Chloe watched attentively, mimicking what Emma-Jean had shown her.
“Like this?” she asked.
“Just like that.” Emma blew on a spoonful of oatmeal and put it up to Hanna’s mouth.
He leaned over and whispered in Emma-Jean’s ear. She flinched feeling the fabric of his shirt brush against her.
“Sorry. I just wanted to thank you for that. I’ve been telling her the same thing for months.”
“I hear you,” Chloe said.
Emma-Jean smiled. “She’ll be fine. Right, Chloe?”
“Right.”
“So, are you okay with coming with me to run errands with the children this morning? It’ll help me a lot.”
“Sure.”
“Great. It’ll also give you a chance to meet some of the people in Heartsbridge. Afterward, I need to take care of some shop business.” He reached inside his pocket and pulled out what had in to be modern-day money with green and black tinged paper and the number twenty on it. Alexander Hamilton was no longer on there and it looked like it could be Andrew Jackson.
“Here’s one week’s pay in advance and something extra in case you need anything and I’m not here. Moira said you don’t drive so you can use it for ordering food or cab fare if needed.”
“Cab fare,” she repeated, losing her thought as she regarded Austin.
She picked up the notes. Running through it, she counted each of the twenty dollar bills. There was fifteen-twenties and three one-hundred dollar bills.
Emma-Jean placed her hands to her mouth.
“I’m sorry. Should I pay you more?” he asked with a look of concern on his face.
She shook her head. “I’ve never seen that much money before.”
“Are you serious? I can’t tell if you’re joking or not,” Austin said, wearing a half-smile.
“She’s serious,” Chloe said. “I told you.”
“Chloe, shh.” He placed a finger to his lips.
“I thought Moira told you what the job paid—three-hundred a week plus room and board but since you’re not staying here, I thought paying an extra two-hundred would be fair.”
Emma-Jean burst into excited laughter, tossing the money in the air. In turn, Chloe did the same. They stood, spinning around, throwing money in the air with Adam soon joining in.
Emma-Jean had only stopped when her gaze met Austin’s.
He dropped his arms by his side and lifted Hanna out of her highchair.
“Well, don’t let me stop you,” he said, breaking into a smile before picking up one of the bills and tossing it into the air as well.
So Far, So Good
Although some of her actions had tended to be on the strange side, Austin was happy to see how well the children were getting on with Emma-Jean. Honestly, her lighthearted ways seemed to bring them all joy, including him.
She’d agreed to run errands with him but getting her into the car had proven to be challenging. She’d even asked if they could walk instead. It had taken him about ten-minutes to get the children settled in the car and just as long to convince her to get in.
She’d kept her eyes closed most of the way. By the time they’d arrived at the pediatrician’s office, Emma-Jean had beads of sweat forming on her head and her already pale skin had turned ghostly-white.
“You know, lots of adults get carsick. If you like, we can pick you up something from the pharmacy. That should help some.”
She nodded, still holding on to the side of the seat when they stopped.
“I’m worried about you. Just stay here while I run inside. I’ll get you something for the car sickness.”
“No, really, I’m fine.” She panted in between short breaths.
“I insist” he said, getting out the car and running into the pharmacy next to the clinic. His intentions had been to go there afterward but he couldn’t take seeing her so uncomfortable.
The pharmacist had told him any antiemetic would do but had recommended the Bonnie’s. He rushed back to the car and gave her the tablets and water.
He waited a little while before saying anything, hoping she’d feel better soon. Seeing her sick was just as bad as seeing the kids sick.
“Thank you,” she said after a few minutes of silence, not counting Chloe’s chatter to Adam, who’d clearly learned to block her out.
“I’m ready if you are,” she said, fiddling with the door handle.
“Let me get that for you.” Austin exited and came around to her side to open the door. Then he popped the trunk and grabbed the stroller before coming around to get the kids.
Emma-Jean was fiddling with the door handle to close it.
“Like this,” Austin said, putting his hand next to hers and lifting the door handle.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome and don’t worry, you’ll get it soon enough. All cars are different.”
After getting the kids out, they went inside and took a seat in the waiting room. Emma-Jean and Chloe sat on one side while Austin sat opposite them holding Hanna. Adam had gone off into a corner and was playing with colorful balls on a table.
They were just getting settled in when his phone vibrated. He read the text.
Meet me now at the ranch or else it goes up in flames.
A look of terror came over Emma-Jean’s face when he told her he needed to leave but would be right back. But he had no other choice. Taking her and the children back with Lana there could end badly.
As soon as he jumped in the car, he contacted Deputy Monroe and asked him to meet him at the ranch, explaining what was going on. Thankfully, fifteen minutes later he received a call from Monroe saying Lana was nowhere in sight. Still, they’d patrol the area throughout the day, just to make sure everything was okay.
Dealing with Lana was draining. His first thought was to cancel his plans. But that’s what she wanted to do, upset him. He wasn’t about to let her have that effect on him. This wasn’t her first threat and it wouldn’t be her last. She always made empty threats but he wasn’t playing her game.
She was sure she’d stopped breathing when he explained he needed to make a quick run and would be right back.
But no sooner had he left, than he returned. She’d never been so happy to see someone she barely knew. He took Hanna and sat across from them.
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Everything is fine.”
Feeling relieved, she sighed. Things were already plenty overwhelming.
It was hard enough knowing they’d had to go to the doctor rather than the doctor coming to them. But the inside was a different kind of amazing. Emma-Jean watched as the children came in with their parents.
That’s when she looked down at the shoes one woman was wearing and noticed her toes were out and thought of Moira. Never in her life had she seen so many women wearing trousers. It was really astonishing.
Hearing the loud singing, her head darted up to the screen display on the wall. Moira had told her the night before about television but she hadn’t bothered to turn on the one in the room.
“That’s cartoons,” Hanna whispered, leaning over toward Emma-Jean and pointing to the television. “This is a good one. The rabbit teaches you stuff.”
Emma-Jean thought it really must have been interesting. All the kids had stopped what they were doing and were looking up at it.
A small woman wearing a long white coat came out.
“Hi, Dr. Abagail,” Chloe said, smiling slyly.
“Hi there, cutie,” she said, holding out her hand to Chloe.
“And this is Emma-Jean.”
“Oh, hello,” Abagail said as they shook hands. Emma-Jean couldn’t help noticing the curious look she was giving her. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you as well.”
“Come on back, Austin. Emma-Jean, you can come as well if it’s okay with Austin.”
“I’m fine with it. She’s only been helping us a few hours. And already I wonder
how we ever got along without her,” he raved as they walked to the back.
Emma-Jean stood off to the side of the room, while Emma sat in one chair, and Adam in another. Austin leaned against the bed holding Hanna, answering a series of questions.
Once she was done, she examined Hanna and then Chloe.
“They’re all due for shots today. We need to get them all caught up, especially Adam and Chloe so they can be ready for school.”
“No shot,” Chloe cried, shaking her head and bursting into tears.
“You have to, sweetie. I’m sorry,” Abagail said, giving her some paper handkerchiefs. “You need them so that you don’t get sick. You want to stay healthy, don’t you?”
Chloe wiped her eyes but continued to pout. “But it’s going to hurt.”
“Not so much if you lick a lollypop while I do it.”
“That should help a lot,” she exclaimed.
“Adam, come to the table. It’s your turn.”
Adam didn’t bother to move.
“Only Emma-Jean can make him answer,” Chloe murmured.
“I’m sorry he does that,” said Austin.
“Adam,” Austin called out after blowing out a frustrated breath. He was just about to walk toward him when Emma-Jean raised a hand to stop him.
“He can’t hear you.”
Both Austin and Abagail’s gazes fell on Emma-Jean.
“How can you tell?” Abagail asked with a curious look.
“Because I’ve been around deaf people before. He can hear a little but not a lot. He seems to read lips though. He’s shy. But he doesn’t talk much because he thinks no one will listen. And since he rarely hears what you say, he thinks no one talks to him. My friend Gracie is the same way.”
“But I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t we have noticed this?” Austin frowned raising his hand to his mouth.
Abagail sighed.
“To be honest Austin, I suspected something was going on but I could never get Lana to bring him in for a checkup. I’ve been trying since I opened the office six months ago. Poor guy. Good job with noticing Emma-Jean. Most parents just assume the child is being disobedient because they don’t know what to look for.”
Abagail moved closer. Bending slightly, she tilted her head to the side so that their eyes met. “Adam, could you go sit on the table?”
Austin watched Adam as he dipped his head and walked over to the table. “I didn’t know. God, I feel awful,” he said.
“It’s easy to miss but we could have caught it sooner with regular visits. But don’t worry. I suspected something was wrong but thought it had more to do with his speech. But if his hearing was off, it’s likely that his speech will be as well. The good thing is, we can make things a lot better for him now that we know. Thanks to Emma-Jean.”
Improper Behavior
A strangling lump of fear sat in her throat. Austin hadn’t said anything to her since they’d left the clinic. Was he upset by what she’d said? She must have done something to warrant his standoffish behavior. She hated this feeling and wanted to do anything to break the silence. Even the children were being quiet. Chloe sat holding Adam’s hand and Hanna had fallen asleep.
She glanced over at Austin. His expression made her feel invisible. She said a silent prayer, hoping she hadn’t messed up the best opportunity of her life. It wasn’t a schoolmarm, but she was working with children who were wonderful.
“Did I do something?” she asked, touching his arm as they pulled up to the large building saying Heartsbridge Elementary.
Austin looked down at her hand.
“Sorry,” she said, jerking it back.
“No, it’s okay. You just surprised me, is all.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you,” she said, her voice trailing off as she diverted her gaze.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. You’ve only been in our life four hours and already you’ve proven to be invaluable. I don’t know where you’re from but I’m so grateful you’re here. Adam will get the help he needs because of you, and he’ll be able to communicate with others because of you.”
He put his hand on top of hers. “Thank you.”
Emma-Jean smiled. “I’m happy to help,” she said, finding it hard to believe a man had found her to be invaluable.
“Can you come in with me?”
“Sure.”
“I’m sorry. Are you feeling better? I should have asked that before but I’m still in shock.”
“I’m fine. Thank you for asking.”
“Good.”
This time when Austin got out the car and came around to the passenger side, Emma-Jean had already unlatched the door and was stepping out of the car.
“You’re a fast learner,” he said, getting the children out.
“I’m trying.” Emma-Jean reached out her hand to Chloe.
They walked in and Emma-Jean looked around in amazement at the big building.
“So, this is where the children go to school?” she asked, bringing her voice to a low whisper after hearing her echo.
“Yes, and during the school year, there are lots of children here. But I’m sure you know that; and I’m talking too much.”
“She doesn’t know,” Chloe said.
“Thank you, Chloe,” Emma-Jean replied.
Austin shook his head and smiled, observing them.
“Well hello, Mr. McNeil. It’s nice to see you.”
Emma-Jean thought the lady was very friendly. That was a good thing since she worked with children. People who were around children should be nice, unlike Miss Freeman who was only happy when things were going her way.
“And this is Emma-Jean.”
Emma-Jean extended her hand. “Hello.”
The lady glanced down and barely touched it. Her tone was dry when she replied with, “hi,” before quickly diverting her attention back to Austin.
“Anyway, Mr. McNeil, I was expecting you to call me. You know, for help.”
Emma-Jean frowned, sure the woman was lifting her bosom as she swayed them from side to side. Appalled, she covered Adam and Chloe’s eyes.
“You are being very improper in front of the children,” Emma-Jean said, leaning forward, and giving her a stern look.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re being improper in front of the children. This is not a saloon.”
Austin turned slightly to hide his chuckle but she’d still been able to see it.
“Don’t talk to me that way.”
“Well behave like a lady and I won’t.”
“She’s right, Linda. You’re being very, what was it Emma-Jean?”
“Improper.”
“Yes, you’re being improper and shouldn’t behave in such a way in front of children. They’re young but they still pickup on things.”
The woman held her chin high. “My name is Lisa, not Linda.”
“Well, Lisa. Here’s Adam’s pump, the registration paperwork, and Adam and Chloe’s shot records. Also, I added Emma-Jean’s name to the list of emergency numbers. And I’ll need to make an appointment with the counselor regarding Adam. You can have her call me. Not you.”
The woman hissed. “I was only trying to be helpful.”
“I’m sure you were.”
Six weeks Later
Six weeks later and things were going better than he could have imagined. He’d made drastic improvements to the ranch and replaced all the latches on the stall doors with ones that were sturdier. And though it may have been overkill, he’d also put padlocks on them. Additionally, he’d been able to let go of the part-time lad since he’d been able to tend to the horses himself before opening the shop and in the evenings. Strangely, once he’d let go of the help, things stopped disappearing.
He’d opened the shop again and gotten it fully staffed. Most of the employees had been sympathetic to his situation and more than willing to return. Austin wasn’t one for using his circumstances to get what he wanted but he’d assumed they needed this place to open
back up as much as he had. Besides, he’d always felt somewhat guilty about closing the doors without much notice.
Somehow, he knew his good fortune had a lot to do with Emma-Jean. She’d come into their lives and made it better. And the best part about it was the way the children had responded to her. It had only been a short time but he was almost certain they loved her. He wasn’t sure how they would respond if she decided to leave. And truthfully, he didn’t know the impact it would have on him either.
Today was extra special, Emma-Jean had decided to move in. Austin had found himself being just as excited as the children were. It had only made sense for her to. On most days, she would arrive at six in the morning and leave at nine at night when Moira closed shop. By the time he made it home and tended to the horses, she would be sound asleep, lying in bed with Chloe. He hated having to wake her when Moira arrived.
He’d taken off early to make sure she’d settled in and even stopped and got them all something extra special. He came in and was greeted by loud laughter coming from both Adam and Chloe. He watched as they interacted, not wanting to break up the fun as they sat on the floor of the living area playing a board game.
A few minutes had passed before Emma-Jean looked up and saw him. Her smile was infectious and he was just as happy to see it as he was her. Following her gaze, Chloe and Adam looked up. Seeing him, they ran toward him.
“Daddy,” they yelled.
I have something for you all and you too, he said as Emma-Jean came closer, holding Hanna’s hand.
Revealing his right hand, he showed the children the ice cream bag, and they shouted for joy.
Then his eyes met Emma-Jean’s as he exposed what was in his left hand. “These are for you,” he said, handing her the bouquet of pink roses.
“They’re beautiful.” She accepted them and regarded them as if she’d never received flowers before.
“If you like, there’s a vase under the kitchen counter. I can get it for you and you can put them in your bedroom.”
“I would like that a lot,” she said, bringing them up to her nose.
Just as every other evening, it had become a routine for dinner to be cooked when he came home and the house was tidy. Today was no different. Though initially, he wasn’t sure she would catch on to cooking. Her every attempt had ended up being a disaster and was either overcooked or undercooked. He actually wondered if she’d cooked on something like an old wood stove or something similar before. She didn’t seem to know her way around electrical appliances very well. But thankfully, it was no longer that way. After a few lessons from Moira, and a few shopping trips to the grocery store with Abagail, Emma-Jean had become a pro. Now he had a hard time not overeating because the food had been just that good.
Timeless Honor (Timeless Hearts #7) Page 6