by Lynn Landes
“It’s all right, dove, you are safe,” she promises and when his wife looks up, he recognizes the fierce protective look in her eyes, and he grins.
“I always wanted a daughter.”
Chapter 15
Ryder Foster walks into the kitchen and inhales the scents of home. “Something smells amazing,” he teases the family cook. “Is that a new scent, Mrs. Perry?” he asks her, and she blushes and shoves him.
“Oh, get on with ya,” she pats her white hair and points at him. “I saved a treat for you,” she blushes in delight when he kisses her cheek.
“You’re a gem, I’m starved.”
Ryder grabs a sugar cookie and chews on it, groaning in delight. “Perfection as always,” he says as he pushes through the door into the hallway. He can hear his father’s laughter and his mother’s response, but the next sound has him frowning.
“Saint get off her for goodness sake,” Loren says with exasperation painting her voice.
“It’s okay Miss Loren, I like him,” a childish voice says.
Ryder walks into the room and his light brown eyes trail around the room, landing on his Mother, pulling Saint off what he thinks is a little girl. Dressed like a boy, but with the most gorgeous head of dark hair he’s ever seen. “Son, you're just in time for dinner,” Loren says, pulling Saint away.
“Saint, come,” Ryder snaps and instantly the dog trots over and sits next to him leaning against his legs.
“Thank you.” Loren stands up and watches the way Erin makes her way to Donovan to sit next to him as though seeking his protection. Wary blue eyes watch the man staring at her. A gentle hand grips her shoulder, and Erin relaxes. Loren falls in love with her husband all over again. Thirty years has not diminished her feelings for him.
“Son, I’d like you to meet Erin,” Loren smiles, “Erin this is our son, Ryder Foster.”
“It’s nice to meet you Erin,” Ryder says, and he walks over to the chair next to the couch and sits, snapping his fingers, Saint rushes over to his side.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Foster,” Erin mumbles and drops her eyes.
Saint whines, and Ryder raises an eyebrow. “Just call me Ryder,” he says and points at his dog. “What’s gotten into Saint?”
“He doesn’t like to be away from Erin,” Donovan explains.
“I don’t think I understand,” Ryder says.
“Erin and I need to clean up for dinner,” Loren offers a hand and Saint whines as Erin walks over and grips Loren’s hand.
“It’s okay, Saint,” Erin whispers, “I’ll be right back.”
Saint paces and whines, ignoring Ryder’s snap, and Donovan grins. “I think you’ve been replaced.”
“What’s going on, Dad?” Ryder asks.
“It’s a long story, Son, but your Mother and I have decided to adopt him, I mean her,” Donovan grins and quickly tells him the story of the orphan train.
“You adopted a child who tried to rob you?” he shouts!
“Don’t be ridiculous. She didn’t try to rob me, but she did pick pocket me. I didn’t understand until I went to look at the time.” Donovan laughs softly.
“What in the world are you thinking?” Ryder snaps at him when his father laughs.
“I know the plans I have for you,” Donovan starts to quote the Bible, but Ryder leans forward to interrupt him.
“Dad, you can’t possibly know anything about this child. What if someone is looking for her? Mom’s heart will be broken when they show up to reclaim her.”
“God never brings us to pain without a purpose, Ryder. I believe that I was put on that train for a reason, and Erin is that reason. I will continue to pray for the Lord’s guidance and in the meantime, we will protect her.”
“What makes you think she needs protecting?” Ryder asks with a frown.
“Just a feeling.”
***
Ryder watches Erin through dinner. Her manners are impeccable. She’s respectful, well-spoken and thoughtful. This is no ordinary orphan.
“Erin, do you like to read?” he asks.
“Yes, Mr. Ryder, but I’m not very good yet.” She sips her water.
“Where are you from?”
“Pennsylvania,” she smiles and sets her glass on the table.
“Where in Pennsylvania?”
Erin doesn’t respond, instead she looks at Donovan and Loren, but they seem to want to know the answer.
“Can you tell us why you are dressed as a boy and used a fake name on the train?” Ryder asks.
Erin’s eyes fill with tears and she pushes her plate away with a trembling hand. “I don’t feel so good. May I be excused?” she asks hoarsely.
“Not yet,” Ryder says.
Donovan glares at him, “That’s enough, Son, Erin’s had a long journey and she’s exhausted. We have time to ask questions and get to know each other.”
“I agree.” Loren says, “How about a nice warm bath, Erin and perhaps tomorrow we can do some shopping for some clothes?”
“That sounds nice,” Erin sniffs.
Loren smiles and guides her from the dining room down the hall past the family room. Erin stops walking suddenly and gasps. “You have a piano?”
“Yes, I learned when I was little,” Loren says and watches the way Erin’s eyes light up.
“I used to play,” Erin says and drops Loren’s hand to walk over to the wooden upright piano.
“Would you like to play?” Loren sits on the bench and pats it.
“Yes, please,” Erin climbs up next to her and touches the keys reverently.
Erin closes her eyes and plays, and Loren is stunned. This child doesn’t bang on the keys, she’s musically gifted! Tears fill her eyes at the emotion displayed through the music. Ryder and Donovan follow the music to the family room and watch in stunned silence as she plays.
When the last chord fades away, Erin opens her eyes, “Thank you. I miss playing.”
“You can play anytime you want,” Loren replies softly.
“Tell me again, where she’s from?” Ryder demands after his mother guides her from the room.
Mrs. Perry offers to help, and they show Erin the running water in the new bathtub.
“I will ask my daughter to loan us some clothes. My granddaughter is older than little Erin, she might have something that will fit,” Mrs. Perry offers.
“That would be wonderful. Also, put it to the congregation. We will be keeping her home tomorrow. I think it’s too soon to take her to church. I will take her shopping next week.” They fill the tub while Erin plays hide-n-seek with Saint in the bedroom.
“Everywhere I go, he finds me,” Erin giggles.
Loren runs to her room and returns with a bottle of vanilla-scented oil. “Erin, would you like to use this oil?” she asks and lets her smell it.
“Ooh,” her big blue eyes are wide with wonder. “I love that,” she whispers.
“I can show you how to make it,” Loren offers and drops a small amount into the water.
“You made it?” Erin pulls off her socks and pants, leaving the shirt on just as Mrs. Perry returns with towels and shampoo.
Both women freeze and stare at her leg. It’s obviously a fresh burn with pink rippled skin on her calf and yellowed bruising. Loren has to struggle to fight back tears.
“I’ve never made soap, that will be fun,” Saint sniffs her and Erin giggles pushing him away.
“Erin, what happened to your leg?” Loren asks softly.
Erin freezes and looks at them, wide, haunted eyes fill with pain. She pauses, dare she trust them? Saint nudges her, and she leans into him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
“It was a fire. It took my Mommy and Daddy to heaven. I tried to run, but the boards fell on me. The doctor said I was lucky.”
“Does it still hurt, lamb?” Mrs. Perry asks hoarsely.
“Sometimes it hurts to walk, but it doesn’t burn anymore.” She glances at the tub, “Can I get in now?”
“Let�
��s get you in,” Loren pulls off her shirt and helps Erin into the water.
“I’ll be downstairs if you need me,” Mrs. Perry rushes from the room with the dirty clothes and wipes at her eyes.
“That’s so nice,” Erin floats in the water and giggles when Saint lays his head over the tub and tries to drink the water. Loren scrubs the child’s hair and rinses her clean, shoving at the dog.
“No, Saint, that’s not a treat,” Loren laughs and shoves the dog aside.
***
Ryder decides that Monday morning he’s going to do some research on the Orphan trains. Donovan laughs softly when he hears Loren and Erin squeal, and Saint comes thundering down the stairs with the front half of his body covered in water.
“Decided to take a bath boy?” Ryder chuckles and grabs a towel to clean up the floor while his Dad drags the dog to the porch to dry off.
Thirty minutes later, Loren walks into the living room and Donovan turns with a smile. Her blonde hair is disheveled, and she attempts to smooth it, but gives up. Donavon watches his wife, noting the trembling hands and watery eyes. “What’s wrong?”
Loren doesn’t try to stop her tears, “Oh, Donovan, Erin lost her family in a fire. She has a burn on her leg that needs to be looked at.”
“What?” Ryder leans forward and grips the edge of his chair.
“A fire?” Donovan pulls his wife into his arms as she weeps for all Erin has been through.
“That’s what she said,” Loren sniffs. “She fell asleep so quickly and Saint is staying with her. I think he makes her feel safe.”
“Did she give you any more details?” Ryder asks.
“No, I didn’t want to upset her,” Loren sniffs and wipes her eyes with a handkerchief.
“I want you both to listen to me,” Ryder leans forward intently. “She came to you dressed as a boy, after losing her family in a fire. Something doesn’t add up.”
“I don’t care,” Loren snaps at him. “Erin needs us and if she’s in trouble, then we will help her.”
“Mom, I don’t want to see you end up with a broken heart.”
“I appreciate that you want to protect me, but Ryder, I’m not the one who needs your help.” She points at him, “You’re a lawyer for goodness sakes, do your job! Help make sure that no one can take her away from us!”
“Perfectly said,” Donovan replies.
Ryder sighs. “The truth is that adoption laws are vague. Without a proven guardian, you have the right to keep her. I’ll ride back to town in the morning after church. I can get started right away. I’ll be back as soon as I have some information.”
Chapter 16
Saint whines in Ryder’s room, “She’s fine, boy.” Saint ignores him and pads over to the door to scratch.
Ryder hears the child’s cries before he opens the door. “Stay!” he snaps at the dog and runs to her room.
The door creaks open and Ryder glances at the bed. Erin is missing. Saint pushes inside and pads over to the bed and drops to the floor, whining. He tries to reach her, but he’s too big.
“Erin, it’s Ryder and Saint. Come out. You’re safe,” he pleads lighting a lantern he sits down on the floor and pulls the dog back.
Erin’s cries continue, and Saint whines and tries to push under the bed. “Okay, if you won’t come out, we’re going to come to you,” he teases and lies on his belly next to the dog. They stare at her, and Ryder’s heart breaks.
She is facing the wall, curled up on her side, weeping.
“It’s okay, Erin, we’ll stay until you feel like coming out. You don’t have to be alone,” he promises.
Erin rolls over on her side and scrubs at her eyes. “You look silly,” she sniffs.
“What’s going to look silly is this big horse of a dog pushing your bed in the air to get to you,” Ryder teases and Saint whines and tries to push under the bed, causing it to lift, shocking them both.
“I don’t think he should do that,” she whispers.
“I can’t stop him. He’s worried about you. If you come out, I’ll let him stay in here with you all night.” Ryder promises and reaches a hand to her.
“I was sleeping when the bad man came,” she whispers, and her blue eyes reflect her terror.
“He’s not here, sweets. We’ll keep you safe,” Ryder promises. Erin’s cold hand grips his, and his heart falls. “It’s going to be okay,” he promises and tugs her from the bed, while Saint jumps up and whines. The moment she breaks free, Saint bathes her in kisses and soon has her giggling.
Ryder is forced to pull her into his side and shove Saint back. “Down,” he says firmly and Saint sighs, before going over to her bed and leaping up on it. “I’m sorry, he really likes you.”
Ryder grabs a blanket and wraps it around her shoulders before sitting her in a chair next to the fireplace. He adds a second log, and soon the room is warming up again.
“Mr. Ryder, if Tony gave me his seat will the bad man be mad at him?” she sniffs back tears.
Donovan and Loren listen in the hallway, drawn by the noise.
“I don’t understand, Erin. Tony gave you his seat on what?” He sits on the floor next to the fire, to be close to the child.
“On the orphan train. He said the bad man would be looking for a girl, not a boy, and he gave me his seat. Will he hurt him like he did my Mommy and Daddy?” Her tears start to flow again, and she is trembling again.
“Did you see someone hurt your parents, Erin?” he asks softly.
“Yes,” she answers hoarsely. “Mr. Orson came at night, and they were having a drink in the sitting room. I wasn’t supposed to be awake. He said Jordan agreed to marry him and he told my Daddy that they should celebrate being a family.”
Ryder lets her talk, hoping that she will give him enough detail to find out about her family.
“Then what?”
“They drank the wine and Mommy fell first.” Erin sniffs and stares into the fire with large eyes, “Then Daddy.”
“What did you do, sweets?” Ryder asks.
“I ran and hid under my bed. The smoke made me sick and something fell on my bed and hurt my leg. It burned!” she starts sobbing and rocking.
Ryder lifts her into his arms and sits in the chair, rocking her and murmuring until she falls asleep, too exhausted to fight it.
“It’s okay, Erin, there’s no one here to hurt you. No one’s going to hurt you ever again,” he promises.
Loren weeps in Donovan’s arms and he nods in agreement with his son.
“Never again.”
Chapter 17
“Are you sure you won’t go to church with us?” Felecia asks.
“I’m not ready, yet, but you should go.” Jordan walks outside with her and smiles, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m going to rest. Maybe walk in the gardens, it’s warm for October. I want to enjoy the weather before the first snow.”
“I understand, maybe next week we can all go together,” Felecia hugs her quickly and rushes back to the waiting carriage.
Shutting the door, she locks it before walking through the empty house and into the family room. The sun calls to her, and she steps out the back door, pulling her wrap tightly around her shoulders.
Johan knew she loved to garden. He often fussed at her for caring more about her flowers than their business, but he never understood that they brought her peace. Being able to cultivate, grow and share what you love with others gave her joy. She frowns when she realizes the condition of her precious flower beds. Weeds have crept in, and her flowers are dropping the last of their colorful petals. Grabbing the basket next to the door, she moves to the nearest bed to work. Ripping quickly, she pulls and tosses them into the basket at her knees.
A noise and flash of movement has her jumping back in fear. “What in the world?” she peers into the flower bush and sees a dark shape huddled in the back against the house.
“Who is there? Come out this instant before I call for the police!” Jordan hears a sniff before the ch
ild pokes his head through.
“Please don’t do that, Miss Jordy,” Tony calls.
“Tony?” she gasps.
“Shhh,” he whimpers, “they’ll hear you.” Tony pushes further back into the bushes and refuses to come all the way out. His terrified dark eyes flick all around the garden and it confuses Jordan.
“Who will hear? I thought you were going on the Orphan train?” she whispers to him. Tony ducks back inside the bushes and refuses to answer her.
“Tony, I’m home alone. Come inside, where we can talk.”
Tony glances around once more before climbing from the bush and rushing inside the sitting room off the garden, not bothering to wait for her.
Jordan drops her basket on the outdoor table and follows him. Tony is trembling against the wall, and she can see the fear.
“Let’s get you warmed up.” She guides him to a chair next to the fire. “Sit,” she wraps a blanket around his shoulders and squats down to look at him. “What’s going on, how long have you been hiding in my garden?”
“I can’t tell you…” his dark brown eyes are wild with fear and he jumps when a knock sounds on the front door. She stops him before he can run.
“Stay here, I’ll get rid of them,” she hurries from the sitting room down the hall and into the entry. Tony rushes into the garden and back to his hiding spot.
Jordan straightens her dress and opens the door, only to stare in surprise. “Mr. Barnaby, what can I do for you?” she asks.
“Aren’t you going to invite me inside?” Orson looks past her into the entry.
“I’m sorry, but I’m home alone and it isn’t appropriate,” Orson pushes past her, not caring when she shouts in outrage.
“What are you doing?” she demands.
“We need to talk, Jordan. Have you signed the papers yet?” He marches to the kitchen and looks around. Jordan slams the door and follows him.
“No. We are meeting Monday morning at my office,” she snaps. “I don’t understand what this is about?” she stammers when he whirls and marches out of the kitchen, down the hall and into the office. He glances around, finding it empty he turns with a smile.