He hadn’t answered her. In the dark, she made out his frown. It kept her from asking any other questions. She’d trespassed by asking what she had. His reason for living at the rooming house was none of her business. His silence made that clear.
Her wrist ached from carrying the small suitcase. She switched it to her other hand while she walked. The movement seemed to break the spell that had bewitched Del. He jerked and looked down at her.
“That house is meant to be a home. For a family, not just one person. I couldn’t live there after they died.” His voice was thin, almost strangled sounding.
His explanation surprised her. His words showed that he was allowing her close to him. Emotionally.
He’d opened the door for more questions. She pushed for more from him. “How did they die?”
In a stronger voice, he answered, “Spanish flu. Denny brought it home from school. Clara nursed him and caught it also. Her lungs were always weak.” He whispered as they walked. She did, also. Neither wanted anyone to notice them.
His words still sounded loud in the silence of the snowy night. They echoed in her head, and she searched for something to say. Should she give him sympathy?
He didn’t sound like he needed or wanted that. She decided to be practical. “I expect the house will be covered in dust. How long has it stood empty?”
Her clipped, no-nonsense tone earned a chuckle from him, changing the mood instantly. “I’d welcome dust just to get out of this storm.”
At a tiny chirp from inside his coat, Del patted and rubbed the spot where Peaches hid. When she quieted, he stopped and looked down the street. “It’s there. White with blue trim. Of course, you can’t see that in the dark.” After pointing out the house, he hurried toward it.
A long sigh escaped Josephine’s lips as she ran to keep up with him. The scarf over her mouth felt soggy from her breath.
What a relief! They’d arrived. “About now, I’d welcome a foot of dust if it means being warm and dry.”
He took her arm and helped her up the snow-covered steps. “I pay the preacher’s wife to keep the place clean and aired out. Couldn’t stand the thought of it going to wrack and ruin. It should be comfortable enough once I get the place warm.”
A porch ran the length of the house’s front. At the sky-blue door, Del jiggled his keys. In the dark, he tried two before finding one that opened the door.
“Welcome to my home.” He stared down at her.
She wished it wasn’t so dark. What emotion filled his face? Tension radiated from him, and Josephine had the oddest sense that he wanted to touch her. She imagined him picking her up and carrying her across the threshold.
Where did that thought come from?
With his hand again on her elbow, he led her into the small entryway. A table stood immediately inside the door. Dropping his hand from her, he pulled off his gloves as he moved toward it.
She heard a drawer open and then the scratch of a match being struck. He lit the lamp standing on the table and smiled at her over its warm yellow glow. “Seems Reverend Williams started the furnace today. He does that when his wife comes to clean.”
Del returned the lamp to the table. Since warmth surrounded them, he unbuttoned his coat and hung it on a peg. The wall opposite the table had four pegs that served as a hall tree. She copied him, hanging first her scarf and then the velvet coat.
With a flourish of his hand, Del invited her into the front room. Moving behind her, he brought the lamp and placed it on a clawfoot parlor table. The glass balls gripped by the eagle talons gleamed briefly in the light before Del set the lamp down.
She stayed by the table as he moved through the room, lighting two more lamps. The rattle when he replaced their chimneys sounded like breaking ice in the quiet house.
Once light penetrated the dark corners of the sitting room, Josephine gasped in surprise. “Did you plan to spend Christmas here?”
Del followed her gaze and stiffened. “No. What got into Mrs. Williams to put a Christmas tree in here?”
The tree was magnificent. About five feet high, silver tinsel flowed like water down its branches. At its top, where there often would be a star, two doves nestled. Red and green glass balls rested on the inner branches. A variety of heart-shaped ornaments--silver, red and gold--hung from the bottom branches. Those surprised her.
“Your wife must have liked hearts to have so many ornaments like those.”
He shook his head. “I’ve never seen these ornaments. Ours must be packed upstairs yet. I suppose Mrs. Williams brought those with her.”
One more mystery. Missing sweaters, reluctant coal, and now heart ornaments on an unexpected tree. What was next?
“It’s a very, um, romantic tree, isn’t it?” She lowered her eyes as she spoke. Perhaps in the dim light, he wouldn’t see the pink that heated her face.
In response, he cleared his throat and shifted his feet. Then he groaned. “Ugh! My shirt is wet! We’d better unpack this baby and change her.”
When Del removed her from the sling, Peaches blinked at the light and brought her knees to her chest. He moved an afghan from the back of the couch to the parlor table and laid her on it. By the dim light, Josephine saw the large, dark spot on his blue cambric shirt. Like the father he’d been, Del ignored his own discomfort and took care of the baby.
“Now Josie, watch how I do this. It’s best if we could wipe her bottom clean before putting a dry diaper on her. I’ll skip that for now.” He opened the wet diaper, and Josephine worked hard to keep from gagging. Peaches had messed.
“Guess we’ll need that washcloth after all. You watch her while I get it.” She grimaced, thinking about the lovely blue afghan. Peaches’ messy diaper would certainly dirty it. Oh well, it could be washed.
Mewling sounds of distress came from the tiny person. Josephine wasn’t sure why Del told her to watch the baby. She couldn’t roll over. In fact, she flailed her arms as if she wasn’t aware that they belonged to her.
The pitiful cries drew Josephine. She rubbed a hand softly across the baby’s downy head. At her touch, Peaches jerked her face toward Josephine. The woman leaned down and whispered, “You’ll be dry in a minute. It’s okay.”
Her words hushed the baby. Peaches stared before crying again. As Josephine continued to stroke the small head, the baby mewled softly. The cries spoke of distress but never escalated since Josephine kept whispering to the baby.
Del returned with a cloth and a bucket. “Tomorrow, we’ll need to set up a spot for changing her.” He set the bucket down and opened the messy diaper. Confidently, he took the baby’s legs in one hand and wiped the front of the diaper over her buttocks. Then he used the damp washcloth to remove the rest. That done, both diaper and cloth went into the bucket.
“If we had powder, I’d dust her with it before closing up her fresh diaper.” Josephine watched closely as Del slipped a dishtowel under Peaches and tied the ends in a knot over each hip.
He reached for the sling to wrap the baby again. His hand stopped. “Guess it’s wet, too.” He dropped it in the bucket also.
She heard Del’s feet on the stairs. Steps sounded above her before he bounded down the stairs.
“Here we go, Peaches. I’ll have you warm in no time.” Del doubled the quilt and then wrapped it around the newborn.
“Sit down, Josie.” With his head, he gestured toward a rocker. When she settled into it, he nestled the baby into her right arm. “I’ll get her bottle while you two rock. I’m thinking she needs to eat often since she only drank an ounce or two.”
Leaning against the padded back of the rocker, she closed her eyes and sighed with contentment. Her own home! And a husband and a baby! Things she’d thought impossible were now hers.
She was loved and provided for by the man. No more teaching in a school run by a man with a lecherous gaze. No small attic room. No more loneliness.
What a lovely dream come true!
Chapter 4
He returned wit
h the warm bottle. Checking the milk against the skin of his forearm, Del handed it to the Madonna who rocked in his mother’s chair. Josie looked so right sitting there. Clara had hated the rocker and, more than once, threatened to get rid of it. Not Josie. She smiled and hummed as she rocked the baby.
The sight of her chased away any doubt about coming here. The cold emptiness he’d expected was absent. Instead, they’d walked into a warm and welcoming home. Was he being silly, imagining that it had been waiting for them?
Handing Josie the bottle, he watched her confidently offer it to Peaches. The baby immediately latched onto it. Even tiny, that baby had a strong interest in food. She’d thrive. Del was sure of it.
“I’m headed up to the attic. Some baby clothes and diapers are stored up there.”
He had hoped for another baby and insisted they keep Denny’s furniture and clothes. Clara didn’t want more children. Had her wishes made that happen? She never became pregnant after Denny.
Stooping, Del entered the attic through the small door. The door joined the smallest of the three bedrooms with the attic. It was really more like a closet that ran the length of the wall. Two trunks and an assortment of wooden boxes stood against the outer wall. As he moved toward the box that he hoped held the baby things, Del ran a hand over Denny’s carriage. The wicker buggy had been a gift from his parents. He’d pushed Denny to church while Clara strolled beside them holding his arm.
Touching the buggy, Del waited for grief to seize him. Instead, he smiled at the memories and felt a strange sensation grip him. Hope.
He hadn’t experienced it in a long time. As it flooded him now, giddiness made him laugh. Would Josie hear him and think he was a loon?
The walnut cradle sat beside the buggy. He searched the box next to it. Satisfied that he’d found what Peaches needed, Del loaded the box into the large cradle and lifted it. He had to leave the lamp behind, in the small bedroom that adjoined the attic.
Walking carefully through the darkness, Del entered the master bedroom and placed the cradle at the foot of the large bed. He figured this would be the cleanest bedroom.
Going back to the small room, he retrieved the lamp. Next, he reentered the master bedroom to grab the box of diapers and such. With so many odd things happening that night, he shouldn’t have been surprised. Still, the sight of the covers already turned down on the bed did shock him. How did Mrs. Williams know he’d be sleeping at the house that night? It was almost like the Almighty had whispered in her ear.
Get a grip on your thoughts. That girl downstairs isn’t a present sent from God above. She’s just a visitor needing protection.
Mentally chastising himself didn’t diminish the hope he felt at having her here. Hope at being again in his home with a woman and a child. Perhaps Christmas miracles really did happen.
“Here’s a box of goodies for Peaches.” He began speaking as he entered the front room. Josie jerked and looked at him with rounded eyes.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think that you might be asleep.”
The poor woman looked ready to bolt as she stared stupidly around. Then recognition entered her eyes, and she visibly relaxed. “Don’t apologize. I need to get ready for bed.” She broke off and looked down at her hands. Without lifting her head, she continued, “That is if you intend for me to sleep somewhere other than the rocker or the sofa.”
Moving to her, he touched a finger under her chin and gently raised it. He hoped she could see the humor in his eyes. “Surely I’ve been a better host than that. Let’s get Peaches diapered in something thicker than a dishtowel. She needs clothes, also, before I take you upstairs.”
Digging in the box, he spoke over his shoulder. “Mrs. Williams even has the bed freshened and turned down upstairs, believe it or not. One more odd happening on this strange night. I certainly had no plans to be here tonight.”
Del placed a few items on the sofa. Taking the sleeping baby out of Josie’s arms, he laid her on the sofa and removed her quilt. When the air hit the naked skin, Peaches complained. “Just a minute baby girl and I’ll have you wrapped tightly again.” He double diapered the baby and before fixing the swaddling with pins. He wrapped a belly band over the cut cord, noticing again that it had been tied off with silk thread rather than twine or string. The mother must come from some sort of wealth.
Pulling a flannel sacque over the baby’s head, he tied it below her feet. “There. All done,” he crooned to the complaining baby. Once he had her wrapped again in the quilt, he gave her to Josie.
Rummaging through the box, Del found a sheet for the cradle mattress and a receiving blanket. “This should be what she needs for the night. I’ll take you both upstairs.”
“Um, Del—”
The hesitant whisper stopped him. He saw embarrassment on her face. “It’s okay, Josie. You can tell me what you need.” Then he realized what she needed and stifled a chuckle.
“Never mind. The bathroom’s off the kitchen at the back of the house. I converted a porch when Clara wanted indoor plumbing.” Taking the baby back from her, he pointed the way. Josie hurried toward the convenience so hopefully, she didn’t hear his low rumble of laughter.
When he heard her pull the chain and then wash her hands, he wiped any expression of humor from his face. With his back to the bathroom door, he waited until he heard it open before asking, “Ready to head up?”
“Yes, please.” Fatigue made her voice husky as she spoke. Truly, he was sorry for her exhaustion. Still, he found the huskiness attractive. Actually, most everything about this woman seemed alluring to him. How in the world had she come to be an old maid?
One foot in front of the other. Josephine coached herself to keep moving up the steps. She would be in bed soon enough.
At the top, she stared down the short hallway and studied the three doors. It seemed obvious to her that the master bedroom lay behind the lone door on the left. She automatically moved to stand at the first door on the right.
Del moved past her to stand in the open door—the one on the left. With a flourish of his hand and a mock bow, he announced, “Your bed is turned down and waiting for you, m’lady.” If she were less tired, she’d giggle at his play. She liked the sense of humor Del was showing her tonight.
In fact, she was discovering that she liked Del very much. Beyond the attraction she felt, she actually liked him as a person. If only he were spending time with her tonight because he wanted to be with her. She knew the baby and stubborn coal that refused to light were the reasons. He’d never paid her any attention before this.
She gave him her best flirty smile—at least she thought she did. He looked concerned at the expression.
“We’d better get you off your feet. You look like a rung-out dishrag.”
Great. He’s confirmed that I have no flirty grin. Hoping to hide her disappointment at his words, she lowered her head before answering. “I am tired. I directed a nativity play at church earlier tonight. Then finding the baby and the walk here sapped the rest of my strength.”
“No wonder then. I wish I’d known about the play. I’d have come to see it since you were involved.”
Lifting her face, she saw sincere interest in his gaze. “That’s kind of you. I’ll invite you next year. I direct it every year.” Josephine made the suggestion, wanting to know how he would respond.
He nodded his head enthusiastically. “Please do. Though I expect to be involved closely in your life so I’ll know about it without an invite.”
Had he meant that how it sounded? Was he interested in a relationship with her? “Uh, I hope that we’ll be good friends from here on. Peaches has certainly brought us together.”
Grinning at her, he took her by the elbow and led her into the room. She stiffened involuntarily. After his words, he now led her into his bedroom. What was a woman to make of that?
Aghast and overwhelmed by exhaustion, she blurted out, “Del, I can’t sleep in your room!”
He took the baby from Josephine,
gently laying Peaches on the wedding ring quilt. “Calm yourself. It’s the cleanest room. Mrs. Williams readied it and even had the covers turned down.”
She knew her doubt showed. After all, Josephine could feel the wrinkles in her forehead. “But—”
“Don’t worry. I’m sleeping across the hall in a guest room. I want you to be comfortable tonight.” His coaxing words and the hand rubbing her arm lulled her.
As she relaxed, he removed the arm and moved to the walnut cradle she’d missed. It was lovely and already waiting. “You must have brought this down earlier.”
He nodded. “Yes, I wanted to be sure everything was ready so you two could have a good night. If she gets fussy, you might have to put her in bed with you. She’s been held the whole time since we got her so she might miss the touch.”
“Really? Why?” Josephine knew so little about babies. Why someone left one for her to mother was one more mystery.
“She’s been inside her mama until tonight and may want that close feeling. I’ll show you how to wrap her tight to help her feel secure.”
His confident tone made her feel even more inadequate. “I don’t know anything about caring for her. Should you take this room so you can be near her?”
Del rubbed her upper back. She surprised herself by allowing it. Not only allowing it but drinking in the sensation. Josephine had to work not to purr.
“You’ll be fine. I’m impressed by how quickly you’ve learned what I’ve shown you.” His words brought her out of the trance his touch created. That’s right. She was a spinster and a lady. She knew better than to entertain a man in a bedroom or to allow personal touches. How she wished she didn’t know any better.
Under her lashes, Josephine cast a glance at Del. He’d already moved away and had Peaches unwrapped. He lifted her onto a thin flannel blanket he’d already spread out. “You have to wrap her tight,” he explained as he tucked edges of the blanket securely around the baby.
Once that was done, Del gently lowered her into the cradle and covered her with a wooly blanket. “She should sleep for another hour or two. Best get yourself in bed.”
A Snowy Delivery For Christmas (Ornamental Match Maker Series Book 20) Page 3