Becoming a Family (Cutter's Creek Book 6)

by Annie Boone

  Jemma giggled. “You’re right, we are past that! Sorry to plow you down, though.”

  “I'm not sorry, Jemma. But I’ll step aside and let you be on your way. You look like you have a lot on your mind.”

  Now, all of Jemma’s thoughts and possibilities were jumbled with visions of Nick Jansen. She spoke out loud as she headed up to her rooms, “Enough of that, Jemma Braithewaite, you keep your mind where it needs to be.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jemma woke up the next morning knowing exactly what she needed to do. What she wanted to do. The first thing was to speak to the children. She needed to explain to them why she was changing their plans.

  “Tim, Delilah I need to talk to you.”

  Tim and Delilah looked up from their books and turned to their aunt.

  “Yes, Aunt Jemma,” they said at almost exactly the same time.

  “I’ve decided to extend our time in Cutter’s Creek.”

  “We get to stay? Are we going to live here forever?” Tim asked.

  “Yes, we are going to stay, but I’m not sure about the forever part. We're going to stay for at least a year. I'm going to teach at the school. It’s where you’ll be going in the fall, Tim. We’ll live together and make friends here and see how it all goes.”

  Little Delilah asked, “Are we going to go to the red chapel church?”

  “Yes, honey, we certainly are. It’s a lovely church isn’t it?”

  Nodding vigorously, Delilah said, “I like that church. They have good food.”

  Jemma thought for a moment about what her niece meant. Then it hit her. “Yes, the picnic was a great day. The fried chicken was delicious!”

  “I think I’ll like all the kids to play with,” Tim said.

  Jemma realized that while their life on the Lewiston farm had been happy with their mother and father, they were the only children on the farm and were lonely.”

  Jemma was so relieved at their exuberance of the decision to stay in Cutter’s Creek she almost forgot she needed to let her parents know.

  “Come along children we need to go send a telegram to Grandfather and Grandmother in Chicago.”

  “Will Grandmother and Grandfather come here to live with us?” Tim asked.

  Jemma had been preparing the children for what their life would look like with her and their grandparents in Chicago. She didn’t want to disappoint them, but it seemed that their plans were shifting.

  She told Tim honestly, “That would be wonderful, but I'm not sure if Grandfather will be able to travel. I'm sure as soon as he can they’ll come and visit us here.”

  Jemma stopped by the front desk to extend their stay one more time. Emil was working the front desk and he looked up with a smile on his face when he saw Jemma and the children.

  “Mr. Jansen, good morning. I wanted to let you know that we’ll be staying in Cutter’s Creek.”

  “I already know, Miss Jemma.”

  Jemma was shocked! How could he possibly know when she had only made the decision moments before?

  “Bonnie told me yesterday you’d be taking the new teaching position.”

  Jemma laughed lightly. “I guess Bonnie knows me better than I know myself.”

  “I can tell you I'm not the only one who is excited about the news,” Emil Jansen told the three.

  Nick walked in about that time and said, “Congratulations, Jemma! I’m so, so excited that you and these little tykes, will be staying in Cutter’s Creek.”

  Jemma smiled and blushed just a little at Nick’s excitement over the new plan. They had to hurry to get to the telegraph office to send the message to her parents.

  Tim said as they were leaving, “I don't like the way that man looks at you, Aunt Jemma. And he called me a little tyke. I’m not a baby.”

  “Why, Tim Braithewaite! I don't know what you're talking about! And he meant no harm at all by what he said to you,” Jemma tried to correct him.

  “He stares at you and my mama always told me staring was rude.”

  “Well, I'm sure Mr. Jansen doesn't mean anything by it, Tim,” Jemma assured him.

  Delilah chimed in with her brother’s sentiment saying, “Yes, I think he's rude.”

  “Delilah,” Jemma said in a steady voice. “You're being rude by saying things like that about an elder. Now, both of you just calm down.”

  When she and the children arrived at the telegraph office, Mr. Jones the postmaster had also already heard the news.

  “Congratulations on being our newest teacher at Cutter’s Creek Elementary School.”

  “Mr. Jones, how did you know?”

  “Bonnie Jansen was in this morning and told me herself. Can't tell you how happy I am to have you here. I have a girl and a boy in the grades you’re taking over and can't wait for them to learn from someone as fine as you, Miss Braithewaite.”

  Jemma blushed at the compliment. But it was indeed wonderful the people of Cutter’s Creek were accepting her as much as she was accepting them.

  She sent the telegram to her parents and explained a letter would be following soon with all the details. As they left the telegraph office, Nick Jansen pulled up in his plush carriage. I'm just heading out to the Hewitt farm, would you like to join me?”

  “Yes, yes, yes,” both the children said jumping up-and-down.

  Tim seemed to have forgotten his annoyance with Nick just earlier that morning and climbed on the front bench with him. This time he waited to be handed the reins which Nick gladly did with a wink and a nod to Jemma.

  “I guess now that you’ll be staying for a while you’ll need somewhere other than the inn to live?” Nick suggested.

  Jemma had begun to think about those details but had no idea where to start. If it were just her who needed shelter, the search would be easy. The children would complicate the search a bit.

  “Nick, would you know where we could find a safe and clean place? I would love to have a space with a little yard for the children to play in. If I can afford it, that is.”

  “I'm might just know the place. In fact, you probably know the place, as well.”

  Jemma raised an eyebrow. “Really? Where?”

  “That small white cottage at the main road as you turn down to go to the Hewitt farm is available. The miner who built it has moved on to follow the copper vein. I knew him when he stayed at the inn before he built his house. I know how to get in touch with him and he’d probably like someone living in it.”

  “That would be wonderful,” Jemma said, not even realizing to what she was agreeing to.

  “We can stop on our way out to the Hewitt farm and have a look,” Nick suggested.

  The children were all for the adventure. They had never had a choice of where they lived. They may not have a choice now, but at least they’d be involved in the process enough to make them feel like they did.

  Tim spoke up saying, “I need to look at it first, Aunt Jemma.”

  Jemma and Nick both chuckled at his impertinence. “I suppose he’s trying to be the man of the family,” Jemma whispered to Nick.

  As the children were running around chasing the butterflies in the front yard, Jemma told Nick, “I can't afford very much, Nick. I really hope this one will be in my budget.”

  “Of course, Jemma.” Nick replied.

  “I know what a teacher makes and just thought you might be interested in the space and the proximity to town. It is very affordable, or I would have never suggested it.”

  The cottage was a small, five-room house. It was made sturdily of hardwood and it was neatly white-washed. There were two windows in the front and a large back porch overlooking the yard.

  The kitchen was very basic, but the owner had left all of the necessary implements. There was a small bed in the main bedroom. Nick explained that there were extra beds at the inn, which he could bring down to set up as a bedroom in the smaller rooms for the children.

  There was a fireplace in the corner of the front room and a small wooden table that would b
e perfect for their small family of three.

  The yard was slightly overgrown, but it wouldn’t be difficult to get it cleared and manicured back into shape. The children already seemed to be enjoying the space to run around and were squealing with delight.

  Nick and Jemma stood on the back porch for a moment, their arms barely touching and watched the children circle the yard.

  “I know Tim makes it difficult sometimes, Nick. Please be patient with him. He’s had such a rough go of it.”

  Nick didn’t say anything. But let Jemma’s words soak in. Then he felt he had to respond. “I’ll be patient with them. I know they’ve gone through a terrible tragedy. It seems that they just don’t really like me, though. I get the feeling it’s got nothing to do with what they’ve been through, though.”

  “I know it seems that way, but can you please give them time?”

  “Of course. It’s just that I’m growing fond of you, Jemma. The children make it more and more difficult to spend time with you.”

  Jemma nodded slightly and said, “I’ll work on them. You just said you’re fond of me. That’s good information for me to have.”

  She looked at him and smiled. She’d have some thinking to do about this.

  Nick shook his head as he held back a laugh.

  “I think the cottage will be perfect if you could see to the details of contacting the miner. I’ll be glad to send him the first month’s rent.”

  “I know he’ll be pleased,” Nick said. “We can move you all in as soon as we clean it up a bit.”

  “Until you really get settled here, Jemma, know you can come to the inn for any meal and join me, and of course my parents, as our guests.”

  “That’s very kind of you, Nick,” Jemma said. “The children will certainly miss Cook's flapjacks in the morning.”

  “Yes! Those flapjacks win the love of many, many people in these parts,” Nick agreed.

  That night Jemma sat down at the desk in her hotel room after the children had gone to sleep and began to write the letter to her parents.

  Dear Mother and Father,

  I know you must be surprised at the change of my plans, once again. It seems that our family has had a lot of changes lately.

  I continue to pray every day, Father, for your complete and total healing.

  The children seem to love this place in Montana very much. I was concerned that bringing them from the vast countryside of Lewiston back to Chicago was going to be a shock to all of our systems. Especially Tim, as he seems to need so much space.

  It is mainly for the children that I’ve decided to stay in Cutter’s Creek for at least one year.

  I’ve gained employment with the primary school here. The schoolmistress is very excited about adding me to the growing faculty.

  Just today, I found a small cottage on the edge of town that’s close to the school, the chapel and not that far from the train station. It will be easy for the children and me to walk wherever we need to go.

  My friend, Janine, whom I wrote about in an earlier letter, is less than a mile down the road from the cottage. This gives me great comfort that friends are so near.

  Please, don’t be afraid or annoyed at my change of plans. I’ve thought about it and prayed over it. I believe it is the right time and place for the children and me.

  All my love,

  Jemma

  The next week flew by. The time was full of cleaning, arranging, and moving. Before Jemma knew it she and the children were settled in the cottage. Nick and his best friend Josh Garrett joined Thad Hewitt in seeing to the yard. The three men worked tirelessly to whip the overgrown yard into shape. Thad even used his plow to loosen the earth for a late summer vegetable garden for Jemma.

  Janine and Bonnie were wonderful and gave Jemma plenty of homey items to make the house warm and welcoming.

  Nick seemed to find any excuse to stop by the cottage and check on them. The children hardly seemed to notice with all the fun they were having exploring their new space. That left plenty of time for Jemma and Nick to sit on the back porch and talk.

  It was these small, short, and intimate conversations that continued to draw the couple together. Jemma began telling him about her life, her hopes, and her dreams. Nick shared the same with her. They were becoming more and more entwined with each other.

  “Jemma, you’re the most remarkable woman I’ve ever met,” Nick said late one afternoon.

  “Nick, you embarrass me with your flattery,” Jemma said shyly.

  “It isn’t flattery when it is the truth,” Nick assured her. “You are courageous and strong and resilient. I’ve seen many people come and go in this small town. And never have I met a woman or a man like you. I cannot tell you how I admire your willingness to give everything to those children. Even moving yourself so that they would have a more comfortable life.”

  Jemma turned to look deep into his eyes, and she saw more than admiration and a small smile touched the edge of her lips. Just then without thinking, Nick leaned forward and pressed his warm lips against hers.

  It was brief, but sweet and full of promise.

  Neither one of them realized Tim had turned toward the house at just that moment when they kissed.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Tell me all about it,” Janine encouraged Jemma. The ladies were making blueberry jam in Janine’s kitchen as the children played in the backyard. With her friend’s undeniable charm and encouragement, Jemma began to recount that beautiful kiss that happened on her back porch.

  “He comes by all the time,” Jemma told Janine.

  Janine squealed with delight and clapped her hands as she jumped up and down.

  “I knew it! I told Thad you two were meant to be together. He told me to mind my own business, but I knew the good Lord sees this the way I do. And look, He has brought you two together.”

  Jemma laughed at her friend’s proclamation. But she was beginning to think that she and Nick had more than a friendship, too. Jemma had never been kissed by a man before Nick. Surely that had to mean something.

  “Has he asked to begin courting you?” Janine asked.

  “No, we’ve been extra casual and careful since that kiss. It's almost as if we’re both afraid of saying anything. But he drops by the house or makes sure we run into each other in town at least two or three times a day.”

  “Good grief! That's more than I see Thad and we are married and live in the same house!” Janine chided.

  “Janine, do you think he would be interested in officially courting me?” Jemma asked boldly.

  “Well if you ask me, courting has already begun!” Janine said.

  That afternoon as the children were unloading the freshly made blueberry jam, Nick swung into the yard on his horse.

  “Jemma, may I speak with you privately for a moment?” Nick asked.

  Tim rolled his eyes and grabbed Delilah's hand. “We’ll get out of your way, then.” They walked into the house and into the backyard.

  “Of course, Nick,” Jemma said. “What is it? Is everything all right? You sound serious.”

  “Yes, Jemma, it's more than all right. I’ve been doing some thinking. I’d normally ask your father this question. But with him in Chicago, I figured I should find an alternate way to accomplish this. I’d like very much to court you. How do you feel about that?”

  “Oh, Nick, yes!” Jemma replied.

  He reached for her hand and Jemma thought he might kiss her again. Her eyes flutter closed.

  Just then Tim busted through the front door. “Aunt Jemma, Delilah dropped a jar of jam.”

  Jemma looked at Nick and shrugged. She shot him a smile and ran to clean up the mess. She knew she needed to hurry or more than her apron would be stained.

  Nick followed after her slowly and stuck his head into the kitchen. “I’ve an errand to run, so I’ll be off for now,” Nick said to excuse himself from the growing chaos.

  “Would you like to come back for dinner tonight, Nick?”

>   “That would be my pleasure, Jemma.” With that he hopped on the back of his horse and called over his shoulder, “See you later, kids.”

  Tim said under his breath, “Doesn't he know kids are baby goats. I’m a boy not a kid.” With that grumpy response, he stormed out the back door.

  Jemma noticed his grumpy response, but she was tied up for the moment getting blueberry jam splatter off of the walls and the floor. She made a mental note to talk to him later.

  Once it was official Jemma and Nick were courting, Nick was around as much as he could be. He suggested a Sunday picnic after church almost every weekend. It was the only way he could think to spend all afternoon with her.

  He promised to bring the huge picnic basket bursting with Cook’s delicious fried chicken and always a sweet treat for the children. Sometimes the Hewitt family joined them and the four adults would relax while the four children ran and played. It was perfect. It was very much the kind of life Jemma had always dreamed of.

  This Sunday, though, it was just Nick, Jemma, and the children. Nick turned the carriage back out of town.

  “I want to show you my favorite picnic spot in all of Cutter’s Creek.”

  “And we’d love to see this special place,” said Jemma with a big smile. She looked at the children and asked, “Wouldn’t we?”

  “I would, I would!” shouted Delilah.

  Tim nodded and never looked up to acknowledge the comments and basically rhetorical question. He was just along for the ride because he had no choice.

  Nick drove upriver. The road curved in and out of the rocky outcroppings. The river rushed by. Glimpses of the splendor of nature were all around them as they took it all in from the road.

  “A few more miles into the hills there and you'd reach the new copper mines.”

  “Have you been there, Mr. Jansen?” Tim asked enthusiastically. Hearing something that might be interesting perked him up.

  “Yes, I have, Tim. Many times.”

  “Could I go with you next time?”

  “Well, mines are no place for children. But maybe one day soon we’ll ride out there just to take a look around.”