“That will be nice, but she doesn’t have to.” Rebecca held the door open.
The doctor looked at each of them. “Thank you for inviting us. Sometimes we forget how to play, since I work all the time.”
“You’re welcome. It will be fun.”
The doctor said goodbye and Rebecca shut the door. She smiled at Seth. “I’m glad you thought of this. It’s going to be fun.”
Edna started toward the bedroom she shared with Rebecca. “I’ll see you two in the morning. I’m going to get up early and make deviled eggs.”
“I’m right behind you, Edna. I’ll need to make a big potato salad, too.” Rebecca followed Edna into their room and shut the door.
With the doctor and his wife coming to the picnic, too, would Seth have any time alone with Rebecca?
* * *
Rebecca placed her potato salad in the basket. “I hope this is plenty.”
“I think it will be.” Edna packed a second basket. “We really have enough food to feed an army.”
Laughter spilled from Rebecca’s throat. “I’m still amazed at the crowd that is coming.”
“What is the count up to now?”
Rebecca held up one hand. “The Clarks, Eliza, Hannah and Grace.” She held up her other hand. “You, the marshal, Janie and myself. I think that’s all, so nine.”
“You forgot about Mrs. Miller and Reverend Griffin,” Edna reminded her.
“Oh, that’s right. They bring the number up to eleven.” Rebecca loved that they’d been able to invite so many people. She’d been worried Seth would have needed her to sit with him. Now with the doctor and reverend coming, she could be free to talk to her friends.
What she looked forward to the most was the sunshine. They’d been cooped up in the house for a week and the only times she’d gone outside were to gather water or hang up and take down the laundry.
A knock sounded on the front door. Rebecca and Edna hurried to see who had arrived as Seth opened the door.
“Hello, Seth. I thought I’d bring the wagon by to pick up you and Janie,” the doctor said.
Mrs. Clark climbed out of the doctor’s small black canvas-covered buggy. She came to stand beside her husband. “I thought I’d walk up the hill with you ladies, if that’s all right?”
Rebecca motioned for her to come inside. “We’d love for you to come with us. I’ll go get Janie.” She hurried into the bedroom. Janie played in the small corral she and Edna had created out of overstuffed pillows. The baby was growing and needed more space to move about.
She gathered up toys, diapers and a fresh dress. Then Rebecca picked up Janie. She hugged the baby to her chest and enjoyed her fresh scent.
“Come on, you little darling. Seth is taking you to the picnic.” Janie grabbed a fistful of hair and giggled. Rebecca scooped up her things and walked back to the sitting room. The baby lurched for Seth, but Rebecca held her back and gave her to the doctor instead. Janie looked confused. Rebecca kissed her on the cheek. “Seth can hold you in the buggy.”
Doc took the rest of Janie’s things. “Do you ladies need us to take anything else?”
Rebecca smiled. “Yes, that would be very nice.”
The ladies quickly loaded the buggy with their baskets and bags. Once it was all in place, Rebecca smiled. “All done.”
“Then we will see you there in a little while.”
Seth followed the doctor out the door. He took the steps slowly and held on to the porch rail. Was this day out going to be too much for him? Rebecca chewed her lower lip as she watched him make his way to the wagon.
Doc laid the baby down on the floor of the buggy and then came back to help Seth up. Rebecca shut the door, leaving a crack big enough that she could see Seth but he couldn’t see her. The last thing she wanted to do was embarrass him.
As soon as he was in the wagon, he turned toward the house. Could he tell she was watching him? He turned to take the baby from Doc. She noticed that he clutched the baby in his right arm. Just as they started to leave, Seth raised his hand and waved to her.
So he had been able to see her. She felt heat fill her cheeks but returned his wave. Seth smiled, and then he leaned down and kissed the baby on the forehead. Her heart lurched at the memory of his lips on hers. Why did those precious moments have to haunt her every thought?
Chapter Twenty-One
Seth hated to admit, even to himself, that he was worn-out. He sat at a table that Hannah and Eliza had pulled from the schoolhouse. The minister had also donated several tables and chairs from the church for the picnic. Janie lay in her basket beside him, napping. A cool breeze blew across the small group of people; the scent of apple pie teased his senses. The sound of his stomach growling filled the air.
He yawned. His gaze searched for and landed on Rebecca.
Today she wore a pretty green dress with little white flowers on it. She laughed at something Mrs. Miller said. The sound drifted to him like feathers on the wind. Her blue eyes met his and she ducked her head. Eliza caught his eye and smiled knowingly.
Seth frowned. How had things gone so wrong? His plan had been to have Rebecca, Janie, Edna and himself on a blanket, eating a simple meal and talking. He’d thought Rebecca wouldn’t be able to move away and avoid him. They’d finally chat again, like they had before he’d gotten shot. Was that why she avoided him? Because he’d been hurt while tracking down the Evans gang?
“This has turned into a nice get-together, wouldn’t you agree?” The reverend slid into a chair on his right.
Seth nodded.
“I, for one, am glad you thought of it, Marshal.” Doc dropped into the chair to his left. “This is just what my Elsie needed.”
Elsie Clark stood with Mrs. Miller, who was stirring a pot. Rebecca and Eliza had moved on to another table laden with bowls and plates. Seth wondered what could be in the pot Mrs. Miller stirred, but didn’t ask. Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Clark had brought several dishes each. There was probably enough food on the tables to feed the whole town of Cottonwood Springs.
“You’re mighty quiet, Marshal. Something eating at you?” Doc turned to face him. “Or have you done too much today?” His trained eye studied Seth’s face.
“Nope. Just enjoying being out in the sunshine.” Seth reached down and covered Janie’s legs with her blanket. He didn’t want to give the doctor an excuse to lock him indoors again.
Reverend Griffin smiled. “I don’t know how you’ve managed to stay cooped up for so long. By now I would have been climbing the walls.”
“Me, too,” Mr. Miller said, joining them.
“Well, hello, Carl. How did you get away from the store?” Doc asked, turning to look up at the newcomer.
Carl Miller pulled a chair out and sat. “I put Josiah in charge. He can handle whatever comes along.”
While the men talked, Seth’s gaze searched out Rebecca again. She and Grace were carrying pies to one of the tables. The woman fluttered from table to table much like a beautiful butterfly.
Rebecca stopped and looked in his direction. For a moment her face softened. Then just as quickly her jaw set and she turned away. What was wrong with her?
* * *
Rebecca was asking herself the same question. How much longer could she live under Seth Billings’s roof without falling for him? How long would she need to remain in the same house with him? Maybe she should talk to the doctor.
Janie’s cry filled the afternoon air. Rebecca didn’t want to go where Seth was entertaining the men, but Janie’s cries grew louder. Seth scooped the baby up and held her in his right arm and she settled down. Rebecca realized the baby was probably wet so she squared her shoulders and walked toward where the men sat. When she stepped up to the table all four of them turned to look at her.
“This was a really great idea, Miss Ramsey.”
She smiled at the reverend. “It was the Marshal’s idea, Reverend, and I agree it was a good one.” Rebecca looked to Seth. “I’ll take the baby for a while, Marshal.”
She extended her arms.
Seth allowed her to take the baby. “She’s almost back to sleep.”
“Yes, but I would like for her to sleep some tonight, too. Plus, she needs to be changed. I’m going to take her to Grace to play.”
The doctor laughed. “Smart woman.”
Rebecca turned her attention away from Seth. “Thank you, Doctor. I’d like to talk to you for a few moments when you have the time.”
He pushed away from the table. “I have time now, Miss Ramsey.”
“Thank you. Please excuse us, gentlemen.”
Seth cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. Was he aware she wanted to discuss him?
Rebecca walked with the doctor a few feet away from the rest of the crowd. Lord, please let my words come out correctly. They walked beside the church, where honeysuckle was beginning to show signs of new growth. “Doctor Clark, I feel that the marshal is able to take care of himself now. Do you think it will be all right for Mrs. Brown, Janie and I to move back to our own homes? I’ll still come in the mornings and take care of breakfast, lunch and supper, but I really think the marshal is doing well and I’d like to move back into my own house. I’m sure Edna feels the same.”
He rubbed his chin. “I see. Would you mind answering a couple of questions for me?”
She nodded.
“Can Seth get out of the bed with no assistance?”
Her cheeks heated. “Yes.”
“Good. And can he make a pot of coffee on his own?” He studied her.
Rebecca felt like a schoolgirl being questioned by the teacher. “I believe so.”
“But you don’t know for certain.” It was more of a statement than a question.
“No, he hasn’t had to do anything for himself. So I don’t know for sure.” Rebecca hated admitting that Seth might not be able to take care of himself.
“Does he walk slowly and use his cane?”
“Yes.” She rocked back and forth with the baby. Moisture was beginning to seep through the baby’s diaper.
The doctor turned and studied Seth. “Does he look a little pale and tired to you, Miss Ramsey?”
Rebecca turned to study the marshal. His face did appear drawn. He seemed paler than he had that morning. Had they overextended him today? Was this outing too much for him? “Yes, he does.” She looked back down at the drowsy baby and sighed.
“I know it is an imposition for you and Mrs. Brown to stay with him, but as his doctor, I would prefer that you remain for at least another week. Of course, you don’t have to. I can always check around and see if someone else would be willing to take care of him and move in for a while.” His gaze remained on the marshal.
Rebecca found herself looking back at the man in question. Selena Martinez had just sashayed to his table. She handed him a glass of something and smiled. He smiled up at her. When had she arrived? Surely she couldn’t be any older than sixteen. Only nine years younger than Seth, her inner voice taunted. “No, that won’t be necessary, Doctor. Mrs. Brown and I will be fine for another week.”
He patted her on the shoulder. “That a girl.” And then he was gone.
Rebecca swallowed the lump in her throat. Selena continued to linger at the men’s table. Unable to watch, she turned her back on them. Rebecca wanted to be close to Seth but also didn’t want her heart broken. Her gaze moved to the cloudless sky. Lord, I need help. What am I going to do? I can’t keep working for Seth and allow myself to fall for him. Can I?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understandings—that was the general gist of the scripture that came to mind. Peace enveloped her like a warm blanket and she smiled down at the sleeping infant. For now, she had to trust that she was right where God wanted her.
Movement on Main Street drew her attention. A covered wagon ambled down the road and stopped in front of the Millers’ store. Rebecca rocked the baby as she continued watching. A man jumped from the covered wagon and entered the store. A woman sat on the seat waiting for him. Several children stuck their heads out of the wagon. A few moments later, the man climbed back onto the seat and headed up the hill toward the picnic.
Assuming he was coming to see Mr. Miller, Rebecca headed back to the tables to tell the other women she’d be back as soon as she changed Janie’s diaper. She wondered if the family would be staying. There was plenty of food and the family would be welcome. If she’d learned one thing about Cottonwood Springs, it was that the people were friendly.
A giggle sounded off to her right. Selena had just rejoined her friends, Millie, Charlotte and Elizabeth. Well, most of the town is friendly, she mentally amended.
After telling Edna and Mrs. Miller she was going to change the baby, Rebecca slipped into the schoolhouse and took a few minutes to control her jealous feelings toward Selena. She talked to the baby as she changed the wet diaper.
“I have no reason to be jealous. Selena is a child and I doubt Seth would give her the time of day. Besides, jealousy is one of those ugly emotions I try to avoid.” Even as she spoke, Rebecca wished that there was a future for her and the marshal. Would she be able to live in the same town as Seth, should he decide to marry?
She closed the last pin and hugged the baby to her. Rebecca returned to the picnic. She moved to the dessert, where Eliza was working. As soon as she was within hearing, Eliza asked, “Did you notice the wagon that just pulled up?” She picked up a knife and cut into a peach cobbler.
Rebecca smiled. “Yes, I saw them coming up the hill. Looks like a big family. Maybe they’ll stay for lunch and tell us about their travels.”
“Maybe they are settling here.” Eliza moved to the loaf of banana-nut bread and started cutting it into slices.
Janie’s big blue eyes looked up at Rebecca. A sleepy smile crossed the little girl’s face. She reached up and tugged on the ribbons on Rebecca’s green bonnet.
“You need to wake up, sleepy head.” Rebecca bent over and kissed the baby on the forehead.
“Excuse me, ladies. Miss Ramsey, would you bring Janie and join us over here?” She turned to find the doctor standing at her elbow.
Rebecca looked over his shoulder at the group of people gathered around the men’s table. She saw the man and woman from the covered wagon. Another, older woman stood beside them. Both of the ladies looked as if they were crying into white handkerchiefs. The man’s arms were crossed over his chest and his head was held high.
Seth leaned against his cane—his brown gaze seemed to bore into Rebecca’s.
Eliza stepped forward. “What’s this about, Doc?” She planted both hands on her hips.
“The marshal would like to be the one to explain.”
Rebecca looked into the kind doctor’s eyes. Sympathy reflected there. She nodded and walked beside him back to the group of people that were watching her every step. She stopped in front of Seth. “Marshal?”
The older woman looked up, gasped and reached for Janie. “She’s beautiful. She has Sadie’s eyes and Ben’s hair.” A new sob tore from her throat.
Janie jerked away from the older woman’s hand. Rebecca took a step back. What was happening? Who were these people? Her breath came quicker and her heart felt as if someone were squeezing it.
“Seth?” She didn’t care who heard the panic in her voice. For the first time in a long time, Rebecca needed a protector. Janie burrowed her tiny face into Rebecca’s neck.
Seth stepped forward. “Mrs. Shepherd, please step back.”
The older woman moved back and lowered her hand. She wiped at her nose. “I’m sorry, dear.” Her gaze never left Janie. “I just want to hold my grandchild.”
Seth pulled Rebecca to his side.
“Grandchild?” Rebecca knew she sounded as shrill as an exotic bird but couldn’t stop the word from flowing from her lips. She clutched Janie tighter, aware that Seth leaned into her.
“Yes.” Both the older woman and the younger nodded. So far the younger of the two hadn’t said anything. She simply
stared at Janie.
Seth spoke in a soft voice. “It seems Mrs. Shepherd and the Reynoldses have been looking for their family. That search led them to Cottonwood Springs.”
The doctor stepped forward. “Let’s sit down and discuss the situation.” He motioned for the crowd around them to disperse. “Go have lunch, everyone.” His no-nonsense voice sent the group returning to the food-laden tables.
Seth turned Rebecca toward the table he and the men had just left. “Please sit down, Rebecca.”
She did as he said but kept Janie pressed to her heart. Rebecca looked from one face to the other. Deep down, she knew they were Janie’s family. A family who wanted to rip the baby from her heart and home. She whispered, “I don’t want to just give her up, Seth.”
He leaned over and answered for her ears only. “We may not have to, Rebecca. At least not until we are positive these folks are her family.” Seth leaned back a little and made eye contact with her. His brown gaze searched hers. It seemed as if he was asking her to trust him. To show she understood, Rebecca nodded. “All right.”
Had he said “we”? Would he fight for Janie to remain with her? Was this fair to Janie’s family? Was it fair to make her give up the child she’d begun to think of as her own? Tears burned the backs of her eyes, but Rebecca vowed to be strong and not allow them to flow.
The man’s voice growled at them like a mighty grizzly growls at the hunter. “What happened to Benjamin and Sadie?”
Rebecca narrowed her eyes at him. She didn’t like his tone or the way he crossed his arms over his chest as if he alone owned the world. Her gaze moved to the young woman beside him. Did he bully her around?
“We’ve been through this, Mr. Reynolds. Miss Ramsey and I found a young couple at the stop-off point between here and Farmington. We’re not sure if they were your Benjamin and Sadie.” Seth placed both hands on the table and laced his fingers.
Mr. Reynolds huffed, “I know that. Where are they buried?”
“Where we found them.” Seth spoke softly as if talking to a child.
“Now, why in tarnation didn’t you bring them back here? Or take them to Farmington to be buried like decent folks?” Black eyes clashed with chocolate ones.
The Marshal's Promise Page 15