“Is it a girl or boy? I can’t tell since it’s only wearing a plain shirt and a diaper,” Maggie continued.
“Uh, she’s a girl, but I don’t have any clothes for her,” Faye said softly, embarrassed at the simple observations of the children. “We…uh left in kind of a hurry, and I didn’t bring any clothes along for us.”
Cate sighed as she sat down to eat her own breakfast. The older woman had to be exhausted. “Maggie, this could be a sewing project for you and Molly. We can pick out fabric for some little dresses for the baby and you two can help make them.”
“She still needs a name…” Maggie said smartly.
“Why don’t you ask Papa Marcus to help you write down some possible names for your Aunt Faye, then you can show them to her later?”
“Is she my aunt like Aunt Rania and Aunt Hilda?” Maggie looked back and forth between Sarah and Faye.
Aunts? Faye wondered if Sarah or Marcus had more sisters. And were they related to her? No, Rania was Jacob’s wife, and Noah’s was Hilda, now that Faye thought about it.
“Yes, very good for you to figure that out,” Cate praised Maggie.
“And I have Uncle Adam, Jacob, and Noah…”
“And Uncle Daggy and Auntie Cora!” Marty yelled while throwing his hands in the air, making a spoonful of eggs fly through the air, causing Cate to retrieve a rag to clean the floor.
“So… if you’re Aunt Faye, who’s my uncle who matches you?”
Faye’s face turned beet red, surprised by Maggie’s question.
Cate cleared her throat. “Children, you look like you’re done eating breakfast. Please stack your dishes on the table and then wash your hands and faces in the wash basin. You can play on the swing while we feed the babies.”
“No, I want to…” Maggie started to say, but changed her mind after looking at Sarah’s raised eyebrow and left the room.
“I don’t mean to pry, but you do need an answer about your baby’s name, and her father, Faye. People will ask, so I want you to be prepared.” Cate told Faye matter-of-factly.
“Why’s it anyone’s business?” Faye asked curtly.
“It’s the nature of people, Faye…and you’re Sarah’s sister...and right now you’re living here.” Cate grimaced but took a deep breath before continuing. “You’ll be in the store, at church, and people will coo and want to hold your pretty baby—and they will naturally want to know about her. They aren’t being mean, but curious,” Cate reminded her.
Wait, what did Cate say about her baby?
“You think she’s pretty?” Faye asked shyly.
Cate seemed surprised at Faye’s question. “Yes, she’s pretty because she looks like you and Sarah. But instead of your almost black hair, she has a little dark-red hair showing on the top of her head. Think how gorgeous her locks will look in a few years.” Faye studied her infant, trying to think of how she’d look growing up. She hadn’t allowed herself to do that yet while she lived in the brothel.
While they talked, Sarah lined up the infants in their individual baskets on the table, and Cate brought over a saucepan of five warmed baby bottles of milk. Cate handed a bottle to two-year-old Maisie, and she tipped the bottle to feed herself. Three bottles were lined up ready to feed to each infant, and Cate held out the last bottle to Faye.
“My favorite customer had that same color hair, so I pretend she’s his child, although I’ll never know for sure,” Faye said as she hesitantly took the baby bottle Cate handed her.
“Baby’s never drank from a bottle before, why start now?”
“Your baby will be even prettier when her cheeks fill out. You should drink plenty of milk and eat good meals yourself now, to provide her with your own nutritious milk. This extra will just help her gain a little weight.”
Cate gave a stare and nod at Sarah, who reluctantly nodded back to her mother.
“Why was this man special to you, Faye?” Sarah asked—almost without sighing.
Gosh, was her sister going to talk to her?
“First off, he wasn’t an old geezer pawing my body.” Faye shuddered, thinking of men who’d been in her bed.
“Faye, remember you’re living with your family now, so you never have to go back to that life. We won’t judge you for anything in your past because we know that’s what you had to do to survive. You can tell Sarah and me anything you want, and it will never be told again if you don’t want it to be,” Cate stated.
“Thank…thank you, Cate. I can’t believe how nice you’re bein’ to me. Okay, well, I always liked when Richard Chaney visited me. He was a younger fella, good lookin’ with broad shoulders and rusty-colored hair.”
“Did you tell him the baby could be his daughter?”
“No. He was married so he couldn’t marry me even if he felt somethin’ for me anyway. Plus, a good citizen doesn’t marry a ‘lady of the night,’” Faye said looking down at her baby. The infant figured out the nipple on the bottle and was sucking hard like she hadn’t had a good meal in a long time.
“Did married men visit often?” Sarah asked curiously.
“You’d be surprised how many ‘upstanding’ married citizens visited us, girls. And I was in the worst place in town for the men to go to.”
“Why didn’t you leave a long time ago?” Sarah whispered, maybe finally realizing what Faye’s life had been like in Kansas City.
“Well, first I was with my momma, and then when she left, I was by myself with no money of my own. Mr. Silas kept our money so we couldn’t leave, but at least I had a roof over my head and some food.
“Mr. Chaney often sneaked in a ham sandwich inside his coat, or a piece of candy, so that’s one reason I liked him. He used to slip a coin in my hand too when he left, but Mr. Silas saw him do it once, so he took my stash.
“Most of the time, Mr. Chaney just wanted to talk for a while. His wife got hurt in a buggy accident and was invalid. They lost their baby, Violet, in the accident too, so he was sad about that. I always wished I could have kissed him once, but that was against the rules.”
“Did Mr. Chaney know you were going to leave? Would he be worried about you?” Cate asked.
“I didn’t know I was going to leave until that drunk showed me his wad of cash, and then passed out in my bed. I feel bad I stole part of his money from him, but it was my opportunity to get out. I left with Uncle’s letter, Baby and two diapers, and nothin’ else. Do you think the law will be after me?” Faye hadn’t thought of the consequence of stealing money to run away until just now.
“Considering the situation and the fact you didn’t take all his money, I think you’ll be fine. And if you have any trouble, remember Sarah’s brother is a marshal,” Cate said with confidence.
“That scared me when Adam walked up with his badge on at the train station, but he’s a nice fella.”
“Would you like to write to Mr. Chaney and let him know you’re safe now with your family?” Sarah asked as she laid Micah on her shoulder and gently patted his back.
“I haven’t had any schooling since I was ten, so I’m not good at writing,” Faye blushed while admitting the fact.
“Marcus works with Maggie and Molly almost daily teaching them how to read and write, so you could brush up your skills with them. Would you like me to write to Mr. Chaney explaining you’ve arrived at your sister’s home? It would put both your minds at ease,” Cate suggested.
“I’d like that. I always wished my momma would’ve left me a note before she disappeared,” Faye said wistfully.
“Maybe she didn’t have a chance to.”
“I know. Something bad probably happened to my momma, but I used to pretend she left with the peddler who always visited Momma when he was in town.”
“What’s your mother’s name?” Sarah asked. She had put a sleepy Micah in his basket and was preparing to feed Matthew next.
“You think Baby could have some more milk? She drank this so fast.”
Cate nodded. “Yes, I think she could handle
some more. But put her on your shoulder and burp her first. She’s not used to drinking cow’s milk.”
“Okay, I’ll give her a little time between bottles. My momma’s name was Ruthie Reed.”
“How about naming your baby after her? What’s her middle name?”
“Maybe. Her full name was Ruth Eugenia Reed.”
“Was there anyone else you were close to where you lived?” Sarah asked.
“Actually, I spent most of my time with Beulah, the cook, when I first got there…until I had to go to work after my mother left. Funny, but I don’t know Beulah’s last name. Most people didn’t share their real names where I stayed.”
“What’s your middle name? Mine is Sarah Catherine, and Momma’s is Catherine Marie. Maybe you can think of a family name to use?”
“My full name is Faye Ann Longoria, even though my parents didn’t marry. My grandmother insisted I go by the family’s last name, so I didn’t embarrass her.”
“Faye and Sarah, while I’m up getting more milk for Baby, would either of you like a cup of tea or coffee?”
Sarah looked as if she was going to decline but then changed her mind. “Ah, yes, I’d love a cup of tea, Momma. Faye, try hot tea with the cream and honey. It’s so good,” Sarah said while looking back at Matthew.
“So, have we given you any ideas for your baby’s name?” Sarah prodded Faye.
“Yes,” Faye said after she made her decision. “I’ll call her Violet Rose, for Richard’s baby and his wife, Rose. He talked about them so much...”
Cate set cups of tea in front of Sarah and Faye, then gently rubbed across Faye’s shoulders.
“I think that’s a fitting tribute for the man who helped you as much as he could.”
“Should Faye be a widow like Millie claimed to be when she came to town?” Sarah asked her mother.
“Why would I be that?” Faye asked curiously.
“Adam’s wife, Millie, came to town to be a mail-order bride for our neighbor, Sam Larson, but he died in an accident before she arrived. Millie brought her sister Darcie’s toddler with her to protect him from his abusive father. We told people she was a widow to protect her reputation because it looked like she was an unmarried mother.”
“I get it. You don’t want to be embarrassed by me and Baby…um, Violet?” Faye could feel tears forming in her eyes.
“Sarah is thinking of a way to make you more comfortable in our community. There are going to be questions since you look like Sarah’s twin.”
Faye thought a minute. “I wouldn’t mind if I’d been the wife of Richard. Can I use his name for my husband? I’d cry if I had to say he was dead every time someone asked me though.”
“How about using the phrase ‘he’s no longer with us’ and use the last date you saw him as his ‘passing date.’ Would that work for you to say?”
“Okay. Yes, I could say that. Where do I say I’m from?”
“Weren’t you born in Illinois?”
“Yes, but me and Momma moved to Kansas City after Grandma dropped me off at the brothel. I think Grandma gave Momma money to leave Illinois, but we didn’t get farther than Kansas City when the money ran out. Then Momma went back to working in saloons ‘cause that’s all she knew to do.”
“I believe your job now is to be the best mother Violet Rose could ever have and help your sister with her young family.”
“I don’t know what to say, except I would’ve stolen money sooner if I knew Uncle Isaac had a wonderful family,” Faye said, then half-smiled at her own joke.
It would take time, but could she become part of this family?
“Do you sew, Faye?” Cate eyed Faye’s faded red dress, then Violet’s borrowed shirt.
“Just enough to patch things since all I ever had to wear was hand-me-downs from other women in the saloon. I’ve never had a new dress of my own since I left Grandma’s house.”
Faye looked down at her dirty dress but caught the eyes of her infant daughter instead. Baby Violet stared up at her as she hungrily sucked on the bottle’s nipple.
Her baby. Faye’s heart squeezed with relief knowing now that she could keep the baby she’d been afraid of loving, for fear she’d disappear at any time.
Chapter 3
Rusty raised his head from his bed, cocking his head to listen. Moonlight and the warm summer breeze filtered through his bedroom window, along with sounds from his porch.
Had the dogs decided to camp on the porch tonight? Besides the regular ranch dogs, Dagmar Hamner had given three puppies to Maggie, Marty, and Maisie, so they had their own “babies” to take care of because the older children had been overwhelmed with the loss of their parents and the birth of their triplet brothers. Their father had died in a ranch accident four months ago, and their mother after childbirth a month ago.
The children loved playing with the puppies, but their care had fallen by the wayside with all the activity at the big house. Rusty swung his legs out of bed, wondering if the puppies needed water or food. He reached for his clothes hanging on the edge of the bed and slid on his shirt and pants. He wouldn’t bother with his boots for walking out onto the porch.
Just as he pulled the door open, he saw her. Faye was sitting on his front porch rocker, surrounded by the begging dogs. But she wasn’t sharing her sandwich though. Rusty watched as she took tiny bites, thoroughly savoring the sandwich of bread, cheese, and probably ham.
Her baby lay sprawled on her back on Faye’s lap, fast asleep, ignoring everything going on around her.
Rusty hadn’t seen Faye up close since she arrived the day before yesterday. He imagined she had been catching up on sleep, besides getting to know the family.
Marcus said Faye and her baby were staying with them for now. It was Isaac’s responsibility of what to do with the two, but Isaac had been scarce recently. Turned out he had been down on one knee proposing to Cate when Faye and the Wilersons arrived. Since then Isaac had stayed out on the range with the herd, apparently upset with the whole sordid mess Faye’s arrival had caused.
Rusty was close enough to Isaac to know he was devastated by what his step-brother had done to Cate, Faye, and Sarah. Family was so important to Isaac and he would do whatever he could to help the three women, but not until he came to terms with not being there for the women when they needed help in the past.
One of the puppies noticed Rusty and came whining up to him, hoping for a handout of food.
Faye followed the puppy’s direction and gasped with surprise to see him standing nearby.
“Oh, gosh. You scared me.” Faye’s hand went to her heart, causing a bit of meat from the sandwich to drop onto the porch floor. The three pups were on it immediately, snarling to get their share.
“Sorry. I heard the pups on the porch and came out to see if they needed food or water. It’s not the first time they’ve come to me. Marcus and Sarah’s kids are a little young to remember their puppies need food, besides attention.”
“You’re Mr. Tucker, aren’t you? You were in the house the other day when I arrived, and all a…heck broke loose.”
“Please call me Rusty. I’m the ranch foreman, and this is my cabin. You’re welcome to enjoy my porch rocking chair anytime.”
“Thank you. I just needed to get away from everyone for a while.”
“But it’s night time. Isn’t everyone asleep?” Rusty thought of his own bed he was just in.
“With three newborns and all those other kids? No.”
Rusty couldn’t help chuckling at Faye’s firm “no” answer.
“Besides, I’ve been used to working nights and couldn’t sleep. Of course, I’ll be sleepy about the time the triplets are waking up for their morning feeding.”
“Maybe you need to take the night shift with the triplets for Sarah, then,” Rusty suggested.
“I would if she’d let me, but …I’m not good enough to touch her babies,” Faye retorted.
“Well, it’s been a stressful month for the family. Give Sarah time to…
”
“Accept me, her soiled dove sister?” Faye’s whispered question showed the hurt and humiliation she was feeling.
“You got to admit, you surprised a lot of people,” Rusty reminded her.
“Well, I got more shocks than I ever guessed would be waiting for me. I figured Uncle Isaac may have married and had a couple of kids, but…” Faye waved her hand to signal what all had transpired when she arrived.
“You didn’t expect a half-sister, a houseful of adopted children, and an upsetting story about your father and Cate,” Rusty finished for Faye.
“No. Not quite the welcome I expected,” Faye mumbled as she started nibbling on her sandwich again.
Rusty didn’t know what to say as he watched the woman eat and stare out into the night. One of the puppies pushed up on its hind legs against Faye’s legs, looking like it might leap up on Faye’s lap and the sleeping baby.
“Oops, watch out,” Rusty hastily said as he pushed the puppy down to the floor. Faye’s legs moved sideways in response, which woke up the baby. It’s tiny arms flailing in the air.
Rusty reached for the infant because Faye’s first reaction had been hands up in the air instead of reaching for her child. What was wrong with her?
“Um, I’ll hold your baby while you finish your sandwich,” Rusty told Faye as he carefully cuddled the baby safely against his shoulder.
“Thanks…I’m still new at being a momma,” Faye apologized. “I didn’t get to be with Violet Rose much since the cook kept her in the kitchen.”
“Violet Rose? I like that name,” Rusty said as he carefully rubbed his large hand over the tiny infant’s back.
“I must confess I was scared to give her a name because Mr. Silas said I couldn’t keep her. I didn’t want to become attached, and then…you know, be heartbroken.
“But yesterday morning, that little Maggie decided my baby had to have a name. And it got me to realize, yes, I’m going to be her momma forever,” Faye’s voice hitched with the confession.
Rusty waited as Faye turned away from him, wiping her hand across her face, trying not to show her emotions. He couldn’t fathom having a child and then thinking you couldn’t be its parent. This woman had led a very stressful life in her few years.
Faye Favors a Foreman: A Historical Western Romance (Brides with Grit Book 11) Page 2