by DiAnn Mills
Once he closed the door behind him, she laughed. She must find a way to handle the situation with Mr. Barton. Because Zack had her heart tied up in a pretty bow.
*****
Miss Scott read the twins a story about Sam Houston and how he’d helped form the state of Texas. When she finished, she asked Curly and Charlie questions pertaining to what they’d heard. The children were bright, and they had been listening.
“Very well done,” Miss Scott said. “I have paper and colors here. Would you like to make your poppy a Thanksgiving picture and sign your name?”
“Yes, ma’am,” the two said.
The dining room grew silent, and Chloe stepped in to greet Miss Scott. The woman rose from her chair and walked into the adjoining parlor where the two women sat down. Miss Scott could look directly into the dining room at her two charges.
“How are they doing?” Chloe said.
“Progressing nicely, but I knew they would. Those two could not have survived on the streets of New York City unless they were quite intelligent.” Her shoulders lifted and fell, and she took Chloe’s hand into hers. “If I were but a few years younger, I’d board a train for New York and adopt an orphan or two myself.”
“Why not?” Chloe whispered. “You’ve been a mother to so many of us. Perhaps now is the time for a child to call you ‘Mother.’”
The woman pressed her lips. “I’ve been thinking about it a great deal. I even discussed it with Simeon last Sunday afternoon.”
They are keeping company. “I’m sure he encouraged you.”
Miss Scott nodded and blushed. “He is a fine man, and we do get along famously.” She smiled. “And what about you and Zack?”
Chloe really needed to talk to a woman. “Our friendship is blossoming.”
“That’s obvious.”
“The problem is Mr. Barton is also interested. The situation is becoming a bit discomfiting.”
“Some women would be delighted with your problem, but I know you well enough to see this disturbs you.”
Chloe nodded and adjusted her posture on the sofa. For a moment, she feared a tear or two might escape.
“Have you told Mr. Barton that you prefer Zack’s company?”
“I have in a very nice manner, but he doesn’t seem to be the type to take no for an answer. From what Zack has said, Mr. Barton talked to Zack about me.”
Miss Scott shuddered. “Oh dear. Did they behave as gentlemen?”
“I think so, but it makes me angry that I’m discussed like I don’t have a choice in the matter.”
Miss Scott leaned in closer. “One more reason why we women need our rights.”
“I’m inclined to agree. Anyway, as you could well imagine, Mr. Barton could be demanding of my time if he so chose.”
Miss Scott swallowed hard, as though the truth hurt her more deeply than she cared to admit. She craned her neck to observe the twins. “Simply conduct yourself as a lady. No matter what those men say and do, you keep your head up and follow your heart. Thank goodness Eli is not bothering you anymore. I still feel bad about his improper advances.”
“Zack told me Eli’s father abused him.”
Miss Scott frowned. “He did—repeatedly. I have decided not to desert my brother in hopes he will someday see the error of his ways. If you remember correctly, his wife passed on about the same time as your mother.”
“Neither of our fathers did well after their wives’ deaths. Perhaps if I had known about Eli’s life at home, I could have been more sympathetic.”
“I don’t think it would have changed a thing. Wherever Eli is, my prayer is he’ll find peace for his soul. I think he plans to join the army. He mentioned it a few times, and it would give him the discipline he needs.” She patted Chloe’s hand still clasped in hers. “Enough of this gloom. You are a beautiful young woman, Chloe, and I’m sad for the unhappiness in your growing-up years. But God will bring peace and joy to your days, and I think it will happen with Zack and his children.”
Chloe smiled. She hoped so, too.
“I have an entirely different topic to discuss with you,” Miss Scott said. “We’ve known each other for a long time, and I don’t want you to feel embarrassed about this.”
Chloe gave her a curious glance.
“Child, you have one dress to your name. As always at this time of year, I have collected several clothing items. There are a few items that would fit you nicely.”
She opened her mouth to object.
“You need them for your job and to look suitable with Zack.”
Miss Scott had spoken correctly. Often her dress and undergarments were wet when she crawled into them the next day.
“I see you agree with me,” Miss Scott went on. “I’ll bring them by discreetly next Monday when I return the twins. Zack and I have decided to skip tutoring this Friday.”
“Thank you.” Humiliation burned at her cheeks.
“Nonsense.” Miss Scott reached over and kissed her cheek. “You give far too much of yourself not to accept something in return.” She glanced into the dining room and told the twins, “When you are finished with your paper and crayons, you can go outside if you like.”
“Yes, ma’am,” they chorused.
Chloe watched them scurry from their chairs, scoot them back under the table, and hurry to the kitchen, which led outside. For the next several minutes, the two women chatted about everything from the upcoming holidays to church news.
In the midst of a discussion about the school’s Christmas program, Simeon shouted at Curly and Charlie. Instantly, both women were on their feet and hurrying to the kitchen.
“You two should be ashamed of yourself,” Simeon said.
Hissing and screaming met Chloe’s ears. She made her way to the back door in time to see two cats with their tails tied together, scratching and clawing at each other.
“Why ever did you do such a thing?” Chloe peered into the faces of first Curly and then Charlie.
“Sorry,” Charlie said. “We wanted to see what they’d do.”
With a broom in his hand, Simeon burst through the door to the fighting cats. “Chloe, see if you can separate them while I untie the rope on their tails.”
Mercy! What would Zack say about this mischief?
Chapter 14
Chloe glanced around the long table at Morgan and Casey Andrews’s home. Seated around it were people who loved one another. She tingled all over simply to be included with these respected people. Their home reflected elegance yet warmth. Above her head glistened a chandelier that reminded her of a thousand twinkling lights. Zack’s hand wrapped firmly around hers as Brother Whitworth began the Thanksgiving prayer.
“Father, here we are together another year. We’re another year older, and we pray another year closer to You. I thank You for my fine family and the love so freely given in our midst. Your blessings are many, and we thank You for all of them. It’s been a long time since so many of us were gathered together at Thanksgiving. It’s a feast of love for sure. Bless this food, we pray, and help us never to forget what Your Son did for us at the cross and His resurrection that gives us life. In Christ Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Zack squeezed her hand lightly before he released it.
“The newest members of the family deserve the first slice of turkey,” Brother Whitworth said. “Master Curly and Miss Charlie, what do you want, white meat or dark?”
“We don’t know, Grandpa,” Curly said. “We ain’t, I mean, we’ve never eaten turkey before.” He peered around Zack to where Charlie sat beside Chloe. “What do we pick?”
“Let Poppy decide,” the little girl said with her typical seriousness. “He’s good at things like that.”
Laughter filled the room.
“Hey, Poppy,” Doc Grant said. “I hope you’re not teaching those children your bad manners. I remember seeing you take a few trips to the woodshed in your younger days.”
“Poppy doesn’t have bad manners,” Charlie said. “He’s t
he best. You should hear how nice he talks to Miss Chloe.”
More laughter echoed around the room. Chloe offered a smile even as her face grew warm. What else could she do? Maybe the hardships in my life were to help Zack with the twins.
*****
Zack leaned against the corral fence beside his uncles Morgan and Grant, admiring Morgan’s quarter horses. For the past ten years, Uncle Morgan and Aunt Casey had concentrated on raising thoroughbreds, and the results of their efforts now grazed in the pasture. Zack enjoyed ranching life, but he was destined to be a newspaper man.
“I have the adoption papers completed,” Morgan said. “They just need your signature before I post them. Got them with me in the house, so don’t forget to sign them today. The judge in New York might require you to finalize it there. We’ll have to wait on his decision.”
“I hope he approves the paperwork and forgets about that part. The idea of another train ride with the twins makes my stomach churn like butter. The journey here made a believer out of me.”
Morgan laughed. “Looks like you’re doing a fine job with the two. But it’s all up to the judge. I drafted a good letter and attached the four other recommendation letters to it. He might accept those. Then again, he might want visible proof that Curly and Charlie are well taken care of.”
“Miss Scott and Hank read me their letters, and I’m assuming the ones from Dad and Uncle Grant state I’m a responsible father.” Zack grinned. “As long as none of them recount my boyhood pranks. Sometimes when Curly and Charlie get into mischief, I think God is getting even.”
“Ah, I heard about the cats.”
Zack blew out an exasperated sigh. “I wanted to string them by their heels, but I maintained my composure.”
“What did you do?”
“I confined them to their room for two days after school. I know I was not that bad.”
“If that’s the case, you don’t stand a chance of running a successful newspaper, because you tried the patience of all of us.”
“Miss Scott threatened to tell the judge about the time I stole her clothes from her clothesline and strung them up in the school yard tree.”
“Best you stay on all of our good sides until the twins are officially yours. Right now you have the recommendations of the town’s doctor, lawyer, preacher, and teacher.”
“Sounds like free newspapers for a long while.”
Morgan nodded. “I like the paper’s new look. The ads are more modern. Makes a person look twice, which I guess is what the business owners want. My ‘Morgan Andrews, Attorney at Law’ needs a little work, too.”
“How about a ‘painless lawyer’?” Zack grinned. Two could play their teasing game. “A fellow could walk out of a courtroom holding a penny.”
“It does sound like one of Morgan’s clients,” Grant said.
“You two are asking for it. When you least suspect it, I’ll get even.” Morgan tipped his hat. “I’ll get my lovely wife and a pair of six shooters to handle matters outside of court.”
“I think the lawyer in town has got us, Zack.” Grant punched his brother in the shoulder.
“Some days I feel like I’m on trial with my ‘newfangled’ ideas,” Zack said. “But I appreciate all that everyone’s doing for the paper. I’ve done a bit of bartering for the ads, too. The blacksmith replaced a bad wheel on the wagon for a larger ad, and the town’s tailor gave me a good price on a suit.”
“I heard the paper’s graduating to a daily.” Morgan whistled for a mare.
“Very soon. I want the Frontier Press to incorporate news from around the community and the world. The fighting in China needs to be reported here on a daily basis, as well as the problems in Italy. I’ve said this to so many people that I can’t back down.”
“About time. I like my Houston Post, but I have to wait on it. Who knows? I might see one of those ads for an automobile and decide I need to have one.” Morgan reached out to the mare and patted her neck.
Grant plopped a hand on his older brother’s shoulder. “I heard you already had.”
Morgan pushed back his hat. “Almost. I’m still pondering it. The last time an automobile drove through town, I decided to buy one. But the longer time passes, the more I put it off.”
“I think you’re getting too old to ride a horse.” Grant deepened his hold on Morgan’s shoulder. “Arthritis. Out of shape. Squeaky voice.”
“You’re not that far behind me, little brother. And I don’t have any of those symptoms.”
“When’s the last time you broke a horse?” Grant laughed. “Last I heard, the hands were doing all the work.”
“I’ll match you ride for ride any day.” Morgan narrowed his eyes. “Make sure Jenny has all of her nursin’ skills down so she can take care of you.”
Zack listened to his uncles’ banter. They’d teased and sputtered ever since he could remember. Zack’s generation had heard the stories about how the two men had taken on outlaws and made sure the ones who survived stayed locked up. The town and the surrounding countryside were safer because his uncles weren’t afraid to stand up for what was right. Morgan and Grant Andrews were no men to rile, and Zack was pleased to be a member of the family. The Kahlers were fine, upstanding folks too. They’d founded the town. Between his mother’s and father’s families, his twins had good people to look up to. A worthy heritage for Curly and Charlie.
“Did you pick out one of Henry Ford’s finest for yourself before leaving New York?” Grant stood on the other side of Zack.
“Not at all. I don’t like the noise and all the cranking. Besides, I knew I was coming back here. But after delivering all those papers last Saturday, an automobile is looking better and better.”
“As good as that pretty little lady you have hanging on your arm everywhere I look?” Morgan wore a lazy smile.
Here it comes. “Very funny. She’s a friend. And she’s helping me with the twins.”
“How neighborly.” Grant leaned in to the fence and patted the mare’s neck. “By the time I realized that Jenny was a friend, I’d already fallen in love with her. She had me right in the palm of her hand. The rest is history.”
“Casey and I were a little different,” Morgan said. “Hard to say no to a lady outlaw who could outshoot me any day of the week.”
Zack continued to listen to his aging uncles talk about their sweet wives while gray streaked their hair and a paunch extended over their belts. Mama and her brothers were an odd set. Hard to believe Aunt Casey had really been an outlaw, and she could still hit a target better than anyone in the county. Aunt Jenny was a very proper lady from Ohio, except for an occasional outburst of temper. Mama might be small, but she’d take on the whole town if she believed she was right, and her aim wasn’t bad, either. Zack’s father had been a sheriff, but after his death, Mama had fallen in love with a preacher from the Ozarks—Brother Whitworth.
His thoughts crept back to Thanksgiving dinner with Chloe. Lovely failed to describe her. He could have feasted on her dark eyes and glowing peach skin. Her wide smile made him hot and cold at the same time. Obviously his uncles detected something more than friendship, but did Chloe share in the same feelings? After he’d made her mad about his talk with Jacob Barton, he decided to be as gentlemanly as possible.
“Zack, where are you?” Grant said.
He swung his attention back to his uncles, who were having a good time at his expense. “I didn’t hear you.”
Grant laughed much too long. “We figured as such. We remember how a pretty girl can capture your attention and hold it until you think you’ll go insane. Ah, love can squeeze the life out of you.”
Were his feelings so transparent? “What did you say? I’m listening now. My mind must have been on the newspaper.”
“If you think I believe that, I’d best be prescribing something that brings out the truth in a man.” Grant nudged Zack’s shoulder. “I asked when you were planning to bring the twins in for a checkup.”
Zack cringed.
He should have taken care of a health examination the moment he arrived in Kahlerville. Miss Scott had suggested it, too. “I’m sorry. Time gets away from me, and I understand that’s no excuse.”
“Bring them in before dinner tomorrow evening. They look healthy, but let’s be sure. They’re a little pale, but the Irish usually are. What’s their last name?”
“Sullivan. When the adoption is final, I’ll put Sullivan as Curly’s middle name. Not sure about Charlie yet. Perhaps after her mother—Maureen. Actually, their given names are Carlin and Caitlain. Got their nicknames on the streets.”
Zack caught a glimpse of the twins playing with Stuart near the barn. At least they were in sight and not ready to pull a crazy stunt like they had at his parents’ ranch. That escapade nearly got them killed and gave him a heart attack. His gaze lingered on the house. He wondered what the women were talking about. It amazed him the many topics that appealed to women and how they all had something to say. Before he went to New York, women-talk between Mama and Lydia Anne nearly wore him out. Sure glad Chloe was quiet.
*****
“So how long have you and Zack been seeing each other?” Zack’s pert Aunt Jenny Andrews smiled and raised a dainty cup to her lips. “I can see he’s quite fond of you.”
Strange, Chloe hadn’t detected those feelings, just an interest. And she didn’t want to read anything into his actions and words that would cause her pain later. “I think you must be mistaken. I work at the boardinghouse where he and the children live. At times I’ve been privileged to help him with Curly and Charlie.” Her voice trembled a little, and she smoothed the skirt of her worn blue dress.
Bonnie Whitworth set her cup on a small round table. “I believe he is as smitten with you as he is with the twins.”
A hopeful thought, but Chloe dare not believe a word of it. If she dwelled on her feelings for Zack, he might learn of them. He’d said they were friends working on a possible closer relationship, and he’d admitted to being jealous over Mr. Barton. Still, she needed to be cautious or risk a broken heart.
“Leave the poor girl alone,” Casey Andrews said, her auburn hair picking up the light from the parlor window. “If she and Zack want to keep their romance a secret, then we’ll all act surprised when we hear the announcement.”
