The Brides of Chance Collection

by Kelly Eileen Hake,Cathy Marie Hake,Tracey V. Bateman

  Friendly mite. She’d make a good companion—affectionate now, she’ll be protective once she’s bigger. Every boy should have a dog, and this one’s tiny enough for Jamie to hold now. They can grow a bit together, and she’ll look after him when she’s older. Jamie likes to feel things with his hands, and this pup is soft and warm and cuddly. She won’t mind that he’s a little clumsy. It’d do Jamie good to have something to look after. Make him feel important and capable.

  Daisy might not like it at first, but she’ll melt when she sees the smile on Jamie’s face while he plays with his dog. I’ll help him look after the pup while she’s small. She won’t need a lot of looking after when she’s older—food and water. Jamie’ll give this pup all the attention she needs, and she’ll love him right back. Dogs are loyal creatures.

  Bryce saw Ed coming back and gave the pup a reassuring pat. It didn’t seem right that no one wanted her. He just couldn’t bring himself to leave her behind. “I’ll look after her, Ed. What’s her name?”

  “I don’t know. I try not to name ’em, since their owners like to do that. Then they cain’t get confused iff ’n I train ’em under a different name and not come when they’re called.” Ed thought a moment. “Since no one paid for her, she don’t have a name. Reckon it’s up to you. What’d you like to call her?”

  Bryce looked down. Having tuckered herself out, she snuggled in his arms, pink tongue lolling out as she snoozed. She was a cute little thing. Her small black nose twitched in her sleep, and he could think of only one name that would do.

  “Nosey.”

  Chapter 16

  Daisy stared at the apple pie in dismay, its black edges and smoky scent declared it burned beyond redemption. She fanned a tea towel to wave the last few wisps of smoke out the door. She’d need to clean out the new oven.

  I must’ve put too much wood in the stove and got the oven hotter’n it should be. I’m right glad Miz Willow and Hattie are at the Ruckers so they don’t see this. I cain’t believe we managed all the victuals for the barn raisin’ with nary a single problem, and now I done ruint the dessert I made to tell Bryce I’m glad he’s staying. I ain’t got time to make another!

  “Well, Jamie,” she sighed aloud, even though Jamie was napping, “that plan went up in smoke.”

  “What went up in smoke?” Bryce sniffed the singed air as he walked into the cabin.

  No! Daisy couldn’t let loose the howl that rose in her chest. Yore not supposed to see me like this—hair all flyaway, face flushed from the stove, spots all over my apron…and a burned apple pie on the windersill. She took a deep breath, realizing Bryce waited for her to say something.

  “I baked you an apple pie, but it came out more burnt than anything I’d ask a body to et.” She flapped the towel toward the window, as much to point at the tart as to vent some of her frustration. “I made the new stove oven too hot.”

  “Looks fine to me.” Bryce picked up the still-warm tin, set it on the table, and grabbed a fork.

  “What’re you doin’?” Daisy protested as he plunged the fork into the middle of the charred dessert.

  “The edges are…” Bryce took another bite and swallowed before continuing. “Crispy. That I’ll grant you. But it’s not ruined. The middle’s wonderful.” He speared a spiced apple slice and held it to her lips. “Taste.”

  “I—” She didn’t get a word out before he slipped the bite into her mouth.

  “Got a speck here.” Bryce’s finger brushed her lip tenderly. Warmth spread through her.

  “See?” Bryce kept on eating. “Delicious.”

  That shore was. Daisy resisted the urge to touch where his fingertip had brushed her mouth. “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “I know.” Bryce held her gaze steadily. “I wanted to.” Tension spread between them, tight and warm, before he lightened his tone. “Burnt offerings pleased God, and now I know why.” He polished off the rest of the pie, leaving behind only the black edges.

  Daisy shook her head and smiled at him, reaching for the tin. It’d have to be scrubbed. He gently caught her wrist.

  “Leave it.” He rose to his feet and started for the door, not loosening his hold. “I want to show you something.”

  “What?” Daisy glanced back at Jamie, still asleep on the bed.

  “It’s a surprise.” He released her hand. “I’ll bring it to you if you’d be more comfortable.”

  “I’ll go.” His consideration immediately made her relax. Besides, she’d been wanting to talk with him in private. Jamie would be fine, and this way she and Bryce could figure a few things out without her son overhearing the conversation. She followed Bryce out to the barn, and he led her to the tack room.

  “Hold out your hands, Daisy,” he instructed. “Now close your eyes.”

  Daisy did as he said, resisting the urge to peek through her lashes as he put something small and soft in her palms. Something cold and wet snuffled her hand, and she would have dropped it had Bryce not cupped her hands in his.

  “Open ’em.”

  She looked down. “Oh!” She cradled the tiniest puppy she’d ever seen. Daisy lifted it up to get a better look, and the pup bumped her nose with its. She giggled as the pup nosed its way over her face, the soft fur tickling her skin.

  Although mostly black, tan markings decorated the fur around its eyes, paws, and the tip of its tail, which wagged enthusiastically.

  “I cain’t recollect the last time I saw such a cute critter,” Daisy marveled. When Bryce stepped back, she cuddled the puppy close. It immediately poked at her stomach with its nose, snuffling excitedly. “Curious li’l thang.”

  “I’ve named her Nosey.” Bryce reached out and stroked the soft black fur.

  “Fits her.” Daisy laughed. But why are you showing her to me? Is she a gift? There was no denying the little pup had winning ways, but the last thing Daisy needed was another mouth to feed.

  “Yep.” Bryce waited for her to look up from the furry bundle before speaking again. “She’s a runt, and Ed Trevor doesn’t have the time to look after her like she needs. I’ll be feeding her cow’s milk so she bulks up for the winter.”

  “I’m glad. She’s too friendly and precious not to be loved.” Daisy smiled her approval. And how wonderful it is that you care enough to bring her home. “You’ve got a fine heart, Bryce Chance.” Do you understand what I’m saying?

  “Every boy needs a dog.” He looked her in the eye, then said, “I was hoping…Jamie could help me with her.” Bryce asked her more than one question with that statement.

  “He’d like that,” Daisy answered, pausing for a moment before adding softly, “and so would I.”

  “Thank you, Daisy.” A grin split across his face. “So you’re all right with me staying?”

  “Yes, Bryce.” She nodded but became serious. “But I want to make a few things clear.”

  “I’m listening.” Bryce reached for the puppy and leaned forward to catch her words.

  “I’m not committing to anything jist yet. I don’t know iff ’n this whole thang’ll work out, but I want to try.”

  “That’s all I’m asking for, Daisy. A chance to spend more time with you and Jamie to see where it leads.”

  His words lifted a load off her shoulders.

  “Then we’re agreed. Yore staying but no promises.” Daisy had to make sure she wasn’t misleading him.

  “Yep. And I want you to know that I care for Jamie in his own right, not only because he’s your son.” Bryce alleviated a concern Daisy had left unspoken. “I’m courting you with an eye to becoming part of a family, not just a husband.”

  Daisy didn’t say another word, but her eyes shone with relief. Bryce knew she wouldn’t have agreed to step out with him unless she already knew he’d care for Jamie, but he wanted her to hear the words and know how deeply he meant it.

  “I’ve got to go wake Jamie, else he won’t sleep through the night.” Daisy passed Nosey back to him.

  “Why don’t we let No
sey wake him?” Bryce suggested, keeping apace with her. “That cold nose of hers would make a fine wake-up call.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  They tiptoed into the cabin and snuck up near the bed. Bryce reached out and deposited the dog beside the sleeping boy, then watched and waited. Sure enough, Nosey stood up, placed one dainty paw on Jamie’s chest, and buried her wet nose under his chin.

  “Huh?” Jamie looked up at them with bleary eyes before tilting his head and seeing what had woken him up. “Puppy!” He sat up straight and scooped the puppy into his arms. She thumped her tail so fast it became a blur while she covered his face with doggy kisses. Jamie giggled. “Mine?” he asked excitedly.

  Bryce looked at Daisy. She sent him a brief nod, and they answered together. “Yours.”

  They watched the little boy play with the puppy, who sniffed him, the pillow, the blankets—anything and everything around her.

  I understand, Nosey. Bryce couldn’t stop grinning if his life depended on it. I’m testing the air, too. If we play our cards right, we’ll both have a new family. He glanced at the window as a sudden cloud cast the sun in shadow. I hope it’s a long winter.

  “I et too much.” Daisy leaned back on the tattered quilt and put her hand on her stomach. The sun shone down on the folks gathered for the Harvest Games and Picnic.

  “Me, too.” Bryce stretched out beside her on the grass. “I couldn’t fit in another bite.”

  “So you don’t want the pie I brought you?” Logan flopped down, passing Hattie a piece of apple pie that Daisy had baked for the day before tackling a wedge of his own.

  “Aw…my favorite.” Bryce looked longingly at the dessert before him.

  Even Daisy’s mouth watered at the tantalizing aroma of apples and cinnamon. At least this one turned out right. The last one I baked all but burnt to a crisp, and Bryce et it anyhow.

  “Maybe one small bite…” Bryce jabbed his fork into the treat and chewed the first bite. “Mmm. Nope. I need another taste.” He closed his eyes as he savored the next bite. “I can tell Daisy baked this.” He opened his eyes, held her gaze, and lowered his voice. “It tastes like cinnamon, sugar, and sweetness.”

  “Oh?” Daisy tried to be nonchalant but felt the blush beginning anyway. She nabbed his fork. “Guess I’d better try some of that myself then!” Together they polished off the rest.

  “Now I really can’t get up.” Bryce groaned, but it didn’t look to Daisy like he planned on moving anytime soon.

  “Come on, folks!” Asa Pleasant called for everyone’s attention. “It’s time for a little friendly competition! Everyone who wants to compete in the sack race, get over here and grab a tater sack.”

  “I always win this one.” Logan sprang up from the ground and held out his hand to Hattie. “Want to try to beat me?”

  “Sometimes I want to beat you, all right.” Hattie laughed as she said the words. “But not at this. You go on ahead.” She waved him on.

  “Bryce?” Logan issued a one-word challenge.

  “Not after that pie,” Bryce refused. “I’ll join you in a bit.”

  “Suit yourself.” Logan rushed across the eating area to grab a potato sack.

  Daisy’s heart clenched at the longing in Jamie’s eyes as the other contestants lined up. Some things were stark reminders of what he’d never be able to do. Maybe we should’ve brought Nosey along, after all. Leastways then Jamie’d have something to play with while the other children run around.

  “Buddy, I want to ask you something.” Bryce distracted them both. “I’m going to need a partner for the wheelbarrow race. What’dya say?”

  I want Jamie to feel like a part of the fun, but the wheelbarrow race? Where you hold the person’s legs and make them walk on their hands? Jamie has much better control over his hands and arms than his legs, but they still jerk around some. Iff ’n he spasms and falls…

  “See, what you have to do is sit inside the wheelbarrow and tell me to swerve left or right to avoid the logs.” Bryce’s explanation wasn’t what she expected. “You’ll have to have sharp eyes, but I know I can count on you. First team across the finish line wins some peppermint sticks.”

  “ ’Es!” Jamie’s excited nod made Daisy wish she could think of ways to make him feel as included.

  “Let’s go tell ’em we want to be one of the teams.” Bryce picked Jamie up and threw Daisy a wink before tromping over to talk to Rooster Linden.

  “Now maybe it ain’t my place to tell you this, but you should know.” Hattie leaned close to whisper in Daisy’s ear. “Bryce arranged this wheelbarrow race special. He’s not jist a good, smart man. He’s a thoughtful one. I know he won’t never tell you what he done, so I’m tellin’ it for him.”

  Daisy sat for a moment, speechless. Why didn’t Bryce tell me hisself? I’m right glad he done this. How am I s’pposed to let him court me when he keeps secrets about how wonderful he is?

  “Bryce told me he aims to win.” Hattie grinned. “Betwixt you and me, I hope they do. Logan’s gotten too puffed up for his own good. Brags he’ll win every race he enters. I caught him hopping ’round the barn t’other day, practicing for the three-legged race.”

  “Well then.” Daisy smiled mischievously. “What say we level the playing field?”

  Chapter 17

  Let’s have a quick review. Hold out your left arm. Good. Right? Excellent.” Bryce patted Jamie on the back. “Now you say it.”

  “ ’Eft, rite,” Jamie recited, holding out the named arm.

  “We’re up.” Bryce set Jamie down in the wheelbarrow, facing forward. “Are you ready to win?”

  “Yeah!” Jamie gripped the sides of the wheelbarrow and leaned forward to have a better view of the grass.

  “On yore marks. Get set…” Rooster roared, “Go!”

  Bryce, tensed and ready, took off like a shot.

  “ ’Eft!” Jamie shouted, and Bryce quickly maneuvered around the block of wood.

  “Rite!” Jamie directed. “Rite ag’n!”

  Bryce kept pushing, running hard and angling the wheelbarrow tightly. He spotted the Trevor twins out of the corner of his eye, gaining.

  “ ’Eft, Byce!” Jamie screeched. “No mor! Go!”

  Bryce saw Daisy waiting at the finish line, jumping up and down and clapping her hands. He managed a final burst of speed. For Daisy and Jamie! He sailed over the finish line.

  “We win!” Jamie yelled, flailing his arms joyfully as his mama ran over.

  “I saw, Jamie!” Daisy scooped him up and swung him in the air. “You were so fast to see those blocks! I’m proud of you!”

  Bryce felt as though he’d grown about ten inches taller, seeing Jamie flushed with victory and Daisy beaming with pride. He drank in the sight of them.

  After Rooster and Asa presented Jamie with his peppermint stick prize, the whole holler walked by to congratulate him on his sharp eyes. To Bryce’s way of thinking, the day was complete.

  But it seemed that Daisy had other plans. When Logan grabbed Bryce for the three-legged race, she and Hattie followed over to the racing field.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Logan demanded as Hattie tied herself and Daisy together at the ankle.

  “We’re joinin’ the race. What’s it look like?” Daisy calmly slipped her arm around Hattie’s waist to steady herself.

  “Oh-ho,” Logan guffawed. “Well, if you wanted a close view of me and Bryce winning, you could’ve waited at the finish line.”

  Bryce tried to elbow Logan in the ribs to get him to shut his mouth, but he just bumped Logan’s arm.

  “We’ll see about that,” Hattie shot back, her eyes alight with challenge as everybody lined up.

  On “Go!” Bryce took off for the second time that day. He and Logan loped across the field, but Logan’s shorter legs made Bryce abbreviate his stride. “Come on! They’re gettin’ ahead!” he whispered, doggedly dragging Logan along with him.

  “It’s not my fault we’re lopsided!” Logan h
uffed.

  Hattie and Daisy thumped across the field right past Bryce and Logan. How can they be so graceful? Look at them go! Bryce watched with a mixture of admiration and disbelief as the women half-walked, half-hopped to victory.

  After he disentangled himself from Logan, he went to congratulate them. Seeing Daisy, face flushed from exertion, eyes sparkling with laughter, made Bryce grin. I’d gladly lose this race if I can win her in the long run.

  “Bryce?” Logan’s voice carried across the barn.

  “Up here!” Bryce used the worn ribbon to mark the passage he’d barely finished reading, then closed the Bible. He heard Logan’s heavy boots on the loft’s ladder before he saw his brother.

  “Did I interrupt your devotions?” Logan looked at the Bible at his brother’s side.

  “It’s a good place to stop.”

  “Good. Listen, I’ve got to go to Louisville in about two weeks and deliver a big shipment before the weather turns bad.” Logan jerked a thumb toward the covered window, where very little sunlight strained through. “Train leaves on a Monday afternoon, and I was wondering whether you wanted to come with me.”

  Hmm. If I stay, I’ll see Daisy more often before the snow comes. If I go, I can take care of a few things. I don’t like how Daisy wears Hattie’s old cloak. She’s sewing Jamie a new winter coat, but he should have some warm gloves, too. Besides, I need runners for a sled. That way Jamie won’t have to scooch around in the snow and catch cold.

  “Sounds good. There’s some stuff I need to pick up. You think this is the last trip you’ll make this year?” Bryce wondered whether he’d have a chance to buy everyone Christmas gifts.

  “I don’t know.” Logan scratched his jaw. “I know snowstorms up here make winter traveling difficult, to say the least. All the same, I’d like to get back once more before Christmas. It’d give Daisy time to make more lace, Otis could turn out a few more checker sets, and Asa could carve more nativity sets—Jack says they’re sure to be in demand for Christmas. It’s a good time of year for selling, and I want to see everybody make the best of it.”