Spending winter with the children would be fun, but spring? Warmer weather meant new crops, new livestock, and lots of problems two boys could cause without a woman’s steadying hand on them while Jack worked. He turned the handle, ready to give up the children for their own good.
The door hinges creaked, and he stepped in to find the quartet staring at him. Every one of them frowned. He tried his most charming smile and stepped up to them. “I know you’re worried about being separated from each other. That’s my worry as well.” He eased his hat off his head, resisting the urge to crush the brim in his hands. “With that, I plan on working with Miss Alice here and find you a good home.”
“Why don’t you take us in?” Conner asked. “We can write to Mrs. Dryden and ask her to come back.”
“It’s not that simple.” He looked at Miss Wedgwood for help in convincing the children he’d be inadequate as a single parent.
She put her arm around the boy. “He’s right, Conner, and has made his decision.” Alice glanced at Jack before continuing. “I realize this isn’t what we expected or wanted, but Mr. Dryden does have the right to change his mind, remember?”
Charlotte stared at her feet. “He wanted us until we met him.”
Carter stepped up to him, toe to toe. “That’s right. He doesn’t like us, but is too chicken to come out and say so.”
The hairs on the back of Jack’s neck bristled like the feathers of a Banty rooster ready to fight. “I am not afraid to say anything, young man. I like you three just fine, but you deserve a mother, too. That’s all.”
Alice gently pulled the boy back. “Children, please. Have a seat while he and I talk about our options.” None of the youngsters moved and she patted the twins on their shoulders. “Go on. Occupy yourselves while we find a solution.”
The three shuffled off to the nearest row of seats and sat, glaring at him. He leaned in to say to Alice, “I hope you understand. These children need more than a father.”
“I do.” She moved to his right, turning him away from a line of sight toward the Hayses. “You’re aware of how the boys only ever knew one parent. Their mother died in childbirth with the twins. Charlotte was too young to remember her, and their father raised them until earlier this year.”
He nodded, remembering the slight biography he’d read about them. “I know.” Jack stared at the wall. He hated Ellie for leaving him and now their family. If he’d been able to convince her to stay, no one’s heart would be broken right now. As it was, he’d have to teach his former wife’s chores to the trio while somehow accomplishing his own.
Jack glanced over at the kids. Charlotte sat like a proper little lady. Carter swung his feet, making swish sounds when the shoe soles connected with the wood floor. Conner had his elbow on an armrest, holding up the side of his head with a hand. He’d fallen for them by the second letter, wanted to be their father, but not without a wife. He sighed. “I can’t raise them alone.”
Alice looked down at the floor, her lips set in a thin line. “You’ll get no argument from me. However, I’d like your help in finding a good home for them.” She glanced at the trio before continuing. “Preferably together, but two families in the same town would be best.” She turned to him with a shrug. “I’m loath to separate the twins but can if we must.”
Jack searched her face, her calm, unruffled face. His churning gut didn’t match her serene attitude. The idea of packing each of the Hays off to live without the other two seemed too cruel to bear. How could anyone who cared for children do such a thing to them? He wanted to shake some sense into her. “You’re willing to place them in separate homes, miles apart if necessary?”
Her composed mask of a face slipped into a brief fury before she said, “If needs must, Mr. Dryden. Only a few of our children have been taken in by families in different states, but we do need to accept whoever can provide a stable and loving home.”
“I…” he began before trailing off. No, he couldn’t blame the orphanage for doing what they must under difficult circumstances. They relied on private donations and the kindness of strangers. He turned and watched as Charlotte dabbed her eyes and hugged her brothers a little tighter. His heart squeezed in his chest like her arms did around the boys.
He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t send them anywhere and break up what was left of their family. Not only did they need each other, but he needed them, too. He refused to let Ellie take away all his future with her leaving. “You’re not separating them.”
“Excuse me?”
Jack didn’t look at her but smiled at the children when they looked at him in amazement. “You heard me. You’re not separating them because they’re coming home with me.”
Chapter Three
Alice’s jaw dropped for a moment before she began laughing at his audaciousness. She might be young, but she didn’t answer to anyone but the sisters and Father O’Brien when it came to her and the children. She put her hands on her hips. “I’m sorry, but I have a duty to fulfill and I don’t take orders from you.”
He lifted his chin as if she’d punched him and crossed his arms with a scowl. “Not orders, ma’am, just a serious suggestion.”
She looked him up and down, inspecting him and his sincerity. His frown eased a little and she tried not to smile. Jack didn’t fool her with his bluster. Alice sensed and shared the concern he had for the Hayses. She just wasn’t sure if she could share the responsibility for them with him. The Home did encourage its agents to keep families together. “Maybe so.”
Jack grinned, and Alice’s heart did a little flip over how handsome he was. She couldn’t be sure if Ellie Dryden had been a fool for leaving such a fine man. The woman might have been wise to escape a bad situation. She owed it to the children to dig a little and learn more before considering his recommendation. “I’m open to the idea of you being a father. Tell me more about this sudden change of heart.”
Jack shrugged and looked down at his feet for a moment before glancing at the children. The trio stared back at him. He gave them a wink and said, “Ellie was a city girl when we married. If I could teach her how to farm, I can teach those three as well.” He smiled at Alice. “Besides, they’re a family and I want to keep them together.”
“With you?” she blurted before catching herself. Of course, he meant to be their father. Alice shook her head at her foolishness. Every time Jack smiled or seemed sad, every bit of her professionalism evaporated.
Before she could say anything else, he said, “Yes, with me, because I won’t have anyone else. We need each other.”
An image of him alone at some random homestead flashed in her mind. He still must be broken-hearted over Ellie leaving him. She wasn’t unused to feeling alone in the world and swallowed the beginning lump in her throat. “Very well.”
He grinned and took a step toward her. Alice’s heart skipped a beat and she ignored the flutter. Her voice rang out a little loud as she said, “I’m willing to visit your farm, inspect it, and possibly place the children with you.” She glanced over at the Hayses, each young face gleaming with hope. “Don’t expect me to be lenient, but I will be fair.”
He clapped his hands once before giving a grin to the children. “Good enough, Miss Alice. We can visit one of the board members now. Petition them to speak on my behalf.”
“Do they know about your wife?”
His smile fading, Jack’s lips thinned into a grim line. “No. Not yet. I saw no reason to squawk about her going home.”
Her superiors wouldn’t be happy at the lie by omission. Yet Alice couldn’t blame him, understanding the need to protect his ego. “What happens when they learn she’s not here?”
Jack stared past her. “I’ll deal with their questions when that happens. Until then, I can take care of the children until you see fit to let me adopt them for good.”
“Alone?” she asked and when he nodded, Alice shook her head. “I don’t like the idea.” His prior family life wasn’t coming to mind at the moment. Sh
e had read so many applications since going over his. “Have you ever cared for siblings before now?”
Jack led her over to a bench and sat when she did. “Yes, my brother and sisters. I was the oldest of four.”
“Ah, an excuse for your imperious nature,” she said while setting her travel bag to her side. Alice faced him for further questioning and returned his sudden grin. Her heart did that skipping thing again and she had to confess he had such lovely features for a man. “I’m assuming you were the ringleader of any mischief?”
“Yeah, I’d boss them around and they’d ignore me.”
“Well,” she began before glancing at the children. All of them were watching intently, none of them seeming happy. Alice couldn’t blame them. She had to decide their fates before going back home. If they stayed and came to harm, it would be her fault. Feeling the weight of her work, she bit her lip. She needed to begin the suitability inspection. “The day isn’t getting any younger. How far is the drive to your home?”
“Two hours, give or take a few minutes.” He nodded toward the window. “Light’s fading fast, so if we’re headed to the farm we better get going.” Jack motioned at the luggage next to Alice. “Let me load up yours and Charlotte’s bags.”
She hesitated for a moment and stood, trying to not wring her hands with worry. He had mentioned more than one bedroom. They’d have chaperones for her spending the night with him. Alice nodded, ignoring the pull of doubt. “We can manage, thank you.” She smiled at the Hayses. “Children, I suppose you’ve eavesdropped on everything?”
Charlotte shook her head while the boys nodded. The girl looked from one adult to the other. “I tried not to but wanted to know what would happen to us.
“I don’t blame you a bit.” Jack scooped up the children’s bags with one hand. “Let’s go home.”
A taste of panic hit the back of her throat. He couldn’t mean to settle them in as a single man. This farm visit wouldn’t decide anything until she said so. Alice cleared her throat and said, “For now,” while following him to the exit. “None of us can become too complacent until the adoption committee is consulted.”
Chapter Four
The stuffing taken out of him, Jack’s shoulders slumped like his mood. Not until she’d been so eager to separate the children had he realized how much he cared for them. He put the travel bags in the back. “Here. There’s not a lot of room in the buggy. Get situated and I’ll find a better place for these.”
He waited until Alice stepped up after Charlotte. Jack lifted his hand to scratch the back of his neck. He hadn’t thought of all five of them on the wagon’s bench. The day was too cold for the youngsters to ride in the back without cover. He couldn’t help it now and said, “Might have to be cozy for a little while.” The ladies sat close as the boys fought over who would get to perch on Alice’s lap. He chuckled at the arguing. “Good thing we don’t have a full day’s drive,” he said while hoisting himself up to the seat.
“A very good thing,” Alice replied as Conner squirmed to get comfortable. She put the blanket over their laps, giving Jack his edge. “Here you are and Conner, settle down, please.”
“Ready?” he asked and clicked at Shep to start pulling. Each movement along the rough ground brushed the side of her thigh into his. Jack looked at her. With her head turned to Charlotte and Carter, she didn’t notice him staring at her exposed neck. He took a deep breath; her smooth skin and rose fragrance teased him.
He sighed. Ellie might have been gone a few weeks, but they’d been fighting and distant for far longer. Most likely any woman would appeal to him at the moment. He gave her a side glance. Except this woman was even prettier up close. No, she didn’t seem like just any ol’ gal to him. Her body heat radiated toward his despite the layers they wore.
Jack shifted to ease away from Alice and respect her space but couldn’t budge. She looked at him and he gave her a slight smile. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. If not for Conner I’d be cold and fidgeting, too.” She lifted her chin toward the west. “We will get there before it’s too dark, won’t we?”
“Most likely.” He snapped the reins with a pop. “Come on, Shep, we have places to be.”
Alice put a hand on his upper arm. “Oh no, don’t be mean to him.” Her touch lingered as she added, “He’s fine, really.”
The squeeze she gave his bicep went through Jack, leaving his mouth dry and heart racing. “Yes, ma’am.” When she smiled, letting her fingertips slide from him with a blush, he added, “But if he doesn’t get a move on, we’ll be feeling our way in the dark.”
“Dark?” Charlotte said, her voice wavering.
Conner looked to Carter before adding, “We don’t like the dark.”
The four of them stared at him with wide eyes and he laughed. “We’ll be fine.” He clicked a couple more times to the horse. “Still, hurrying a little couldn’t hurt.”
“Good,” Alice said. She gave him a slight smile before staring ahead. “I don’t care for pitch black.”
Jack tilted his head, searching her expression. Her voice had wavered, hinting at a much deeper fear than her words portrayed. “Don’t worry, Miss Alice. Not a lot happens around here. We’re pretty civilized.”
“Do you live in a sod house, Mr. Dryden?” Carter asked.
Conner added, “We learned about settlers baking mud into bricks at school.”
He grinned at the thought of his refined wife tolerating a sod home for more than a year or two and shook his head. “Not anymore. We lived in a dugout for about a year. I built the house around it and turned the space into a root cellar.”
Charlotte leaned forward and asked, “Is that like a basement?”
Remembering how a dugout home was odd to him at first, Jack nodded. They wouldn’t have ever seen something built out of mud and grass in their young lives unless the train went further west. “A lot like it, yes. The walls aren’t brick or mason, yet.”
“Yet?” Alice countered. “Do you have plans to expand the cellar into something more?”
Conner shook Jack’s arm. “Like a dungeon? Can we help?”
He laughed at his simple room changing into an underground prison. Jack checked Alice’s face to gauge her mood. Her expression stayed neutral and the children seemed interested, so he replied, “I’m counting on it. A farm needs a lot of help to run well.” He smiled, taking the chance to tell them more about the homestead. “I have cattle, horses—, I mean a horse, Shep here, chickens, and an ox named Jimmy for heavy loads and farm work.”
Carter asked, “What are the cows’ names?”
“And the chickens?” Conner added.
“Haven’t named them, yet.” He glanced at Alice for confirmation. “I might leave all that to you four.”
She frowned at him before saying, “I suppose letting us help you during our visit couldn’t hurt.”
Her reminder that the adoption wasn’t a done deal sent a tremor through him. Jack frowned. He’d already grown used to the idea of the Hayses being Drydens someday soon. “Sure. And there might be some other small tasks they could help do, too.”
The two boys began bouncing on the ladies’ laps and cheering. “Stop moving around,” Charlotte whined, each word louder than the last. “Your bony behind is hurting me.”
“Boys, go to the back if you want to roughhouse.” The two did as she suggested, jostling the adults and adolescent in their efforts.
Alice leaned closer to him. “You might be disappointed in those two farming. They’ve had more school time than field hand training.”
Jack chuckled. If she thought to dissuade him from getting his hopes up about the children’s capabilities, she’d already lost the battle. “I’m glad. Part of the conditions were to send them to school, weren’t they?” he asked, and Alice nodded. “Good, because the teacher is expecting all three of them.”
She gasped. “You’ve spoken to him already?”
“Yes.” He stared ahead, jaw set. Jack didn’t want t
o see any disapproval in her face from him taking the initiative for his children. “When Sister Teresa sent the letter saying to expect you, I talked to Mr. Anders personally.”
“I’m very pleased you care for them so much.” She took hold of his bicep again. “Your doing so will help your argument to the agent.” Alice gave his arm a squeeze before letting go of him.
A man could get used to affections from a pretty woman like her. He grinned. “Me, too, ma’am and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to adopt.”
“I’m hungry,” Carter chimed in, pressing his face between Jack and Alice. “Will we have supper at your house, Mr. Dryden?”
“And water? Miss Alice never gave us food or water,” Conner added from the back.
Jack grinned at Alice’s gasp. “Now, I find that hard to believe about our dear Miss Wedgewood.”
Charlotte cleared her throat. “I’m thirsty, too, but they’re exaggerating. We had lunch together.”
“Children, please. We’ll have a picnic at Mr. Dryden’s house.” She looked over at him with a hopeful smile.
He nodded while mentally going over his food stores. “I could rustle up some dinner for us all.”
“I could cook, if you like,” Charlotte offered. “The sisters had us bigger girls learn how to keep house.”
Jack looked to Alice for permission before replying, “Well, then. I’d like whatever you’d be able to cook.”
“Thank you, Mr. Dryden,” the girl said.
The appreciation shining in her eyes left him a little shy and a little unsure of what else to say. He wasn’t her pa yet, and besides, he didn’t feel up to being the hero her expression made him out to be. Did every father have doubts? He’d have to ask his friend and the local adoption agent, Donovan, to know for sure.
Last Train Home (The American West Series Book 1) Page 2
