“Maxine?” he said, looking as startled as Lizzy. “Is everything all right?”
“I'll put on some tea,” Lizzy said. “Jacob, take her bag upstairs, would you? Come on, Maxie, you look hungry.”
“I am,” Maxine replied, and handed her case over. She brushed her sweating palms off on her skirts and followed her sister into their tiny kitchen. Lizzy put the kettle on and leaned against the counter, holding her hands over the swell of her belly.
“What's the matter?” she asked. Jacob re-entered and settled at the table with Maxine, his eyes curious. Maxine twisted her fingers together and stared at the table. “Maxie, did something happen?”
“Do you... remember that man I was going to marry?” Maxine began.
“I remember you wrote me about him,” Lizzy replied.
“Well, he...”
“Did he hurt you, Maxine?” Jacob asked, putting a hand over hers on the table.
“No, no,” Maxine said quickly. “Nothing like that. Only he... well he found someone else, and he threw me out like I was nothing!”
“That rube!” Lizzy said firmly. “And here I thought he was a proper gentleman.”
“So did I,” Maxine replied, “and with Mama gone, well, I had nowhere else to go, I'm sorry for coming so abruptly. I should have sent you a telegram.”
“Nonsense,” Jacob said. “You couldn't have known what would happen. You have a place here, doesn't she, Lizzy.”
“Of course,” Lizzy said.
“I thought I could help around the house,” Maxine said quickly. “What with the baby comin' soon and all, you should be resting more.”
“I won't lie,” Lizzy said, “some help would be nice. Jacob's so busy with the shop nowadays, not that I mean that badly. The money's always needed.”
“I'll have the spare room made up for you,” Jacob said.
“Thank you both,” Maxine said, looking between the two of them. “Truly.”
“You're family,” Jacob replied. “Think nothin' of it.” All of the tension drained from Maxine's body at once, leaving her feeling tired and relieved and very eager for her cup of tea. Jacob left to prepare the room and Lizzy poured out the water for their tea.
“Thank you,” Maxine said again. “I mean it, really. I know this is a mighty inconvenience for you.”
“Hush,” Lizzy said. “You're my only sister. I would never turn you away.” Maxine stood to embrace her sister, mindful of her condition. “Would you like to feel?” Maxine nodded and let Lizzy put her hand on her pregnant belly. “It'll be good to have an extra pair of hands around,” she continued as Maxine felt the baby kick. “So don't you go worryin' your head about anything.” Maxine smiled at her sister. Lizzy broke the embrace to kiss her cheek and then went to finish preparing the tea.
Chapter 3
Things were fine, for a time. With Jacob so busy at the general store and Lizzy's due date fast approaching, there was no shortage of tasks for Maxine to perform around the house. But after the baby was delivered—a healthy boy named James—the house suddenly seemed too small, and despite her attempts to be helpful, Maxine felt like she was getting in the way.
One day, while she was out on the town, she picked up the paper on a whim and turned to the ads, browsing the wanted section. She had no interest in being another man's bride, but maybe she could find some work suitable for a woman of her skills, close enough that she could still stay close to her sister.
Most of the listings were for manual labor, except for a call for servers at the saloon. For a moment, Maxine considered it. It couldn't be much different than bringing drinks to Jacob and Lizzy. Then she remembered the look of the crowd and the women who lingered at the end of the bar and changed her mind. Those women did what they needed to earn their keep, but Maxine wouldn't subject herself to that if there were another option. She paid the boy on the corner for the paper and slipped it into her bag along with the things she had bought for Lizzy. Jacob would like to read it, after all.
Lizzy and the baby were both asleep when she returned home, leaving the house quiet. Maxine was glad for it. James was an adorable little thing, but he was loud, and the whole house suffered for it. Maxine kept as quiet as she could, not wanting any sudden noises to wake the baby.
She had dinner started up by the time Jacob came home. As he walked in, he nodded at her before heading upstairs to greet his wife and child. Maxine was plating the food when they came back down, James wrapped up in his mother's arms.
“Thank you for cooking dinner, Maxie,” Lizzy said. “You didn't need to.”
“It's the least I can do to pay you back for taking me in. You have enough on your hands.” She set the plates down and took her place at the table. “In fact... I was thinking about finding some proper work.”
“Have you?” Lizzy asked. “What for? It's no trouble having you here.”
“I don't want to take advantage of your good will any longer than I have to,” Maxine said. “I took a gander at the paper today, but there was nothing suitable.”
“I might know of something,” Jacob said through a mouthful of potatoes. “Some ranch hand called Wagner came in to the shop today, said Mr. Wilkinson's housekeep just retired. Ranch ain't too far from town, likely a good deal of work for a woman like you if you have a mind for it.”
“I've done plenty of housework in my life,” Maxine replied. “How would I meet them?”
“Wagner's due to come back tomorrow to pick up some goods he ordered. I'm sure he'll be happy to drive you up. Come down round lunch time and you’ll find him.”
“Are you sure about this, Maxie? It really isn't any trouble having you here, I mean it.”
“I’m sure, Lizzy,” Maxine replied. “I feel terrible living off of you and Jacob.”
“You know you're welcome here any time you like,” Jacob said.
“I can't thank you enough,” Maxine said. “With all my heart, thank you.”
“You just come on down tomorrow, Maxine,” Jacob said with a smile. “We'll get you all sorted out, you have my word.” Maxine slept easy that night, despite having to listen to James' soft wailing from the next room over and Lizzy trying to shush him.
The next day, Maxine wore her finest dress, taking great care not to spill any food on it while she cooked eggs for breakfast. The dress was baby blue with white lace around the collar and cuffs and it had been one of the final dresses her mother had made before the tremors in her hand grew too great for her to sew. It would make a wonderful first impression—she’d look like a proper lady, not like one of the women that spent their days and nights in the saloon. She spent her morning doing simple chores around the house while she waited for her noon appointment with Jacob. Lizzy walked a cranky James around the house, bouncing him and cooing, but still he cried.
“Give him here,” Maxine said eventually. “You're stressed and it's making him worse. Will you make us some tea?”
Lizzy handed James over and passed a hand over her brow. There were lines around her eyes. “I'm sorry, Maxie,” she said, “I just haven't been sleepin' well as of late.”
“It's fine,” Maxine said quickly as she held James against her shoulder, gently patting his back. James calmed down eventually, long after Maxine's cup of tea had gone cold.
“You're a gem,” Lizzy said, taking her son back. “What time is it? You don't want to be late for this rancher of yours.”
Maxine fished out her pocket watch and checked it. “I'll be right on time,” she said. “Say a prayer for me, Lizzy.”
“You'll do fine,” Lizzy replied. “We'll be right here waitin' for you if you need us.” Maxine gave her sister and nephew quick kisses before heading out to the store to await the arrival of the ranch hand.
Jacob greeted her with a wave and cleared a spot where she could sit. The saloon was busy when she got there. She sat and watched all the people going in and out, wondering if one of them was Mr. Wagner.
“Jacob,” she said , “what does Mr. Wagner lo
ok like?”
“He's tall,” Jacob said, counting out the bills in his hands. “Fair hair, blue eyes, keeps himself clean-shaved. Not a bad looking fellow, all things said. He'll be here soon, don't you worry.”
“I'm not worried,” Maxine replied, smoothing down her skirt as she spoke. “It's not like he's expecting me.”
“No,” Jacob agreed, “but he knows the ranch is in need of another housekeeper. He won't mind you taking it up with him. He'll probably bring you back to town too.”
“Do you know him very well?” Maxine asked.
“He comes in regularly,” Jacob replied. “Mr. Wilkinson trusts him with cash and cargo. I wouldn't say I know him, but he strikes me as a good sort. I reckon you'll like him very much.” He smiled sweetly at her, then turned his attention to a new customer. Maxine went back to watching the door, her eyes peeled for tall, blond Mr. Wagner.
Chapter 4
Mr. Wagner arrived close to one o'clock, and Maxine instantly picked him out of the crowd . Jacob's description had been spot on for the most part. What Jacob had failed to truly describe, however, was that he was far more than simply not bad looking, he was quite possibly one of the handsomest men Maxine had ever seen. He was as tall as Jacob had said, his skin darkened by time in the sun, his clothes well made and well fitting. He removed his hat when he walked into the shop and ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back from a brow gleaming with sweat. He caught sight of Maxine and gave her a polite nod before calling out to Jacob.
“Mr. Wagner,” Jacob said, smiling, “I've got your things right here, and something else as well.”
“Oh, yeah?” Wager asked. “And what is that, exactly?”
Jacob motioned for Maxine to stand. “Maxine, I would like you to meet Sam Wagner. Sam, this is Maxine Hanson, my sister-in-law.”
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance, miss,” Sam said, flashing a smile.
“I told Maxine Mr. Wilkinson’s looking for a new housekeeper. I thought you might take her with you and introduce them.”
“I'd be more than happy to,” Sam said, “so long as the lady don't mind sittin' in the sun. I don't have a fancy coach for you, just a cart for the supplies.”
“I don't mind at all,” Maxine replied. “And I thank you for being so willing.”
“It's not a problem,” Sam said. “Let me finish up my business and we'll head right on out.”
“Of course,” Maxine replied. She leaned against the doorpost and waited while Jacob and Sam finished business. She took one of the boxes from Sam, who gave her a startled look, though he didn’t mind the help. Maxine followed Sam out to the cart and helped him load the boxes, taking a moment to pet the horse while Sam made sure everything was packed nice and tight.
“Her name's Willow,” he said when he came to her side to offer Maxine his hand. “On account of her mane.”
“She is lovely,” Maxine said. “And a lovely name.” Sam’s smile nearly took her breath away.
He gave her a boost up onto the seat and turned Willow and the cart around before climbing up next to her and clicking his tongue. The cart jerked at first, but rode smooth and steady once they got going. Maxine folded her hands in her lap as the two sat together wordlessly. The rattling wheels provided some comfort, but Maxine still felt the need to speak up and say something, to move beyond simple greetings. She could feel his eyes on her every so often, just quick glances.
“Would you tell me some about the ranch?” she finally asked.
“It's nice land,” Sam replied. “Plenty of room for the cattle and the horses. You'll like the house most, I'd wager. Big ol' thing, three stories, white with green shutters. Now I don't go in there much, but the inside's just as fancy as you'd think. Lots of work to keep that whole place tidy, though. You sure you're up to it?”
“I've been taking care of a child,” Maxine replied, “I'm more than able to keep a house.”
“Well, good,” Sam said. He looked over and smiled again. “I think Mr. Wilkinson's gonna like you. You seem a good sort.”
Maxine blushed at the compliment. “Thank you. You do as well.” She cleared her throat softly and looked out at the desert stretching out around them. “Have you been working for Mr. Wilkinson for long?”
“About five years now,” Sam replied. “Came out from back east when I was twenty or so, been with him ever since. Don't see any reason to leave. It's hard work, but it's good and the pay is nothing to thumb your nose at neither.”
“That's good to hear,” Maxine said. She nearly winced thinking how dull she sounded. The conversation kept up for a short time. Maxine enjoyed the feel of the hot sun on her skin and was glad her dress was so light.
“You been out here long?” Sam asked eventually. “I haven't seen you around town.”
“Not so long, no,” Maxine replied. “I came out from the city to stay with my sister for a time, to help with the baby and all.”
“You, uh, you leave anyone special back home?” Maxine thought briefly about Matthew, but she shook her head.
“No. I've been on my own for a while, sorting out my mother's affairs.”
“Well, I'm sorry to hear that,” Sam said. “I lost my mama, too, just before I came out. Not on very good terms with my pa. Sometimes it's nice to just escape from it all. The ranch is good for that. So much open space, all that sky. A man can lose himself in that sky.” They both tilted their heads back, squinting up into the sky while Willow plodded obediently along the road.
“I understand,” she said. “Sometimes all one needs in life is a good escape.”
“Truer words have never been spoken,” Sam said with a warm smile. “Won't be much longer now. I'm sure you'll like it. We each have little houses of our own, us workers. Nothing quite so fancy as the big house, mind, but better than what most get.”
“It sounds very lovely,” Maxine said.
“It is lovely,” Sam said again. “Trust me. You'll never want to be anywhere else.”
Maxine was startled to find that she did trust him. There was something so easy about him, something that made Maxine feel comfortable and safe. Matthew had been fine when they first met, but it wasn't anything close to the same. He had been welcoming, certainly, but it was never far from Maxine's mind that he had paid for her to marry him. She always felt like she was one wrong move from being back on the street, doing whatever she could to come up with the money to settle her mother's accounts. Sam was an entirely different man. He didn't seem too concerned with appearances, though he kept himself well-groomed. Smiles came quickly and easily to his face, caused by the smallest things, like the path of a bird as it cut across the wide open sky before them.
"Look at that beauty go," he said, pointing to make sure that Maxine saw. "There's nothing like this back home. Not in the least. Too many big cities blockin' out the sky, roads all over everything, men all dressed up in their fancy suits carin' too much about what other people think. You couldn't pay me a million dollars to go back." He paused, considering his words. "Well, maybe a million, but not forever. This place is my real home now." He glanced at her again. "Maybe it can be yours, too."
"You seem very interested in me taking this job," Maxine said.
Sam's cheeks turned pink under his ruddy, sun-kissed skin. "Well, I did say you're a good sort," he mumbled. "Can always use more of them. And that house is too nice to let it fall to pieces for want of a housekeeper. 'Sides, place could use a feminine touch. Ain't been the same since Miss Mary passed."
"I'm sorry," Maxine said. "Was it long ago?"
"Just about a year after I arrived. Never met another woman like her. Mr. Wilkinson was inconsolable for months after, but he's all right now. Got his sons to come home, help run the ranch. I don't care too much for David, but Jesse's all right. Looks kind of like you, actually." Sam looked at her carefully, his blue eyes staring into hers. "Right around your eyes. I bet they crinkle when you smile, don't they?" His grin made her smile in return. "Ah, I was right." His grin widened.
He turned his attention back to the road. "Right, it's just on the other side of this here hill. Should be able to see the barn before too long. Maxine sat up, folding and unfolding her hands in her lap. Sam smiled and bumped his shoulder into hers.
“You'll be great,” he said. “Just take a deep breath. That's what I do whenever I get nervous.” Maxine closed her eyes and relaxed her hands in her lap. She felt her heart rate slow just slightly, just enough that she felt like she could breathe properly. “There.” Sam pointed. “There's the top of the barn.” He let out a long, happy sigh. “It feels good to be home.”
Maxine smiled at him. He looked so content, even with the hot sun shining down on him, which was starting to bother her. She could feel sweat under the collar of her dress. She raised a hand to wipe it away. When they reached the top of the hill, however, she stopped thinking about how to impress Mr. Wilkinson. The ranch was beautiful. A fence stretched around the property farther than Maxine could see. A big sign stood at the end of the road with Wilkinson's name in big letters. To the right was the barn, the doors thrown wide open. Then she saw the big house, just as splendid as Sam had said it was, and cleaner than she could have imagined.
“Oh, it's just beautiful,” she gasped. “I've never seen a house like that, not even back in Austin.”
“Is that where you're from?” Sam asked.
“Well, my family came out here when my sister and I were just babies, but I might as well have been born there.”
“I've never been to the city,” Sam said. “Is it nice?”
“It's certainly different,” Maxine replied. She tucked her hair behind her ears and looked at the sprawling ranch in front of her. “Nothing like this. It's closed in and stuffy, and there's plenty of men in fancy suits carin' too much about what other people thing.”
Romance: Western Mail Order Bride Bethany's Love -Clean Christian Historical Romance (Western Mail Order Bride Short Shorties Series) Page 151
