Becoming a Family (Cutter's Creek Book 6)

by Annie Boone

  The casual nature of him calling her by her first name at first startled Jemma. But she realized it was just the way things were done here in Cutter’s Creek. She could get used to the ease and the friendliness of this sweet little frontier town.

  Jemma steered the children into the inn and towards the stairs to go to their room when she saw Nick Jansen at the desk going over his books.

  He raised his head and their eyes met. Jemma couldn’t look away. It was like ten thousand words were spoken in that one glance but none were uttered. Jemma smiled generously at Nick. He smiled and nodded in acknowledgement and then went back to his numbers.

  “I'll see you in the morning, Miss Braithewaite,” Nick said just loud enough for her to hear.

  Jemma quickly readied the bath for the children. They were filthy from running and playing for the last four hours. After she had tucked them in and said their prayers with them, she slowly began to get herself ready for bed. She was so tired with the busy travel day and dinner at the Hewitt’s.

  The last thing she remembered was the smooth and mellow tone of Nick Jansen calling out to her, “I'll see you in the morning.” She was sure she’d have sweet dreams of his handsome face and lovely voice.

  Chapter Eleven

  Breakfast was a busy time at the inn. It seemed many people came to enjoy the delicious food, not just the guests staying at the inn. As promised, the spread was enormous and the children ate heartily. Jemma was glad to see that their appetite was back. With the exception of last night at the Hewitt house the children had hardly eaten. Jemma thought to herself that the resilience of youth was certainly a benefit.

  Bonnie Jansen was playing hostess in the inn’s dining room and approached Jemma and the children. “Hello and good morning! My name is Bonnie Jansen. I belong to that crotchety old man Emil you met yesterday as well as that handsome young man over there.”

  Jemma rose to take Bonnie’s hand. She looked over in the direction of Nick when the woman said she belonged to him, too. She was speaking from the heart when she said, “It is my pleasure to meet you and of course it was my pleasure to meet your men yesterday.”

  Both of the ladies laughed and seemed to click right away. Bonnie bent down on eye level with Tim and Delilah and introduced herself to the children. It was obvious she’d done this same thing many times over.

  “How do you like those flapjacks, young man?”

  “They’re delicious, ma'am.” Tim said courteously.

  “I'm so glad you’re enjoying them. Our cook is one of the favorites in all of the Montana territory. I'll be sure to tell her how much you like her flapjacks.”

  Just then Nick came over to the table.

  “Mother, you're not bothering our fine guests, are you?”

  “Of course not. I was just making sure that young Mr. Braithewaite here enjoyed his pancakes.”

  “I think I've watched him put away two plates full, if I'm not wrong,” Nick said with a chuckle. “I believe it’s safe to say he likes them just fine.”

  Bonnie’s eyes lit up and she spoke quickly, “Nick why don't you take the Braithewaites around town? You can show them our beautiful Cutter’s Creek and all the landmarks.”

  Both Nick and Jemma blushed a little at Bonnie's obvious manipulations and attempts at matchmaking, but both wanted to be in each other’s presence too much to really care. Nick was just waiting for the right moment to propose the very same idea. His mother just beat him to the punch.

  Jemma immediately responded, “I think that would be wonderful. If, of course, you don’t mind, Mr. Jansen.”

  Tim piped up and said, “Hey can we go to the Hewitt farm and play with the boys?”

  Nick replied, “I think we could make our way out to the farm. The boys would love to see you again, I know. And Miss Braithewaite, please call me Nick. We are very casual here in Cutter’s Creek.”

  Jemma replied, “When in Cutter’s Creek, then. You should call me Jemma. I like the friendly manner around here.”

  She was again caught by the casual ease that everyone seems to have here. It was friendly, welcoming, and secure. Yes, as she thought yesterday, I could get very used to this.

  Just as he promised, Nick met them in the front of the inn with the same carriage he’d used to take them to the Hewitt house the night before. Tim immediately hopped in front and reached for the rains.

  “Whoa, now boy. Don't get too excited, Tim. You have to wait until your aunt and your sister are securely in their seats. That’s the polite way and it’s also the safe way.”

  Tim bristled slightly at the correction. He looked at Nick and seemed to want to say something to defend himself.

  Jemma immediately picked up on Tim’s mood and glanced at Nick. He didn’t seem to notice at all. While Nick’s caution was appropriate, she felt that possibly Tim wasn’t accustomed to taking direction from anyone other than his father or Mr. Dean.

  This was going to possibly be a rough transition for Tim. He’d seemed to be doing well most of the time, but it was to be expected that there would be bumps along the way. As much as she wanted to intercede for Tim, she didn’t. So, she let it go and soon their tour started.

  As they headed through town, Nick was the most professional guide. He seemed to know everything there was to know about the quaint, little town.

  They’d started at the inn, so Nick explained the history of the inn as they drove into town.

  “The Silver Dollar Inn was first built to house the silver miners who flocked to Cutter’s Creek when silver was discovered. My father may have already told you some of this, but he may have left this part out. Copper has now just been discovered a little further north so most of our business comes from train passengers now and not the miners. Of course that makes for a friendlier and less rowdy crowd for families such as yours,” he chuckled.

  Tim looked at him and shrugged, clearly not understanding the little joke. Jemma looked his way with a smile and he winked back at her. Delilah was just enjoying the scenery and didn’t give a hoot about the conversation.

  “And over here on the right is our town hall. That's where the jail is, Tim.” Nick was sure to point out that little bit of information. All boys would be interested in that kind of information.

  Tim was still pouting a bit about being told not to grab the reins and so he didn’t respond. He did perk up to look at the place, though. It seemed to Jemma he was taking it all in even if he wasn’t commenting on what he saw.

  “There’s exactly one cell inside and only one key to the cell.”

  Nick was trying hard, but connecting with Tim was trying today. Jemma appreciate how he was trying. They went on with his guided tour as they headed out along the main street through town.

  “The church there on your right is the one and only chapel in town. We call it The Little Red Chapel. It’s painted red because they wanted everyone to know where it was. At least that’s one tale that’s told. Parson Locket is quite entertaining and even more inspiring. Maybe if you stay until Sunday you could go to church and hear him. He usually has some interesting stories to tell. The most famous story about our little red chapel is it was once the refuge for a runaway woman who eventually married the man who saved her in that same chapel.”

  “Really? A safe place for a runaway? That’s a fascinating story. I’d love to hear more about that one,” said Jemma.

  “It’s a good story. My mother can tell you every detail. Oh, and the main reason the church is painted red is that linseed oil is mixed with red rust to protect the wood. That makes it red.”

  Jemma nodded as Nick slowed the carriage and pulled around to the back of the chapel. There was the most beautiful view of the Yellowstone River. The sun glinted off the rushing water and made it look like tiny sapphires were floating in the water. Jemma could hear the rush of the water over the rocks. The trees that dotted both sides of the waterway blew gently in the breeze.

  “Do you know what river this is?” Nick asked the children tryin
g to engage Tim.

  “Which one? I don’t know it,” Delilah answered.

  Tim sat silent and barely looked at the flowing river in front of them.

  “It’s called the Yellowstone River. Isn’t it pretty?” Nick answered his own question.

  “That's not a good name for a river,” Tim responded breaking his silence.

  Nick and Jemma looked at him and then at each other.

  “Aunt Jemma can we go to the Hewitt farm now. This is boring,” he added.

  Nick and Jemma exchanged another look. Nick relented saying, “I suppose a tour of the town isn’t very interesting to a big guy like you, right Tim?”

  Tim sat in stony silence as he waited for the wagon to move toward his desired destination.

  Nick pulled the wagon out onto the main road and pointed to the blacksmith shop across the street. “That’s Janine’s brother’s place. Caleb Jefferson. He’s got quite a good reputation in town and he’s built his business up.”

  “Janine did mention she’s a twin. Is this her twin brother?”

  “Yep, sure enough.”

  “Is he the brother who just celebrated a one-year wedding anniversary?”

  “The very same,” answered Nick. “His wife’s name is Audrey. Rumor has it that Janine sort of engineered that marriage.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, Caleb was a widower with a daughter. Janine was doing her best to help, but she just knew that something more was needed. She pushed him to find a wife and he did.”

  Jemma laughed. “I can see Janine being just forceful enough to make something like that happen.”

  Nick looked at Tim’s face and decided to get them moving again. So he turned the horses and headed toward the Hewitt place. He hoped if the young boy got what he wanted peace would be restored.

  Chapter Twelve

  Janine was in the vegetable garden and Thad was around the side working on one of the wagons. When they pulled up the boys came tearing from around the other side of the house whooping and hollering that their friends were back.

  Tim didn't wait for anyone to help him off the carriage. Nick turned and lifted Delilah down and she took off after her brother. Then he extended his hand to help Jemma step down. Janine came from around the fenced-in area around her vegetable garden and came out with her arms wide open to greet Jemma.

  “I'm so glad you came by.”

  “I hope it's not an imposition,” she said as she glanced at Nick wondering if he had planned this all along.

  “Of course not. Friends are allowed to drop in on friends completely unannounced. I was just going to have some lemonade on the porch. Come on back with me. Oh, Nick I'm sure Thad could use a hand with that wagon wheel.”

  Nick didn’t need to be told twice that the ladies preferred to talk in private.

  “How are things this morning, Jemma?” Janine asked.

  “Fine, I suppose. I met Bonnie Jansen this morning and she seems like such a wonderful woman. She was so good with the children.”

  “Well, she should be,” Janine added. “She runs the school.”

  “Really? I thought she helped her husband and son run the Silver Dollar Inn.”

  “She does both,” Janine said. “In a town this size people have to pitch in where they can.”

  “Oh, I see,” Jemma said realizing that was why she connected with the kids so quickly.

  “What do you think about Mr. Nick Jansen,” Janine prodded.

  “You can’t leave that alone, can you?” Jemma laughed. “I have to admit that he’s incredibly handsome and charming.”

  Jemma’s gaze moved over to where the men were standing and working on the wagon. She noticed how Nick had taken his jacket off and rolled his sleeves up. She could see his muscled arms. She blushed at the sight.

  “Yes, I can see you do you think he's handsome,” Janine teased. “You can’t keep your eyes off of him.”

  “One thing I can hardly get used to is how friendly and open everyone is here in Cutter’s Creek. It seems that everyone says what they think as they think it. Mr. Jansen, um, Nick, corrected Tim for grabbing the reins on the carriage. It hurt his feelings or something and he’s pouting now.”

  “Don’t worry. I imagine he’s just not used to someone new telling him what to do,” Janine encouraged.

  “I suppose, but it made the rest of our carriage trip very uncomfortable. I was looking so forward to hearing Nick tell me about the town. I'm quite enchanted with this place.”

  “Oh good! I thought you would love it. I know it’s not like the city. It doesn’t have as many conveniences, but it’s also friendly and easy. Why don't you consider extending your trip? The children certainly seem to be enjoying themselves.”

  Janine bobbed her head toward the place where the three boys were playing a game of marbles as Delilah stood and watched. Jemma nodded with a smile then shifted her gaze from the children to the men.

  “I guess we could do that. There's no reason to hurry back to Chicago. The children will be quite bored, I'm sure, in our small yard. And with father just starting his recovery it might be nice if it was peaceful and quiet for him.”

  “Oh good, it's settled then. You'll stay another week or two, right?” Janine insisted.

  “I don't see why not,” Jemma said. She’d already been thinking about her small inheritance. That money would go a long way to pay for their expenses in Cutter’s Creek. Much further than in Chicago, where everything was so expensive. Though they’d have fewer expenses in Chicago, the ones they did have would be more expensive.

  Plus, Jemma loved the tempo and the energy in this charming little town. Staying a bit longer would allow the children to acclimate to her as their main caregiver. If Jemma was being honest with herself, spending more time in the company of Nick Jansen would not be bad either.

  “Well then, I'll tell Nick to stop by the telegraph office on the way back into town. You can send a message to your parents and let them know you’re extending your trip.”

  Janine was excited and clapped her hands like a child. Jemma saw Thad look their way and shake his head. He must realize what his wife was up to.

  When the group left to go back to town, Thad came up on the porch and looked down at his wife. “Be careful about your matchmaking Janine. Remember the last time it almost had a catastrophic result.”

  “I remember, Thad. But this time it doesn't involve my stubborn brother.”

  “Please mind your own business, Janine,” Thad warned.

  Janine turned and went back into the kitchen. She had barely heard her husband’s warning and had already decided not to heed it. She knew her gut was telling her something was about to happen between those two, and she was going to do everything in her power to help it grow.

  Chapter Thirteen

  A week had passed since Jemma had sent her parents a telegram about extending her trip in Cutter’s Creek. They’d responded with an encouraging note, too. The news was that her father was improving and the extra healing time before the children came was a good idea.

  Jemma felt like she was making good decisions for her and the children. At least, for now. She didn’t know what the future held, but she felt like things were going well. Most of the time, anyway.

  The summer was brilliant in the busy little town. There were many guests coming and going at the inn and there was continual activity.

  Jemma made a daily trip out to the Hewitt farm for the children to play and for her to visit with her friend. Sometimes Nick drove them. Other times Thad came to fetch them.

  Nick and the children didn’t seem to have much to say to each other. And it was difficult to have an adult conversation around them. Jemma wanted to get to know Nick better but her attention was always taken with the children. She was trying to be sensitive to their emotional needs.

  One day Janine suggested that the children spend the night at the farm. She told her friend, “Maybe you could have dinner with Nick while the children are
here.”

  “But Janine, Nick has not asked me to have dinner,” Jemma responded openly.

  “But I know he wants to have dinner with you. You told me the other day how difficult it was to chat with him with the children around. I'll take care of Tim and Delilah and you enjoy yourself.”

  “What are you doing, Janine?” Jemma asked.

  “I’m giving my friend a break from the two children she’s taken to raise. Seriously Jemma, you need some time to yourself. Take a long bath in that wonderful tub in your suite. Spend more than two minutes doing your hair. Put on a pretty dress, just because you have one to wear. Be something other than the children’s care-giving aunt.”

  “I think that sounds wonderful. I could enjoy an evening alone. I’m not going to suppose that Nick will want to dine with me. You are too funny,” Jemma said. “Have dinner with Nick, indeed.”

  Jemma continued to laugh as Janine looked a little cross at her.

  “Jemma, you’ve been taking care of these children for less than a month and you’re already letting that responsibility take over. I know what I’m talking about. If you become nothing more than a nanny to those children, your life will stop belonging to you. Don’t let that happen.”

  Jemma stopped laughing and promised to take Janine’s advice to heart.

  Thad returned Jemma to the inn that evening alone. Nick was in the main salon and immediately noticed the children weren’t with her.

  “Where are Tim and Delilah, Jemma?” he asked.

  “Janine asked for them to stay overnight. I'm just now going upstairs to pack a bag. Thad will take it back out to the farm for them so they don’t have to wear the same stinky sweaty clothes for two days in a row.”

  “So you’ll be on your own for the evening. Perhaps you'd like to have dinner with me?” Nick asked.

  Jemma spun around, “Did Janine tell you to ask me that?”

  Nick immediately responded, “No, I genuinely would love to have some time with you. But if you want to blame your friend, then I completely understand. I can live with that.” He winked flirtatiously.