A Baby Between Them

by Winnie Griggs

  “Exactly.” Nora pounced on Bridget’s statement. “If it’s sound enough for the Coulters to live in, then it’s sound enough for me to live in, as well. Besides, the repairs are coming along nicely. Before you know it, it’ll be a fine, snug little home.”

  “Perhaps it’s fine now while it’s still summer, but autumn will be upon us soon and with it colder, damper weather.” Maeve’s expression was unusually sober.

  Keep your tone calm and reasonable, Nora told herself. “No more so than what we faced back in Ireland. In fact, I hear the weather is milder here.”

  “If you won’t think of yourself, think of Grace,” Bridget insisted. “Shouldn’t she have the best accommodations possible?”

  That set Nora back a moment. Was she being selfish and prideful? “I—” She rubbed a hand over the side of her face as she gathered her thoughts. “Of course Grace deserves the very best we can give her. But I’m not so sure what that is.” She dropped her arm and drew her shoulders back. “This is not something to worry over today. Let us see how things fare when autumn gets here.”

  Bridget opened her mouth to speak, but Maeve placed a hand on her arm, shooting her a quick warning look. Turning back to Nora, she smiled. “Then we’ll not say more until then.” She wagged a finger Nora’s way. “But don’t think for a minute we’ve given up on this.”

  Nora was quite certain they hadn’t.

  * * *

  Cameron Long set the two empty cups on the small side table that had been reserved for just that purpose. The three Murphy sisters stood together, pretty as butterflies in a spring meadow.

  But to his way of thinking, Nora was the most compelling of the trio. He supposed it was the contradictions he sensed in her that intrigued him most. From the moment he’d first set eyes on her—tall and willowy with her hair pulled back in that tight little bun and her posture perfectly straight—she seemed to exude a no-nonsense air of practicality and discipline. But a moment later the infant she held had made some noise or movement that commanded her attention and her expression suddenly softened and she’d cooed some nonsense or other to calm the baby, and he’d glimpsed another side of her entirely. From that day forward he’d made a point of trying to get to the truth of who the real Nora Murphy was beneath her prim facade. He’d found her by turns amusing, irritating and admirable.

  Looking at her today, he saw something new. Her dress wasn’t as frilly and fussy as the getups her sisters wore, but for once she’d worn something besides those serviceable homespun dresses she generally favored. The bright blue color and simple lines suited her perfectly. And while her sisters seemed somewhat softer and more relaxed than Nora, that touch of steel in her appealed to him.

  Of course, she was a smidge on the bossy side, too, but he figured he could give as good as he got in that area. Truth to tell, it was a bit fun to watch her hackles rise and her finger start wagging and poking when she got riled.

  All in all he was quite pleased that he’d ended up hiring Nora as his housekeeper instead of her sister. In fact, if he were the marrying kind, he’d probably set his sights on someone just like her. Not that that was either here or there. He’d decided long ago that he most certainly wasn’t the marrying kind, and never would be. A man with a history like his had no business raising kids. It’s why he never let himself get too close to any of the women he’d encountered over the years.

  Shaking off those gloomy thoughts, Cam focused on the Murphy sisters again, then frowned. Something seemed to have upset his no-nonsense housekeeper. Not that she was making a big show of it, but he could tell by the appearance of that little wrinkle that furrowed above her nose whenever she was fretting over something. What could have put that crease there on what should be a happy day for her?

  Before he could decide whether or not to saunter back over, the air seemed to clear and the sisters were hugging again. A tiny wail from the vicinity of the cradle diverted all three women’s attention and Nora bustled over to tend to Grace. But he could sense the eldest Murphy sister still fretted over something.

  Perhaps he’d find out just what was bothering her when he offered her a ride home after the reception.

  Chapter Two

  Nora swayed and rubbed Grace’s back, trying to soothe the fussy infant as she watched Bridget and Will ride off in their carriage, followed closely by Maeve and Flynn in their own vehicle. The two couples would travel together on the road to Boston and separate once they reached the city—Maeve and Flynn to their home, Bridget and Will to the fancy hotel where they would spend their two-day honeymoon.

  Grace finally settled down again, her head lolling against Nora’s shoulder. The last of the guests were dispersing.

  Well, all except Mrs. Fitzwilliam and the McCorkle boys. The Murphy sisters had met the starchy, well-to-do widow on the voyage over here from Ireland. She’d seemed quite patronizing and standoffish at first, but in time she and the sisters had become friends. Learning that the dowager was traveling to America on a quest to find her prodigal stepgranddaughter, her only living relation, had endeared her further to Nora and her sisters.

  Though Mrs. Fitzwilliam had yet to find the runaway, she was no longer alone. She had, in fact, become guardian to the three orphaned McCorkle brothers who had also traveled aboard the Annie McGee. Mrs. Fitzwilliam and the two younger boys had settled in Boston. The oldest boy, eighteen-year-old Gavin, had yearned for a bit of adventure and had wheedled his way, in the most engaging manner possible, into the role of Sheriff Long’s deputy-in-training.

  Bridget had invited Mrs. Fitzwilliam and the two youngest McCorkles to spend the night at their home so Gavin would have an opportunity for a nice visit with them.

  Esther Black, Will’s mother, stood near the gate, reassuring her twin grandchildren that yes, their father and new stepmother would most definitely be returning in just a few days. Ben MacDuff, the sheriff’s more seasoned deputy and former mentor, was hovering near Esther in a way that raised Nora’s brow. Was something brewing between the two, something deeper than friendship? Wouldn’t that be lovely for them?

  “And what brings that smile to your face?”

  Nora turned to find the sheriff at her elbow. “Just thinking about how weddings bring out the romantic in even the most unexpected of hearts.”

  Seeing his quirked brow she realized how that must have sounded and her cheeks warmed. Trying to cover the moment, she quickly changed the subject. “Is there something I can do for you?”

  “Just the opposite. Thought I’d offer you a ride back to your place.”

  How thoughtful of him. But Nora needed some time alone to think over that conversation with her sisters and the half-mile walk back to the cottage would be just the thing. “Thank you but that’s really not necessary.”

  “Sure it is. I promised Will I’d keep an eye on you in his absence.”

  Well, so much for his personal interest in her well-being. “Both my brothers-in-law worry overmuch.”

  His look chided her for her tone. “They don’t just feel a responsibility for you, you know. They care about you, as well. Is that such a bad thing?”

  He was right—she was being too touchy about her new status. She took a deep breath and smiled. “You’re right. Thank you, I would be most pleased to accept your offer of a ride.”

  He nodded his approval. “You can say your goodbyes to Esther and the twins while I get the wagon.”

  A few minutes later, the sheriff had set the brake and hopped down to help her up. Since everyone else had either gone back inside or were on their way home, Nora stepped toward him. “Would you mind holding Grace while I fetch her things?”

  He backed up a step. “Better yet, why don’t I fetch her things for you? Just tell me where to find them.”

  She’d never met a man so standoffish when it came to babies. “Everything is in a canvas bag next to the cradle.”

  “Easy enough. I’ll be right back.”

  True to his word, Cam was in and out of the h
ouse in just a few minutes. Swinging the bag with an easy rhythm, he deposited it in the back of his flatbed wagon then turned back to her. She noted the instant he realized he’d have to hold Grace in order for her to climb up into the wagon. His smile faltered and he darted a quick look around as if searching for someone to take his place.

  But when she held Grace out to him, he swallowed hard, raked his hand through his hair and took the child, holding her as if she would bite him if he pulled her too close.

  Nora climbed up quickly then reached down to take Grace from him. Looking as if he’d just survived a face-off with a bear, Cam quickly moved to the other side of the wagon and climbed up beside her. With a flick of the reins and a click of his tongue he set the horse in motion.

  As the horse slowly plodded through town, Nora mulled over what the future might hold for her. How much time did she have to get things in order? “What are autumns like here in Faith Glen?”

  He cut her a curious glance. “Well, now, the nights will start getting cooler come mid-September but the days will usually remain passably mild through October. You’ll start to see more rain along about October or November, too.”

  The summer here in Massachusetts had been much warmer than what they’d experienced back in Ireland—it seemed that would work to her advantage when they moved into fall. She and Grace would be fine right where they were for another couple of months at least.

  “If you’re worried about how you’ll fare at the cottage once the weather turns colder,” he continued, “I promise I’ll do my best to get the biggest of the cracks in the roof and walls fixed before the worst of it sets in.”

  He, Will and Flynn had already spent one entire day making repairs around the place when Bridget and Nora had first moved into the cottage a few weeks ago. Since then, all three had come by to advance the repairs as often as they could, but then Will had proposed to Bridget and wedding plans had superseded everything else. “That’s kind of you. But actually, both Bridget and Maeve have invited me to live with them.” She tried to maintain a neutral tone. “All I have to do is choose between them.”

  * * *

  From the too-even tone of her voice, Cam could tell Nora was not at all pleased with the idea. Is that what had upset her earlier? If so, was it the choosing between her sisters or the moving from the cottage that bothered her? “And what did you tell them?”

  “That I’d think about it.”

  “And have you?”

  She cut him a guarded look. “I haven’t had much time. They only brought this up when they were preparing to leave earlier.”

  “But you’re not overly pleased with the idea.” Didn’t her sisters know how their offer would strike their independent-minded sister?

  She sighed. “I like having my own home.” She frowned, as if just thinking of something. “Of course, Bridget and Maeve do each own a third of the cottage, as well.”

  The sisters had shown him the deed when they first arrived in town, so he was familiar with it. “That they do.”

  “But then there’s Grace to consider.” She seemed to be talking more to herself than to him. “A few windy drafts won’t bother me, but if the repairs aren’t all done in time…” She glanced his way. “No offense meant, but there’s a lot of work to be done and you do have your sheriffing to do. I don’t expect you to take on the role of my full-time handyman.”

  Cam could think of worse ways to spend his free time than in Nora’s company. “Not full-time, but I do have two deputies, now.” He let that sink in a moment since he’d hired Gavin McCorkle, a youth she’d met on her voyage over, at her insistence. “That gives me a lot more free time on my hands.”

  She worried at her lip. “But if you are going to spend more time working on the cottage, I’d want to pay you.” She sat up straighter. “I suppose you could hold a portion out of my salary to cover it.”

  He knew good and well she needed every bit of that money to support her household, especially now that Bridget’s wages wouldn’t be helping supplement it. But he also knew better than to argue the point. “I’m certain we can work something out along those lines.”

  She fussed a moment with Grace’s blanket and he could see the wheels turning in her mind. “Do you think I’m being selfish by denying Grace the opportunity to grow up in a fine home like the ones Bridget and Maeve could offer her?”

  Nora Murphy was lots of things—obstinate, bossy, opinionated—but she was also the least selfish person he knew. “I think, as long as her needs are met and she feels truly loved, it doesn’t much matter where she grows up.”

  He was rewarded with one of her rare approving smiles.

  Looking considerably lighter of spirit, she lifted her head and changed the subject. “Any luck yet finding out who that girl was who nearly ran Gavin over?”

  Cam flicked the reins, frustrated that he hadn’t been able to resolve that particular matter to his satisfaction. The female thief had stolen his horse while he was helping with the repairs at the Murphy sisters’ cottage a few weeks ago and had almost gotten away with it. Gavin’s quick action had slowed her down and allowed Cam to recover his horse but she’d managed to elude capture. That didn’t sit well with him, not at all. It was his job to keep the peace in these parts and it was the one thing he was good at. Or at least he’d thought so until that wily slip of a girl had outfoxed him.

  More worrisome than his injured pride, though, was the question of what she’d been doing near the cottage that day. The place was a half mile from town out near the shoreline and had nothing about it to tempt a thief.

  Not only had he been there that day, but Will, Flynn and Maeve had been visiting, as well. Not to mention Mrs. Fitzwilliam and Gavin’s two brothers who’d all come in from Boston to see the cottage the Murphy sisters had crossed an ocean to claim.

  Had the little thief followed one of the guests there hoping to find an easy mark? Or had she been there for some other reason?

  He didn’t want to worry Nora with any of his as yet unfounded suspicions, though. “No, and no sign of where she’s holed up yet either.”

  Nora’s free hand fluttered then dropped back to rest against Grace. “I know she’s a criminal, but I’m worried about her. She looked so young. The girl must be truly desperate to have turned to a life of crime.” Nora shivered. “I hate to think of what might have happened to me and my sisters if we hadn’t had this place to turn to.”

  Intrigued by the hint at what her past might have been like, he tried to learn more. “Were things so bad for you back in Ireland?”

  She shot him an abashed look, as if sorry she’d said as much as she had. “There were some who had it worse. At least, thanks to the unexpected inheritance of the cottage, we were able to come here and find a home waiting for us.”

  She shifted Grace to her other shoulder. “Maybe Gavin’s thief has left Faith Glen by now.”

  That was a very deliberate changing of the subject if he’d ever heard one. There was a lot she was leaving unsaid when it came to her former life. Was it so painful to talk about? Or did she just feel it was none of his business?

  As for her question… “Maybe,” he temporized. Because he doubted it, now more than ever. Just yesterday Ellen Kenny had mentioned that something had gotten into her root cellar and made off with some dried apples. Cam was inclined to believe it was a “someone” not a “something.”

  But again, there was no sense worrying Nora with that. He returned to the subject of her former life. “You never did say how you three came to possess the deed to Laird O’Malley’s place. Was he a relative of yours?”

  His question seemed to make her uncomfortable. She shifted in her seat and fussed with the baby for a moment. “Actually, he was a suitor of our mother’s before she married our da. When she turned down his proposal, Mr. O’Malley left Ireland and came here. Apparently he never forgot her. He sent her the deed to the cottage and said it was for her and her heirs if she or they should ever need a place to call their
own.”

  Cam remembered the deed had been dated twenty-six years past. “Pined for her all that time, did he?” If the late Mrs. Murphy was anything like her three daughters he could see where such a thing would be possible.

  Nora nodded. “So it seems. But we didn’t know anything about him or about the deed. We only found it by chance when we were packing up our things to leave.”

  Interesting. “So you were planning to leave your home before you knew about this place?”

  She cut him another of those I’ve-said-too-much looks. But this time she didn’t immediately change the subject. “The stone cottage where we’d lived all our lives did not actually belong to us, nor did the land. When our da passed, Mr. Bantry, the landlord, told us he’d decided to lease it to a relative of his instead. We had no choice but to leave.”

  Cam’s brow lowered. “Are you telling me this Bantry fellow kicked you out of your home while you were still in mourning?”

  “It was his right,” she said with a shrug.

  But he could tell the memory still stung. His hands tightened on the reins as he thought of what fate could have befallen them if they hadn’t had Laird O’Malley’s cottage to fall back on. It was a good thing an ocean separated him from this blackguard Bantry, otherwise he’d be sorely tempted to teach the man a lesson or two about looking out for those in his care. “So this bully Bantry kicks you three out of your home, you find a twenty-six-year-old deed to a cottage an ocean away, and decided, just like that, to come to America all on your own.” He shook his head. “That took a lot of courage.”

  Her lips pinched into a prim line. “It wasn’t as if we had many other choices.”

  She could downplay it all she wanted, he still thought it a brave thing to do.

  Then Nora’s expression softened into a smile. “Isn’t it a wondrous thing how, twenty-six years ago, the Almighty was already laying the groundwork so that me and my sisters would be taken care of in our time of need?”