Mail Order Pearl (Widows, Brides, and Secret Babies #12)

by Cheryl Wright

  Maude began to cry, and Pearl stood. “You stay,” he said gently. “I’ll bring her here.” Pearl’s eyes followed him as he left the room. Whatever happened in the next half few minutes would determine her future.

  The crying stopped, and she envisioned Alex with Maude on his shoulder. He would make a wonderful father, that much was already apparent. Maude had taken to him very quickly, and so had Pearl.

  He didn’t have to deliver her baby. He could have left her stranded and gone for help, but knowing it was too late, he’d stayed.

  She was so glad he did.

  She swallowed the emotion that was threatening to overtake her. Far too much had happened in the last twenty-four hours, and she didn’t know how to process it.

  When he returned to the sitting room, she outstretched her arms for her baby. “She’s happy for the moment. Let’s not disturb her,” he said quietly. He was right of course, but Pearl was feeling protective toward her little girl, as a mother should.

  She nodded her acceptance, and he continued to rub the baby’s back as he sat down again.

  He glanced across at her. “The question is,” he said, his voice low. “What do we do now?”

  She licked her dry lips and tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come out.

  Alex frowned at her. “Pearl?” he said softly, and she turned her head away. She hated that she’d done this to him. It was eating her up inside.

  “I, I am not going to make you marry me,” she said, a lump in her throat. “Maude is not your daughter, and it’s not your responsibility to look after her. Or me.”

  She quickly stood and took the baby from him, leaving him to stare after her.

  Chapter Five

  WHAT JUST HAPPENED? Alex was stunned and stayed where he was for a full three minutes. Did she no longer want to marry him? He shook his head.

  The original plan was for them to marry. Did she think because she now had a baby, he didn’t want her? That was so far from the truth it wasn’t funny. Perhaps because of what they’d been through together, the three of them, he felt a connection.

  He couldn’t be certain, but right now, he felt something for those two. It wasn’t pity; he knew that much. It was a really strong connection, like they all belonged together. He prayed Pearl was not going to leave him – he wasn’t sure he could cope with that. Not after everything they’d been through together.

  He felt hollow inside, almost like someone close to him had died and he couldn’t process it. He had no plan other than to marry Pearl and become Maude’s father. There was no real reason not to do either. Was there?

  His decision made, Alex stood, then went to the window and stared out again. He loved this place. Everyone was willing to help everyone else.

  Did Pearl think she would be treated like an outcast here? That was far from the truth, he was convinced of it. And now he would tell her so.

  As he turned away, he saw movement out the corner of his eye. He wasn’t sure whether to hide or leap with joy, but Mrs Baker was heading for his cottage.

  He opened the door before she had the chance to even knock. “Good morning, Mrs Baker,” he said, a note of desperation in his voice. Could she be the solution to his problem? Could this dear old biddy convince Pearl to marry him?

  “Yes, yes, good morning, Sheriff,” she said impatiently. “Where is the little angel? You know I adore babies.”

  He couldn’t help but grin. “Take a seat, and I’ll see if she’s awake.” He indicated the sitting room, then disappeared down the hallway.

  He put his head around the door to find Pearl sitting on the edge of the bed, Maude in her arms. It was obvious she’d been crying – her eyes were red and puffy, and her nose was red too. Alex sat down beside her and put his arm around her shoulders.

  “Don’t cry,” he said gently. “We’ll work it out, I promise.”

  She glanced across at him. “I don’t think we can.”

  Tears welled in her eyes again, and he brushed her tears away with his thumb. “You have a visitor,” he said. “Mrs Baker has come to visit with you and Maude. I’ll take her while you clean yourself up.”

  She managed a small smile, then headed toward the bathroom. He glanced down at Maude. Could she be his daughter? It already felt like she was.

  She was a dear little thing, and he felt such a connection with her, it would break his heart if either of them left. The only thing pacifying him right now was they had nowhere else to go.

  He wandered out to the sitting room where Mrs Baker was waiting patiently. “She’s asleep,” he said quietly, and Mrs Baker nodded. She reached out her hands, and he reluctantly handed the baby over. He knew she was in no danger with the older lady, but he felt suddenly protective of her.

  “She’s beautiful.” If he didn’t know better, he’d think tears were forming in her eyes. Mrs Baker was known for being a strong woman, but she also had a softness about her.

  Maude hiccupped and Alex reached for her. He put her to his shoulder where she seemed most comfortable. Almost at the same time, Pearl entered the room. She looked far better now, but it was still apparent she’d been crying. Mrs Baker stared at her momentarily.

  “Congratulations, my dear,” Mrs Baker said. “I heard you had a hard time of it.”

  “How did you...” Pearl’s words hung in the air.

  She glanced across at Alex. “Word travels fast in a place like this,” he said gently. He indicated for everyone to sit down.

  “So when you are you two getting married?” Mrs Baker was never backward in coming forward. Usually it amused Alex, but not today.

  “I don’t know if we are,” Pearl said.

  Alex spoke at the same time. “Today, if the preacher can manage it.”

  The older woman glanced from one to the other. Pearl looked embarrassed.

  “You need a father for your baby,” Mrs Baker said matter-of-factly.

  “She has a father, but he died,” Pearl said defiantly, then swallowed hard.

  He glanced at her and frowned. “She needs a father who is alive,” he said firmly. “I can be her father. I brought her into this world, after all,” he said. “And brought her back to life when she wasn’t breathing.”

  He glanced between the two women. Mrs Baker sat open mouthed, and Pearl glared at him. “I didn’t need reminding of that,” she said gruffly.

  She looked ready to burst into tears. “Sorry, that was insensitive,” he said, wanting to take his words back.

  “It was,” she said quietly.

  “Perhaps I should leave you two alone,” Mrs Baker said, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “Whatever you decide, I’m sure Preacher Devon will accommodate you.” She stood and glanced at the baby again, then left without another word.

  “Pearl,” Alex said quietly, not wanting to get her hackles up again. “Marry me and I’ll provide for both you and Maude.” She stared at him but didn’t utter a single word. “I already have feelings for you both, and I want to look after you.”

  Maude grunted and he looked into her face. She was turning red. “What’s wrong with the baby?” he asked, suddenly alarmed.

  “She’s filling her diaper,” Pearl said.

  “Oh. As I was saying...we can get married today, then you know you’ll both be secure and well looked after.”

  “I don’t know...”

  “Good grief,” he said, a foul smell suddenly permeating the air. Pearl grinned. “You go change her, and when you come back, give me your decision. Alright?”

  She nodded. Not really a commitment, but more a promise to think about his proposition. Well, it was really a proposal, but he didn’t think she saw it that way.

  He handed the baby over, and they left the room. No one told him babies could cause such a repulsive odor.

  IT WAS DONE.

  Preacher Devon had kindly come to the house to marry them. Pearl was in no position to go to the manse or the church in her condition. Mrs Baker had come along as a witness, and she’d broug
ht Doc Spencer’s wife along as another witness.

  It was far too much for Pearl – she looked totally exhausted. He settled her down after everyone had left, then went out to the barn. Poor Jasper had been neglected. “Hello boy,” Alex told him, then filled his feed trough. “Have I got a surprise for you.” He chuckled to himself as he filled Jasper’s water.

  He reached for the horse’s brush, and gave him a good grooming, satisfied his partner wasn’t going to suffer over everything that had happened since they’d arrived home.

  Now he felt comfortable going to the Mercantile.

  He strolled along the boardwalk toward his destination and pondered the last twenty-four hours. This time yesterday he was snoozing on the edge of a creek without a care on his mind. How did he get here?

  He shook himself mentally. He wasn’t too upset with the turn of events, and now he needed to concentrate on buying supplies for Maude.

  Both Cecil and his wife Hannah were in the Mercantile, which worked out well for Alex. He knew little of babies or their needs.

  “Good afternoon, Sheriff,” Cecil said. “What can I do for you today.”

  Alex could tell he wanted to say more but held back. No doubt he’d heard about Pearl and the baby. “Howdy Cecil, Hannah. I need some baby supplies, but not sure what I need.”

  He glanced into the main part of the store but couldn’t see anything of interest.

  “That’s more Hannah’s department,” Cecil said with a grin, “So I’ll leave you to her.” He glanced down at their daughter who was happily playing in the enclosure Cecil had made in a corner of the store. She was contained but could see her parents, as well as play to her heart’s content.

  “What do you need, Sheriff?” Hannah was a fine-looking woman, polite, and always helpful. Being a mother herself was helpful.

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Honestly, I don’t know.”

  Hannah stared at him momentarily. “What do you have, if it’s not too impolite to ask?”

  Alex didn’t have to think. “Some clothes, one blanket and a few diapers I made out of a towel as a matter of urgency after the baby was born last night.” He sighed. “She’s sleeping in a drawer right now.” It sounded worse when he said the words out loud.

  Hannah’s eyes opened wide. “Oh my. Follow me.” She took him to a corner of the store dedicated to infant supplies. “We don’t carry a lot of items for babies because most people order ahead. We have a cradle – you’ll need that for certain.” She pointed to another part of the corner. “There are diapers and muslin wraps over there, and some gentle soaps you’ll need to bath a baby.”

  Alex glanced around. Where should he start?

  “Oh, and you’ll need a bucket for the soiled diapers.”

  “I’ll take the cradle for certain. Does it come with a mattress? Give me two dozen diapers, two muslin wraps and some of that soap. Anything else I should get?”

  “Do you have soft towels? You can’t use rough towels on babies.”

  “I tell you what Hannah – you put together whatever you think I need. Some more nightgowns and booties would be good too. She doesn’t have much of anything.”

  “Leave it with me,” Hannah said, not even blinking an eye. “Cecil will help you take the cradle home, then you can come back for the other items later.”

  A weight seemed to lift from his shoulders at her words. “I’d best take some of those diapers with me,” he said. “We’re almost out. I had no idea babies went through so many diapers.” He shook his head. “Thank you, Hannah,” he said genuinely. “I really do appreciate your help.”

  Cecil arrived and they carried the cradle out the door together. He didn’t say a word until they’d left the store. “The child will change your life, you know,” Cecil told him. “When Hannah arrived with a baby, I was ready to send her back.”

  “There was no sending this one back,” Alex said, chuckling. “She was forcing her way into this world whether I wanted her to or not.”

  Cecil laughed along with him. “That so? Well, you won’t regret it.”

  Alex nodded and they continued on it silence. It wasn’t far to his house, so that was good. Not that the cradle was heavy, it was just awkward.

  He would need to set it up in the spare room. He went over in his mind how he would move the current furniture around to fit it in.

  He opened the door, and they maneuvered the cradle through the front door and down the hallway. There was no sign of Pearl, so he figured she was still asleep. It would be a nice surprise for her when she awoke.

  “Do you have a minute to spare while I move this bed across?” Cecil agreed. “I apologize. I didn’t think you would have one of these in stock.”

  “Let me help. Many hands make light work, as they say.” He’d not had a lot of interaction with Cecil, but he’d always been friendly and helpful.

  “I appreciate it.” They moved the bed across, then set about moving the cradle into the room. “All done. Thank you.”

  Alex checked on Pearl, who was still sound asleep, and the two men went back to the Mercantile together. “Rosie is getting big,” Alex said making conversation. It had been some months since Hannah and Rosie had arrived in Grand Falls.

  “She really is. It won’t be long, and we’ll wonder where the years went.” He stared at Alex. “Appreciate the time you have with Maude, because they grow up before we know it.”

  He was sure Cecil was right, but at this very moment, he wanted to ensure he had everything he needed to keep Maude safe and warm.

  When they arrived back at the store, Hannah had a bundle of items waiting for him. “I’ve given you the basics here – towels, bibs, knitted booties and mittens, undershirts, diaper pins, something for diaper rash, and some muslin wraps. Oh, and some nightgowns.”

  He flicked through the items. “Is that everything I’ll need?”

  Hannah closed her eyes tight, trying to think. “Some soakers for the diapers would be good, and a tub to bath the baby. It depends on how much you want to spend.”

  “Whatever it takes. If you have those in stock, I’ll take them now. If not, can you order them for me?”

  “We have them,” Hannah said. “Give me a moment.” She went out to the storeroom and collected the tub. “I’ll just grab the soakers, and you’re done.”

  Cecil had almost finished adding all the items onto Alex’s account by the time she returned. “Do you need a hand carrying those? I don’t mind coming back with you,” he said.

  Alex lifted the tub, checking the weight. Everything had been placed inside it. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, but thanks for the offer,” he said.

  Cecil finished up the account, and Alex was soon on his way. He was quickly discovering babies were expensive, but Maude was worth it.

  He moved quietly into the house not wanting to disturb Pearl and Maude. He laid everything out on the spare bed, which for now would have to double as a makeshift table. The tub would have to go into the bathroom, but he would leave it here for now so Pearl could assess her supplies and decide if she needed anything else.

  Right on cue, Maude began to wail. That in turn woke Pearl, who staggered out of the bedroom carrying the baby. “She’s wet through and we’re out of diapers.”

  “Not anymore,” he said gently. “I picked up a few supplies at the Mercantile. If there’s anything missing, let me know and I’ll organize it.”

  He indicated for her to step into the spare room. He watched her surprised expression and felt relief. He was terrified she’d be upset at him shopping without her there. But the truth was, Pearl was not in a situation to go shopping right now.

  She turned to face him. “Oh Alex,” she said, looking close to tears. “This is wonderful. You are wonderful.” She moved closer and hugged him, still holding the baby. Warmth shot through him.

  He was caught off-guard by her next words. “Maude is not even your daughter,” she said quietly.”

  He felt a small burst of annoyance, but he underst
ood what she meant. “She is now,” he said. “Just as you are my wife. We will be a happy family. Just give it time.”

  She nodded, and Alex felt relieved. His hope was they could be a happy family. Perhaps they would add to their brood as time went on. That was, if Pearl wanted that too.

  As he lay a clean towel on the bed ready to change Maude, he wondered how long it would take for her to come around to his kind of thinking.

  Chapter Six

  SUPPER WAS A QUIET affair. Maude was sleeping, and Pearl felt far more refreshed tonight than she had this morning.

  Alex had let her sleep, and it had made a huge difference. She’d had no idea giving birth would take so much out of her.

  Her new husband was a quiet sort of chap, but as she was learning, he was thoughtful, and very loving toward Maude.

  “Mrs Baker made supper for us,” Alex told her, indicating the beef stew in the center of the table.

  “That was very kind of her,” Pearl said, reaching for a warm bread roll.

  He reached across and covered her hand with his own. “She’s a kind person,” he said.

  She glanced down at his hand covering hers and pulled her hand away from the zing that went through it. “Just because we’re married,” she began. “Doesn’t mean we should act like a married couple.” Pearl still wasn’t sure how she felt about marrying him, especially since it was only to give Pearl and her daughter stability and respectability.

  The more she thought about it, the more she realized being a widow meant she would not have been taunted over her daughter’s birth. But it was too late now.

  Pearl always thought she would marry for love. So far, her life was a total wreck and she had no idea who she could trust. Including her new husband.

  “I know the last couple of days have been very overwhelming, but for Maude’s sake, we need to be like a real family.” He sounded hurt, and if she was honest, his words shocked her. At this point in time, Pearl wasn’t sure what she wanted. She’d married him because everyone told her it was the best thing to do for the baby. But what about her?