A Family for Christmas

by Winnie Griggs

  She hesitated, then nodded. “Of course.”

  With an enthusiastic whoop, Leo and Jack crossed the room to join Mr. Peavy.

  Once the boys and Ira were gone, Chance folded his arms across his chest and stared levelly at Adam. “I assume you have some news for us.”

  “News?” Eve echoed.

  “Yes.” Adam glanced from Chance to Eve. “There was a letter for Sheriff Gleason on this morning’s train.”

  “A response to his inquiry about Leo you mean,” Chance said matter-of-factly. He hoped there weren’t any unpleasant surprises in the letter.

  “Yes.” Adam’s expression and tone didn’t give anything away. “But Ward should be the one to explain all this. He’ll be here in just a moment.”

  Chance nodded, keeping his expression unconcerned for Eve’s sake. But his mind was churning over the possibilities. Explain all what? It didn’t sound as if it was going to be good news—why else would the sheriff send Adam on ahead to clear Leo out of here?

  “Surely it’s confirmation of Leo’s story,” Eve said, her voice attempting to strike a confident note.

  Adam rubbed the back of his neck. “For the most part.”

  Now what did that mean?

  But before he could say anything, Sheriff Gleason walked in.

  “Right on cue,” Adam said, a hint of relief in his tone.

  Chance swept an arm toward the nearest table. “Let’s all have a seat.” Once they’d settled into their chairs he faced the sheriff. “Now, what’s the news?”

  “I guess Adam already told you I got a letter on this morning’s train,” the sheriff said. At their nod, he continued. “It was from the preacher in Leo’s hometown. He’s verified most of Leo’s story for us.”

  “I knew it,” Eve said, the relief on her face evident. “Leo is not bad, just desperate for a better life.”

  “According to the preacher,” the lawman continued, “Leo’s folks died of a fever about two years ago, just as he said. Melvin Belcher took him in.”

  “And nobody thought to check in on him when Leo didn’t show up for school?”

  “Apparently it happened right around the end of the school year. And since Belcher has a farm some distance from town, nobody saw Leo or missed him for the rest of the summer. The reverend admits that, by the time school started back up in the fall, the folks in town had pretty much forgotten about Leo.”

  “How awful.” Eve’s face held a touch of that defiant protector Chance had seen on the train platform.

  He could understand her outrage, though. He shared it.

  “I assure you the preacher seemed very contrite about the matter.”

  “As well he should be,” Eve said firmly.

  “So what about this Belcher character?” Chance didn’t bother to hide the anger in his voice.

  “Of course he’s denying any charges of having mistreated the boy.” The sheriff sounded as if he didn’t believe this any more than Chance did. “And from what I gather, he’s well respected in Bent Oak. Seems the story he’s putting out is that Leo was such a handful after his parents’ death—going into rages, mistreating the livestock, breaking things—that he kept him close to home for his own good and the good of others in the community.”

  Predictably Eve stiffened and her expression turned to one of determination. “I don’t believe it!”

  “Having met Leo, I can’t say as I give it much credit, either.”

  “We can’t let that man near Leo.” Eve tilted her chin up defiantly. “I’ll slip out of town with him in tow before I let that man get his hands on Leo again.”

  Chance smiled. For all her prim exterior, she could certainly be a bit of a tigress when something got her good and riled.

  “Don’t worry, that won’t be necessary.” Chance hadn’t lent his protection to these two just to abandon them when things turned sticky. Anyone who wanted to send Leo back to that bully of a man would have to come through him.

  The sheriff nodded reassuringly. “Don’t worry, either of you. Belcher has no legal claim to the boy and Leo doesn’t have to go back there, especially given our suspicions. But neither can he be left on his own.”

  “Of course not.” Eve’s schoolmarm demeanor was firmly back in place. “He needs a proper home.”

  Adam raised a brow. “You have any ideas on that front?”

  “Why, no.” She looked surprised. “You all know the people around here much better than I do. Surely you can find a family who would be willing to take him in.”

  Sheriff Gleason rubbed his chin. “We can ask around, of course. The trouble is, stories about his past, even if they’re false, might give folks pause.” He eyed them evenly. “Of course there’s always the orphanage up Parsonville way.”

  “No!” Eve’s exclamation was sharp and immediate. “I mean, I know orphanages are necessary institutions and that they do fine work, but Leo has been through so much already. He deserves to be part of a loving family.” She looked at each of the men in turn. “Surely we won’t let him be forgotten by an entire community yet again.”

  “Every child deserves a loving family,” Chance said. He hadn’t had the happiest of childhoods himself; he certainly didn’t want others to share that misery.

  “Unfortunately, that’s not always possible.” Sheriff Gleason spread his hands. “The challenge is going to be finding someone willing to take him in with his background.”

  Chance’s fists curled in frustration. He knew exactly how it felt to be judged on something you had no control over. Leo deserved better.

  “Does everyone have to know?” Eve’s voice was tentative. “I’m not advocating we lie,” she added quickly, “just that we don’t offer up information if we don’t have to.”

  The sheriff shrugged. “We don’t have to advertise it, no. But most folks already know he’s a runaway and that he stowed away on that train. They’re going to want to know the full story before they take him in.”

  Eve’s expression fell but she rallied enough to try another argument. “Since the full story includes our certainty of Leo’s innocence, surely that won’t be a problem.”

  “As I said, I’ll do my best to find him a home.” Then the sheriff gave Eve a pointed look. “I assume I can count on you to continue looking after him for now.”

  “Of course. In fact, I insist.”

  “We both will,” Chance said firmly. “At least until Monday.” Had she already forgotten her deadline?

  The sheriff and Adam turned to Eve with a question in their expressions.

  Eve shifted her weight, a soft flush climbing in her cheeks. It seemed she had momentarily forgotten.

  “The job waiting for me in Tyler will only be held until then,” she said apologetically. “If I tarry any longer it will go to someone else.”

  “I see. Well then, I’ll begin making inquiries on Leo’s behalf right away.” Then the sheriff reached into his pocket. “I almost forgot. There’s one other thing we need to take care of.” He held the pocket watch out in his palm. “Belcher claims Leo’s father gave this to him in payment of a debt.”

  Chance stiffened. “And you believe him?”

  “Whether I believe him or not doesn’t matter. It’ll ultimately be for a judge to decide if they both want to press their claims.” He grimaced. “However, Belcher states he’ll let the boy keep it—for a price.”

  Eve looked as if she was ready to chew nails. “And that price is?”

  “Fifteen dollars.”

  “Fifteen dollars!” Her voice actually rose a few notches.

  “We can fight him on it in court,” Adam said quickly. “And I’m certainly willing to help with that. But it’s going to be Leo’s word against Belcher’s. And the fact that Leo ran away, and then slipped onto that train without paying his far
e is not going to add to his credibility any.”

  “I’ll pay it.” The words were out of Chance’s mouth before he’d even realized it. But he didn’t regret them. He’d find the money.

  Eve spun around and stared at him as if he’d spoken in a foreign language. “What?”

  “I said I’ll pay it. It’ll be worth it just to make sure the blackguard is completely out of Leo’s life. And a boy should have some keepsake of his home and family.”

  The warm admiration that crept into her eyes held him spellbound for a heartbeat.

  Then the sheriff pushed back from the table and cleared his throat. “Well then, I think that will settle matters with this Belcher fellow. There won’t be any need to deal with him further.”

  Chance gave a short nod as the men rose. Amen to that.

  Eve stood more slowly, giving the sheriff a bright smile. “I want to thank you for handling this matter so quickly and so effectively. I know Leo will appreciate it, as well. And I’m sure he’ll sleep better tonight than he has in a long while.”

  “Just doing my job, ma’am.”

  As Chance escorted his friends to the door, he relished again that admiring glance she’d sent his way. It was kind of nice to be noticed for something he’d done, rather than as part of a flirtation.

  Chance assured Adam and Ward that he’d send the fifteen dollars today to Reverend Ferris to deliver to Belcher. He didn’t trust Leo’s former “caretaker” enough to send it directly to him—much better to have a witness to the fact that he did indeed receive it.

  “For someone who just got good news, you don’t look very happy.”

  Chance turned around at the sound of Dotty’s voice. He’d all but forgotten she was in the room. Her comment, however, had been directed toward Eve.

  “Oh, I am pleased,” Eve replied. “Very pleased that Leo’s been vindicated. I always believed he was innocent, but now everyone else will know it, as well. And he won’t have to feel as if he has to keep running.”

  She fiddled with a button at her throat. “I was thinking about the fact that I’ll have to leave here on Monday. Turnabout was just starting to feel like home.”

  For some reason, Chance’s spirits lifted at her admission that she was enjoying her stay. Perhaps he was finally getting through to her.

  She turned to him. “But of course this is not about me. I think the first thing I must do is have a talk with Leo when he returns.”

  “We must have a talk with him, you mean. And I agree. Do you want to take the lead or should I?”

  To his surprise she didn’t argue the point with him. In fact he thought he detected the merest hint of relief in her expression. “If you don’t mind, I think it best if I do.”

  He executed a short bow, willing to concede that point to her. “Of course.”

  “If I might make a suggestion?” Dotty interjected.

  “Absolutely.”

  “From what I’ve observed, that boy seems so set on striking out on his own that he might not react well initially to the idea of others determining where he’s going to live.”

  Eve frowned. “But he’s a smart boy. Surely he’ll understand that we can’t leave him to fend for himself.”

  “Still it might be a good idea to give him a reminder of how nice family life can be—if he had the right kind of family, I mean.”

  Chance had an idea where she was headed, but preferred to let her explain. “Do you have something specific in mind?”

  “Perhaps the two of you could take him for a ride in that motor carriage of yours this afternoon,” Dotty said. “It’s a mild day—perhaps you could even have a little picnic or at least find a nice spot for a stroll. Really enjoy the afternoon. And then break the news to him before you return.”

  “An excellent idea,” Chance said.

  “That may not be such a good idea,” Eve said at the same time.

  “Why ever not?” Chance gave her an exasperated look. Was her objection to the plan the fact that it might involve some frivolous fun?

  “I don’t want to sound self-centered, but I’m afraid Leo may be forming something of an attachment to me,” she said. “And while I share that affection, I don’t want to encourage a stronger attachment. He’s already been so hurt and disappointed by those who are supposed to be his caretakers—I don’t want him to feel abandoned again when I leave on Monday.”

  “My dear,” Dotty said with a wry smile, “I’m afraid that chain has already been forged. The attachment Leo feels for you is very real—you are, after all, the champion who stood up for him on multiple occasions. One more outing is not going to change things significantly.”

  Chance nodded. “Dotty’s right. And I agree that an outing is a good idea.” Then he gave her a challenging smile. “Unless you’re afraid to ride in my motor carriage.”

  Eve straightened. “Of course not.” She chewed at her lip and touched the button at her throat a moment, then nodded. “Very well. We’ll take him for an outing and break the news then.” She looked at Chance, her expression troubled. “How do you think he’ll react?”

  “Leo’s a tough kid—he wouldn’t want us to mollycoddle him. But he’ll probably argue that he can fend for himself.”

  Eve grimaced. “Then, as Dotty has so wisely stated, we’ll have to show him how much he’ll miss if he doesn’t let himself be part of a family again.”

  Chance envied the way she spoke so highly of family. Had her own life been such a happy one? If so, why had she left it all behind?

  He suddenly realized he’d gone from wanting to change her way of looking at fun, to wanting to learn much more about what was really driving this very hard-to-figure-out young lady.

  * * *

  As Eve moved toward the kitchen, she realized again what a truly good man Chance was. He’d stepped up to do that kind thing for Leo without any second thoughts. She and Leo had been truly blessed to cross paths with him when they arrived in town.

  Thinking of Leo, she felt the uncertainty wash over her again. Could they really find a good home for Leo in so short a time? Could she leave on Monday if they hadn’t?

  Truth to tell, she would be sad to leave Turnabout even if they did find a family to take Leo in. She’d made so many friends in the short time she’d been here. And she’d gotten a glimpse of what life could be without the cloud of her past hanging over her.

  But there was no changing that past. If she made a permanent home here, she couldn’t keep her history secret forever, and when that changed so would the way folks looked at her. No, the important thing was to focus on what was best for Leo and then to move on as she’d originally intended.

  But would it be so wrong to enjoy this freedom and relative anonymity while she had it?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Leo returned thirty minutes later with a pail full of persimmons.

  Eve spent time carefully examining his pickings with fulsome admiration. She was pleased to see his chest puff out in a show of pride at the praise.

  After several minutes of this Chance cleared his throat. “I thought I’d take the motor carriage out today for a little drive.”

  Eve smiled as Leo immediately set the persimmons aside. “Oh, boy! Can I come along?”

  “Certainly.”

  Leo turned to Eve and Dotty. “Did y’all want to come, too?”

  Dotty shook her head. “No, thank you. I want to get a little further along on my knitting project.”

  “I’ll go,” Eve said. “I’m ready for a bit of fresh air and according to Mrs. Epps, riding in that vehicle is something everyone should try.” Truth to tell she was actually looking forward to the experience. It seemed such an adventurous thing to do, which appealed to her just now. “And since we haven’t eaten lunch yet, why don’t I fix a picnic basket to take alo
ng?”

  Chance nodded. “Sounds good.” Then he put a hand on Leo’s shoulder. “But we’ll take care of packing the basket. You need to fetch a shawl or wrap—it’ll be breezy riding in Tizzie.”

  “Tizzie?”

  Was that a touch of self-consciousness in his grin? “It’s what I call the motor carriage.” He made a shooing motion with his hand. “Now, while you’re upstairs getting a wrap, I suggest you also find something you can use to tie your hat on securely.”

  Ten minutes later they were climbing into Tizzie. Eve insisted Leo sit in the front next to Chance and she settled into the backseat. She listened with interest as Chance explained in simple terms how one started the vehicle and then demonstrated each step. When at last the engine was puttering, she felt that she almost understood the process. Not for the first time she thought he’d make a remarkable teacher. Perhaps he could work with Leo on his reading and writing skills until the boy was able to go to school again.

  The vehicle jerked forward, eliciting an elated yelp from Leo and loosing a flock of butterflies in Eve’s stomach.

  Then as the vehicle turned into the street and made its way through town she settled into the experience. Most of the folks they passed seemed to take the vehicle in stride as a familiar sight. A couple of dogs gave chase with excited barking. But by the time they reached the edge of town, the animals had given up.

  Like Leo, Eve found the ride exhilarating. She closed her eyes and lifted her face, thrilling at the feel of the wind rushing by and the sensation of moving with such speed. It was something like riding in a small train with no sides or roof.

  She was almost sad to see the ride come to an end when they finally reached their destination.

  “So, how did you like it?” Chance asked as he handed her down.

  “It was quite invigorating,” she admitted. “I can see why you enjoy it so much.”

  Her answer drew an approving grin. Then he reached down and pulled three small sacks from under the seat. “I thought while we were here we’d pick pecans.” He winked at Leo. “It’s late in the season, but if we find enough, perhaps we can talk Miss Pickering into making some more of her candies.”