He stood and kissed her cheek while everyone in the dining room clapped. He escorted her to the table where the children waited. She’d acquired a high chair for Tammie, so the fourth seat was available.
He held Merry’s chair. “I suppose we’ll have to change arrangements so we dine together.”
She smiled at him but he saw moisture gathered in her eyes. “That was nice of you, Blake. Thank you.”
Dora set a plate of food in front of Blake. “You’re our hero, and I’ll make sure you get the biggest dessert every meal from here on in.”
She also set a plate in front of Merry and Calvin. Blake didn’t know how she could carry plates lined up on her arm without dropping them.
Calvin offered the widest grin Blake had seen on the boy’s face. “Now we’ll be a real family.”
Merry patted her son’s arm. “Everything will work out now. I feel years younger than I did this morning.”
Blake wasn’t sure he did. He was relieved the drama with Merry and her three was taken care of. At the same time, he’d made a lifetime commitment at a period in his life when he needed to be unhampered by a family.
Add that to the fact his mother was moving here and he figured he was touched in the head. Observing the happiness on Merry’s face and that of Calvin and Abigail, he reckoned he could live with his decision. When his mind strayed to nights with the beautiful Merry, he wasn’t even tempted to go back on his word.
***
The following afternoon Blake hurried to the train station. He’d arranged with Yancey Cameron to show up for his mother’s trunk. He saw Yancey’s wagon parked as near the platform as he could get the horses and vehicle.
Blake shifted from one foot to the other as the train pulled up to the depot. He saw his flighty little sister step down from the train instead of helping their mother. He rushed forward as his mother appeared. At least Hector held her arm.
Leaning down, he kissed her cheek. “Ma, I’m so glad you’re here. How was your trip?”
“Lovely and very exciting. I’d never ridden the train, you know.”
He shook hands with his new relative. “Congratulation, Hector, and welcome to the family.”
Jessie put her hands on her hips. “I suppose you’re so mad at me you aren’t going to wish me well?”
“I’m plenty angry with you but I do wish you well.” In spite of his irritation, he kissed his sister’s cheek. “Ma will be better off here than in Jefferson.”
He signaled to Yancey. “Ma, this is Yancey Cameron and he’ll get your trunk if you give him your receipt.”
Yancey took charge of the claim ticket and the suitcases before he went for the trunk.
When Yancey had gone on his way, Blake offered his arm to his mother. “The boardinghouse is only a short ways. Do you feel well enough to walk?”
“I’m not an invalid, son. After sitting all this time, a short walk will be welcome.”
He strolled slowly and let his mother set the pace. “I have big news to tell you, Ma. Yesterday, I became engaged to Merry Bird, one of the owners of the boardinghouse. She has three children she adopted from the orphan train last month.”
His mother beamed at him. “I’m so happy for you. I can hardly wait to meet her and the children. How old are they?”
“No one knows for sure but as near as they can guess, Calvin is nine, Abigail is six, and Tammie is almost two. They’re looking forward to having a grandmother.”
Jessie swished ahead. “I guess that leaves you sitting pretty, doesn’t it? Now you own Uncle George’s law practice, all the money he left, and a boardinghouse.”
His mother said, “Jessie, there is no call to be spiteful, especially after Blake paid your and Hector’s way here.”
She huffed, “I just think Uncle George could have split his money among all of us instead of it all going to Blake.”
Hector tried put his arm around her waist but she stomped ahead. He turned back. “Sorry, Blake, Jessie don’t much like living with my parents. Mama insists she help with the housework and Jessie thought she’d be treated like a guest.”
Blake grimaced. “Frankly, Hector, there wasn’t much money left and I’ve reserved it for Ma’s care. Afraid you and your folks have a tough time cut out for you for the next few months. Reckon Jessie will grow up and settle down eventually.”
Hector stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I sure hope so. I love her and I figure she loves me but she sure is pig-headed.”
His mother said, “She’s spoiled rotten is the problem. You and I are partly to blame, son. Added to that is she got your father’s stubbornness.”
He gestured ahead. “There it is, Ma. The big yellow building up ahead is the boardinghouse. My office is at the front on the east end.”
“My, that is a lovely building and so large. How many people live there?”
He’d meant to ask but kept forgetting. “You know, I’m not sure. A couple of the men are traveling salesmen only there part of the time. I hope you like living there as much as I do.”
His sister stood at the entrance to the boardinghouse, arms crossed and tapping her foot.
Blake guided his mother up the walk. She stopped to look at the sign that said Davis Law Office. “Oh, there’s where George had his office and now it’s yours. Poor brother should have lived for years longer.”
“I’ll probably change the name someday. A Mr. Nevins is coming early next week to add my name below that wording.”
“Oh, yes, your name should be there.”
Merry opened the front door as they came up the steps. “Welcome to Mockingbird Flats Boardinghouse. I’m Merry Bird.”
His mother hugged her. “I’m so happy to hear the news of your engagement to my son.”
Blake introduced his sister and her husband.
Yancey came down the stairs. “All tucked in place, Mr. Woolf.”
Blake passed him his fee plus a bit extra. “Thank you.”
“Thank you.” Yancey shot out the door.
Merry took his mother’s arm. “Perhaps you’d like to refresh yourself in my room and wait until after supper to climb the stairs and see where you’ll live.”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll do that. Maybe having stairs to climb will strengthen my legs in the coming months.”
Blake doubted that. “Since Merry is taking care of you, Ma, I’ll show Jessie and Hector where they’ll be staying.” He headed for the stairs.
Jessie and Hector’s voices carried to him, her complaining and him placating her.
At the top of the stairs, Blake turned right and opened his door. “Here you are. This is my room and I’d appreciate it if you don’t mess about with my stuff.”
Hector eyed the bed and then Jessie longingly. “Where will you sleep?”
Blake fought to keep from rolling his eyes. Poor Hector couldn’t get Jessie alone in his room soon enough.
“On a cot in my office until after the wedding in two days. Thought we’d have the wedding while you two are here.”
His sister appeared mollified by the news. “That’s nice of you. I’m glad we’ll be able to attend. I hope what I brought to wear will be presentable enough.”
“I’m sure it will. You always look nice. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go see about Ma and make sure she doesn’t need anything from her room.”
Blake was happy to escape his petulant sister and her lustful husband. Poor Hector had no idea he would have to be tougher or be henpecked for the rest of his life. Downstairs, Blake knocked on the door of Merry’s suite.
She answered. “Come in. Your mother is having a cup of tea.”
He followed her while scanning his surroundings. This is where he’d be living in the future. He was met with soothing colors and comfortable appearing furnishings he could enjoy.
His mother sat in an upholstered chair with her feet on a hassock. She held a cup of tea with the saucer on the side table. Abigail leaned on the chair’s arm and Tammie sat on the floor.
Calvin actually smiled. “Your mother said we can call her Grandma.”
Ma said, “And what else would you call me, dear, when that’s what I’ll be? I’m pleased to have three lovely grandchildren right here where I can see you each day.”
Calvin stood in front of Blake. “Wanna see my room? It’s just mine and nobody else sleeps there.”
“Certainly.” Blake followed the boy who was soon to be his son.
Calvin opened the door and stood back. “See, I have my own toys. Clothes, too, but I put them away. Mama said ’fore long I can choose the colors for a new bed quilt and paper on the walls.”
Blake was impressed. “You keep it neat, that’s good.”
Abigail tugged on his hand. “Come see my room and Tammie’s.”
Blake let her lead him next door. He whispered, “I see your doll and the bear are asleep.”
She giggled. He picked her up and carried her back where his mother sat. He joined Merry on the couch with Abigail on his lap. Looking happier than he’d ever seen the boy, Calvin plopped on the floor and crossed his legs. Tammie climbed on Merry’s lap.
Ma’s eyes sparkled and she beamed at him. “I’m so happy to see you settled. Thank you for waiting until I could attend the ceremony. Seeing you wed means a lot to me.”
Merry glanced at him. “We’re glad you’ll be living here, too. We function like an extended family. Don’t let Mrs. Adams or Miss Cross intimidate you. They’re really good-hearted but they take getting used to.”
Ma chuckled. “That does sound like a family. One or two always need a little more attention.”
He nodded. “How many people actually live here, Merry? I’ve never counted.”
She smiled and gestured at Ma. “Including your mother, the staff, children, residents, and those who are only here part of the time, there are twenty-seven of us. We often have to turn away people who want to live here but I’m not sure we could manage many more even if we had more rooms.”
He laid his arm on the couch behind Merry’s shoulders. “Appears to work well. I’ve heard no complaints. The men I’ve been eating with tell me you’ve improved their lives since you and Polly came.”
“How nice to hear they said so. True we’ve made improvements as we’re able. We’re cautious in case something changes.”
The gong’s loud clang reverberated through the air.
His mother almost dropped her cup. “What was that?” Fortunately she’d finished her tea so nothing spilled.
Merry rose and took the china from his mother. “I should have warned you. Elvira Koch, our cook, rings the gong to call us to supper. It’s just outside this room so it’s loud. Has to be for those on the third floor to hear.”
His mother got to her feet and brushed at her skirts. “Startled me is all because I wasn’t expecting it. I’m sure I’ll get used to it.”
Calvin stepped forward. “Grandma, I can show you where we sit.”
Merry glanced at Blake. “We can scoot two tables together so there’s room for everyone in the family.”
They filed into the dining room. At least Jessie had lost her petulant expression. Blake remembered her as a sweet child. Had she always been so selfish and he only noticed since he’d been away from her for a few weeks?
Chapter Fifteen
When his mother was ready to retire, Blake escorted her to her room with Merry leading the way. Jessie followed him but Hector turned off and went to his room. Blake had to admit he was curious about where Ma would be living.
By the time they reached the top of the two sets of stairs, his mother had slowed considerably and pressed a hand on her lower abdomen.
“You all right, Ma?”
“Fine, son.” But she wasn’t convincing.
How would she be able to do this several times every day? He would like to believe her legs would strengthen but he couldn’t. Someone would have to escort her and even then, as now, she’d have difficulty.
When they reached the third floor hallway, his mother heaved a sigh. Merry opened the door to a room and stood back for them to enter.
Ma stopped in the doorway. “Oh, how lovely and what a nice large size.” She sank onto the armchair by the window and peered at her surroundings.
The walls had cabbage roses in various shades on a blue background. The rug went to within a foot or so of the walls. A blue quilt covered the bed. The furniture was golden oak and included a four poster bed, washstand, armoire, night table, and chest as well as the chair and lamp table.
Merry poured Ma a glass of water from the pitcher. “When one of the suites becomes available, you can move into that. The Randalls are saving to buy a home so their stay here is temporary.”
“This is lovely, Merry. I couldn’t ask for a nicer room.”
Merry appeared worried. “Your windows overlook the back yard. I do hope the sound of the children playing won’t disturb you.”
Ma laughed. “The sound of children having fun has always been music to my ears.”
Jessie looked around. “I wish we had a room this nice at Hector’s. Ours is tiny compared to this.”
Ma shook her finger at Jessie. “Jessie Evans, don’t you go looking down your nose at what your husband provides for you. You chose him and his parents’ home. They could have refused to let you live with them and then you and Hector would be in trouble. Be grateful Mr. and Mrs. Evans have accepted you into their family.”
Jessie gaped at her. “Ma?”
“You heard me. Now you go on to Hector and quit complaining.”
His sister looked as if their mother had slapped her. She puckered up to cry but he guided her out the door.
“Enjoy your trip while you can, Jessie. Tomorrow you can look around town. The wedding is day after that and then the next day you’ll head home.”
She sent him a sly glance. “Maybe Hector and I could live here instead of on the farm.”
He shook his head. “Don’t think you can mooch off Ma or me. You’ve made your choice, now live with the result. Hector deserves your loyalty and support. He also deserves more respect from you and less complaining.” He swatted her rear and aimed her at the stairs.
She had tears in her eyes when she glanced back at him but she was silent. His sister letting someone else have the last word was new.
Back in his mother’s room, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Ma, I’ll let you get settled and see you in the morning. You rest easy.”
Ma smiled but he could tell she was overly tired. “Goodnight, son. Goodnight, Merry.”
When they reached the parlor, Mr. Ecclestone was coming in the front door with his briefcase in his hand.
“I’ve had a busy but satisfying day. I met with the Bushnells, the Canups, and the Zimmermans about the children they’re adopting. All nice families and the children have settled in and appear happy and well treated.”
Merry straightened her spine. “Reverend Jones guarded the front door of the church while the children were being selected. He wouldn’t have let an unsatisfactory couple take children.”
Mr. Ecclestone peered at her over his spectacles. “I see. Well, tomorrow I’ll check some rural families. Goodnight.”
After the man had gone upstairs, Merry laid a hand on Blake’s arm. “I think we should pool our funds and build on to this suite for your mother. Those stairs were difficult for her and will only become more so over the years.”
“An excellent idea. Are you certain you wouldn’t mind?”
“I’ve sketched it out in my mind, a large room with a sitting area. We can talk about the details later.”
“Thank you, Merry, for being so considerate. I don’t want you to think I’m a mama’s boy who’ll pander to her and neglect you. Far from it, but I’m the eldest and feel responsible for her welfare.”
“That’s to your credit. She appears to be a delightful person. I’m looking forward to finally having a real mother.”
“That’s a kind thing to say.” Blake kissed
Merry goodnight.
Having her in his arms ignited base urges he’d thought he could control. He was no better than Hector for he longed to take Merry to bed this minute.
He had intended the kiss to be a gentle goodnight. When his mouth covered hers, blood pounded and his body came alive. Any doubts he’d had about this union fled in the knowledge that this beautiful, intelligent woman would soon be his wife. His to hold and caress to their hearts’ content.
***
The next morning Merry was busy in preparation for the wedding that would happen the following day. She cleared out half of the storage in her room to allow for Blake’s things. The thought of sharing a bed with him sent mixed ripples through her body.
Warm tingles reminded her of the astonishing goodnight kiss they’d shared. She’d wanted the kiss to go on and on forever. Knowing he’d be sharing her body created heat that pooled in her lower abdomen yet also generated wariness.
Yesterday when they were on the couch in her suite—soon to be their suite of rooms—Blake’s arm along her shoulders had been reassuring, supportive. She thought again of his kiss and her fingers went to her lips.
Of course she knew the basic facts of coupling. After all, she’d grown up on a farm where animals were occasionally bred. Cattle mating had appeared painful and brutal for the cow. Was that how it was with people?
Who could she ask? Bea Quentin had married Steve Upton only last week but she’d never get a chance to talk to her alone at the confectionary shop. Sue Travis or Eunice Randall might talk to her about coming together with a man.
In the meantime, she had to get her dress chosen and pressed as well as clothes ready for her children. Suddenly, she thought she’d swoon. She trusted Blake but the thought of placing her life in his control set her heart racing and her head spinning. She dropped onto a chair before she could fall.
Abigail ran to her. “What’s wrong, Mama? Are you sick like Evie gets?”
With cheer she didn’t feel, she smiled at her daughter. “I’m fine, dear. I was making a list in my head of all we have to do today and tomorrow to get ready for us marrying your new Papa.”
Orphan Train Brides Page 8
