A Temporary Family

by Sherri Shackelford

  “She told us you wanted a home,” Tilly said. “That’s all we needed to know.”

  “I can’t always do the chores real quick, but I can work longer if you need.” The boy’s lips quivered and Tilly’s heart melted. “If you’re going to send me back, I understand. They didn’t tell the last family about my arm, and they were real mad.”

  Tilly longed to reach out and hug the boy, but Nolan gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Watching the two, she held her breath.

  “We adopted you because we want you to be a part of our family,” Nolan said. “Not for chores.”

  The boy sniffled. “At the orphanage, they said I wouldn’t get a family because I’m not normal. Because of my arm, and all.”

  Nolan rested his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Who’s to say what’s normal? Around here, we think folks who are a little different are a lot special.”

  The boy’s face softened. “No fooling?”

  “No fooling,” Nolan said. “I’ll tell you something else.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m not perfect, either.”

  “Then you’re not disappointed with me?”

  “Nope,” Nolan replied, his voice husky with emotion. “We’re very happy with you. You answered our prayers.”

  “Then you’re keeping me? Forever?”

  “Forever.”

  The boy’s chin lifted a notch. His gaze flicked toward the train and back again. “Then let’s go quick, before you change your mind.”

  Tears pooled in Tilly’s eyes and she groped for Nolan’s hand. “Let’s go home.”

  Kevin didn’t believe in them, but he would, in time. Love had a way of bringing out the best in people.

  Nothing was ever perfect, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

  * * * * *

  Don’t miss these other PRAIRIE COURTSHIP stories from Sherri Shackelford:

  THE ENGAGEMENT BARGAIN

  THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL

  A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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  Keep reading for an excerpt from HER MOTHERHOOD WISH by Keli Gwyn.

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  Dear Reader,

  For this installment of the Prairie Courtship series, I decided to explore other areas of the Great Plains during an earlier time. In the years following the Civil War, trains and steamships opened the American frontier. I’m fascinated by the people who decided to settle such a harsh and unforgiving land.

  Nolan was a challenging character for me. I’m the exact opposite of him. I have an alarmingly easy time living in chaos. I organize my desk between each book, which means my desk is clean for precisely two days a year. Most of us, however, can relate to anxiety. We all find ways to feel as though we have some control over events swirling around us. Nolan and Tilly had both learned to manage their anxiety in solitude, but circumstances forced them to work together.

  I love connecting with readers and would enjoy hearing your thoughts on this story! If you’re interested in learning more about this book, or others I’ve written in the Prairie Courtships series, visit my website at SherriShackelford.com, or reach me at sherrishackelford @gmail.com, Facebook.com/SherriShackelfordAuthor, Twitter @smshackelford, or regular old snail mail: PO Box 116, Elkhorn, NE 68022.

  Thanks for reading!

  Sherri Shackelford

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  Her Motherhood Wish

  by Keli Gwyn

  Chapter One

  March 1875

  The sight of the golden-haired beauty stopped Chip Evans in his tracks. He hadn’t seen the lovely Miss Caroline Hunt since he’d returned to Placerville. But there she stood, shielded from the California sunshine by the hotel’s balcony as she rummaged in the beaded handbag dangling from her wrist.

  He drank in the vision with the eagerness of a man who’d been stranded in the desert for days. The Plan didn’t call for him to begin courting a lady for another three years, but a fellow couldn’t pass up the opportunity to feast his eyes on such a striking specimen of femininity, could he?

  Callie, as everyone called the petite woman with the smile as warm as a spring day, could have walked out of the pages of one of those fashion magazines at the mercantile. Her light pink gown, with its form-fitting bodice, hugged her in all the right places. The rosiness in her cheeks added a nice splash of color, drawing his attention to her exquisite features—clear blue eyes, a pert nose and petal-soft lips. Or so he imagined.

  He gave himself a mental kick. Although he’d welcome the opportunity to kiss Callie, he had no business thinking such a thing. Sure, she’d agreed to dine with him. Once. They’d enjoyed a delicious meal with delightful conversation, but that was the extent of it. Entertaining romantic notions could be a distraction and keep him from reaching his goals.

  Why he’d asked her to join him in the first place remained a mystery. One minute she’d been seeing to his order at the Blair Brothers Lumber Company, where she worked as a clerk, and the next he’d issued the invitation. Giving in to an impulse wasn’t like him.

  Callie snapped her reticule shut, spied him and started. She composed herself, lifted a gloved hand to shoulder level and gave a demure wave, appearing almost shy. Odd. The Callie he knew exuded confidence.

  Chip sauntered across the wide main street to the Cary House, his boot heels thudding against the hard-packed earth. He stepped onto the plank walkway and struck a casual pose, leaning against one of the pillars supporting the balcony overhead. “Where are you off to all fancied up like that?”

  She blinked in rapid succession. “Fancied up? If you intended to compliment me, that’s not the way
to go about it.”

  “No, but you look cute when you’re piqued.”

  “So you admit to intentionally irritating me?”

  He would admit to no such thing, even it was the truth. “I’d say you look stunning—” which she did “—but you’d probably accuse me of being too forward.”

  The hint of a smile lifted the corners of her mouth, but the irksome woman wouldn’t let it break free. Normally, she was easygoing. “Although I appreciate the thought, I’m unclear as to the reason behind your flattery. Was there something you wanted?”

  Since admitting the sincerity behind his compliment could be telling, he chose to answer her question instead. “You’re standing at the stagecoach stop, and you were smiling when I first saw you. It appears you’re going somewhere and are looking forward to your trip. Am I right?”

  She swept her gaze from his slouch hat to his boots and back again. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. I’m going to visit my brother.”

  “Is he still in Shingle Springs?”

  Her trademark smile burst forth in all its radiant glory. “You remembered.”

  “Of course.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just that...” She brushed the toe of her boot over a knothole in the walkway, the leather sole rasping over the rough pine.

  “Go on.”

  “I told you where my brother is living when you took me to lunch. That happened six months ago, and since you lef—” She winced, a slight gesture he might have missed, if he hadn’t been so focused on her every movement. “Since I wore your ears out that day, I’m surprised you were able to recall anything I said.”

  He remembered their conversation in detail. They’d started off talking about the lumber business but quickly moved on to more personal topics. They discovered that they’d both lost their parents during childhood.

  Unlike other women, Callie was easy to talk to. She might wear fancy dresses on occasion and carry herself with the bearing befitting a society lady, but she didn’t put on airs.

  “I’m headed to Shingle Springs, too. I have a job down that way. If you don’t mind riding in my wagon, you could go with me.”

  To her credit, she showed no outward sign of surprise at his abrupt change of subject, other than a brief pause. “I’d like that.”

  “Good. It’s parked behind Dr. Wright’s office. I’ve already filled my wagon with lumber, so we can set off right away.” He was tempted to offer Callie his arm, a gentlemanly courtesy he would normally think nothing of, but refrained.

  Although he would enjoy having her hand wrapped around his elbow, he wasn’t in the habit of strolling with a lovely lady. Since he’d asked her to lunch during the last week of September the previous fall, showing a lapse of judgment on his part, she might get the impression he’d taken an interest in her. He would keep things nice and friendly-like this time so there would be no misunderstanding.

  Chip swept an arm toward Coloma Street, opposite the hotel. “Shall we go?”

  They arrived at his wagon minutes later. She accepted his help climbing aboard, rewarding him with a friendly smile and simple thank-you.

  Perhaps his earlier concern was unfounded. She’d been pleasant company that day at the restaurant, but her reaction to seeing him today proved she hadn’t set her cap for him. The reception she’d given him the past July, when he’d taken second place in the horse race at Placerville’s Independence Day celebration, had indicated the same thing. The first-and third-place winners had each received a kiss from the ladies who presented their ribbons. All he’d gotten from Callie was a businesslike handshake.

  The springs of his new buckboard creaked as he climbed aboard. He no longer needed to rent one, thanks to having achieved the first of his two yearly goals, the other being the completion of his kitchen. With the hefty load he was carrying under the tarpaulin today, his recently acquired team of workhorses would earn their oats.

  He took his place on the bench seat, leaving a respectable distance between Callie and him, grabbed the reins and got underway. Her rigid posture and lips pressed firmly together gave him the impression she didn’t care for his company. “If you’re not comfortable riding with me, just say so.”

  She sent him a parlor-perfect smile, stiff and insincere. “It’s fine.”

  “Really? You look as relaxed as my thoroughbred before a race.”

  “How is Dusty?”

  “He’s doing well. I’d stop by my place and let you see for yourself, but we need to get underway. If you’re still willing to join me, that is.”

  “I am. I appreciate your offer.” She raised a delicately arched eyebrow. “I’m just not sure why you made it.”

  He chuckled. “Because we’re going to the same spot. Why else?”

  “Yes. Of course.” She faced front once again, as tense as before.

  His experience with his female customers had taught him that women didn’t always say what was on their minds. Perhaps if he helped out Callie, she’d give him a clue what she was thinking. “It’s not like you to be on edge. Is something wrong?”

  She fidgeted with her fan. “Since you asked...I didn’t think you cared for my company.”

  “What gave you that idea?” He enjoyed spending time with her, more than he should.

  “You left town so abruptly. We’d dined together just two weeks before, and yet you didn’t even tell me you were going away until the day you rode off.”

  A warning gong sounded inside his head. He hadn’t realized his departure would matter to her. The fact that it had proved his earlier decision not to offer his arm had been a wise one. Although Callie made a wonderful companion and possessed many of the qualities he would seek in a wife, he had three years to go before he would be ready to go courting. He wasn’t a cad, though. “I’m sorry. As my friend, you deserved to know. Can you forgive me?”

  The momentary drooping of her lovely lips followed by a genuine smile told him his message had been received. He’d accomplished his goal, so why did his chest feel so hollow?

  * * *

  Friend? Callie hadn’t known where things stood between them. Now she did. Chip hadn’t asked her to lunch because he harbored feelings for her. He’d made that clear when he’d failed to let her know he was leaving town until the last minute. His standoffishness earlier that morning when he hadn’t offered her his arm reinforced the message.

  A lady couldn’t help but hope a man as accomplished and attractive as Chip would take an interest in her, though, could she? She longed to marry and have a family. She’d wondered if the powerfully built carpenter with the broad brow, thick brown hair and adorable lopsided smile could be the answer to her prayers. The charming man was a bit too regimented for her liking, but he was hardworking, generous and oh, so handsome.

  She drew in a calming breath in an attempt to slow her racing heart. Why it had taken to thumping so wildly was beyond her. It wasn’t as though there was anything between them.

  Although Chip could be a mite exasperating at times, his engaging personality and ready laugh made him a delightful companion. Since she enjoyed his company and wasn’t likely to see much of him once she began her new job in Shingle Springs—provided she got it, of course—she would make the most of this unexpected opportunity to spend a few hours with him.

  Conversation flowed freely, just as it had when they’d shared a lunch all those months ago. He urged the horses into a slow trot, and the miles flew by.

  A familiar screech rent the air. Callie put a hand above her eyes to shield the sun and peered at the sky, where a large bird circled. “Just what I thought. It’s a red-tailed hawk.”

  “I didn’t know you watch birds.”

  “I don’t, but my brother does. Isaac can identify most species. It’s one of his many talents.”

  “You don’t talk ab
out any other brothers or sisters. Was it just the two of you?”

  She nodded. “Mama and Papa wanted more children, but that wasn’t to be. What about you? Did you come from a big family?”

  “Big enough. And noisy. There were four of us boys, although I’m the only one left. Alexander was the oldest. I was second in line. Jeremiah came next, and Montgomery was the caboose kid, as Pa used to say.” He gazed down the road, a sorrowful look in his eyes.

  “I’m so sorry.” Although she wanted to find out what had happened to his brothers, she couldn’t come up with a question that suited her.

  Chip sent her a too-bright smile. “It was a long time ago, but I have good memories.”

  She followed his lead, avoiding a subject he obviously didn’t want to dwell on. “You must have had a lot of fun together.”

  “That we did. I look forward to the day my home is filled with the joyful shouts and laughter of my children.” He cast her a quizzical glance. “What about you? Do you look forward to having a family one day?”

  She did, very much, but the question never failed to shake her sense of peace. Chip’s emphasis on the word my breathed life into fears she fought to suppress. Most men had a strong desire to father children of their own, just as most women dreamed of becoming mothers.

  But what would happen if a woman couldn’t bear children? The elderly doctor who’d treated her after the accident when she was a girl of six said she couldn’t.

  A muffled sob coming from behind a thick stand of manzanita bushes spared Callie the need to answer Chip’s question. “Did you hear that? It sounds like someone’s crying.”

  Not just someone. A child.

  Chip brought his wagon to a halt, jumped to the ground and looped the reins around a low-hanging branch of a scraggly oak. His team shifted restlessly, causing the heel chains on their harnesses to jangle. “It’s all right, fellows. I just need to have a look.”