“And I told you I’m not going.”
“I know. But I hope you will help me decorate for it. I volunteered us.”
Her stomach clenched. She had been decorating for their Christmas wedding when Richard disappeared. And now—“Why would you do that, Judith?”
“Because the ball is going to be held in the empty quarters in the other half of this building and you will be able to come home and rest when you tire. And because Mrs. Colonel Lamont asked.”
“And she outranks you.”
“Exactly.”
“All right. I’ll do it for you and Robert.”
“Good. Because the decorations are here and I need your creative touch. Leave the rest of the dishes to drain and come along. And leave your apron on.”
She took a deep breath, set her mind to do what was needed and followed her sister into the main room. At least the sun was shining. And the stone walk in front of the house had been cleared of snow. She lifted her hems and ran out their door and dashed in the other.
A fire roared in the fireplace. The scent of pine filled the room. She skirted the huge pile of green boughs and stopped at a makeshift table of thick planks on top of two sawhorses. A pile of twine hung from a long spike driven at the center of the edge of the table. Two small hatchets and two pair of scissors waited beside two wicker baskets. A pile of long strands of thicker rope divided the table.
She looked askance at the tools. “I’ve never used an ax, Judith.”
“It’s a hatchet. Axes are much bigger. Watch me.” Judith laid one of the large boughs on the table, picked up a hatchet and brought it down sharply at the base of each smaller branch severing them from the bough. “That’s all there is to it. Why don’t I chop and you start making swags for the window and doors?”
* * *
“Thank you, Asa.” Trace clutched the letter in his gloved hand and hurried across the platform and down the steps, his heart thudding. Perhaps she was coming home. No more lonely meals or silent, empty house. And what a surprise he had for her.
His long strides ate up the distance to his shop. He stomped the snow from his boots and went inside, the bell jingling its greeting.
“That you, Trace?”
“Mitch?” He shoved Katherine’s letter into his pocket, hurried through his shop to the back room and hung his jacket on a peg beside the door. “I didn’t expect you today. Is there a problem?”
“The opposite.” Mitch tugged off his knit hat and scrubbed his hand through his hair. “I had a talk with a couple of men on their way to help build a depot in Utah. I told them about how we’re building a whole town here and they decided to stay. That gives me enough of a crew to start on your building before I finish the hotel.”
He laughed and thumped Mitch’s hard shoulder. “That’s good news for me. But the owners of the Union Pacific are going to ban you from their property if you don’t stop hiring their builders away from them.”
“I only hire the good ones.” The construction boss chuckled, shoved his hat in his pocket and pulled the rolled up paper from under his arm. “I have a couple of questions before we get started.”
“All right.” He grabbed a couple of bottles and set them on the corners to hold the paper down. “What’s your first question?”
“It’s more of a suggestion. You want your office facing on the road on your new lot next door, here—” Mitch’s thick, callused finger pointed out the spot. “And the examining rooms, here toward the back. Right?”
“That’s correct.” His stomach tensed. “And a roofed passage between the buildings into this back room that I can use in inclement weather. And living quarters above the new building.”
“So my suggestion is, why not deepen your new building to match this one and then build all the way across the rear of both buildings and join them to this back room? You’d have more rooms if you need a place for patients to stay overnight, and you could use the attic space above this shop as part of the living quarters.”
“I like that, Mitch. It gives me twice as much building on the same amount of land. Let’s do it.”
“I’ll get the men started tomorrow. See you then.”
He was going to be a doctor again. With his own clinic! And it was all thanks to Katherine. He couldn’t wait to tell her. When was she coming home? He hurried to his jacket, pulled her letter from his pocket and opened it. His heart thudded as he scanned the words, jolted to a stop, then read them again.
She wasn’t coming home.
It took him like a fist to the gut. He folded the letter, put it in his pocket and walked out of the back room. Snow was falling again. He pulled up his collar, jammed his hands into his pockets, walked to the back of Blake’s general store and crossed the supply road.
The ground was frozen. He followed the path that wound through the pines to the pond, leaned against one of the boulders and stared at the patterns in the ice. He’d been so excited, so eager to share his plans. And now—now his life was empty again.
She wasn’t coming back. And why should she? What had he ever given her except the promise of a broken heart?
He stiffened, caught his breath. That was what he’d seen in her eyes when she told him goodbye—the shadow of her broken heart. And fool that he was, he’d let her go. What an imbecile he was to deny his feelings for her out of fear of losing her to death. He was losing her now—to life.
Unless—
A train whistle echoed down the valley. He listened to it fade into the distance then shoved away from the boulder and ran.
* * *
Katherine ran an assessing glance over the room. It was looking very festive.
“The garland needs to hang down a little more on the left, Robert. Do you agree, Katy?” Judith turned and looked at her.
“Yes. It’s hanging almost a foot lower on the right side. So...pull it over six inches.” She grinned and held her forefingers six inches apart when Robert glanced at her.
“I’ll get even, you know.” He growled the words and stepped off the chair he was using to gain height. “I don’t know how yet, but I will get even.” He moved the chair back to the other side of the window, climbed on it, adjusted the garland as directed and then repeated the process on the left side. “Is that all right, Judith?”
“Yes, dear.”
“Katy?”
“Well...”
He growled.
“It’s perfect.” She laughed, pulled another branch from the basket at her feet and placed it on the fireplace mantel, added another pinecone and some walnuts.
“That’s really pretty, Katy.” Judith picked up one of the wreaths they’d made yesterday and tied it to the center of the window shutters with a piece of twine.
“I think it will look nice when the oil lamps are lit. But it would be prettier if we had some apples or berries for the light to shine on.”
“I can get you some cranberries from the mess, if you would like them, Katherine.”
“That would be wonderful, Robert. Can you get at least a pound of them?”
“I can manage that. I’ll be right back.”
She nodded and moved the second oil lamp into place at the opposite end of the mantel, bent to the basket and grabbed a handful of branches to place around the base. “When do you think the soldiers Robert sent to cut down a tree will be back, Judith?”
“I don’t know. He expected them earlier. And I’ve seen him casting concerned glances at the window. I think that’s probably what is behind his offer to bring you cranberries. He will try to find out if anything has gone awry. There, that’s the last wreath we need hung!” Judith arched and rubbed her back. “Would you like me to make some coffee?”
“Coffee would be wonderful.”
“All right. Just let me throw out the rest of these
branches. Oh, good. The patrol is back.” Judith stilled, tilted her head and listened.
“Judith, Katherine, come out here!”
Her stomach clenched. She jerked her gaze to her sister.
“Something is wrong.” Judith frowned and ran out the door.
She tossed the pinecones she held back in the basket and hurried after her sister.
“They’re too young to put in the infirmary, Robert. Bring them in the house.”
She stopped, stared at two small, dirty and bloodied children wrapped in soldiers’ coats being lifted from a wagon. The poor things were crying and shaking with cold and fright. “I’ll get things ready, Judith.” She ran to spread a blanket on the warm hearth, then raced to the dressing room, filled a bowl with warm water, snatched up soap and towels and washcloths and hurried back to the main room. Judith was kneeling on the floor talking and soothing the children lying on the blanket while she stripped their torn and dirty clothes off them.
“Thank you.” Her sister dipped a washcloth in the warm water and talked softly while she washed off the blood on the child closest to her.
She wet a cloth and knelt by the other child. The toddler let out a cry when she touched her arm.
“Judith, I think her arm is broken.” Her stomach churned. “Where is Robert? We need him to get the post doctor.”
“I’m here.” Boots pounded across the floor. “There’s no doctor on post at present. Only an untrained orderly. But this gentleman has offered his services.”
She looked up. Her heart leaped. “Trace!”
Judith darted a glance at her, caught her lower lip in her teeth, and went back to washing and soothing the child.
“I’m happy to help, Lieutenant.” Trace’s calm and confident voice filled the room. “I’ll need a doctor’s field kit. And splints suitable for a small child.”
Robert strode to the door and issued his orders.
Trace removed his coat, rolled up his sleeves, squatted and washed his hands. He smiled and ran his fingers gently over the toddler. “You’re right, Katherine. Her arm is broken, and her leg, also. She’ll need to be watched for any signs of internal injury. As will her sister.” He looked down at the other toddler who was staring up at him and smiled. “I’m Doctor Warren. What’s your name?”
“J-Jen-ny.” Her little jaw quivered. She held up her hand, her middle fingers extended. “I’m f-free. Betsy’s a baby. She g-gotted hurt.” The toddler fisted her hand and wiped at her eyes.
“We’ll make Betsy better.” Trace touched a lump on the toddler’s forehead, slid his fingers through her brown curls. “It looks like you’ve had quite an adventure, Jenny. Did you fall down?” His hands moved gently over the small body as he talked.
“Papa’s w-wagon falled down th-the hill.” Tears rolled down the toddler’s cheeks. “Him and Mama w-won’t get up.”
Trace nodded to Judith, who pulled Jenny onto her lap and cuddled her close while she finished washing her.
The orderly hurried into the room. “I couldn’t find anything for a small splint, sir.”
Robert nodded and handed Trace the kit. There was nothing of use.
“Would the cover of a book do, if it were cut into wide strips?”
“An excellent idea, Lieutenant.”
Robert pivoted, grabbed a book off the mantel and pulled out his knife.
Trace’s gaze caught and held hers. “I’ll need your help with the little one, Katherine.”
She nodded, fought to control her breathing.
Trace opened jars, handed one to Judith and smiled. “That salve will treat Jenny’s bruises. Why don’t you wrap her in a blanket and take her to the kitchen for something to eat. She looks hungry to me.” Judith’s face paled. Her sister rose and carried the toddler to the kitchen. Robert took Judith’s place on the hearth and slit the book covers into four pieces.
“The little one is all clean, Trace.” He looked at her and nodded. His eyes... Her heart fluttered.
He lifted a roll of bandage from the kit and placed it beside the makeshift splints. “Are you ready?”
She took a breath and nodded.
He pulled a small rag out of the kit, opened a bottle and put a few drops of liquid on it. “Hold this under her nose and take it away immediately when she closes her eyes. If she begins to wake, do it again. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t take your eyes off the child.”
“I won’t.” She wanted to look at him. To drink in the sight of him kneeling beside her, but she did as he directed. From the corner of her eye she saw him place two splints on the toddler’s small arm and wrap them with the bandage. His shoulder brushed hers when he moved on to splint the toddler’s leg. Warmth washed through her.
“I’m finished. She should wake up in a few minutes. Give me the rag, Katherine.” He tossed it in the fire and closed the medical kit.
Robert handed it to the orderly. “Dismissed.” He looked at Trace. “Well done, sir. I should like to have you on my post at any time.”
“Thank you, Lieutenant. But I have other plans.” Trace’s smile took her breath away. She wrapped the little toddler in a blanket and cuddled her in her arms as close as the injuries would allow.
“Will she be all right?” Judith’s voice was full of tears.
Trace rose and pulled on his coat. “I believe so, Mrs....”
“Judith, please.”
Her sister’s smile was radiant.
“Robert, if you will take Jenny—” Judith handed the toddler she held to her husband and extended her arms “—I will take Betsy. And free our guest to talk with the person he came to see. Perhaps over in the ballroom, Katy...”
Warmth crawled into her cheeks. She nodded, took the hand Trace offered her, rose and walked to the door. What did he want? Why was he—A spasm hit her stomach. “Howard! Is—”
“He’s fine, Katherine.” Trace leaned forward and opened the door.
“In here.” She took a breath and led the way into the house they’d been decorating. The fire crackled. The pine scented the room. He must have come because of their contract. Hadn’t she made it clear she wouldn’t oppose an annulment? She clenched her hands down to her sides, dug her nails into her palms to keep from crying and turned to face him.
“Why have you come, Trace? I wrote you—”
“Yes. Your letter is why I’m here.” He came farther into the room, sniffed. “It smells good in here. Looks pretty, too.”
“Thank you. But—”
“Thank you? Did you do all of this?” He waved his hand to include the whole room, stepped closer to the fireplace.
“Judith and I, yes. But about the letter. I don’t understand. If I didn’t make it clear—”
“All that you said was very clear.” He picked up a small log and placed it on the fire, pushed it into place with his foot.
He was too close. Her heart fluttered. She took a step backward. “Then what brought you here?”
“I came to offer you a job. And after what I’ve just seen, I’m more certain than ever it’s the right thing to do.” He reached for a walnut she had dropped when she ran out the door. “Is this supposed to be here with the other ones?” He moved to the hearth, looked at her.
Her knees threatened to give way. She reached behind her and braced her hand against the stone. “A job?” She stared at him. Was he insane? Didn’t he understand anything she had written?
“Yes. You see, I’ve made a few changes since you’ve gone. And so, when your letter came—”
It was too much. She snatched the walnut he was fiddling with from his hand and slapped it down on the mantel. “It goes here! As for a job—”
“As a nurse.”
“What?” She turned back to face him.
Joy flooded her. “Oh, Trace, that’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you. And for everyone in Whisper Creek. They need a doctor.”
“They have one now. And it’s because of you. You’re the one who encouraged me to trust in my skills and become a doctor again.”
His voice was quiet, deep. His eyes dark. She swallowed hard and stepped back to where she had been to let the stone support her.
“And a doctor needs an office. That’s another change I made. You see, when John Ferndale learned that I am a trained and certified doctor from New York Hospital he was overjoyed. He offered me the lot next to my apothecary shop and free lumber to build my doctor’s office and a clinic.” His gaze captured hers. “And when I explained our unusual agreement, he told me because the need for a doctor at Whisper Creek is so dire I could stay on with no contract. Do you realize what that means, Katherine? I no longer have to be married—not even in name only.”
Her throat closed. She held back tears. “I—I’m happy for you. I know you didn’t want to be forced to marry.”
“Exactly.”
Don’t look at him. Think about the details. Don’t cry. “So there will be no problem for you in obtaining an annulment.”
“I hope that won’t be necessary.” He took a step closer. The reserve, the caution, was gone from his eyes. “I love you, Katherine Warren, and I want to be married to you and no other.” He slid his arms around her, pulled her close against him. “I was a fool and a coward to deny my feelings for you. I’ve loved you from the moment at the train when I looked into your eyes.” He lifted his hand and cupped her neck. His thumb brushed against her cheek. “Will you come home and be my wife in truth and in love forever?”
His eyes took her breath; his words took her strength. She leaned against him and nodded. “Forever.”
His lips touched hers, warm, soft, caressing. He slid his hand into his pocket, then grasped hers and slipped a gold band on her finger. “Now and always, my love.” His arms tightened, and his lips covered hers, asked... She slid her arms around his neck and gave him her promise. He lifted his head and gave her a look that made her pulse race. “Let’s go home to our son, Mrs. Warren.”
Wedded for the Baby Page 21