A Baby Between Them

by Winnie Griggs

  Ben nodded. “My pleasure. I have faith in you.”

  Cam watched Nora leave, frowning as something about her demeanor still seemed off.

  But as soon as the door closed behind her, Ben spoke up. “That girl not only has a smart head on her shoulders but she has a good heart and isn’t afraid of hard work. Some lucky man is going to snatch her up one day soon and we’ll be stuck with each other’s cooking again.”

  That prediction brought Cam up short. He didn’t like that idea one bit. Only because it meant he’d lose a good housekeeper and cook, of course.

  Ben hooked his elbow over the top of his chair. “Now what did you want to talk to me about?”

  Cam shook off his momentary distraction and pulled up a seat. “About what I found out at Amos Lafferty’s place.”

  “Are you telling me the garden intruder wasn’t an animal?”

  “I found some signs that it might be an animal of the two-legged variety.”

  “What kind of signs?”

  “The rain washed most of the tracks away, but I found one footprint near his gate. And it was made by a foot much smaller than Lafferty’s.”

  “You thinking the Grady boys might have been up to mischief again?”

  “Maybe. Or maybe it was someone else.”

  Ben’s gaze sharpened. “What are you thinking, Cameron?”

  Time to let Ben in on his suspicions. “I’m just wondering if that little thief who tried to steal my horse is still here in Faith Glen.”

  “Now why would she be hanging around after almost getting caught? Makes more sense for her to move on to some place less…aware.”

  “I don’t know.” And that was what was worrying him. There was a part of this puzzle he hadn’t figured out yet, and something told him it was a key piece.

  “Did you mention this to Gavin?”

  “Of course not. The fool boy is still half-besotted with her.” He supposed a pretty face and an air of mystery and adventure would present a powerful attraction for a boy Gavin’s age. But Gavin would have to learn to see below the surface if he was going to last as deputy.

  “Besides,” he said, focusing back on Ben, “I might be wrong, and you could be closer to the truth on the Grady boys. In fact, I think I’ll have a word with them after lunch.”

  “Want company?”

  “No need. Lem’s a good man. If his sons are the guilty parties then I’ll leave it to him to handle disciplining the pair. If they’re not, then only one of us will have wasted a trip out there.”

  Ben didn’t seem put out by Cam’s answer. “Well, then, I think I’ll wander on over to the Black house after lunch. Esther mentioned she might need some help with her garden while Will and Bridget are out of town.”

  Esther, was it? And when had Ben ever done any gardening? Had Nora been right after all about something developing between Ben and Will’s mother? Come to think of it, Ben had become a regular at Sunday services lately and had inserted himself into the same pew as Cam, the Murphy sisters and the Black family. Cam had figured it was because he was in that pew, but the real draw might well have been something else altogether.

  Cam was never one to beat around the bush, especially with Ben. “Nora seems to think you might be courting Miss Esther.”

  Ben smiled. “Now, didn’t I tell you Nora had a smart head on her shoulders?” The older man got up and headed for the door, his step a bit jauntier than usual. “And speaking of Nora, you might want to keep an eye on her. If this bakery business does as well as I think it will, you might well be looking for a new housekeeper and cook soon even if she doesn’t find herself a beau.”

  Cam refused to consider that possibility. “She seems to think she can handle both jobs.”

  Ben shrugged. “Let’s hope she’s right.” He opened the door and his grin reappeared. “I’m off to Esther’s. But tell Nora to save some of that lunch for me if I’m not back when she gets ready to serve it.”

  Cam followed more slowly, grinning at the idea of his old friend courting Will’s mother. He supposed that proved it was never too late for a body to find love, or in Mrs. Black’s case, find it again.

  As for himself, well perhaps that didn’t apply to everyone—

  Tamping down the persistent image of Nora in his arms earlier and scampering away a few minutes ago, Cam circled his thoughts back around to what he’d found out at Amos Lafferty’s place.

  And what it might mean.

  * * *

  Nora put away the last of the freshly washed lunch dishes and moved to wipe off the stovetop. What should she tackle next? She wasn’t quite following her schedule today, which put her slightly out of sorts. Should she bake a loaf of bread to go with their evening meal? Should she work on the pile of mending the men had added to her basket? Or would it be all right if she just asked Cam for the rest of the afternoon off?

  Nora chewed on her lip, fighting the urge to go with the latter choice. How were the Coulters faring with their nursemaid duties? Had they remembered to give Grace a bottle at midday? Were they keeping a close eye on her? Did they know to sing her a lullaby to help her sleep when nap time came around?

  Did Grace miss having her near?

  On the other hand, much as she missed Grace, Nora had to admit that she had moved through her chores much faster today. Without the precious distraction of tending to the baby’s needs and pausing occasionally to just coo over her, she’d breezed through her tasks. Perhaps, instead of leaving now, if she continued to work for just another hour or so, she could complete all her normal chores and still get back to the cottage several hours earlier than normal. She’d make her sales pitch at the boardinghouse and general store tomorrow. And she could always take some of the lawmen’s mending home with her to do there.

  Pleased that she’d formed a plan that would allow her to fulfill all of her obligations, Nora gave the stove one last swipe with her rag, then turned.

  But when she looked up, Cam was moving purposefully toward her. Remembering what happened the last time he’d been in the cozy galley with her, Nora felt her whole being tense in a not unpleasant anticipation.

  But he halted just inside the doorway and leaned casually against the jamb.

  She raised a hand to tuck a nonexistent stray hair behind her ear. “Hello there,” she said, doing her best to sound casual. “Was there something you needed?”

  He looked at her as if puzzled. Had he heard something in her tone? Could he sense the nervous energy thrumming through her?

  “I didn’t mean to interrupt your work,” he said diffidently.

  She shook her head, giving him a bright smile. “You aren’t interrupting.” She reached for the nearby broom, glad to have something to occupy her hands. “I’ve finished with the dishes and was about to sweep up in here. But if you have something else for me to do—”

  He waved her words aside. “Actually, I had a different idea. Since the weather’s cleared up, I was thinking we could head over to the livery so you can have a look at that horse and wagon I told you about. Oscar should have it all ready for you to inspect by now.”

  His tone indicated he considered it just a formality, that of course she would agree with his judgment. Didn’t he understand by now that she had a mind of her own? “Of course. Best to get this inspection over with so we can move on to a more sensible solution if we need to.”

  He raised a brow, as if she’d just issued a challenge. Which, she supposed, she had.

  “You have to promise me you’re going to give this a fair consideration,” he said pointedly.

  “Naturally.”

  “Good.” He straightened and nodded toward the door. “Then put the broom aside and let’s go have a look.”

  The walk to the livery stable was pleasant. The rain had long since stopped but the sidewalks were still damp, and the road muddy. Still, the sunshine felt good and the air smelled fresh and rain-washed. They exchanged greetings with several folks as they passed by. Nora found even those casual exc
hanges worth a smile. She was still something of an outsider here but it was amazing how quickly that was changing, how the townsfolk were already beginning to accept her as one of them.

  “When are Will and your sister due to return to town?” Cam asked.

  “This evening. They didn’t want to stay away from the twins for too long.”

  Cam nodded. “It’s obvious those youngsters are already attached to your sister.”

  “I assure you that feeling is returned. Bridget will make a wonderful mother.” The subject reminded her of her earlier conversation with Ben. “I’ve often thought being a parent must be one of the most blessed and fulfilling callings of all. Don’t you agree?”

  “It’s a tremendous responsibility,” he said evenly. “And not one that everyone is suited for.”

  He hadn’t really answered her question. “Oh, I agree. One must be willing to see to their children’s needs—and not just their physical needs. A parent should put their child’s welfare above their own.” She cut him a sideways glance. “Sort of the way you do for the citizens of this town.”

  He grinned. “Are you saying I treat the citizens of Faith Glen like a bunch of children?”

  The man could be so frustrating when he got like this. He knew good and well that wasn’t what she’d meant—he was just trying to bait her.

  But before she could say more, they had arrived at the livery and the moment was lost. Oscar Platt stood just inside the large open carriage door and strode forward when he saw them.

  “Good afternoon, Sheriff, Miss Nora. I assume you’re here to look at the horse and wagon. They’re already hitched out back and ready for your inspection.”

  They followed him to the back where several wagons were stored. The vehicle he led them to was similar to the one the sheriff used, with a single seat in front and a flat bed in the back. The bed of this one was much shorter than the sheriff’s, but it was more than big enough for her needs.

  It was the horse, however, that drew her attention. The mare had a reddish-brown coat with a darker mane and tail. She held her head up at an alert angle and had bright, intelligent eyes.

  Nora approached the animal slowly. “My, my, aren’t you a beautiful lady.”

  “Her name’s Amber,” Oscar said, giving the animal’s side an affectionate pat. “She’s a fine animal, fine indeed. And you’ll see she’s nearly as good a saddle horse as she is a carriage horse.”

  This was not at all the kind of animal she’d expected. She was no expert but even she could see that this mare was first rate, the kind to demand a premium from a prospective buyer. She would never be able to afford such a horse. “Mr. Platt, I’m afraid there’s been some mistake. I’m looking for an animal that’s not quite so…so fine.”

  The livery owner looked confused and turned to Cam.

  “Tell her how much you’re asking for the horse and wagon together,” Cam said.

  Oscar named a figure that brought a frown to Nora’s face. Not because it was too high, but for the exact opposite reason. “May I ask why you’re selling her for such a low price, if she’s as grand as you say she is?”

  “Well, I, that is…” Oscar rubbed the back of his neck and again cast a help-me look Cam’s way.

  Cam cleared his throat. “I told you, Nora, Oscar owes me a favor so he’s giving me his bottom-line price on this.” He spread his hands. “And I’m passing that good fortune on to you.”

  Nora stroked the horse’s muzzle as she thought about that. She suspected there was more to this than Cam was letting on. But the offer was tempting.

  “What do you think?” Cam asked. “Perfect for your needs isn’t she? And the wagon, too?”

  “They’re everything you say. I just—”

  He didn’t let her finish her thought. “Why don’t we take a little ride to test it out?”

  “Well, I suppose.” She glanced toward the livery owner. “I mean if Mr. Platt doesn’t mind.”

  The man waved them on. He actually seemed relieved that they were leaving. “Not at all. You two go on with you. I’m sure you won’t find anything wrong with the rig or the horse.”

  Cam offered a hand to help her onto the wagon, then took the seat beside her. “This seat has a nice solid feel to it, don’t you think?”

  She ignored that and settled herself more comfortably. “Shall we drive around the square then?”

  “I have a better idea. Why don’t we give this horse and wagon a more thorough workout? A short ride on Farm Road maybe.”

  Nora’s lips curved up at that. The sky had cleared and the day had turned pleasant. A companionable ride would be very nice. And she hadn’t had the opportunity to explore in that direction yet. What the locals called Farm Road headed west away from the ocean and, as the name implied, led to a number of small farms and homesteads clustered around the town.

  She gave him a bright smile. “If you’re sure you have the time, a short ride would be lovely.”

  “Actually, I have a bit of business over at Lem Grady’s place. I thought I’d combine our ride and my work. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.”

  “Of course.” So much for thinking he wanted to take a casual ride with her. Not that it mattered. Besides, it would be interesting to see him at work on official business.

  The Grady place was just past the edge of town, and they arrived within ten minutes. Once there, rather than going to the house, Cam stopped the wagon near an open field where Mr. Grady and his two boys were digging up an old stump in the rain-soaked ground.

  He set the brake then turned to her. “There’s no need for you to trouble yourself getting down. It’s still muddy out here, and I don’t plan to be long.”

  Nora sat back and folded her hands in her lap but she watched curiously as Cam crossed the field to meet the three Gradys.

  As she watched Cam, Nora mulled over the earlier exchange in the livery, and a soft smile curved her lips. Yes, Cam had been very presumptuous in the matter of selecting a horse and wagon. But it was also obvious that he’d gone to some trouble to convince Mr. Platt to give her such a good deal. It was all the more endearing because he’d never take any credit for it.

  Nora sat up straighter. Not that she should read anything into his actions. Cam was always looking out for folks, that’s all this was. She shouldn’t forget her resolve to not open herself up to that kind of hurt, and instead to focus her affections on Grace.

  Chapter Eight

  Nora couldn’t hear anything that was being said, but from their expressions and movements she thought she could make out some of the conversation.

  Cam had approached the Gradys in his normal casual fashion and Mr. Grady seemed pleased to see him. The boys, on the other hand, looked guarded, and toe-digging-in-the-ground apprehensive. Had they done something they shouldn’t have?

  A moment later, Mr. Grady turned a stern eye toward his sons. The boys reacted with vehement head shakes and gesticulations.

  Cam questioned them a few more minutes, then finally shook hands with Mr. Grady and headed back to the wagon. As he climbed up and released the brake, she noted he had a thoughtful, somewhat troubled expression on his face.

  “Did everything go as you hoped?”

  “I just ruled out a couple of suspects in a bit of ongoing mischief.”

  Was that a good thing or not? She couldn’t tell from his expression. “If it’s not out of place for me to ask, did this have something to do with the produce missing from Mr. Lafferty’s garden?”

  He nodded. “But Lem says he can vouch that his boys were both home all night because he heard Arnie snoring off and on and Evan hurt his foot yesterday and is moving pretty slow right now. Lem’s not one to try to lie to keep his boys out of trouble, so I believe him.”

  “Are you sure the culprit wasn’t a deer or fox like Ben first thought?”

  Cam shook his head, his frustration evident. “Not entirely, but all the signs point to a thief of the two-legged variety.”

  �
��I know it’s wrong to steal,” she said, “but perhaps whoever is guilty of this had no other food. Surely we can be forgiving of such a trespass.”

  “That’ll be up to Amos Lafferty. Assuming we ever find the culprit.”

  “Well, I’m certain you’ll find him eventually.”

  “Your confidence is appreciated,” he said dryly. Then he cocked his head, studying her thoughtfully. “And speaking of food, have you ever tried your hand at baking a blueberry pie?”

  “What’s a blueberry?”

  He raised a brow. “You’ve never had blueberries? Well, then, we need to remedy that immediately. It’s one of my favorite fruits. And you’re in luck. I know where there’s a fine patch of wild berry bushes and they’re hitting their peak right now.”

  “But, shouldn’t we get back to town so I can finish up my work?”

  “Whatever you have to do will still be there tomorrow.” He looked like a child about to partake of a rare treat. “This will be an opportunity for you to stock up on an ingredient you don’t have to pay for.” His expression seemed to be issuing her a dare. “Unless you’re worried about getting a bit of mud on your shoes?”

  She wouldn’t let the challenge go unanswered. “My boots are up to a bit of mud. As am I.” Besides which, she was curious as to what this fruit tasted like.

  Cam stopped the wagon at the Grady farmhouse and borrowed a pail from Mrs. Grady. Fifteen minutes later he pulled the wagon to a stop beside an overgrown field.

  They picked their way over the damp ground and past scraggly brush until Cam declared they had arrived. “Here we are,” he announced with a flourish. “Prepare to taste one of nature’s most delectable gifts.” He plucked a berry from the bush and handed it to her.

  She studied the dark blue, smooth-skinned berry for a moment, then popped it into her mouth. As soon as she bit into it she tasted the sweet, slightly tangy flavor. Immediately she could imagine how well this tiny fruit would lend itself to a pie, either on its own or paired with apple or other berries.