A Baby Between Them

by Winnie Griggs

  He set his glass down, bringing her focus back to the present. She smiled at him. “Now, if you’d say grace for us please…”

  Cam did as she’d asked and then they both helped themselves to the simple fare.

  As she munched on a handful of berries, she studied the roof. “You’re making good progress, but I don’t want to take advantage of you. Please don’t feel obligated to get it all done today.”

  He reached for a piece of cheese. “It’s my day off and I don’t have anything else to take up my time at the moment. Besides, another few hours and I should have this roof all squared away.”

  That was good news. She wouldn’t have to worry quite so much about the next rainstorm to come through. “I certainly appreciate all of your efforts. I know how hot it must be up there.”

  He gave her a dry smile. “Don’t forget you’re paying me. It’s not like I’m doing this just to be nice.”

  He wasn’t fooling her. To be nice was exactly why he was doing this.

  Before she could comment, though, he nodded toward the house. “I think the next project we should tackle is to work on the windows. I noticed the pane in one of them is broken and that several of them have cracks around the sills.”

  She agreed. “Let me know what materials are needed and I’ll talk to Hattie over at the general store about ordering them.”

  “I can take care of that for you.”

  She eyed him suspiciously. “Just make certain it goes on my tab.”

  “You’re the boss.” Then he grinned. “Out here at least.”

  If only she was certain he believed that.

  “I take it the baking you’re doing this morning is for one of your customers. How many items are in the order?”

  “Mrs. Ferguson ordered four pies and two cakes for a special dinner party she plans to hold tomorrow. I tried a couple of new flavors for her, and incorporated some of the chocolate from the mill. I hope she likes them.” Then she felt her cheeks warm as she realized that he wouldn’t be interested in her experiments.

  But he didn’t seem particularly annoyed. “I’ll be glad to deliver those baked goods for you when I head back to town this afternoon,” he offered.

  “That’s very kind of you. But I wouldn’t want to cheat James of the opportunity.” She smiled in response to his raised brow, then expanded on her statement. “I do believe James is looking forward to having an excuse to hitch up the wagon today since he didn’t need to take me to town this morning.”

  Cam nodded. “I see. In that case, I shall withdraw my offer.”

  She leaned back, supported by her palms. “He and Amber have become best of friends, you know. In fact, I’m almost certain I’m missing an apple from my baking supplies this morning and there was a suspicious bulge in his shirt pocket when he went out to milk Daisy. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that apple somehow made its way into Amber’s feed bag this morning.”

  She saw him brush away another fly that had gotten too close to Grace’s face and decided to try a little experiment of a different sort.

  Chapter Eleven

  Nora popped up, and brushed the dust from her skirt. “I just remembered, I meant to bring some of my new cookies out here for you to try.” She gave him a bright smile. “If you’ll keep an eye on Grace for a minute I’ll be right back.”

  She saw the sharp flicker of emotion in his eye. But he didn’t refuse outright. “That’s not necessary. There’s more than enough here to—”

  “Nonsense. It’s a new recipe and I’d like to see what you think.” She moved toward the house, not giving him time for further protest. “I’ll be quick as a sneeze.”

  She kept moving forward, resisting the urge to look back. He might not be comfortable watching over Grace, but she wanted him to see that she didn’t have even the tiniest concern that Grace would come to any harm under his care.

  Cam’s even-tempered disposition, however, was another matter altogether.

  * * *

  Cam rubbed the back of his neck, watching Nora abandon him with little Grace. Then he looked helplessly at the baby. “Well, ladybug, it looks like you’re stuck with me for the moment. How about we make a bargain to make the best of it?”

  Grace looked up at him with wide eyes, her arms and legs pumping jerkily in a movement that nevertheless communicated pleasure.

  “Good girl. I’ll take that as a yes.” He lowered a finger to tap her chin and before he knew what she was about she’d latched on to it. He froze and then felt a strange pressure in his chest.

  He stared at her hand, wondering at how tiny and fragile it was, yet how perfectly formed. The child was so utterly helpless, yet blissfully unaware of her fragility, blindly trusting that all her needs would be met. And deep inside him, an aching desire to protect her took hold of him. This child deserved a father, someone to cherish her and keep her safe.

  It caused an almost physical hurt to know that someone could never be him. She deserved better. “Yes indeed,” he whispered softly, “I do believe you’re going to be a heartbreaker when you grow up.”

  “She’s easy to talk to, isn’t she?”

  Cam started, surprised he hadn’t heard Nora’s approach. He slid his finger out of Grace’s grasp, surprised to find himself doing it reluctantly.

  “Probably because she isn’t much of a talker herself.” He stood and brushed off his pants. “Thanks for the refreshments and the company, but I really should get back to work now.”

  She smiled softly, as if seeing through his words to what he was feeling inside. Which was a ridiculous thought since there was no deeper meaning to his words.

  “Aren’t you going to taste these cookies?” she asked.

  “Of course.” He took one from the dish she held out and bit into it. And smiled. “Very good. If you’re planning to add these to your wares I predict they’ll sell well.”

  He reached for another and lifted it in salute. “I think I’ll take this one with me.”

  He headed toward the ladder, hoping that putting some distance between himself and the two females behind him would clear his head. Those thoughts he’d been having about Grace were an impossible dream, and a dangerous one at that. He’d forgotten for a moment that he was the last person alive who should be responsible for a child’s welfare.

  He couldn’t let himself forget that again.

  * * *

  Nora watched Cam climb the ladder back onto the roof, then she slowly bent down to collect the items from their picnic. What had just happened? She was certain Cam had been enjoying his time with Grace, had noted the soft smile he gave the babe and the easy way he spoke to her.

  So what had sent him scurrying away just now without a backward glance?

  She worried at her bottom lip. At some point she would have to tell him she knew about how his father had treated him. Would he feel betrayed?

  She stroked Grace’s cheek with a knuckle. “If anyone can convince him that he can be trusted around children, I do believe it has to be you, young lady. After all, you’re his ladybug.” She smiled again, pleased that Cam had a nickname for Grace. It gave her hope that he wasn’t completely opposed to interacting with little ones.

  Perhaps this had been progress of a sort.

  And perhaps it was another test of her patience.

  * * *

  By midafternoon, Nora had finished her baking. She carefully packed her baked goods in the shallow crates James had devised—praising him for their clever construction—and helped him load them into the bed of the wagon. In addition to the goods for Mrs. Ferguson, Nora also packed up two dozen of her cookies to be split between Rose and Mrs. James as an enticement for them to order some in the future.

  As James headed the wagon toward town, Nora noticed Cam was no longer working on the roof. She glanced around and found him working on that rickety old bench in the garden and her heart did a strange little flip-flop.

  It was one thing for Cam to see to the soundness of her home—one
could almost argue that he did it out of a sense of responsibility since he’d been looking after the Coulters for the past few years. But to fix something like the bench, something almost frivolous—its only function was to give her enjoyment—that could only come from the goodness of his spirit, and it touched her deeply.

  How could he not know his own worth, his innate goodness? Humming, she went back inside and poured a glass of apple cider, then carried it out to him. “Hello there. You look like you could use a bit of refreshment.”

  Cam glanced up and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, the one that still held his hammer. “Thanks. I could at that.” He looked around. “Where’s lady—Grace?”

  “In the house. Agnes is keeping an eye on her.” She nodded toward the bench. “It was so kind of you to work on this after all your hard work on the roof.”

  “It turns out it only needed a little shoring up.” He patted one of the arms. “I just finished up. What do you think?”

  “It’s lovely.” The broken boards on the back of the bench had been replaced with sturdy new ones and the arms were now attached securely. The seat was freshly braced and no longer seemed in imminent danger of collapsing. And all of the wood looked smooth and clean—freshly sanded perhaps? “May I try it out?” she asked.

  He stood and waved an arm with an exaggerated flourish. “Of course.”

  Nora sat on the restored bench and spread her skirts primly as if seated on a throne. “Very nice. And very comfortable.”

  “So you approve?”

  “Absolutely.” She smiled up at him. “In fact, I can easily see Grace and me spending many an hour out here, enjoying the beauty of the garden.”

  He gave a satisfied nod. “Then I guess I’m finished for today.” He bent down to pick up a small saw and handful of nails from the ground. “I’ll see you at church service tomorrow.”

  She felt a stab of disappointment that he was leaving. “You could stay for dinner if you like.”

  He smiled. “Thanks. But dinner is still a couple of hours away and I have a few things to take care of before dark.”

  * * *

  Cam saw Nora’s cheeks pinken and realized she probably felt rebuffed by his refusal of her invitation. That hadn’t been his intention, he really did have something to take care of. He planned to do a little more scouting around to see if he could find where the horse thief he was convinced was still in the area might be hiding.

  But he didn’t want to go into all that right now, so instead he gave her a reassuring smile. “By the way, I think with three to four more Saturdays like this one, we’ll have the whole place weathertight and ready for the winter.”

  He saw her expression change to one of relieved delight. “Do you really think so? Oh, that would be wonderful. I can’t thank you enough.” Then the practical side of Nora stepped back to the fore. “But don’t forget to figure out what I owe you for today’s work.”

  He nodded. “I won’t forget. I plan to keep track of everything you owe me and then we’ll settle it all up when the job’s done.”

  She gave him one of those suspicious looks that let him know he hadn’t entirely fooled her, so he decided to take his leave before she had a chance to say anything else.

  Saluting her with his hammer, he turned and made his way to his horse, and his thoughts turned back to his mission.

  Why was the horse thief of a few weeks ago performing minor acts of mischief around town? And what was keeping her here? Did she have ties to the community? Or had she found herself somehow stranded here? Or was he completely wrong and were the horse thief and the mischief maker two completely different people?

  Whatever the case, he aimed to get some answers, and get them soon. Because the idea of leaving Nora and Grace vulnerable to whatever plans a possible criminal might have in mind was totally unthinkable.

  * * *

  Nora added a little more salt to the pot of squash on the stove and tasted it again. Perfect!

  James was out in the barn taking care of the evening milking and Agnes was in the parlor doing some mending, so she moved the pot away from the hottest part of the stove. She set it down on a spot where it would stay warm and at the ready until they were gathered for dinner.

  Glancing out the window, she smiled at the sight of the garden bench. All in all it had been a lovely day and Nora felt a sense of deep satisfaction and renewed optimism that she really could make everything work out as she’d hoped.

  She moved toward the cradle, checking on Grace. She exhaled a sigh of relief to see the little girl was now blissfully sleeping. Grace had been more than normally fussy this afternoon and, much as Nora loved her, it was nice to finally have a moment of peace and quiet. As if she’d heard Nora’s thoughts, Grace stirred restlessly. Nora hummed softly for a few minutes until the baby quieted again.

  Nora eased the muscles in her neck. It was stuffy here in the kitchen—maybe she should carry Grace to the parlor. Then again—Nora chewed on her lip, considering her options. She really didn’t want to risk waking Grace up again after it had taken so long to get her settled. Perhaps she’d just open the outer door for a bit.

  Putting thought to action, Nora crossed the room and propped open the back door. A slight breeze had stirred up and she stood on the threshold for a moment, savoring the cooler air and the peaceful evening. The sun hadn’t gone down yet, though it was already reaching for the horizon.

  Today’s baking had exhausted her supplies—and her. But with the money she’d earned this week she should be able to replace everything and have enough left over to pay Mr. Platt what she owed him this week.

  Thank You, Father Almighty, for all the many blessings You showered on me today, and every day. Help me to remember that, even in the dark times, You are there watching over me.

  She moved back into the room and checked on Grace again. The child stirred in her sleep and Nora lightly brushed her cheek with a knuckle. What a joy and a blessing to have this precious child in her life.

  Unbidden, she thought of Cam. He deserved to know this kind of joy, as well. And if she had it within her to help him, she would. Even if it was a joy he’d share with someone else.

  She sighed and restlessly pushed her thoughts in a different direction. Perhaps now would be a good time to make her shopping list. She checked once more that Grace was sleeping well, then moved to the roomy larder, leaving the door open so she would hear if Grace started crying.

  She studied the shelves. Another sack of flour was definitely needed. There was still enough sugar on hand, but she was short on salt. She was running low on chocolate but should have enough to last her until Will and Bridget returned.

  Nora paused as she heard Grace fuss. But the baby quieted almost immediately and Nora relaxed. Taking a nap this late probably meant the baby wouldn’t sleep through the night, but Nora didn’t really mind. Tomorrow was Sunday, a day of rest. They could both nap in the afternoon if they needed to catch up on missed sleep.

  A minute or two later she stepped out of the larder, satisfied she had a complete list. Perhaps she would also look at the seeds when she went to the general store. It wouldn’t hurt to expand on their small kitchen garden. It had probably been all Agnes could manage on her own, but Nora was here to help her now. The more fresh herbs and vegetables they had, the better. And before spring arrived, Grace would be ready for some soft foods. Best to put up a good supply now.

  Speaking of Grace, she was sleeping well. Nora moved toward the cradle, wanting to take another peek at her.

  Then she froze and felt the blood drain from her face.

  The cradle was empty.

  Chapter Twelve

  Where was Grace? Nora felt a momentary touch of panic jangle through her, then the only reasonable explanation occurred to her. Agnes must have picked her up when she started fussing earlier. Nora headed to the parlor, exasperated that the older woman would take the baby without telling her, but relieved that it was nothing worse.

  Bu
t when she reached the parlor, Agnes was bent over her sewing, with no infant in sight. A cold finger clawed its way down Nora’s spine. “Agnes, where is Grace?”

  Agnes looked up, a puzzled frown on her face. “Isn’t she in her cradle?”

  Nora didn’t answer. Instead she spun on her heel and raced back to the kitchen. Perhaps James had taken her outside. Please God…

  She shot out the back door, wildly scanning the area behind the cottage for James, trying to reassure herself that there was no need to worry. A heartbeat later she spotted a figure running toward the tree line. And from the description she’d heard, she recognized that long yellow braid.

  It was her—the horse thief who’d nearly run right over Gavin a few weeks ago. And the bundle in her arms was wrapped in Grace’s blanket.

  No! Dear Jesus, don’t let her get away with my baby!

  Nora took off at a run, yelling at the fleeing girl to stop. She had to catch up with her, had to make her give Grace back. What could she possibly want with Grace? Don’t let her hurt my baby, please…

  But the kidnapper disappeared into the woods while Nora was still several yards away. A moment later Nora plunged into the thicket behind her, ignoring the thorns and whip-like branches while calling frantically for Grace. She tried to pray, but all that came out was God please, please, please over and over.

  The third time she stumbled, she stayed down, struggling to catch her breath. Panic threatened to suffocate her when she realized she had no idea which direction she should go in. She needed to be still, to just listen. Surely she would hear the girl running, Grace crying—something to tell her where they were. But the only sounds that she heard were the wind, the birds and insects.

  A noise like the crack of a branch came from somewhere to her right, and Nora was up and running again.

  Sometime later—minutes or hours, she wasn’t really sure—a pair of arms grabbed her from behind. Nora screeched and began struggling for all she was worth. Did the little thief have an accomplice? Well, they would have a harder time taking her than they had with Grace…