White River Brides

by Frances Devine

  “I see.” He tried to keep the disappointment from his voice. “So of course you won’t be able to keep Tuck and Addy anymore.”

  “Oh, I can. That is if I can find us a place to stay. Only, I’d need to work to support us and then the girls would be alone, so that wouldn’t work either.” Frustration reverberated from her tone of voice.

  “Wait a minute.” Relief washed over Jack. “Do you mean you are still willing to care for them if we can work out the arrangements?”

  “Well, yes, but—”

  “Is there any reason you can’t stay at my place?” At the look of horror that crossed her face, he quickly added, “I mean, of course while I’m away.”

  A glimmer of hope appeared on her face, and her eyes widened. “Do you mean you’d be willing for us to stay there?”

  “Of course. The house is sitting there empty. I’d be happy to see it lived in, and it would be a favor to me.”

  “Why?”

  “Because of the girls, of course.”

  “But the girls are as much my responsibility as yours. Even if you did find them.”

  He looked at her a minute. Frown lines had formed between her eyes. Was she going to be difficult? He had already seen her stubborn streak. “I guess if you don’t want to stay at the farm I could rent some place in town for you and the girls.”

  “Oh heavens no. It isn’t that I don’t want to stay at your farm. I just don’t want you to feel obligated.” The tip of her tongue darted out and moved across her lips.

  He hid a grin. “How about we consider this a joint venture? I provide the farm for living quarters, and you care for Tuck and Addy there.”

  She hesitated. Her mouth opened then closed then opened again. “Very well. That seems fair to me.”

  He drew in a breath of relief. “The farm is stocked pretty well. I’ll need to show you around, and I’ll leave a line of credit with the store for anything else you might need.”

  “That won’t be necessary, Mr. Sullivan. If the farm is fairly well stocked already, then I’d prefer to pay for anything else that we should need or want.” She lifted her chin. “I have money of my own.”

  “If you insist.” He wasn’t going to lock horns with her over the matter, but he’d still have a talk with Mr. Hawkins, just in case. “Then we seem to be in agreement.”

  She rose. “I’ll help the girls. This will only take a moment.”

  The three of them returned shortly with two neat bundles and Tuck’s hair braided neatly.

  “When do you plan to leave, Mr. Sullivan?” Miss Rayton asked.

  “Tomorrow after the midday meal.”

  “Tomorrow is Sunday and the preacher will be here this week. There will be a community picnic after the service. Perhaps you’ll bring the girls to church, and I’ll meet you there and ride with you to the farm after the meal.”

  Jack hadn’t been to church in years. A pang of remorse shot through him. “Er…I’m not sure I can make it to church. But I can pick you up later.”

  “But Mr. Jack”—Addy tugged on his sleeve—“we like church. And we want to go play with Sue and Martha afterwards.”

  “Yep.” Tuck snorted. “Besides, Miss Kate and Miss Lexie cook a far sight better’n you.”

  Lexie’s face flamed. “Tuck, don’t be rude.”

  “Sorry, Miss Lexie.”

  Jack laughed. “I’m sure it’s very true. I’m not offended at all.”

  “So can we go to church?” Addy turned pleading eyes up to him.

  “Oh, all right. We’ll go.” In all honesty, the thought of all that home cooking was pretty tempting.

  “Good, then I’ll see you all tomorrow.” She placed a hand on each girl’s shoulder. “Make sure you take baths tonight, girls, and brush your hair thoroughly in the morning. Just leave it down, and I’ll put ribbons in when you get to church.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” they chorused.

  “And don’t forget to clean your teeth.”

  Jack watched her tender ministrations. She sounded like a mother. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. She’d end up hurt when they found a family for the girls. His stomach clenched. He had an idea he’d be doing a little hurting himself.

  Lexie put another stitch in the rip in one of Tuck’s shirts. Addy had converted over to wearing dresses most of the time, but it was still a struggle to get Tuck out of the overalls except for church.

  Aunt Kate and Will had gone to bed, but Lexie knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep. She’d helped Aunt Kate fry chicken and bake pies for tomorrow. Fresh-picked lettuce and tomatoes were ready to make into a salad in the morning.

  Excitement mixed with a smidgen of apprehension clutched at her stomach. Will had seemed relieved when she’d told them her new plans. Aunt Kate, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure it was a good idea. Finally, when Will had promised to look in on Lexie and the girls every day, Aunt Kate had reluctantly agreed. Lexie didn’t know what her aunt was so worried about. She and the girls would be fine. And if trouble should arise, Lexie could shoot a rifle as well as her brother.

  She had packed her clothing and the rest of the twins’ things, as well as the books and supplies for their lessons. She also folded up their bedding as well as her own, not knowing how well supplied the Sullivan farm would be. If they needed anything else, they could always come get it. She’d have to see if the Sullivan kitchen was equipped with the utensils she would need.

  Laying the garment aside, Lexie rose and walked out onto the porch. She stood by the rail, one hand resting on the post. Moonlight flooded the yard and fields, touching the trees and shrubs. The faint smell of decaying leaves wafted across to her. The scent of early fall.

  She didn’t take enough time to enjoy the beauty of Aunt Kate’s farm. Well, Will’s farm now and soon to be Sarah’s.

  A twinge of jealousy bit at her. Would she ever be a new bride? A vision of Jack Sullivan’s strong chin and deep-set brown eyes invaded her thoughts. She tried to brush them away, but his eyes seemed to pierce her heart, causing it to speed up.

  She shook her head, aggravated at herself. Jack Sullivan was a handsome man—very handsome—and he had proven to have a good, tender heart, in spite of her first impression to the contrary. But even if she were interested in him, which she certainly was not, he had no interest whatsoever in her. Did he?

  She shivered and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. Enough of this nonsense. She tossed her head and went inside.

  Chapter 13

  Red, brown, and gold leaves, fallen from the oaks and maples, crackled and rustled beneath the wheels of the buggy. Lexie drove into the grove where the tent was set up for services. She reined Jolly in beneath a giant cedar tree and set the brake on the buggy.

  “My, it looks like everyone in the county is here.” Aunt Kate peered around, more than likely looking for Maisie Turner, a friend of hers.

  “I think you’re right. Look, even the Maxwells are here.” Lexie’s voice registered the surprise she felt.

  The Maxwells, a family consisting of Mr. Maxwell and three burly sons, always said they didn’t cotton to preaching. Their behavior indicated they didn’t cotton to much of anything else either, outside their own family and farm.

  Billy Joe, the oldest of the boys, had sidled up to Lexie once at a barn-raising and taken one of her curls between his massive fingers. When she’d jerked away, he’d frowned and walked off. She shuddered at the thought of it.

  Lexie’s voice trembled. “I hope they aren’t here to make trouble.”

  “Now Alexandra, is that the Christian thing to say when someone visits the Lord’s house?”

  “No, Aunt Kate, of course not. I’m sorry.” She’d never told her aunt or Will about Billy Joe’s actions that day for fear Will would confront the huge, beefy teen and get himself hurt.

  “No harm done.” She smiled as she stepped down from the buggy. “I, too, have to remind myself sometimes to be charitable to certain people.”

  As her aun
t headed across the yard to join a group of women by the tent, Lexie glanced around but saw no sign of Mr. Sullivan or the twins. Concerned, she shaded her eyes with her hand and peered in the direction from which they’d be coming.

  “What in the world are you gazing at?” Jane appeared at her side in a billow of blue silk ruffles and lace.

  “Hello, Jane. Mr. Sullivan is bringing the girls. I was watching for them.”

  “Hmmm. Exactly what is that story?” Jane tapped her shoulder with the small beaded bag she held in her hand.

  “What story?”

  “You know. The story of how the twins came to be with Old Mr. Sullivan’s nephew? And why you’ve been taking care of them for him?” Jane lowered her voice. “I believe the whole county is talking about it.”

  Anger rose in Lexie. She seriously doubted the whole county knew, much less was talking about it. More than likely it was Jane’s mother and a few of her cronies. “That’s strange. I haven’t heard anyone talking about it. Until now. But if it will ease your mind, Jane, the twins were left in the elder Mr. Sullivan’s care, I believe.” A pang nipped at her conscience. But that was very close to the truth. “So naturally his nephew feels responsible for them. I’m taking care of them when he is away, until a suitable home can be found for them.”

  “So, you two aren’t…you know, courting?” She grinned and nudged Lexie on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t blame you a bit. He’s quite handsome, in a rugged sort of way.”

  Lexie gasped. “Jane Dobson, what a thing to say. There is absolutely nothing going on between Jack Sullivan and me. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe I see them coming.”

  It seemed to Jack the reverend’s eyes turned toward Alexandra Rayton an awful lot. And she didn’t seem to mind. In fact, from his place on the bench behind her, he’d seen her smile at the man a couple of times.

  Jack took a deep breath. There he went again. What sort of preacher looked at a woman like that, right in the middle of his preaching? Could they be a courting couple? Seemed funny the girls hadn’t mentioned it though, the way they rattled on about everything. And what was it to Jack if they were courting? He certainly had no hold on her. So why the disappointed sick feeling in the pit of his stomach?

  Relief washed over him as the congregation stood to sing. By the time the second verse began, he actually heard the words.

  “ ‘Just as I am, though tossed about, with many a conflict, many a doubt.’ ”

  Was it really that simple? Could he go to God without fixing everything first? Would God accept him after all his years of ignoring Him? When the crowd headed outside, Jack followed and, unsure what to do, waited until he saw Miss Rayton and the twins headed his way. They stopped just outside the tent to shake hands with the preacher. Jack saw the reverend say something to Alexandra. Then as she answered, disappointment appeared on the man’s face. An unexplained exultation ran through Jack as Miss Rayton and the girls turned away from the preacher and headed toward him.

  “There you are, Mr. Sullivan. If you’ll help me get the baskets out of our buggy, I believe tables are already set up behind the tent. If we hurry, we can be sure to find a good spot to eat our meal.”

  Jack followed her and grinned as the twins took off running with a gang of children of all sizes.

  “Girls,” she called, “don’t go too near the riverbank.”

  “We won’t,” they yelled back over their shoulders.

  “Here, you can carry this one with the food, and I’ll get the one with our dishes and silverware.” She smiled at him as she handed him one of the baskets, her eyes dancing. “Don’t worry about the twins. Some of the older girls always watch out for the children while we set the food out. And some of the men are down by the river, too, choosing their fishing spots for later.”

  “That’s good to know.” He walked by her side around to the back of the tent where several tables had been thrown together and were already half loaded down with food. He set the basket on the spot she indicated and watched as she set the food around at different places on the table. He noted where she put the pan of cold fried chicken, his favorite.

  When everything was ready, the children were called and the reverend gave thanks.

  Soon Jack sat beside Miss Rayton and the girls on the blanket she’d brought, balancing their plates of food.

  “See, Mr. Jack.” Tuck grinned and held up a drumstick. “This is how chicken is supposed to be cooked.”

  Jack burst out laughing, but his laughter was cut off as he saw the tightening of Miss Rayton’s shoulders. He glanced over in the direction she stared. A stout young man stared at her, longing in his eyes. When he noticed Jack watching, he turned and walked away.

  “Who is that?” Jack jumped up, intending to go after the man, but a trembling hand on his drew his attention.

  “Please, don’t.” Her eyes were pleading. “I don’t think he means any harm. And people would be sure to think the worst if a fight broke out. Please sit back down and finish your food.”

  A shudder of anger rippled through him, but he sat and picked up his plate. He hoped she was right and the man meant no harm. Perhaps he’d read more into the man’s expression than was there. But he’d stay close to her until they left to go home.

  “Really, I can have Williams continue to come over to see to the livestock, Miss Rayton.”

  “No, no. The girls and I can manage fine.” She paused and a rosy tinge crept across her face. “I really would prefer it if you would call me Lexie, Mr. Sullivan.”

  His heart seemed to jump at her suggestion. He cleared his throat before he replied. “It would be an honor, but only if you will call me Jack.”

  She smiled. “Very well, Jack. And now, please don’t concern yourself about the livestock. I promise it will be no trouble at all.”

  “I’ll agree to that, but I’m going to have Williams stop by a couple of times a week, just in case you need wood or something needs to be fixed.” He’d much rather have the man stop by every day, but Lexie seemed determined.

  “That’s fine. I would appreciate that.”

  “All right, you’ve seen all the outbuildings. Now I’ll show you the house and where everything is.”

  They took a tour around the old but neat farmhouse. The rooms were spotless and Lexie smiled. Jack and the girls had been working.

  “Look, Miss Lexie, this is our room.” Lexie followed Addy into the small room. It was clean and neat. But she made a mental note to make some frilly things to make it more suitable for little girls.

  They entered another bedroom. The bed was large and high.

  Jack cleared his throat. “This is where you’ll sleep. I’ve found it very comfortable. I trust you will also.”

  Warmth flowed down her face and onto her chest. She’d be sleeping in his bed? But of course she had to sleep somewhere. Ducking her head, she turned and exited the room.

  From beds to chests to living room furniture, everything was lovely and handcrafted.

  “The kitchen’s this way.” Jack headed toward the back and Lexie followed. A long table lined with two benches and a chair on each end sat in the middle of the room.

  “Did your uncle have a large family at one time?” Lexie asked, puzzled.

  “Actually, he never married. Perhaps he planned to at one time. I’ve no idea.”

  “Forgive me. It’s none of my business.” She bit her bottom lip.

  “There’s nothing to forgive. Will the stove be all right?”

  Lexie walked over to the black stove in the corner. A woodbox at the side was full. She opened the door to the oven and found it small but adequate. “Yes, it’s fine.” She turned and faced him. “We’ll do very well here.”

  “Please feel free to change anything in the house you like. I’m sure it can use a woman’s touch.”

  Lexie nodded. She intended to do just that. Already ideas were running through her head. She and the girls would be busy indeed.

  “Well, I guess that’s everyt
hing but the cellar.” Jack opened the door to the mudroom then went outside. Stone steps led downward. “Watch your step now.”

  The cellar was filled with hams, bacon, potatoes, and onions. Shelves were lined with jars of pickles, green beans, beets, and other vegetables.

  “Goodness, your uncle even canned?”

  “Well, he never did when I lived with him.” He gave a short laugh. “Back then we lived on beans and game mostly. He must have changed some over the years.”

  They went back upstairs, and Jack stood looking at the three of them for a moment. “Well, if you’re sure you have everything you need, I’d better get my things and be on my way before it gets dark.”

  Lexie nodded. “We’ll be fine. Oh, I almost forgot. Will has promised Aunt Kate to check on us every day. So you see, between Mr. Williams and my brother, you have nothing to worry about.”

  He nodded, relief crossing his face. He brought his horse from the barn then stood looking down at her. His gaze rested on her lips, and warmth slid over her cheeks. Was he going to kiss her? Anticipation battled with indignation.

  He seemed to shake himself, then grabbed his saddlebags and tied them on. He gave Addy and Tuck each a hug then mounted the horse. “I’ll see you when I get back then.” He put his hand to his hat, nodded at Lexie, and rode away.

  She stood, her hand at her throat, and watched until he was lost from sight.

  “I wish he could stay here with us.” Addy flopped down on the step. “I miss him already.”

  Tuck dropped down beside her. “Me, too. I wish we could all be here together. Mr. Jack, Miss Lexie, you, and me.”

  Lexie gasped and laughed. “But we couldn’t all stay here together, of course. When he comes home, I’ll have to go back to Aunt Kate’s.”

  Tuck jumped up and peered into her face. “Why can’t you and Mr. Jack get married?”

  “Why, why…” Lexie couldn’t stop sputtering and her face burned. “People get married when they are in love, Tuck.”