irresistible idea.

  “You just relax. I'm going to be right here. We will continue to get to know each other when you wake up. Don't worry about a thing. I'm here. You can relax,” Janine spoke soothingly. Her mothering tones giving Jemma the comfort she needed.

  Before Jemma could utter a simple, thank you, she was asleep.

  ***

  Janine looked across at her young friend and realized that in sleep she looked so much younger. The weight of her very lonely life and then the pressure of the last few days had taken its toll on beautiful Jemma.

  Yes, she was beautiful. But the interesting thing Janine thought was that she did not seem to know just how beautiful she was. She wore very conservative clothes and of course they were in gray given her state of morning. Janine thought for a second that she was glad that the mandatory mourning color of black had been given way to the gentler color of gray.

  A small tendril of Jemma’s beautiful ash and blonde hair fell from its bun and lay across her face.

  Janine was tired, as well, so she decided to prop her feet up on the tufted and fringed ottoman in the center of the sofa corner. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

  No sooner than her eyes were closed, her thoughts turned to her energetic boys and her handsome Thad following her back to Cutter’s Creek a day later. It had been a fun but long two weeks they had spent away from their home. She would be so happy to get back in the mix of the chaos she loved about her home with those three.

  Then the most brilliant idea started to form. Jemma and the children should stop and stay in Cutter’s Creek on their way back to Chicago. They could stay a few days and maybe that would help the children to enjoy some carefree happiness before they went back to real life in Chicago.

  Janine spoke aloud to herself, “Yes that's exactly what I'm going to do. I’ll invite them for a few days. They can stay at the Silver Dollar Inn and visit with us for a while.”