by Kitty Parker
"Here, I'll show you." he said quietly. Without hesitation, he lifted his legs off the ground and leaned backward in his chair slightly. Both legs were suspended above the ground, and Tessa could clearly see that his one leg was indeed shorter than the other. It was incredible to her, and she couldn't believe that Parker was so willing to share such an intimate detail, without a trace of embarrassment.
"I've not noticed anything similar with Julia or your other siblings," Tessa pronounced after examining his legs.
"Well, I believe that my condition is rather rare, but also, Julia, Lizzy, Dillon and Ben are not actually my siblings. I mean, they are, but they're not. I was adopted by my mother and father when I was seven."
Again, Tessa's mouth fell open, "I'm sorry, you must think me terribly rude, but I would never have guessed. You look as though you belong in the family. At the same time, I did notice that your mother seemed too young to have given birth to you. Were you in an orphanage until you were seven?"
"Yes, but my mother worked there. She was the one who found me on the porch. I don't remember much of my birth parents, but I do remember Miss Audra, that's my mother. I clung to her; she cared about me and kept me safe."
"Your mother worked at the orphanage? But didn't you say she came from a wealthy family? Why would she need to work?" Tessa asked, confused. It seemed that as the story continued, it got more confusing.
"Oh, she didn't work for pay; she volunteered, though it was not looked upon very kindly by those in high society. Everyone thought she was nonsensical, but her Aunt Vera owned Winchester, and she spent most of her time there. I think I was one of the reasons she cared so much about being there. She even managed to save me when I was adopted by some horrible people."
"You were adopted by another family?"
"Yes, and I'd be happy to tell you all about it, but perhaps you might like to listen over a cup of coffee?"
Tessa smiled, "Yes please," she said softly.
"I would offer you something for breakfast, but I happen to know that my mother asked Jessie to make French toast. I wouldn't want to spoil your appetite when something so wonderful is coming." Parker stood and limped back to the kitchen. He poured two cups of coffee and set them on a tray with cream and sugar, then settled next to Tessa. She quickly made her cup and took a sip of the hot brew; it tasted wonderful. Tessa could usually manage finding a cup of coffee in the shanty town, but it never had cream or sugar, and it often had the distinct taste of dirt. When Parker finished making his own cup he began with his story.
Tessa hung on every word; it was almost too impossible to be true. Parker was abandoned by his birth mother when he was two. Miss Audra was the one to comfort him on his first night at Winchester, and he had felt attached to her ever since. Miss Audra spent most of her time at the orphanage, much to her aunt and grandmother's chagrin. Then Dr. Eli began volunteering at Winchester, and fell madly in love with Miss Audra, but she would have nothing of it.
"Didn't she want to be married? It sounds like Dr. Eli was well suited for her." Tessa interjected.
"No, Miss Audra never wanted to be married. She believed Winchester to be her purpose in life. She couldn't stand the thought of abandoning children that had already been abandoned once."
"Wow, that's incredible. But, I can see your mother being that dedicated, she's wonderful."
"But, she decided marriage was worth it to save me," he laughed.
"Save you?"
Parker continued with his story, detailing his dodgy adoption and few months of work in the factories. He told her that Audra begged Eli to marry her when she heard of Parker's adoption, but Eli loved her far too much to marry her out of desperation. It was hard for him to say no, but instead they fought the family that had so abused Parker, and got him out of their grasp.
"I actually got to propose to her," Parker announced as he finished the story.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, Dr. Eli adopted me when he freed me from the Fulmers. He paid the Fulmers to get me back, and he was almost positive that Miss Audra was in love with him by then. So, instead of him asking, he had Aunt Vera tell Miss Audra that I had been adopted again, this time by a good family. Of course Miss Audra cried, but I got down on my knee and asked if she would do me the honor of being my momma?"
Tessa laughed, "It all seems too impossible to believe!"
"I assure you, every word is true."
"Then you've been very fortunate, I know that not all orphans are cared for like you were."
"That is certainly true; I know that God planned everything perfectly for me, even though I was sure he had turned His back when I was sleeping in the Fulmer's closet. Miss Audra and Dr. Eli were always supposed to be my parents, and I like to think if it hadn't been for me, they never would have met."
"I suppose you are somewhat to blame," Tessa laughed again.
"You're beautiful when you laugh," Parker sad quietly, his gaze intent on her face. Tessa calmed quickly, rarely having heard such a compliment.
"I'm afraid I don't do it as often as I used to," she said sadly.
"I figured as much, after all, I don't think you smiled once the first time we met," Parker teased.
"I probably didn't, I tend to let my worry get the best of me sometimes, a lot of times actually."
"That is hard for me to believe, you are probably the strongest woman I've ever met."
"Oh please! Growing up with a mother like yours? You can't be serious!"
Parker leaned closer, but not too close, "I am perfectly serious. I am not saying that my mother isn't a strong woman; she has dealt with an awful lot. But, she didn't deal with nearly as much as you have. You are twenty-five years old and you are raising your brother and sisters with very close to nothing. I don't know how you do it."
"Every day I wake up and wonder if I'll be able to make dinner for them. I can't think about tomorrow, or I turn myself into an anxious mess. I wish I could let myself dream about the future, any kind of future. I would love to imagine Lucas as a lawyer or a doctor or an architect, or Sadie marrying the man of her dreams and having a family of her own, and even Emma growing into a beautiful young woman with excellent prospects, but I can't. I can't because I don't know if we'll ever get out of that shanty, I don't know if this depression will ever end, and even if it does, what am I supposed to do with them? How will I ever make enough money to live in a house of our own, or even to entice a gentleman to marry me?"
"I think you underestimate your charm, Tessa. You would have to do very little indeed to entice a man to marry you. I think a bit more of that laugh would do the trick with just about anyone. I don't know who would not be amazed by the way you've cared for your family through such a tragic time, certainly that says more than how much money you have to your name."
"Not in times like these," she sighed warily. "Do you know I was expecting a marriage proposal right before the stock market crashed? Of course you didn't know that, you didn't know me then. You don't really know me now," she giggled nervously. "Well, I was, Lou Jenner was his name and I thought him quite perfect. But, when the market crashed, so did my life, entirely and completely. Lou and his family did not lose everything quite as quickly as we did. His father had been cautious and kept some of their savings out of the bank. When he heard my father had nothing left, he broke our courtship. He didn't even stay to comfort me about the loss of my mother. And I imagined myself in love with him!" a warm tear fell down her face.
Parker took her hand in his and looked at her intently, "I am so sorry for the grief you have had to endure alone. I promise you will not be alone any longer. I hope you know that my family and I will never desert you."
Tessa smiled back at him, "I'm starting to believe there's no greater truth," she thought.
Chapter 10
Parker answered the door, expecting to find yet another patient without an appointment. The number seemed to be growing daily, and he was beginning to find himself worn out by all the injuries an
d sickness. It felt as though he and his father were the only two doctors that would help people without the means to pay, and word was spreading. Instead of a patient, he found his mother waiting on the doorstep, a pleasant surprise indeed.
"Momma," he smiled, wrapping his arms around the woman he had always loved second best.
"Good afternoon my boy, how's about you put up your out to lunch sign and help me eat this picnic."
'You don't have to tell me twice." He grabbed the basket his mother was carrying and flipped the sign that always hung on his door. "This is a nice surprise; Dillon, Ben and Dad usually keep you too busy to visit me."
"Well, your dad took Dillon and Ben fishing, leaving just me and the girls at home, Julia and Lizzy decided to go visit the Evans' with some cookies they baked, which just left me in that big old house all by myself. I decided my time would be better spent with you."
"You have no argument from me, how about we eat outside?"
"Sounds perfect."
Parker wrapped an arm around his mother and walked her out to the back porch. He settled her in one of the rocking chairs and laid out the food from the basket. She had certainly packed a feast, no doubt intending for him to keep the leftovers for the rest of the week. It seemed that whenever she came to visit she bore clothes or food for him. He suspected that even after he married, the habit would continue, at least until grandchildren arrived. Then she would come bearing toys and books.
"I suppose I should just come right out and tell you that I've not just come to share lunch with you. I wanted to talk to you about something very specific," Audra said, putting a strawberry into her mouth.
"Oh?"
"Yes, I want to talk to you about Tessa Evans."
Parker let out a loud shout of laughter, "Perhaps I should start calling you Aunt Marty!"
Audra giggled at his teasing, "I promise, I am not here to convince you to marry her, or to tell you how badly I wish for grandchildren someday. I don't even mean to imply that you're interested in her, but, it's easy to tell that you're friends with her, probably the best friend she has right now. She trusts you, Parker."
"I know."
"I don't want you to think I'm pushing her on you, but, I really like her. She needs someone to confide in. She needs someone to share her burdens and fears with. I've been praying for her, Park. Every time I think about her, I cry. I know she's twenty five, and isn't in need of a mother, but this is how I felt about you when I first picked you up off that porch. She is so thankful for what we've done so far, and she loves that Julia comes to visit. I want to do something more for them."
"What did you have in mind?" Parker asked, taking a bite of the sandwich on his plate.
Audra smiled, "Well, we have both of these houses. I know you enjoy your freedom, Love, but would you be willing to come back home?"
"You want to give Evans' my house?" Parker asked in astonishment. He knew his mother to be generous, but this was a lot, even for her. Then, he noticed the impish grin on her face.
"Not exactly..."
"I don't understand."
"I want you to move home, but I'd also like to ask the Evans' to move in. I think we could rent the bedrooms of your house for a little extra money each month, which would cover the expenses for the family. You would still be able to use the house for an office, and you'd be able to check on the boarders while you're there."
"I don't know if she'll accept, but I'm willing to do anything to help them," he answered honestly. He didn't know how his mother would manage to get Tessa to agree, especially with the detail that he would also be staying in the house. If he knew anything about the girl who he wanted so badly to protect, he knew that she hated to be a burden.
Audra reached out and cupped his face, "How did I get so lucky?"
"Luck had nothing to do with it, Momma," he laughed.
"Now we know that's true! So, before I get all weepy, tell me about your feelings for Tessa."
"My feelings? Must I have feelings at so early a juncture?" Parker said innocently, despite knowing that his mother must have noticed something in particular to even bring the subject up.
"Oh I believe so, son. The way you looked at her after she left our house the other day spoke volumes. And it's not just that, you have such an easy way with her brother and sisters, and are incredibly sensitive to all they have been through. She's a special girl and I know you see it too."
"I do," Parker admitted. "With everything she's been through, it amazes me that she has any resemblance of a happy spirit. Life has done everything to beat her down, but she's still standing! Having you for a mother made me realize a long time ago that it would take a pretty special woman to win my heart."
"You know I've never pushed when it came to women. I've been so proud to watch you learn to be a doctor, and dedicate your life to helping people. But, part of the reason I've not guided you toward any one woman, is because I've not seen anyone who deserves you. And, this time, it's not about her deserving you. You deserve her, Love."
"I care about her, Momma. But, I'm not sure I deserve her. And, I know I don't love her, not yet anyway. She has an awful lot to deal with, and I'm not sure she has room in her heart for a man right now."
"You are such a good boy. Now, let's figure out a way to get the Evans' in my house for good!"
* * *
"Alright, Sadie, Luke, Emma, thank Mr. Poteck for the candy; it was very nice of him to bring it," Tessa announced, interrupting their card game that was taking place on the dirt floor of their shanty.
"Is it time for bed?" Lucas pouted.
"Yes it is, and I won't hear any complaining about it. You played in the hot sun all day, and you're sure to be exhausted. Your cards will be there in the morning; it's time for bed."
"Thank you for the candy, Mr. Poteck, it was very good," Sadie said simply, cleaning up the cards in front of her without looking up at him.
"You are quite welcome, Sadie dear."
"Tess, do I have to sleep next to Luke tonight? He was kicking me all night last night," Sadie asked.
Tessa couldn't help but laugh; Lucas was a very active sleeper. "No, of course not, I'll sleep next to him tonight, just leave me some space."
"I sure do miss sleeping at the Sullivan's, I had a whole bed to myself, and Lizzy didn't snore!" Sadie commented.
"I don't snore!" Lucas said loudly.
"You do too."
"Do not!"
"You wouldn't know if you did or didn't, because you're sleeping. But I am telling you, you sound like a tractor!" Sadie snapped.
"Tess, tell her to stop!" Lucas said sadly.
"Sadie, please be kind to your brother; go get into your night clothes. Luka, come here," she said, calling her brother by his pet name. "Sadie is just tired is all, now you go put your pajama's on and when I come in for bed, we can snuggle, okay?"
"Alright Tess, but it's not true is it? Do I snore?"
Tessa gave him a tight squeeze, "No, you don't snore, I think Sadie wakes up and hears Mr. Bellerman next door. He snores loud enough to wake the whole town!" Lucas giggled within her grasp and she kissed him quickly on the cheek. "Go on now, off to bed, and take Emma with you, get her settled."
Lucas nodded and pulled his younger sister behind him, to the corner of the shanty that held their clothes. Tessa opened the door at the back of the shanty, and stepped outside with Jerry. He had been much more relaxed lately, it seemed that he had been picked for work several days lately, which had given him cause to stay sober. Tessa liked him sober, even if he was her father's age, it felt like she had a friend for a little while each day. They didn't talk about much, just the children and life around the town. Jerry usually got around the city pretty well. Without three children to care for he gained a lot of information Tessa would never dream to hear on her own.
"So, who are these Sullivans I've been hearing so much about?" Jerry asked nonchalantly.
"Oh, remember when Lucas fell out of the tree and hit his head, Parke
r Sullivan is the doctor I took him to. He has been very kind to us, and so has his family. We were actually just there for dinner a few nights ago."
"Well, I'm glad to hear someone is being kind to you, but I can't say that I'm not jealous," he laughed.
Tessa paused, careful not to say anything that would hurt Jerry's feelings. He was a good deal older than her, and was missing most of his hair. Most days he looked incredibly filthy, from his days of work and being unable to bathe afterward. He was taller than her, and built thickly. Somehow he managed to have a round belly despite lack of food; she guessed it was from all the moonshine he managed to find.
"You know that we appreciate everything you've done for us, Jerry," she said cautiously.
Without warning, Jerry lunged forward, pressing his lips to Tessa's. She pushed herself backward, confusion and panic tightening her features. Jerry lunged forward again, pushing a hand through her hair, pulling her head back toward him. "Please, Jerry, don't," Tessa pleaded, pressing her hands against his chest.
Jerry shook his head, "I'm sorry, Tessa, I don't know what came over me."
Tessa laughed nervously, "It's alright, Jerry, just, please don't do it again. I don't have those kinds of feelings toward you. In fact, I don't have those kinds of feelings toward anyone. The children are my only focus; I have to see to them before I can see to anything else. You have been a dear, dear friend, but I'm afraid that's where my feelings end."
"Of course, I'm sorry, I really don't know what I was thinking but I promise it won't happen again."
"Thank you, Jerry. Now, I really should get to bed, we've all had a long day. Could I send you home with some bread and jam?"
"No, thank you, Tess. I've had my fill tonight; you make sure one of the little ones gets my piece. I'm sure I'll see you all soon."
"Goodnight, Jerry," Tessa said with a smile, shutting the door as she watched him walk away. She did her best not to think of the awkward kiss. She slipped out of her dress and draped it carefully over the kitchen chair, then snuggled into bed beside her brother and sister. Lucas jabbed her with his heel almost instantly. His fidgeting certainly wouldn't make it an easy night, but then, neither would the thoughts of what happened with Jerry Poteck.
