Michael joined him on the step. “I’d like to try and help.”
“What could someone like you do?”
“Someone like me?” He gave a wary lift of his brow.
Andy drew a breath and as he expelled it, he knew he wasn’t going to hold back. “You have everything a man could want. A beautiful wife and daughter, a son, and another child about to arrive any day. Ma worships the ground you walk on. You’ve made the farm a rousing success, even better than Pa ever did.” He gave a mocking laugh. “What could you do to help me? You can’t even understand me. Everything you touch turns to gold. Everything I touch is ruined.”
Silence hung between them for a moment. Then Michael’s chest rose and fell with a heavy breath. “I do have a wonderful family. And I thank God for them. And Ma’s happy in our home. She was a big help to me after Sarah died and Aimee was a baby. But she gives me whatfor on a regular basis. And as for me having everything a man could want, it seems to me you do, too.”
Andy started to rebut the statement, but stopped himself short of doing just that. How could he tell Michael that his marriage was a sham, that his stepchildren weren’t his to raise, that his socalled wife slept as far away from him as she possibly could, although they’d finally agreed to share the bed—for sleeping only.
“You don’t think you have a good life, Andy? Are you so ungrateful that you can’t thank God for blessing you with a wonderful family?”
Disgust laced Michael’s voice. But Andy was used to that. Used to disappointing his brother. Everyone, in fact. His entire life had been a disappointment. Until Yellow Bird came into it, then everything changed. Her love had made him a success. She loved him for the man he was and never once did he see that disappointment in her eyes. “You don’t know everything, Michael.”
“I guess not. But I know a man in love when I see one. I can also see that something’s not right between you and Hope. But I don’t suppose that’s anyone’s business but yours.”
Andy stared. A man in love? He gave an inward laugh. A gleeful laugh at how wrong Michael was. Hope was a good woman, but he wasn’t in love with her by any means. A frown puckered his brow as he thought for a second. “What do you mean you know a man in love? What am I doing?”
Michael chuckled. “You don’t know?”
Andy glared. “Would I have asked?”
“A man doesn’t work to build a home with such detail unless he loves the woman he’s building it for. He doesn’t work night and day to build nice furniture as a surprise.”
“Any man would.”
“You wouldn’t.”
Andy’s ears warmed at the candid response. He couldn’t blame his brother, really. The man Michael knew five years ago had never known the love of a woman. Had never held his dead baby in his hands. Hadn’t lain in the gutter waiting to die. The Andy he’d known didn’t exist anymore.
“I suppose you’re right.”
Michael grinned. “That was a little too easy.”
Andy shrugged. He wouldn’t deny loving Hope. Why intentionally shame a good woman? They’d all figure it out soon enough. After the spring thaw when he left. He’d decided to join up with another wagon train and offer his services as scout.
He was just about ready to suggest heading back to Michael’s cabin when the sound of horse’s hooves thundered toward them.
“It’s Greg,” Andy said, more to himself than Michael. “Something’s wrong.”
The boy reached them before they could speculate. He reined in the bay mare and took two gulping breaths.
“Take it easy, son,” Andy said, grabbing the bridle. “What’s wrong?”
“Miss Star.”
Michael stepped forward. “Is she. . . ?”
Greg nodded and Michael ran to his horse. He untethered the black gelding and rode off at breakneck speed.
“Miss Star’s having her baby, huh?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You want to see the cabin?”
“Shouldn’t we get back?”
Andy chuckled. “I don’t think they need us there. As a matter of fact, I can almost guarantee you that they’ll run us out of there as soon as we get there.”
Gregory gave a sheepish grin.
Andy clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on. I’ll show you, but you have to keep quiet about it. It’s a surprise for your ma.”
“Sure, Pa. . .”
Andy stopped dead in his tracks. He turned and stared at Greg.
The boy’s face glowed red. “I’m sorry. It just came out, naturally. I didn’t mean to.”
Swallowing past a sudden lump in his throat, Andy fought the pleasure he’d received at hearing the unfamiliar title. He liked it. Too much.
Leveling a gaze at the boy, he could see the dread in Greg’s face. Still, it had to be said. “You know how things are between your mother and me.”
“Yeah,” the boy muttered. “I just thought maybe things were different since we got to Oregon.”
Instinctively, Andy knew he meant since he was sharing a room with Hope, but he didn’t pursue the topic. Some things weren’t suitable for a boy Greg’s age.
“I think highly of her. And a finer woman I’ve never met.”
“She’s pretty, too.” Greg glared at him, daring him to deny it. Andy almost chuckled to see a hint of the old Greg. He supposed he could bring out the worst in anyone.
“This isn’t about how pretty she is. This is about our arrangement.”
“You haven’t told your family the truth.”
“They’ll know soon enough.”
“When you leave, you mean?”
“Yes.”
“Will your ma want us to stop calling her Grammy?”
“My leaving won’t change anything for you, Greg. I married your ma legally. Nothing is going to change that either. Grammy is still your Grammy. Michael and Hank are still going to be your uncles.”
“But you won’t be our pa.” The bitter edge in the boy’s tone cut into Andy’s conscience.
“Believe me, having those two as uncles is a lot better than having me as a pa.”
“No one’s a better pa than you.”
The blade twisted inside Andy. He reached out and ruffled Greg’s hair, which he now had to cut to keep shoulder length like Andy’s. “If things were different, I’d be proud for a son like you.”
“What things have to be different? Why can’t you just stay? I know ma wishes you would.”
Andy eyed the boy sharply. “Did she tell you that?”
“No. But I can tell she’s taken a shine to you.” His face grew red and Andy elbowed him.
“Ah, what do you know about women?”
Greg shrugged. “I know my ma.”
“Maybe you do. But in this instance I think you’re seeing what you want to see rather than what’s actually there. Now, come on and let me show you the cabin.”
Greg’s nod was anything but enthusiastic.
Between Greg and Michael and God, Andy knew he was in for a long winter.
❧
Hope paced in front of the fire and tried to keep Michael calm. Two days and still no baby.
Andy had finally admitted that the cabin was ready and had taken all the children there to wait out the labor. But before he left, he’d wandered about the cabin whitefaced, and Hope knew he was reliving Yellow Bird’s death delivering their baby.
Miss Hannah sat with Star. Hope stayed in the front room, trying to keep Michael occupied.
Michael dropped his head into his hands. “Why didn’t I insist on finding a doctor by now?”
Hope went to him and knelt on the floor by his chair. Should she put her hand on his arm? The thought of touching a man who didn’t belong to her in such an intimate manner made her stomach churn. When he started to cry, she pushed aside her modesty and placed an arm about his shoulders. “Shh. Michael, it’ll be all right.”
“She needs a doctor.”
“Sometimes babies take awhile. Having a doct
or here probably wouldn’t make a difference at this point.”
The door opened, bringing a gust of wind. Hope’s pulse sped up at the sight of Andy. “I came to do chores,” he said.
“Thanks.” Michael’s voice was muffled by his hands.
Andy beckoned her with the swoop of his hand. Hope accompanied him to the porch. “How is she?”
Tears sprang to Hope’s eyes. “Getting weak. It’s been too long.”
“It’s just like Yellow Bird.”
“No, it isn’t.”
Tears shimmered in his eyes as he looked at her. “It feels like I’m living it all over again.”
“Well, you’re not, Andy.” Hope’s voice was sharper than she’d intended, but frustration and weariness dulled her sensitivity and bluntness took charge of her tongue. “This isn’t about your wife and baby. This is about your brother and the fact that his wife may very well die if the baby doesn’t come soon.”
Tears slipped down Andy’s cheek and soaked into his threedayold beard.
Compassion replaced irritation, and Hope took him into her arms. He pressed his face into the curve of her neck and sobbed. Hope stroked his hair, running her fingers through the tresses.
“Shh, Andy. We have to pray. Remember when Greg took cholera? God did a miracle. We just have to pray for a miracle. That’s all.”
Grabbing her tighter, as though afraid she might try to pull away, Andy spoke into her ear. “But will He listen to someone like me?”
“You said only God could have led you to where the Indians had me that day. He heard your prayer then. Let’s both pray.”
Andy nodded against her shoulder. “God, please make the baby come.” He barely uttered the words when sobs overtook him once more.
Tingles traveled up Hope’s spine like butterfly wings against her skin.
“God,” she whispered, suddenly shy. “The twins asked for miracles, and You gave several during the trail. And then when Greg was sick, You made him well when all the others died.” Andy shuddered against her, and Hope caressed his hair like a child’s. “We need to ask You to do a miracle for Star this time. Her baby is taking a long time to get here and I’m afraid her strength is almost gone. Andy and I are just asking for You to please do us another miracle. Make the baby come. Michael’s a good man, but he needs his wife, and those two children of theirs need their mother. So we hope You’d like to do another miracle.”
She pulled back and looked at Andy’s tearstained face. “Do you feel better?”
He scowled.
“What?”
“You forgot to say amen.”
Before she could reply, the door flew open and Michael stood wildeyed. “Hope, Ma says come quick. The baby’s coming.”
Fifteen
Hope’s first sight of her new home stole her breath away. The log home stood beneath a harvest moon, the porch railings on her little cabin as regal to her as the most beautiful pillars on the most elegant mansion in Chicago—or anywhere for that matter.
“Oh, Andy. I love it.”
He set the wagon brake and hopped down. Her heart skipped a beat when he held up his arms for her. Willingly, she slid into his embrace, her gaze never leaving his.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
He kept her close and returned her stare. “I need to thank you for tonight.”
“I didn’t do anything, Andy.”
“Yes, you did. You pulled me out of my past. When we started praying for Star, I finally let Yellow Bird and our baby go. I know I’ll always have a place in my heart for them, but the grieving days are over.”
Tears welled up in Hope’s eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” He held her tighter and dipped his head. “If you’ll have me, I’d like to stay on here. To be a real husband to you and a pa to Gregory and Billy and Betsy.”
Laughter bubbled to Hope’s lips at the reality of the words she’d only dreamed of for months. “Oh, Andy. Are you sure?”
In answer, he swooped her into his arms and carried her up the steps and inside the cabin. “Your new home, Mrs. Riley.”
Still reeling from being carried over the threshold like a new bride, Hope stared at the beautiful room. Her eyes widened. “I can’t believe it!”
She’d expected to come home to bare rooms, needing to be filled. A fire in a lovely stone fireplace provided sufficient light to reveal a beautiful handcarved rocking chair. “Put me down, Andy,” she said, barely able to force the words through her tight throat.
When he complied, she walked across to the rocking chair and stroked the arms, the back, marveling at the softness of the wood.
“Wh–where did this come from?” She looked at Andy, then made a sweep of the room with her hand. “All of this?”
“I—” He cleared his throat.
Hope’s jaw dropped as she realized the source of his embarrassment. “Are you saying you made these things?”
“I guess so.”
She hurried to him and threw her arms around his neck. “Andy,” she said over his shoulder. “This is wonderful. You have such talent. I had no idea you could do something like this.”
He shrugged. “Just a hobby.”
“A hobby?” She pulled away and held him at arm’s length. “Do you realize how much people would pay in the city for handcrafted furniture? The quality is magnificent.”
“I never really thought about it.” He grinned. “You really think I could make a living at it?”
“Are you serious? Andy, look at this beautiful home. I’ll be the envy of every woman for a hundred miles.” She walked across to the table, in awe of the craftsmanship. Then her eyes found the corner and she gasped. A beautiful armoire occupied the space. “Oh, Andy.” She walked toward the cabinet and opened the doors, revealing shelves and drawers. Though she’d had enough money to buy whatever kind of furniture she’d wanted to fill her home, nothing had ever compared to the magnificence of Oregon maple crafted into pieces of beauty.
“It has to be a Divine gift.”
Andy fairly beamed under her praise, and Hope realized just how fragile her husband truly was. For some reason he didn’t believe he had much worth.
She made a decision that she would work for the rest of her life to let him know what a treasure she considered him to be.
“Do you want to see the rest of the house?”
The low tone of his voice sent her heart racing, and she forgot about the rocking chair and the table and even the armoire. “Where are the children?”
“Asleep, I imagine. Hank’s in the loft with the boys. Want to check on the girls?”
Keeping her gaze locked on his, she slowly shook her head.
“Are you sure?” She knew he wasn’t asking about the children.
“I’m sure,” she whispered, her love for him eclipsing her embarrassment at being so bold.
He closed the distance between them swiftly and took her in his arms. His lips closed over hers. She clung to him and returned his kiss with equal ardor. For the second time tonight, he swept her into his arms and carried her across a threshold.
❧
“Where’s Ma?”
Andy looked up from his coffee at the sound of Betsy’s voice. “She’s still sleeping. It was late when we got home from Uncle Michael’s house.”
Betsy grinned broadly, showing a missing eyetooth. “Did Aunt Star’s baby come?”
“Sure did.” He tweaked her nose. “A pretty little girl, but not quite as pretty as you.”
Clapping happily, Betsy slid onto the bench. “We knew it would be a girl. Aimee wanted a baby sister so bad.”
Andy chuckled and got up to pour himself another cup of coffee. One by one, the household began to stir. Aimee and her threeyearold little brother emerged from Betsy’s bedroom. She squealed when Betsy told her the news about her baby sister.
Hank climbed down the loft ladder right ahead of Billy and Gregory.
When Hope finally appeared, Andy was tonguetied. “Good morn
ing, everyone.” She smiled at the children, but didn’t meet his eye. Tenderness turned in Andy’s heart at her modesty. He’d never had much use for such things in women, but he found that he loved and admired it about Hope.
“Would you like a cup of coffee?” Andy asked.
“Thank you.” She ducked her head, refusing to look at him while he poured.
“Would you like me to help with breakfast, Aunt Hope?” Aimee asked.
Silence hung like a blade over a chopping block. The twins exchanged glances, and Andy could see the ax was about to fall. If he didn’t step in quick, Hope would be humiliated.
Andy cleared his throat. “Well, let me see. Since this is our first official family breakfast in our new home, I vote we let your Aunt Hope off the hook and I’ll cook this morning.
“N–no, Andy. I’ll cook.”
“I don’t mind.”
She stood. “I can manage. Everyone go get dressed and make your beds, and I’ll whip us up something in no time.” She turned to Andy. “I guess I should ask if you were as competent at filling our food stores as you were about filling our home with furniture.”
Andy felt his chest swell under her admiration and he was relieved Michael had suggested just that thing.
“I still need to fill the smokehouse with meat, but that’ll come after freeze up. I thought we’d buy a couple of hogs to slaughter. Until then, I can shoot whatever we need daily. I have some bacon that Michael gave us to see us through until we can replenish. Ma gave us a couple of her laying hens. I’ve already gathered eggs.” He motioned to a bowl of eggs on the counter. “And Ma sent over a couple of loaves of bread.”
She swallowed hard. “Sounds good. I’m sure you have chores to do, so don’t let me be keeping you.”
“I’ll just bring in that bacon first.”
She gave him a distracted nod, and Andy knew she was concentrating on her upcoming task.
Hank rose, draining his cup. He swallowed and grinned. “Nothing I like better than bacon and eggs for breakfast. I’ll just help Andy with those chores. That’ll work up a hearty appetite, so be sure and cook plenty.” He gave her an affectionate brotherly peck on the cheek.
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