“You’re proud as a peacock, aren’t you?” Philip teased Josephine.
Thomas raised his eyes to find her watching him. “She has every right to be proud. Ma has Fay and Emma helping her, yet Josephine did it all herself.”
“I had both of you to help me.” She brought her hand up to stifle a giggle. “You should have seen your face, Thomas.”
“My face?” He heard the incredulousness in his voice. “What about yours? I thought you might swoon.”
“Oh, phooey.” She pushed back a wayward strand of hair. “I’m a Pony Express rider. I don’t swoon.” Thomas noticed she rubbed her arm in a circular motion. “How long will that meat last us?”
Thomas answered, “Should last past Christmas. We’ll share with Hazel.”
“That’s very neighborly of you, Thomas. I’m happy that you’re doing so.”
“That is, if you don’t burn it when you’re cooking it,” Philip teased.
She waved her hand in a gesture of dismissal. “Don’t you fret your head about that, Philip. If I do burn it, you’ll be the one eating it.”
Thomas liked that she gave tit for tat. He thought about the long, lonely evenings he and Philip had spent before she entered their life. In less than a week, here they sat, laughing and enjoying great food and fellowship. If Hazel were with them, there’d also be some wild storytelling. And that reminded him of his earlier thoughts on getting the older woman a dog.
“I’ve been thinking.”
“Whoa. Stop the presses.” At Josephine’s words, Philip roared with laughter. She made no attempt to hide from Thomas that she was teasing him.
Thomas narrowed his eyes at her and warned, “Bad things happen to those that sass.”
“Mmm-hmm. But you’d have to catch me first.”
Thomas liked the sound of that a bit more than he expected. To his interested amazement, a hint of pink filled her cheeks. A sidelong glance told him Philip noticed, too, so he quickly finished his thoughts.
“Before I was interrupted, I was going to say that I think Hazel is lonely and I’d like to get her a dog to care for.”
Josephine clapped her hands together. “Oh, that’s a lovely idea.”
“I thought maybe we might get a dog, too.” He watched for Josephine’s reaction and wasn’t disappointed. Her eyes shone with excitement and she smiled with joy.
“That would be wonderful.” She moved to pick up the pot of beans off the table and flinched. Josephine grabbed her right arm, gathering it protectively to her chest.
Thomas was on his feet and beside her in a flash. “Let me see your arm, Josephine.” He touched her right shoulder gently, his other hand extended.
“There’s nothing to see. I twisted it when I almost dropped the first piece of meat.”
“Then let’s see how badly it’s twisted.”
She gave him her hand and he gently raised it, carefully supporting her elbow. When it was just below shoulder height, she cried out. He felt along the muscles, gently moving and massaging as he went. He stretched her arm out straight, then applied a bit of pressure. At first she resisted, and then the stiffness eased and she relaxed. He lifted her arm again, and though it was sore, she could now raise it above her head.
“Tonight if you’ll apply liniment to the upper arm, by morning it should be good as new.”
Josephine rubbed where his hand had been. “Thanks, Thomas. I will do just that.”
Thomas felt a cold gush of air as Philip opened the kitchen door. At Philip’s and Josephine’s exclamations, he turned to investigate. Big, puffy snowflakes drifted silently to the ground, rushing to cover every expanse of living and material things.
Philip groaned.
Thomas slapped him on the back. “Maybe it will stop before tomorrow.” He grabbed his coat from the hook by the door.
Josephine looked at the two men in puzzlement. “What happens tomorrow? If you are worried about us going to town, we can do that when the weather clears.”
Philip shook his head. “Woman, you were a Pony Express rider. Didn’t you have to ride in the cold and snow?”
She covered her mouth. “Oh, I’d forgotten that your run starts tomorrow, Philip.” Josephine rubbed her arms as if chilled.
Thomas pushed Philip out into the fluffy snow. He turned and grinned at Josephine. “We’ll hurry with the chores.”
“I’ll have hot coffee ready for you.”
He nodded and then closed the door.
* * *
Thomas was glad to have Philip along with them as far as Dove Creek. The brothers parted ways there, and Philip headed out to the family farm, where he’d meet the Pony Express rider he’d relieve. Thomas and Josephine stopped in front of the sawmill.
The three of them all rode their own mounts. Thomas had wanted to take the buggy, but Josephine had insisted they ride. Now he was glad that she had. She seemed to love being on the back of the borrowed horse.
The snow had accumulated in several places along the road that led to town. With the horses, they’d made it just fine, but a wagon had the potential to get stuck in unseen potholes under the snow.
She now sat atop a pretty mustang, one of the Pony Express horses. The smile on her face spoke volumes of how much she’d missed riding. “I’d like to go to the general store while you order lumber, if that’s all right with you.”
“Of course. Tell me again what you’d like to make.” Thomas leaned against the saddle horn and looked across at her. She was wearing her pants under her skirt and riding upright like a man in the saddle. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold and her copper curls wild from the wind.
“If you don’t think it’s too much, I’d like a bookshelf, a dresser, and a small table and chair.” She tucked a wayward curl behind her ear.
“I don’t see why you can’t have that. Is there anything else you’d like us to make?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Not that I can think of at the moment.” Josephine mimicked his stance and leaned on her saddle horn. “Is there anything you want from the general store?”
“Not that I can think of right offhand, but as soon as I finish my business here, I’ll come over and see what might strike my fancy.”
Her sweet laughter drew the attention of a couple of the men standing in the doorway of the sawmill. Thomas watched them smile appreciatively. “Well, you best be headed that way.” He dropped down from his horse.
She nodded and turned her horse down Main Street. “I’ll see you there.”
Thomas walked toward the sawmill. The snow was about two inches deep on the hill where the mill sat. His gaze moved to the sky, where more snow clouds were gathering. He made the decision to hurry and order the wood and then head to the store.
“I hear you got married,” Mr. English said as Thomas reached the door. Mr. English was an older gentleman who enjoyed hanging out at the sawmill and chatting with everyone.
Thomas nodded. “Sure did.”
“Was that little redhead her?” a lanky young man asked.
Again Thomas nodded. “Yep.” He stepped around the two men and continued until he found Mr. Ferguson, the owner of the mill.
“Those two giving you a hard time?”
Thomas laughed. “No, they’re just curious.”
“Don’t matter how many times I tell them to leave folks alone, they just don’t listen.” He brushed sawdust off his leather apron and asked, “What can I do for you today, Thomas?”
“Josephine would like enough lumber to build a bookshelf, dresser, small table and a chair. I’d like to get it at a reasonable price.” He grinned to take the sting out of his words.
Mr. Ferguson nodded. “Yep, and I’d like to make some money this winter.” He slapped Thomas on the back. “Come on back here and I’ll show you what I have in stock.
”
Together they walked to a large open room where lumber was stacked in all sizes. Thomas whistled. “You have been busy.”
“Hafta stay busy to stay in business.”
“I guess you do.” Thomas walked among the stacks of lumber pointing at various pieces he thought would work for the furniture that Josephine had asked for. When he finished, he took the ticket Mr. Ferguson handed him and exchanged it for money.
“It might be a few days before I can get this out to your place. My son is making a delivery to your folks’ place. I’m not sure if he’s going to want to go back out into the weather for a while.”
Thomas answered with a grin. “That’s all right. Philip won’t be back for a couple of days and he’s the one building the things Josephine wants.”
“That right?”
Thomas didn’t like the way Mr. Ferguson asked the question. “Yes, sir. It is.”
The older man chuckled under his breath.
“Care to share with me what you think is funny about that?” Thomas thought it funny because Josephine was going to work Philip hard when he got home, but he didn’t see how the lumberman could know her intentions, and if he didn’t know them, then what was he laughing about?
“I guess there isn’t anything funny about it.”
“Then why are you laughing?”
Mr. Ferguson laid a hand on his shoulder. “I am sure nothing is going on at your place when you are off riding the Pony Express, but I got a gander at your new wife and she’s a pretty little thing.”
Thomas left the mill mulling over Mr. Ferguson’s words. He knew Philip and Josephine were not romantically inclined, but he didn’t like that the townsfolk might start talking about his wife and brother. He shook his head. Well, this was a fine how-do-you-do.
His horse picked its way through the snow. Instead of guiding him to the general store, Thomas veered off to the bread store. He wasn’t quite ready to see Josephine. What was he going to do? In two days Philip would be back, and the day after that, Thomas would be expected to ride out and leave them alone.
He tied the horse up in front of the bread store and walked the short distance up the wooden walkway. When he opened the door, the warm fragrance of fresh bread greeted him. Thomas walked to the main counter and shook the cowbell that was there.
Rosie Carter came from the back room. The moment she saw him, her face lit up in a bright smile. “Well, Thomas Young, what brings you in here today?”
Thomas grinned. “The smell of fresh bread.”
“I have plenty of that. Seems the snow has kept most of my regulars home today.” She wiped flour on her apron. “What can I get you?”
He looked at the loaves of bread and knew he’d be taking two with him today. “I’ll have a plain white bread and one of your cinnamon sweet loaves, too.”
“How is married life treating you?” Rosie pulled the loaves down and began wrapping them in cheesecloth. “I’ll put these in a flour sack for you, Thomas, but I’d like it back next time you come into town.”
Did everyone know that he’d gotten married? It would seem so. “Married life is good, Rosie, and I’ll be happy to bring the sack back in a few days.”
She passed the sack across the counter and waited for him to pay. “That’s good. I hear you up and married a redhead.” Rosie fluffed her straight black hair.
“Can I ask you a question?” Thomas handed her the money for the bread.
Rosie leaned a hip against the counter. “Sure. But if I don’t like it, I’m not obligated to answer.” She grinned.
Thomas had wanted to ask what she thought about his dilemma with Philip and Josephine but quickly changed his mind. “Do you know anyone who has a dog or puppy they’d like to get rid of?”
She chuckled. “And here I thought it was a serious question.” Rosie shook her head. “No, but there is a stray that’s been hanging out behind the bank. Maybe you can see if she’s the friendly type.”
Thomas thanked her and took his bread. Did he want a stray for Hazel? He climbed back on his horse, tied the strings of the flour sack to the saddle horn and headed toward the bank. It wouldn’t hurt to look at the mutt.
Once in front of the bank, he tied his reins to the hitching post and walked around to the alley. He heard the little dog before he saw her. Her teeth were bared and her ears laid back. Not very friendly.
She was white with reddish-brown fur around her ears and eyes. The same reddish-brown fur crossed her back and sides. Blackish-brown eyes stared at him. Daring Thomas to come closer, reminding him a little of how Josephine had first looked at him.
The sound of a soft whimper drew his attention behind her. A little black nose peeked around her. She had a puppy.
Thomas couldn’t help but see that the bigger dog’s ribs showed under her fur. He turned around and hurried back to the horse. Opening the flour sack, he pinched off a good portion of the white bread and returned to the dogs.
Thomas knelt a few feet away and held the bread out. “Come on, girl, it’s fresh.” He waved the bread.
Her nose twitched and she crept out a little farther.
He sat back on his heels and waited. The pup behind her inched out from her hiding place, as well. Thomas was thankful that the bread was warm, fresh and fragrant.
After several long moments the mama dog came forward. She watched him with leery eyes. “Come on, girl. I won’t hurt you, and I can almost guarantee you a warm home with lots of food. Come on.”
It took about thirty minutes before both dogs were close enough to eat the bread from his hand. Thomas knew dogs and this one didn’t seem dangerous, just cold, hungry and wary of strangers. He continued to speak softly to them as they nibbled bread from his fingers. The mother ate daintily. The pup had no reservations about gulping down her portion of the bread.
Thomas inched his hand forward and rubbed the mama dog’s long, fluffy ears. She looked up at him with big eyes. No longer did they hold fear. He gently picked up the puppy and rubbed her long ears, too.
Sure that Josephine was wondering where he was, Thomas risked picking up the mama dog, as well. She leaned into his body and trembled. He continued to talk gently as he walked back to the horse.
There was no way he could climb on his horse and hold the dogs. He sat the puppy down, untied the horse and tucked its reins in his back pocket. Then he scooped up the pup once more and started walking toward Main Street.
Josephine came out of the store as soon as she saw him. “What have you got there?” she asked, coming forward slowly and holding out her hand for the dogs to sniff.
“Do you think Hazel would like the mama dog? Or the pup?” he asked, handing her the pup.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. We’ll need to ask her.” She rubbed the little dog’s head and soft ears. The pup’s tail wagged against her waist. “She is so sweet. Where did you get them?”
“They are strays, according to Rosie.”
“Who’s Rosie?” Josephine quit petting the pup.
Thomas laughed. “Rosie is the proud owner of the bread shop here in town.” He liked the way Josephine’s eyebrows had arched up when she’d asked about the other woman.
“Oh. So the dogs don’t belong to her?” Josephine looked confused as she bowed her head and continued to pet the little dog in her arms.
“I don’t believe so, but I do think she’s been feeding them.” He took the reins from his back pocket and tied the horse up by the watering trough.
“I don’t know. They both seem awfully skinny to me.” Josephine stroked the puppy’s side. “Poor baby, you must be starving.”
Thomas held the mama dog in the crook of his arm. “Did you find anything in the store you wanted?”
“Oh, yeah, I’ll be right back.” Josephine thrust the pup back into his arms and hea
ded inside.
Within a few minutes she returned with a small paper bag. “I’m ready to go if you are.” She looked up into the sky. “I think we are in for more snow today.”
“I’m ready, too. Go ahead and get on your horse, and then I’ll hand you the dogs while I get on mine.”
Josephine did as he said. Within minutes they were riding out of town, each holding a dog.
Thomas couldn’t help but wonder what the townspeople thought of them. And just to borrow trouble, he wondered if they were watching his living situation unfold and sharing their opinions with others. He still hadn’t decided what to do about Philip and Josephine being at the cabin alone while he was gone. Should he really care what the townspeople thought? What would Josephine think if he brought the subject up with her? How did one bring up such a delicate subject with a lady?
Chapter Twelve
Snow drifted down steadily on them most of the way home. Josephine cut her eyes toward her new husband. He’d been very quiet most of the way home. Since Philip was gone, was Thomas worried about spending time alone with her?
As they came into the yard, Josephine recognized Hazel’s wagon standing in front of the house. What was the older woman doing there? Was she all right? Hurt? Sick? Josephine slid from her horse and started to the house with the little puppy tucked under her coat.
Thomas called after her. “Josephine, wait up.”
Worry ate at her as she paused for him to tie both of their horses to the porch rail.
The puppy squirmed against her ribs. It stuck its head out of her coat as if it sensed her unease. She rubbed the dog’s small head.
Josephine frowned at Thomas. His fingers worked the string that held the flour sack to his horse. “Thomas, hurry.”
He shook his head. “I don’t know why you are in such a hurry.”
“Something might be wrong with Hazel. That’s why.”
He finally got the sack untied and walked up to her. “I doubt that, but if so, we’ll find out together and I’m going in first.”
“Fine, just do it.” Josephine gave him a little shove.
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