Grace heard the sounds of a carriage enter the yard and she moved the lace curtain aside to see it was Ginny. She hurried to the door just as Ginny was stepping down out of the carriage.
“I hope you don’t mind an impromptu visit from a friend,” Ginny called.
Grace was quickly by her side and taking her arm. “Never! I’m always happy to see you. You’re out early this morning. Let’s go inside and catch up.”
Settled in the parlor with fresh coffee and gingersnaps, Grace noticed the soft mint-green gown her friend wore reflected her green eyes. “You look marvelous, as usual, Ginny.”
“Thank you, Grace, but you have a spark in your eye as well. Could it be that Warren has been courting?”
“Ha! He never kept his promise to come that Sunday, but he did drop by yesterday. I had all but given up.”
“Then what’s the new bounce in your step that I detect?” Ginny scrutinized her face for a clue.
“I didn’t realize I had a bounce.” She chuckled. “Maybe it’s because of new developments around here.”
Ginny cocked an eyebrow. “And that would be?”
“Uh . . . a few extra guests in the home.”
“Really? I didn’t see anyone but your father.”
“Let me tell you about it.” Within a quarter hour, Grace had explained about Robert and the children and how she’d convinced him to bring the children to her farm temporarily. Then she sat back, feeling tired from the telling of it all.
“Whew! Grace, that’s quite a lot for you to take on, considering your dad and running the farm.”
“True, but it’s only for a while, and you know how I’ve always wanted children.”
Ginny’s face paled, and she stared past Grace and out the window.
“Ginny, what’s wrong?”
“That’s just it. Nothing’s wrong, but knowing that you wanted children makes this all the harder for me to tell you.” She gazed back at Grace.
“Me? What are you talking about? Are you—?”
Ginny’s head bobbed up and down. “Yes, yes I am!”
They both burst out with laughter, and Grace squealed with delight, clasping Ginny’s hands with her own. “Oh, my dear friend, that’s so wonderful! And I’m extremely happy for you and Frank. I mean that.”
“Thank you. I was worried that you’d be upset.”
“Heavens! Never with you, Ginny. Do I wish I had children? Yes, I do, but that doesn’t diminish my happiness for you and Frank.”
Tears sprang into her friend’s eyes and Grace handed her a handkerchief.
Ginny sniffed into it. “It must be the pregnancy making me cry at the least little thing.”
Grace giggled. “I’ve heard that can happen. But let’s talk about a baby shower for you. Oh, and did you hear that Matilda is going to have a baby as well?”
Ginny clapped her hands. “That’s wonderful news. No, I hadn’t heard. I’m afraid that I’ve been a little distracted,” she said with a smile.
“Perfectly understandable, my friend. Are you feeling well? You look wonderful!” Grace eyed her.
Ginny nodded. “I am. I had a few mornings when I couldn’t face breakfast, but that seems to be over for now.”
“I’m really very thrilled for you and Frank. How is he taking the news?”
Ginny grinned. “My goodness, he’s as proud as can be! And very attentive, as though I’m all of a sudden fragile.”
Both of them giggled.
“I would expect as much from him. He’s a good man, and you’re lucky to have him for your husband.”
———
Ginny looked at her friend’s sweet, genuine face. She had prayed that someone would come into Grace’s life again. A wonderful person like Grace deserved love and happiness, because she had so much to offer.
A call from Owen interrupted their schoolgirl chatting, and Grace excused herself to go check on him.
Grace returned a moment later, Owen on her arm, and Ginny smiled when she saw him. “My, but it’s good to see you up and walking. I heard you were in town for a change of scenery.” She rose and walked over to give him a peck on the cheek. Upon closer inspection she noticed his eyes were brighter than the last time she saw him, and the dark circles had all but disappeared.
He gave her a brief hug. “It’s always good to see you. I think I’ve improved a little, thanks to my daughter and Robert, but I can’t walk as fast as I used to.”
“Robert?” Ginny glanced at Grace. “You mean the hired hand?”
Grace flushed and answered, “Yes. He has great patience with Pop.” She guided Owen to a chair and he sat down.
“Grace tells me that you have good news. I’m happy for you, Ginny. There’s nothing like having a child.”
“Thank you. We’re very excited, and I want you two involved in the baby’s life as much as possible.” Ginny could feel her eyes misting over. Her emotions seemed to be all over the place, and when she looked at Owen, she was reminded her baby wouldn’t have a grandfather or grandmother.
“We’d be honored,” Owen replied. “Wouldn’t we, Grace?”
“You know that we would. Why don’t I make us some more tea?”
There was a small feeling of unsettledness in her tummy, so she said, “Tea would suit me well, thank you.”
“I’ll be back in a few minutes. You rest right there and chat with Pop.” Grace scooted out of the room.
“Owen, do you mind if I ask you something?” Ginny whispered.
“Of course not. Ask away.” He leaned forward to hear.
“Has Ginny said anything to you about Warren? Do you think she’s interested in him?”
“She’s not said much at all, other than he’s taking her to dinner on Saturday. Why?”
“Just wondering. Frank seems to like him a lot, but I’m not around him much. I only want my friend to find happiness—with the right person. I’m worried about her.”
Owen lightly chuckled. “Grace can take care of herself. She’s a strong woman.” He sat back in his chair.
“You’re right, I’m sure, and I’ll bet we both want the same thing for her.”
“I know exactly what you’re thinking, Ginny. I’m a burden for her, by no fault of my own, but she needs to be reminded that I don’t want to be the center of her life. I want her to feel free to leave the house or go be with other ladies and hopefully find love. I’m worried she’ll have even more to do now with Robert’s children.”
“Then we are in agreement.” She smiled at the old man. “She has such a generous spirit that she forgets to take care of herself.”
Owen leaned forward again and said under his breath, “To tell the truth, I’ve noticed that she seems different whenever Robert is around—happier somehow.”
“Really? Well, that could be because she has a strong man to help out now.”
Owen shook his head. “I don’t think so.”
Grace entered with a tray, so Ginny motioned to him with her eyes that the subject was closed for now. It’d be nice for Grace to have two men courting her, Ginny thought. She turned her attention to the tea Grace was pouring and changed the subject.
Ginny was about to leave when Robert walked up to the house, bare arms exposed and tanned, shirt opened at the throat. Ginny watched Grace’s expression change to a splendid warmth and her eyes became soft when he said hello. Was there something between them? Well, I’ll be! My suggestion he apply for the job may have amounted to a whole lot more.
“Nice to see you again, ma’am,” he said with a tilt of his hat, and to Grace, “I don’t mean to interrupt.” He propped his leg on the step and leaned on it.
Grace flashed him a wide smile that made Ginny think, Uh-huh . . . I knew it!
“Hello, Robert. You’re not interrupting, since I was about to take my leave.” Ginny started for her carriage, and Robert stepped quickly to her side.
“Here, let me help,” he said, and she allowed him to assist her to her seat in the carriage.
Grace giggled. “Ginny, sometimes you’re so funny.”
Robert stood back with his hands on his hips. “I’ll take that as a nice compliment coming from a Southern belle then,” he answered seriously but void of a smile.
Dear me, it’s hard to penetrate his protective shield. “Well, I must be going now. Hope to see you in town soon.”
———
Grace waved goodbye as Ginny hurried down the lane. She turned to ask Robert about buying the children a set of clothes. If she could only drag her eyes away from his muscular, tanned arms . . .
“Robert, was there something you came to speak to me about?”
“I only wanted to let you know that I’ll be up on your roof for a little while. I saw a few shingles that need nailing down until I can buy some replacements.” He turned and pointed up at the roof over the kitchen, and as she moved back around to look up to see, her side brushed his shoulder.
He moved away as though she’d bit him and gazed at her through cool, gunmetal-gray eyes. “I hope that my pounding on the roof won’t be a problem for you or your pop. I know he likes to take afternoon naps.”
He has the most intriguing eyes, but he acts like I’m a threat instead of a friend. She centered her thoughts and replied, “Don’t worry about him. Pop can sleep through most anything.”
“That’s all I need to hear.” He started to walk away, but her hand on his arm held him.
“Robert, I was wondering . . . Would you mind if I bought the children a change of clothing? I realize that school will be over soon, but they really need clothes that fit. Don’t you agree?”
He seemed surprised as he considered her offer, rubbing his chin with his thumb. “Okay, but only if you take it out of my pay. I don’t take charity,” he said firmly.
“I understand, but I could give the children a few chores after school to do as payment. What do you think of that idea?”
He chuckled softly. “If you can get much out of them, then have at it. But remember, I warned you.”
“Perfect!” She lifted her skirts and hurried up the stairs. She wanted to write up a list of items they could help with. At the top of the steps, she stopped and turned to him. “Would you object to me taking them to town for shopping?”
“My goodness, when you get an idea, you really get fired up, don’t you?” He shrugged. “Sure, it’s okay with me.”
“I’ll talk to them after school, then.” Grace was excited to be able to do something for the children, and she couldn’t wait to get started.
17
With the sun’s rays warming his back, Robert had a great view from the top of the roof. Since he was already up here, he’d decided to check out the back part of the roof that wasn’t clearly visible from the ground and found many places wanting. He hoped a new roof was in Grace’s budget. Now he wished he hadn’t told her to go ahead and buy those new clothes. Better to get down and give her the bad news before she did anything.
He carefully climbed back over the rooftop toward the front of the house, and hearing voices below, he realized he was already too late with his advice. In her apparent eagerness, she was waiting for the children when they returned, and the animation in their voices told him she’d already given them the news.
He heard Tom say something about needing shoes more than he needed pants before pulling up his leg to expose the holes in the bottom of his shoe. Grace gasped and he heard her confirm that Tom was right, then they all followed her inside, where she most likely had some sort of cookie waiting for them.
Grace acted like they were her children, and that baffled him. Why in the world would she care about them? He didn’t get it. It was almost as if she’d decided they were her charges instead of his. Be grateful in all things, he heard from a voice in his head. I am, Lord, I am. He wasn’t used to such kindness and it felt nice. He also liked the way she’d looked at him earlier with her honey-brown eyes. Stop it and get back to work before you land in trouble, he told himself.
He reached for his hammer and nails from his leather work apron and started repairing the roof. Once he paused to enjoy the cooling wind against his face and watched an eagle soar. He’d much rather be the eagle—free, with no responsibilities, riding a tailwind that blew over the Gallatin Range.
There were times at night he asked God where his future was going. Since Ada’s death, he’d lost perspective. There was no one to build a life with. He admitted that even though she’d deceived him, he still missed Ada and reckoned he would always have a place in his heart for her.
Maybe he should consider moving on after the potato crop was in. No woman was going to want to marry a man with a ready-made family. Especially when the kids weren’t babies. Most young women wanted children of their own flesh and blood. Might as well face the facts, Robert, you’re not young yourself anymore.
It wasn’t long before Becky came out and called him in to supper. He needed to let go of his foolish notions of ever finding happiness. Besides, the smell of supper was at least something he could look forward to. He started down the ladder to go wash up.
The spring weather couldn’t have been more perfect the Saturday Grace took the children to town. Owen decided he’d go along too, and Tom offered to help him getting in and out of the wagon. She left the farm in the capable hands of Robert, who admitted he hated shopping and trusted Grace to do the buying.
While Eli fitted Tom with a good sturdy pair of boots, Grace and the girls wandered over to the ready-made frocks looking for something to fit them. Once, when she glanced back to Eli and Tom, their heads were down and they were speaking in whispers.
Sarah found a simple dress with tiny blue flowers. “What about this one, Miss Grace?”
Grace held the dress up to Sarah’s shoulders. “I think it will work nicely, especially because it will complement your pretty blue eyes,” she confirmed. Sarah’s sweet smile was thanks enough for Grace as she watched her staring at the dress.
“I think we should also look for some new underwear,” Grace suggested.
Becky looked at her with a furrowed brow. “Are you sure you can afford that? Robert, I mean our papa, said until the potato crop comes in you might be having a hard time making a go of it like us.”
“Did he now? Don’t you worry about that, Becky. I wouldn’t have brought you shopping if I couldn’t pay for it. I believe we’ll have a good crop this year because of your papa’s help.”
Becky paused from looking through the clothes and peered shyly at Grace. “You like him, don’t you?”
Grace felt her face go pink. “Of course I do. He’s a hard worker and has taken a huge load off me,” she answered, then went back to picking through the ready-made frocks. Whatever possessed that child to say that?
“I don’t mean like that.” Becky said nothing more, and Grace was glad that she let the subject drop.
———
Owen shuffled slowly around the large mercantile, checking out the saddles and tack. He had a hankering to go riding. Must be typical spring fever. He’d been avoiding the back of a horse because he was worried about his balance lately. Every so often, he would have sharp, stabbing pains in his hips, but he refrained from telling Grace. She had enough on her mind, especially having three children in the house. Maybe it was time for him to see the doctor again.
He made his way through the store out to the sidewalk, but he hadn’t gone far before he was shaky. Plopping down on a bench, he watched the town traffic. Directly across the street in his view was the bank, and he watched a woman walk out with a few other patrons. Was that Stella? Hard to say beneath the leather cowboy hat. It looked like her—she had no visible femininity in her manner of walking, which was a stride full of strong purpose. A book was tucked under her arm
and spectacles framed her face. He wished she’d decide to come his way. Suddenly, she did, almost like an afterthought. She crossed the street, making her way in his direction. Had she seen him? Don’t be silly! Even if she had, she wouldn’t be crossing to talk to him.
Owen sat up straighter, just in case she walked by. She stepped over deep ruts in the street and came near. He pulled himself up and greeted her with a tip of his hat. “Excuse me. I saw you the last time I was in town.” Owen saw her stiffen and draw back, shoving her spectacles back up her thin nose to give him a strange look.
“Excuse me.” She started to move past.
Where he got the nerve, he couldn’t say, but he heard himself speaking again. “Eli told me your name was Stella. I’m Owen Miller. I thought I’d just introduce myself to you.”
She stood perfectly straight and prim, gazing at him from behind her spectacles with keen eyes. “I hardly know why, but Eli’s a good man and I know he wouldn’t have told you about me unless he trusted you. Well, nice to meet you. Good day.”
“Stella,” he said, “how about a cup of coffee before you finish your errands?” He was close enough to consider her green eyes behind her spectacles. For all her standoffish attitude, he found warmth there.
“Well, I’m not sure. I don’t know you—”
“You said you trusted Eli’s judgment. That must mean something—and I’m harmless enough over a cup of coffee.” He flashed her a broad smile, hoping to soften her. He even surprised himself. Maybe he was lonelier than he thought.
She stared openly at him. “My, but you are persistent, aren’t you? I suppose one cup would be harmless.” She looked down at his hand holding on to the chair’s arm. “Is the Timberline Café too far for you to walk?”
He quickly pulled his hand off the chair. She didn’t miss much. “It’s only a couple doors down, so I believe I can make it.”
To his surprise, she offered her arm after moving her book to her other side, and he took it. They quietly moved between the Saturday shoppers to make their way to the café.
Fortunately, there was one table for two left close to the window, which Owen preferred in case his daughter came looking for him. He pulled out a chair for Stella and noticed as she took her seat that she laid her book on the table and placed her spectacles on top, which he thought was odd. Perhaps she didn’t need them all the time but only for reading—but that made no sense, because she wore them while walking. He sat down carefully and smiled across the table at her.
Trusting Grace Page 9