by Bush, Holly
Frank Smith would report that entire humiliating experience to her parents. He was staring at Jake. “You’re mistaken, sir,” Julia said.
Jake squeezed her shoulders. “There was a mix-up at the station when my wife arrived. I’m thankful it happened.”
The man smiled thinly. He leaned forward and began to unfold the papers in his hands. “I’m sure you recognize your father’s signature.”
Julia accepted the papers with shaking hands and saw her father’s name boldly etched. “Yes. That is my father’s signature.”
Frank Smith clapped his hands together lightly and smiled. “There is good news, Miss Crawford. Your family is willing to accept you back.” He sat back, “With some conditions of course.”
Julia touched her hand to Jake’s hand resting on her shoulder. “I don’t want to go back.”
“Don’t be too hasty, Miss Crawford. Let me tell you what’s in these papers,” the man said.
“Her name is Mrs. Shelling. One more time wrong, and you’ll be out on your ear,” Jake replied.
Jake had not raised his voice, but the threat was clearly received by Mr. Smith. He addressed Julia as he handed her the papers. “Your inheritance will be intact, and family members will not be apprised of this unfortunate incident as long as you sign this final page.”
Julia swallowed and took the paper. She read till the last line. Her promise to respect her family’s wishes. No more inappropriate or offensive behavior. A lifetime spent with a bowed head and a broken heart as well. Tears blurred her eyes. Even with her past she’d never been so humiliated in all of her life. She was certain Jake was coming to like and respect her. She was worried she might love him.
“I don’t want to go,” Julia said and looked up at Jake in her misery.
Jake crouched down beside her and smiled. “Then don’t.”
“A half a million dollars seems worth it to me,” Mr. Smith said.
Jake drew in a breath and glanced from Smith to Julia. “You’re inheritance is a half a million dollars?”
Julia nodded, eyes downcast. “Please don’t make me go.”
“I’m sure the Crawford family would take into consideration anything you could do to make her see reason,” Smith said and stared hard at Jake.
Jake tilted Julia’s chin up and stared at her when he spoke to Smith. “I’ve got plenty of money. More than we’ll ever need. We don’t need her money.” He turned to fix a glare on Smith. “You go back and tell her family to stick their money. I’m not up for sale and neither is she.”
Julia’s shoulders shook and fat tears wandered down her cheeks. She had been scared to death of Jake’s reaction when he heard the amount of her inheritance. Her lip trembled. “Are there any personal notes with those papers?”
Smith snorted. “No.”
“You go back and tell your employer to mind his own business. She’s my wife. Tell them the marriage has been consummated, and no court in the land will interfere. Get out of our house, and don’t come back. Ever,” Jake said.
Smith rose slowly. Jake towered over him. He leaned in close to Jake. “Maybe you need to take some time to think on this. No telling how a man of Mr. Crawford’s stature could help a dirt-hoer in South Dakota. Maybe even a nice desk job with . . .”
Jake picked Smith up by his stiff white collar. The man’s face reddened, and Jake smiled. “Smart men don’t question my integrity. I see you’re none too smart.” Jake carried Smith to the door, opened it with his free hand and tossed him outside. “Just see Mr. Crawford gets my message and my meaning.” He slammed the door with a flourish and cursed a blue streak.
Julia had crumpled to the floor in a heap. Jake knelt beside her and pulled her into his lap. Pushing the hair from her face and kissing her.
“I’m sorry,” Julia said between sobs. “I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry about what?” he asked.
“It’s a lot of money to turn down, Jake. I’m sure my father would be generous. You could buy more land or give some to Flossie and Gloria. I’m so sorry.”
“Julia, listen to me. I don’t want your father’s money. I don’t need it. You’re my wife,” Jake said.
“But . . .” Julia began.
“No buts about it. As long as you’re sure you want to be here, I want you to stay,” Jake said and kissed her forehead.
Tears poured from her eyes. “I want to stay, Jake. You’re sure you want me to stay?”
Jake pulled Julia’s head under his chin and rested his head on it. “I want you to stay, Julia.” Julia’s breathing slowed and her cries wound down as he stroked her arms.
“What man wouldn’t want all these gee-gaws let alone a red front door? I don’t think I could live happy without those little table cozies you make.” He pulled her away to look her in the eyes and smiled softly as he did. “I’m even starting to like those teeny little sandwiches you make and cold soup, honey.”
Julia started crying all over again. She knew he was trying to make her laugh, and now she was hanging on his shirt and crying.
“What? What did I say?” he asked.
Julia’s lip trembled through a smile. “You called me honey. And I know you’re just trying to make me feel better. And I know you eat your dinner at the bunkhouse most nights. I’m not the wife you wanted. I still don’t know anything about life on the farm. I just spend your money and paint.”
Jake touched his hand on her chin. “You’ve brought life and light into this old house, Julia. I didn’t know how badly I needed it till I thought you might want to go back with Smith. You’re gracious and stylish and spread that to everything you touch. I’d miss it if you left. I’m hoping one of these days we’ll have a child, because I think you’ll raise smart, handsome children with manners and breeding.”
“Oh, Jake, do you really think I’d be a good mother?” she asked. Could she have loved him anymore than at this moment, she wondered?
“How could you think otherwise? Do you think I’ll be a good father?” he asked.
Julia smiled. “Wonderful. Unless of course we have daughters. And there’s a good chance with as many sisters as you and I both have.”
“If we have girls and they’re as beautiful as their mother, I’ll lock them in a closet till they’re forty,” he said.
Julia sighed and leaned into her husband’s arms. Jake defended her to Frank Smith, called her honey and told her she’d make a good mother. What had started out horribly ended up more than she could have ever hoped. She was aching for his touch the full length of her body.
“Let’s go upstairs, Mr. Shelling. I believe I need to lie down,” she said.
“Whatever you think is best, Mrs. Shelling.” Jake was smiling as he carried Julia up the steps.
Chapter Nine
Julia was pleased and a little amazed at the things she’d been able to accomplish in Jake’s house. They very rarely had bread, dinner was a haphazard affair, but the house was shaping up to be every bit as comfortable and inviting as she could have imagined. Jake seemed content and happy with all the things she had done. He took a tour of the house every evening when he came home and commented on each little thing. They were at the kitchen table eating crackers and canned sardines when Harry came riding into the yard. Jake jumped up when he saw his brother-in-law slide down from his horse in a rush.
“What is it?” Jake shouted to Harry.
“Gloria. It’s time. Flossie wants Julia to help,” Harry said.
“Oh dear,” Julia said. She turned and hurried back into the house. She was back on the porch in minutes with a bundle in her arms.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“Flossie told me to pack rags, sheets and nightgowns when Gloria’s time came. There’d be less wash then in case we didn’t have time. Hurry, Jake, get the wagon,” Julia said and pulled on his sleeve.
Slim had the wagon hitched in no time, and they bounced off as fast as Jake could force the horses. It seemed like forever to Julia.
“I wonder if Will went for the doctor?” Jake asked.
“I imagine so,” she said.
Julia jumped down from the wagon herself and hurried into the house, Jake trailing her. “Flossie, how are things? Did Will go for the doctor? What can I do?” she asked.
“The doctor’s out at the Wilson place. One of the boys nearly lost a foot in an accident. It’s you and me for now, Julia,” Flossie said.
Julia hurried past a pacing white-faced Will and into the bedroom where Gloria lay. She laid her hand on Gloria’s sweat-sheened forehead. “How are you doing, Gloria? Do you need anything?”
Gloria grimaced. “I wish this baby would hurry up and get here.”
Flossie didn’t turn from tearing old sheets in two. “I told you. Babies come when babies come. Nothing we can do to hurry them.”
Julia rinsed a rag in water and wiped Gloria’s face. “Take deep breaths, Gloria.”
Flossie looked at Julia. “You’re not squeamish are you?”
Julia shook her head. “No. What needs to be done?”
“Get the water boiled. And stir the potatoes. I have a feeling we’re going to be here for awhile.”
Julia went to the kitchen with Millie trailing behind.
“Aunt Julia?” Millie said.
There were tears in the little girl’s eyes. Julia picked her up. “What is it Millie?”
“Is Aunt Gloria gonna die? Danny said Billy Owen’s ma died when she had his brother,” Millie asked.
Julia kissed Millie’s nose. “No. Your Aunt Gloria is strong. Sometimes first babies take a while. We’re going to brew some tea to make it easier for her. Do you want to help?”
Millie nodded and shimmied down Julia’s side. They boiled water for the doctor, brewed tea and checked the dinner Flossie had started. Julia was beginning to worry as the evening dragged on. By the middle of the night, Julia was sick to her stomach with fear. Even Flossie looked worried. The kids had fallen asleep in Harry’s lap, when Jake read a story long ago. Will sat slumped against the wall in the corner. Harry and Jake watched Flossie and Julia enter the bedroom and exit.
“I just don’t know what’s the matter,” Flossie whispered after closing the door on the men in the sitting room. “This baby’s ready to come.”
Julia looked at her watch, pinned to her blouse. It was near four in the morning. She pulled the sheet up, exposing Gloria’s protruding stomach. “I think the baby’s turned a funny way, Flossie. Feel.” Julia guided Flossie’s hand. “See? It feels like the head is on the side here.”
Flossie skimmed her hand over her sister’s stomach. “My kids were born quick. With no trouble. I wish that doctor would get here.”
Julia looked at Flossie and leaned close to a moaning and thrashing Gloria. “I’m going to try and help move the baby around, Gloria. It’s going to hurt.”
“I don’t think she can hear what we’re saying anymore. Go on do something if you think you could help,” Flossie said.
Her sister-in-law was worried to death. Julia could see it in her eyes. Usually happy eyes, Julia thought. Funny how she never noticed Flossie’s scar much anymore. Would Flossie wonder where she had come upon this knowledge of child bearing?
“It’s going to hurt her. Hold her down,” Julia said.
Julia massaged and kneaded Gloria’s stomach till her hands were weak and cramped. It felt as though she was making progress though. “Get behind her shoulders, Flossie. She has to push while I move this child.”
Flossie spoke gently till she realized Gloria was near passed out. She began to shout as if Gloria were a small child caught in an errant act. “You wake up this instant, Gloria Jean Shelling. I mean it. You got to get awake and push. Come on, Gloria.”
Gloria moaned and Flossie and Julia screamed and begged for every bit of strength she had left. “The baby’s crowning, Flossie. Come on Gloria. Push.” The door flew open just as Julia saw the top of the baby’s head.
Will passed out into Harry and Jake’s arms as a weary Doctor Hammish pushed by. “What’s going on here? Get that fool husband out of here. Where we at, Flossie?”
“Thank God you’re here,” Flossie said. “The baby wouldn’t come, Doc. Julia pushed on Gloria’s stomach. I think she got the head going the right way because she’s crowning.”
Doctor Hammish examined Gloria and looked up at Julia and Flossie. “This baby needs born right now, and Gloria’s got to dig deep and do the work. She looks near exhaustion. Get her pushing, girls.”
Flossie and Julia held Gloria’s shoulders and splashed cold water on her face. “It’s time, Gloria. Start pushing again,” Flossie yelled.
Tears ran down Gloria’s face and every push brought an agony of pain to her face. But near five in the morning, a small healthy boy finally was born.
Flossie was holding the baby, crying and crooning and swaying back and forth. Doctor Hammish looked at Julia while he finished with a passed out Gloria. “Mighty glad you moved that child around. He’d been dead before long. You a nurse?”
“No,” Julia said. She bent down to pick up bloody sheets.
“How did you know what to do?” Flossie asked.
Julia wiped tears of joy and remembrance from her cheeks. “I was with my mother when she had my youngest sister. She had a similar trouble. I was glad I could help.”
Gloria stirred, and Flossie handed the baby to Julia and hurried to her sister’s side. “Take him out so his father and uncles can see him. They’re worried sick.”
Julia held the warm bundle in her arms. He was so small. So beautiful. So very precious. She walked slowly to the sitting room. “Your son wants to say hello, Will.”
Gloria’s husband jumped from the floor with a tear-stained face. His hands trembled as he took his son into his arms. He looked at Julia, lips quivering. “Gloria?”
“Doctor Hammish says she’s going to be fine.” Harry shook his head and wiped his mouth. Jake stood and went out the door. Will’s eyes closed, and he mouthed what Julia figured was a prayer of thanksgiving. “She’s going to need complete bed rest. I’m going to get some sleep. Flossie will stay till I get back.”
Will dropped into a chair and rocked his son back and forth. Julia went outside. She needed fresh air and her husband’s arms. He was kneeling beside an oak tree, his hand steadied on the rough bark, his head dropped and his shoulders shaking. Julia laid her hand on his back. He had been her strength too many times already. She would be his if she could.
“Jake?” she said.
Jake shook his head and swiped at tears. He sniffed and cleared his throat. “If anything would have happened to Gloria, I don’t know what I would have done.” He stared at Julia. “For whatever you and Flossie did, I thank you.”
Julia smiled and yawned. “I was worried, too, but everyone’s going to be fine. You need to get me home so I can get some sleep. Flossie’s going to stay till I get back.”
* * *
Jake ducked into the house and went straight to Gloria’s bed. He kissed his youngest sister’s forehead and looked at Flossie holding her hand. Will sat on the edge of the bed.
“I’m going to take Julia home. We’ll be back. Let me see my new nephew.” Will gingerly handed Jake the bundle. Jake pulled back the blanket. Ten little fingers, a strong chin and a head full of dark hair like Gloria’s. Jake’s mouth quivered, and all he could do was nod as he lay the baby down beside his mother. Flossie grabbed Jake’s hand.
“Thank God Julia was here. I didn’t know what to do. Doc says she saved Gloria and Joshua both. Take good care of your wife, Jake. She doesn’t look it, but she’s got a backbone made for life on a farm,” Flossie said.
Jake pulled up to his house as the sun rose. Julia was long asleep against his shoulder. He was so damned proud of his wife. And thankful as well. His little round, soft, weak wife had saved his sister. She wasn’t really weak, Jake knew. The bloody sheets she had lugged past him to the laundry kettle in the yard had made bile rise in his throat. And he had
heard her through the door shouting at his sister like a cattle drover at a passel of mules. He was thinking she brought him a whole lot more than pretty things and comfort when she married him. He was never so glad Portentia Snelling’s feet were arthritic. He’d have to buy the old bag some little gift in thanks.
* * *
The week went by with more on the dinner table than usual. Julia spent most of her days at Gloria and Will’s helping out and with Flossie there cooking more times than not, Julia usually climbed up into his wagon holding a dish filled with his sister’s cooking. Julia’s household projects had gone by the wayside as well as her smile. She talked enthusiastically about her new nephew and Millie and Danny and then would fall silent and staring at the landscape on their ride home. She seemed distant and a little sad. Maybe she was pining over starting a family of their own.
“What’s the matter?” Jake asked Julia as he ate some of the stew Flossie had sent that day, over a week since Joshua was born.
Julia’s head came up as if far away in her thoughts. “Oh, nothing,” she said.
Jake eyed his wife. Her normal happy chatter was still non-existent. “You’ve been awful quiet lately. Something bothering you?” he asked.
Julia picked up her spoon and began to eat. “No. Nothing’s bothering me.”
Jake continued to study her while he ate. He had problems of his own. Three more hands had quit, and Slim said there were no men to hire in town. Every farm for miles had a full contingent of workers and even higher wages weren’t inducing men to change bosses right before harvest. Will and Harry said they’d help as much as they could, but they each had farms of their own. And with Will and Gloria’s new baby, Jake doubted Will could give him more than a few hours a week.
“Going to be tough harvest,” Jake said.
“Why’s that?” Julia asked absently.
“Not enough men. Nobody to hire either. Cook’s going to have to work with me. Flossie said she’d come over to help you,” Jake said and tore bread from the loaf.
“Help me what?” Julia asked.