Philip yawned as he slipped out the door. Cold air tugged at his hat. Even though he’d been bone-tired the night before, sleep had evaded him like fog on a new spring morning. His mind refused to shut down. How was he going to take care of a family? After praying during the early hours, sleep and a plan came to him.
If John returned early enough, Philip intended on packing Bella and the boys up and taking them to the Young farm, where his adoptive family and Pony Express home station was. He could only imagine what Ma was going to say when he arrived with his future wife and children in tow.
Philip hurried to the warmth of the barn. He hummed as he fed the horses and mucked out stalls. His ma would probably be surprised, but also proud of him for taking on the two little boys, he was sure of it.
It was a typical January morning and the trip to the creek would be cold. When it could be delayed no longer, Philip picked up two large buckets and pulled the barn door open. A cold wind hit him as he shut the door and then headed out to get the water. The wind had picked up and blew about him.
With his head down, he reached the edge of the creek in a matter of minutes. When Philip looked up, he was surprised to see Bella at the water’s edge, scooping up a bucket of cold water.
Bella turned at his approach. “Good morning.”
He walked to the bank. “Good morning. I should have thought to come get fresh water for the house before heading to the barn. Here, let me take that,” Philip offered, setting one of his buckets down and reaching for hers.
She smiled and shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ve got it.” Bella took a step up the bank, her eyes downcast.
Was she having second thoughts about marrying him? Or was she feeling shy this morning? Philip hurriedly filled both buckets and then hurried after her. “How are the boys this morning?” he asked for something to say.
Bella glanced at him. “They were still asleep when I left the house.”
“Oh.” He tried to think of something more to say. Philip cleared his throat. “If it’s all the same to you, as soon as John gets home, I’d like to head for home.”
“Home?”
Philip ducked his head against a cold blast of wind. “Yes. My family’s home is the Young farm that is one of the Pony Express home stations. It’s about ten miles from here. I’d like for you to meet my family before we get married and move to the relay station.”
She nodded, also fighting against the wind. “That sounds nice. Do you have a large family?”
He grinned. “You could say that. Why don’t you go on inside with the water and I’ll be in as soon as I get the animals taken care of. We can talk then.”
Bella shivered and clutched the front of her tan coat tighter about her. “Sounds good.” She walked to the house at a fast pace.
Philip hurried through the remainder of his chores. Once done, he returned to the house. His boots pounded on the steps of the porch. The wind continued to pull at him as he opened the door. Warmth washed over his flesh, sending prickles into his face.
“Breakfast is almost ready, Philip,” Cara said, scraping scrambled eggs onto five plates.
His gaze sought out Bella’s. Compared to Cara, Bella was tall. The two women were as different as night and day. Cara’s hair was bright red, while Bella’s was sunshine blond. Cara’s green eyes were sharp and Bella’s blue eyes were soft. Bella’s voice was quiet with a gentleness that seemed to soothe, whereas Cara’s held an Irish brogue that tickled the ear.
Yes, they were different. He hoped that physical appearance was the only difference. Cara was as kind as a kitten. So far, Bella seemed to have the same trait.
Bella smiled at him. A soft pink filled her cheeks, reminding Philip that he was staring. He grinned and winked at her. The pink in her face burst into flames and turned bloodred. Philip couldn’t help but chuckle.
Cara laughed. “Hang your coat up, Philip, and stay awhile.” She carried the plates to the table. How she balanced them so well, Philip had no idea.
He did as she said. “It sure smells good.” Philip walked toward where the boys were seated at the table. “You men mind if I sit between you?” He pulled out the chair.
They both shook their heads. Their hair stuck up in all directions. They wore pajamas on their small bodies. “Bella usually sits between us,” Mark said, playing with his fork.
“Does she now?” Philip arched his eyebrow at the boy.
Caleb scratched his head. “Yep.”
He looked to Bella. She had moved to the stove and was pulling out a pan of fresh biscuits. “You can sit there. I’ll sit on the other side of Mark.” Once she’d placed the pan on the top of the stove, Bella motioned for him to sit.
Philip sat and waited for the women to join them at the table. Mark wiped at the sleep in his eyes, while Caleb yawned. When the women were seated, Cara asked him to bless the meal and he did.
The boys immediately began eating. They shoveled the food into their mouths as if they feared it would be their last meal. He remembered seeing other small children, half-starved, eating their first meal at the orphanage and his heart went out to the two small boys.
Bella softly said, “Slow down, boys. There is plenty of food.”
Caleb swallowed hard. “For now.”
Philip laid his hand on the boy’s shoulder. Looking deep into Caleb’s eyes, he vowed, “You boys will never go hungry again.”
“They have never gone hungry,” Bella said, her voice shaking. “I’ve always made sure they’ve had something to eat.”
He turned to look at her. “I didn’t mean to imply that you haven’t done your best.”
She lowered her head, but not before he saw that her eyelashes were damp. “And I didn’t mean to snap.”
Cara broke the silence that had formed around the table. “Philip, do you reckon John will be home today?”
“Probably. I’m sorry he took my ride.”
Cara laughed. “Not me. He needed a break from this place. Even if it is only for an overnight adventure.”
Philip nodded. He knew what she meant. A relay station was a place where the riders exchanged horses, unlike the home station, where they would stop and start their runs. A home station meant just that, home. John didn’t ride unless a rider couldn’t continue. He was pretty much stuck at the station, day in and day out. That was one of the reasons Philip and Thomas continued to ride for the Pony Express after they’d taken over the relay station on the other side of Dove Creek.
Bella looked from him to Cara. Confusion filled her eyes. Her forehead crinkled. “Why would he be glad to be gone?”
Philip answered. “Relay stations can be very lonely. I’m sure John is enjoying being at the Young home station. My brothers are probably telling him all kinds of stories.” Philip bit into the most delicious biscuit he’d ever tasted—and his adoptive ma’s were pretty good. Last night’s had been good, but this one seemed to melt in his mouth.
Understanding lit up Bella’s face, then remembrance. “Oh, you said you’d tell me about your family.” She smiled.
He savored the buttery bread for a moment longer before swallowing. “I did, didn’t I?”
She nodded her agreement.
Philip smiled. “Well, I was adopted when I turned twelve. John Young and his wife, Rebecca, not only adopted me, but also six other boys. Plus, they had a little girl of their own. So all together I have six brothers and a sister. Sadly, John passed away, but not before he signed all us boys, except Benjamin, up to be Pony Express riders.”
“How come Benjamin didn’t get to be a rider?” Mark asked around a mouthful of eggs.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full, Mark,” Bella scolded in a gentle voice.
The little boy ducked his head. “Sorry,” he muttered.
“Because he’s only eight years o
ld. Oh, I take that back. He just had a birthday, so he’s nine now.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Bella said. She stood.
Philip enjoyed the gentle swishing sound her skirt made as she walked to the washtub. “Thank you.”
“I imagine that your adoptive father’s death was hard on Rebecca,” Cara said with a frown.
“It was, but then Seth Armstrong showed up at the farm as the Pony Express station manager and the two of them fell in love. They were married and now we are all a happy family again.” He pushed his chair back and carried his plate to Bella.
She took it and slipped it into the hot, soapy water. “I’m glad she found a man who would take in all you boys.”
Was that bitterness he heard in her voice?
She looked up at him with sadness in her eyes. Philip remembered her talking about her fiancé rejecting her after he discovered there would be children to raise that weren’t his. His heart went out to the broken woman in front of him. What could he do to bring the smile back on her face?
Philip vowed that he’d make her smile again.
Chapter Four
“Do all these brothers and sister have names?” Bella asked as she wiped the food from the dishes.
“As a matter of fact, they do. I’ll start with the oldest and work my way down to the youngest. Jacob, Andrew, Clayton, Thomas, Noah, Benjamin and, lastly, Joy.”
Cara walked to them. “Bella, go sit down and enjoy your coffee. I’ll do these dishes. After all, you did most of the cooking this morning and gathered the water.” She held her plate and the boys’.
“I can help,” Bella answered. “The job will get done faster with more hands and then we can all three enjoy another cup of coffee.”
Philip went to the table and gathered the remaining dishes. He set them on the counter. She wondered if he would always be this helpful.
“Aunt Bella, can we be excused?” Caleb asked.
She glanced at her nephews. “Are your hands clean?”
Both boys looked down at their fingers and nodded.
“Then I suppose you can.”
They scooted off their chairs and hurried into the sitting area, where their toy horses awaited them. Caleb rushed ahead and handed Mark his toy. Bella heard Philip chuckle and turned to face him.
At her inquisitive look, he said, “Caleb reminds me a lot of Benjamin.” Philip shook his head.
“How so?” Cara asked. “If I remember right, they don’t look anything alike.”
Philip shook his head. “Not in looks but in actions. Ben is always looking out for Joy.”
Bella had to admit that Caleb tried to look after Mark. Unfortunately, she’d learned really quickly that the little boy didn’t care much for his older brother bossing him around. “Yes, but Mark doesn’t always want his help.”
They finished the dishes. Cara excused herself and left them sitting at the kitchen table nursing cups of warm coffee. Bella looked into the dark liquid and inhaled its rich fragrance.
“You are a very good cook,” Philip said, complimenting her.
She looked up at him. “Thank you. I love to cook and bake.” Bella twisted the cup in her hands. She’d always dreamed of someday owning her own café and serving fresh desserts. Her gaze moved to the boys. But now that dream was gone.
Philip chuckled, drawing her attention again. “Well, that’s good, because I like to eat.”
Bella smiled. “Most people do.”
The door came open with a bang and John Turnstone entered the room. He pulled off his coat and looked around. Cara came from the bedroom with a bright smile on her face. “Did you have a good ride, dear?”
“I did.” He walked across the room and hugged his wife tightly.
Bella pushed her chair back and walked to the stove. She avoided watching the other couple’s greeting. Instead she asked, “John, would you like a cup of coffee?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
She poured the rich liquid from the pot and then turned. John had walked to the table. “So what do you think of your special delivery?” he asked Philip.
Philip grinned. “I like it.”
Mark and Caleb came into the kitchen, too. “What’s a special delivery?” Caleb asked, climbing into the nearest chair.
Bella felt her cheeks flame to life. She watched as Philip scooped up Mark and tickled him.
“You two are,” he told the two boys.
Bella sat the mug in front of John.
Cara stood beside his chair, smiling at the boys and Philip. She patted her husband’s shoulder. “Would you like something to eat?”
His gaze moved to the stove, where the pan of leftover bread sat. “I’d love a couple of those biscuits.”
“With sausage?” Cara asked, heading to the stove.
“Yep, that sounds good.” John picked up his cup and took a swig of the coffee. After he swallowed, John said, “That ride home was a cold one.”
“I figured you’d get here later today.” Philip grinned.
John shook his head. “Naw, I wanted to get back here.” He grinned at Cara as she handed him his plate with two sausage biscuits.
Philip looked to Bella. “What do you think? Ready to head out?”
“Yes, but how are we going to get there? I mean, I didn’t bring a horse or a buggy with me and you came in on a Pony Express horse.” Bella couldn’t imagine the boys having to walk in that cold wind. It might have calmed down, but ten or fifteen miles was a long way for the two little boys to have to walk.
“I’ve been thinking about that and was hoping John and Cara would allow us to borrow a wagon and horse.” He looked to John. “I can have it back to you in a couple of days.”
John had just taken a bite of the sausage biscuit. His eyes widened and he looked to Cara. He chewed with pleasure.
Cara laughed. “Nope, not my biscuits. Those are from this one.” She pointed at Bella.
John swallowed. “You can borrow whatever you want as long as this little lady will give my wife the recipe for this bread.” He held out the half-eaten biscuit, as if there was any question to which bread he meant.
“What do you say, Bella? Want to give away your recipe?” Philip grinned at her. Was that pride she saw in his eyes?
Bella turned her attention to Cara. “I’ll be happy to give you the recipe.” She whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, “The secret ingredient is lard.”
John roared with laughter. “Best tastin’ lard I ever had the pleasure of eating.”
The little boys laughed along with the adults. Bella loved seeing them so happy. God had known what He was doing when He’d prompted her to answer the mail-order-bride ad. For that, she was thankful.
Still, she couldn’t help but wonder what her new life would be like. Would the boys still be happy when the newness of their situation grew old? How were they going to feel the first time Philip reprimanded them? How was she going to react to that? So much was unsure in their lives.
* * *
Philip tried to focus on what John was saying, but his ears seemed only interested in what Bella and Cara were talking about. Her soft laughter and bright eyes continued to distract him.
“So, why don’t you two at least stay tonight and that way you’ll get an early start and not have to drive too long in the dark?” John asked.
He turned his attention back to John. “I think that’s a good idea, if Bella is agreeable.”
She turned her head and smiled at the two men. “That would give me time to write out a couple of recipes for Cara and in the morning she can make the biscuits.”
John hit the table with the flat of his hand. His voice boomed. “It’s settled, then.” He pushed his chair back. “Philip, would you mind helping me fix one of the
back stalls? I’ve been needing an extra pair of hands and yours look available.”
Philip laughed. “Be glad to.” From the corner of his eye he saw both of the boys scramble to their feet.
Bella must have noticed, too, because she said, “Boys, I need you to stay inside and help me mix up a batch of oatmeal cookies. I’m sure I’ll need a couple of tasters.”
They immediately ran to where Bella stood. “I’m good at stirring, Aunt Bella,” Caleb offered, looking up at her.
“Me, too,” Mark agreed.
John laughed. “Well, if I had known there would be cookies to sample, I wouldn’t have mentioned the broken stall door.” He started to sit back down. “That stall can wait another day or two.”
Cara shook her head. “Oh, no, you don’t. You go to work. I don’t want to have to help you later. You know how I hate being in that barn. Philip’s here, so go.” She pointed at the door with a stern look.
Philip saw Bella try to hide her grin. He pushed away from the table. “Come on, John. The sooner we get the stall fixed, the sooner we get to eat cookies.”
John grumbled, “At times like these, I wish I was six again.” He pulled his coat back on and headed out the door.
Philip pulled the door shut behind them, but not before he heard the women burst out into laughter. He buttoned his coat as he stepped off the porch, glad that the wind had died down.
His thoughts turned to the trip to his adoptive parents’ farm. It would take between twelve and fifteen hours. Thankfully the road wasn’t too bad. The wagon was light and, since they weren’t taking much of anything with them, should be easy for a horse to pull.
Philip walked to the barn and could hear John singing a hymn inside. Since his real father’s death, he never entered a barn when he knew someone was inside, until he heard them moving about or making some type of noise. The silence of the barn on the morning he’d found his father had taught him to be cautious before entering. The singing inside stopped and Philip pulled the barn door open and stepped inside.
Pony Express Mail-Order Bride Page 3