Authors: Callie Hutton
“No, Dr. Quigley.” She turned to face the town’s only doctor since Dr. Bennett had moved on further north after leaving the wagon train. “Mae Berger comes each day to relieve me, so among all of us, we can take care of Abigail.”
“That’s good to hear. It’s nice when people help each other.”
“I’ll walk you to the door.” Emma pulled the blanket up around Abigail and patted her arm reassuringly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The small house Jeb had inherited for his family was bright and cheerful, with obvious touches provided by the two Preston women. Colorful throws rested over the stuffed sofa and chairs, and bright rag rugs cover parts of the well-waxed wooden floors. The snug kitchen showed evidence of scrubbing and painting. Through the sparkling windows covered by bright curtains, she spotted several men busy working on the completion of the church.
Emma stopped, with her hand on the doorknob. “What are the chances that Abigail will recover from this?”
“It’s hard to say.” The doctor shifted his medical bag from one hand to the other. “A lot of times it depends on the care the patient receives, and how much they want to return to a normal life.” He placed the bag on the table next to the door and dragged his hand down his face. “Abigail strikes me as a real fighter, and with another grandchild expected in a few months, I think she certainly has the incentive to get better. I’ve suggested to Elizabeth and Jeb they should get Mrs. Preston up and moving each day. See how much she can do on her own. Her speech is difficult to understand right now, but that could improve if someone will work with her.”
He patted her on the shoulder as he reclaimed the bag. “You just be sure to get enough rest yourself, missy. I don’t want to see that little one coming too soon.” He smiled as he put his hat on and covered the few steps to his waiting buggy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma fished out the last of the spools of thread from the bowl, then blew dust off the small spindle. Once Hans finished the inventory he would take over in the front, and she could go to Jeb’s house to fix Abigail’s dinner. Humming softly to herself, the ringing of the bell barely registered before she heard footsteps behind her.
“Hello, Emma.” Nate stood a few feet in from the store’s entrance, rolling the brim of his hat. He walked forward. “You’re looking good. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, but I’ve been busy.” He apologized as if she’d been pining for him.
“It’s nice to see you too, Nate.” Emma forced a smile, and stayed on her side of the counter. “How have you been?”
“I’ve been busy, as I said. I saw a lawyer last week.” He looked at her expectantly.
Emma sighed, and rubbed her forehead. “I told you before, I don’t want to talk about this.” She put her hand on her stomach. “I have a baby due in a couple of months. I’m helping Mae and Hans in the store, and lending a hand to the Prestons with Abigail’s illness. I have so much on my mind right now.” Her voice rose with frustration. “Why can’t you understand, as far as I’m concerned, I’m married, and that’s it.”
“But, Emma, the lawyer said marriage under duress can be annulled. And you certainly were under duress when you and Davis married. Won’t you at least talk to him?”
“Absolutely not. Please, forget about this.” She softened toward her old playmate. “We’ve been friends a long, long time. I don’t want this foolishness to come between us.”
He shook his head, his jaw tightened in stubbornness. “You’re not thinking clearly because of the baby. Once the baby comes, please consider what I’ve said. I would take you back to Indiana. We could have a house near your parents.” He stopped as the bell over the door rang.
“So, Mr. Hale, it’s nice to see you.” Mae bustled into the store, rosy cheeked from the cold. “I see you’ve been visiting with our little mama.”
“Yes, I was, Mrs. Berger, but I’m about to leave now. It was nice seeing you. Emma,” his eyes burrowed into hers, “please think about it.” He spun on his heel, then left the store.
“Mr. Hale seems a nice young man, but something about him bothers me.” Mae stared at the door Nate had just closed as she took off her coat and scarf. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
She took Emma’s cold hands in her warm ones. “Your hands are cold like ice, missy. And you look upset. What did that man say to you?”
Emma wrapped her arms around her middle. “It was nothing. I’m not upset, just maybe a little tired. I think I’ll go over to Abigail’s now.” She stared at Mae’s concerned face, and her shoulders slumped. “Nate and I have been friends for a long time. He’s gotten it into his head that I should leave Davis and go back to Indiana with him.”
At Mae’s quick intake of breath, Emma hurried on. “Please don’t think badly of him. He’s been the nicest person for as long as I’ve known him−which has been my whole life. I have the feeling he’s simply lonely and has latched onto me for that reason.”
Mae shook he head and tsked. “All right, sweetie, you be sure to bundle up now, it’s getting cold out there. And before you leave, come into the kitchen, I have some chicken soup I made before I left this morning for you to bring to that lovely Abigail. And there’s enough for you and Elizabeth to have a nice bowl, too. You all have to keep up your strength. That poor Elizabeth looks like a strong wind would knock her over. Not good for the little one she’s carrying.” Her voice dimmed as she walked into the kitchen.
Deep in thought, Emma wandered over to fetch her cloak, scarf and wool bonnet. As she fastened her cloak, she dwelled on the problem with Nate. She really didn’t want to get Davis involved because of the animosity between them, but Nate’s obsession with getting her an annulment concerned her.
“Here’s the soup.” Mae handed her a large bowl. “I will come over in a couple of hours to sit with Abigail so you can rest.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Emma flipped the pages of the calendar. Mid-December. She sat on her bed, and thought about Christmas. Davis had promised he would have the house finished in time for the holiday. She hadn’t seen him in over two weeks, but knew he was working hard to have it ready.
As happy as she’d been working in the store and walking to the Preston’s to help Abigail and Elizabeth, she was more than ready to have her own house again. Although she’d never admit it to anyone, especially Davis, she was getting a little tired. The end of each day couldn’t come soon enough.
She had washed up, braided her hair and had just put her nightgown on when she heard Mae calling her from downstairs. Putting on a robe and pushing her feet into house slippers, she went downstairs.
She heard his voice before she saw him. She turned the corner into the kitchen and there he stood, hands on his hips, legs spread, and his head thrown back with laughter at something Mae was telling him. His unruly hair hung long over his collar, and fell on his forehead. Her heart warmed at the sight.
He turned as Emma padded into the room. He just stood there for a moment, his eyes drinking her in. “Hello, darlin’.” He sauntered toward her. “I’ve come to spend the night with you.”
Emma ducked her head to hide her tears, and blushed at the grin on Mae’s face as she watched the two of them. He put his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close. “And then in the morning, Mrs. Cooper, you and I are going to take a buggy ride to see our new house.”
She covered her mouth with a shaky hand and burst into tears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bright early sunlight greeted Emma the morning she would see her completed house. A scant snowfall had teased the dried up grass and bare trees. Rays bouncing off the snow-covered branches caused the area to sparkle like so many diamonds. She and Davis busied themselves readying the wagon for the trip.
Davis had removed the canvas covering on the wagon that now bulged with furniture, rugs, and trunks. Emma had purchased items from the Bergers that over time emigrants had traded for food and other supplies.
Mae kept bringing odds and ends to the wagon, insisting this and that was totally unneeded in her house, and they should take it with them. Quilts, blankets, sheets, and other household items added to the ever-growing pile. Finally Davis called a halt to the additions, and chased both women back into the store while he and Hans attempted to secure the mound with rope.
After tightening everything, Davis and Hans joined Emma and Mae in the kitchen behind the store for breakfast. Excitement filled the air as they all chattered about the house, the coming holidays, and soon-to-be filled nursery.
After they finished, Mae shooed them out, telling them she would clean up and they should be on their way. Tearful goodbyes began while both men shuffled their feet and tried to look everywhere except at the crying, hugging women.
“And you be sure to take time to rest, missy,” Mae admonished. She waved her finger in Davis’s face. “You watch her and make sure she doesn’t wear herself out. I never saw anyone work so hard, this wife of yours. And be sure to come visit as soon as you get settled. And Hans can watch the store if you need me to help at your house. Just send word and I’ll come right away.” Mae blinked rapidly at the well of tears that threatened to spill over.
Finally Hans put his arms around her shoulders, and pulling her from the wagon, urged her back into the store as the Emma and Davis began the final leg of the long journey that had begun in Independence.
So much had happened since she and Peter had said goodbye to her parents. Here she was with a different husband, and a baby on the way. She rested her hand on her slight bump. If only her mama was here to enjoy her grandchild. Of course, if she went back to Indiana her child would know its grandparents.
She slanted a look at Davis, his strong profile outlined by the sunlight. But if she did that, the baby wouldn’t know its father. She wasn’t foolish enough to pretend a child’s grandparents were more important than its father.
The excitement of seeing her new house pushed the uncomfortable thoughts to the back of her mind. She could barely stay seated on the wagon. Davis grinned as he regarded at her enthusiasm.
“I can’t believe we’ll be spending Christmas in our new home.” Emma shifted anxiously on the seat.
“Darlin’, if you don’t sit still, you’re gonna bounce right off that seat and spend Christmas laid up in bed.”
“It’s just been so long since I’ve had a home of my own. In fact, because our house in Indiana had belonged to Peter’s grandmother, this is truly my first very own house.”
She gave a huge contented sigh and took in her surroundings. It had been a long while since she’d been out here, and had forgotten how pretty the scenery was. Large magnificent birds swooped overhead in search of small prey, their eagle eyes constantly moving. She could see squirrels scurrying around, loading up for winter, and further back in the woods, deer stood like stone statues as they watched their loaded wagon with fearful curiosity.
About two hours after leaving Oregon City, the wagon climbed over a rise, and below them sat the land they had picked out when they’d first arrived. Emma focused solely on the tidy farmhouse sitting up on a small hill.
“Oh, Davis, there it is. Hurry.” She put her hand protectively over her ever-expanding stomach and in her mind told their child they were finally home. Just the thought of four walls and a roof for her baby brought tears to her eyes. She turned to Davis with a brilliant smile.
He had done this for her. He had worked all day and into the night to have it ready for Christmas because she’d asked him. Warm feelings flooded through her, not the same as when he looked at her with that lazy grin, but different warm feelings. Could she actually have fallen in love with this man? This man she’d been forced to marry?
“Well, here we are, darlin’.” Davis dug into his pocket to hand her a handkerchief after pulling up on the horses.
“I’m sorry,” Emma sniffed, wiping her nose, “but I’m just so happy.”
He patted her hand. “I know.” He jumped down, secured the horses, and rounding the wagon, held his arms up. Even with her bulky waist, he still managed to get his hands around her middle and carefully lift her down. Giving her his arm, she latched onto him and they proceeded up the stairs.
The outside of the house shone brilliantly with the recent coat of white paint. Shutters on either side of all the widows sported a pale green. The porch was wide enough to accommodate rocking chairs and baskets of flowers, what Emma had envisioned. Davis turned the doorknob, and pushed the door open. Before she could take a step, he lifted her and carried her into the house.
“What are you doing? I can walk, put me down.”
“It’s good luck to carry the bride over the threshold of her new home,” Davis said, grinning.
“Have you looked at me?” Emma patted her stomach. “I’m no bride.”
“Yes, you are, darlin’, you’re my bride and this is our home.” Then he kissed her gently and set her on her feet. “But,” he added with laughter in his eyes, “you’re a mite heavier than you were when we said those vows on the wagon train.” He ducked as she swatted at him.
Davis proudly gave her the tour. Emma breathed deeply of the fresh scent of new wood. The front door led into a small entrance, with the room on the right a parlor, and the one on the left the dining room. She discovered the back wall of the dining room held a large double door that led to the kitchen.
Davis had already added a cast iron stove, a worktable built along one wall with storage shelves under it, and a sink with a large reservoir. Over the sink, a window brought in the sunshine, and a view of crystal blue sky and rolling hills. There was also a back door from the kitchen that led to a yard, that Emma imagined would hold a substantial garden.
They ventured upstairs to where four good-sized bedrooms were located. Each room had a large window, and Emma immediately decided that their room would be the one where the window faced the morning sun.
“Oh, Davis,” Emma started as she looked around the room. Then she burst into tears.
“Uh, oh,” Davis said as he moved toward her. “I thought you would be pleased, sweetheart.”
“I am,” she choked out. “I’m just so happy. It’s beautiful.” With that she threw her arms around him and sobbed into his neck. He patted her back and murmured appropriate words that one murmurs to a pregnant wife who’d turned into a faucet.
With an abruptness that had him shaking his head, Emma moved out of his arms, then wiped her face of tears. “Well, it’s time we got started, let’s go.” She moved quickly out of the room, leaving him standing there staring at her receding back.
Davis had arranged for Caleb and Joshua to meet them to help with unloading and carrying furniture into the house. Emma kept them all busy moving things from room to room, and then back again.
This wall, no, maybe that wall instead. S
he felt like a child with a new toy. One of her favorite pastimes as a little girl was playing with her doll house, and now she could do it for real.
Shortly after noon, Emma brought out meat, bread and cheese for their meal. Mae had packed it for her that morning, and with them all starving from their efforts, they dove into the food until there wasn’t a crumb left.
“Emma, we put the bed together in our bedroom. I think you should lie down for a while. You’re looking tired, honey.” Davis stretched and rotated his neck.
“No, I’m fine,” Emma said, and then yawned, belying her statement.
“Come on.” He reached for her hand. “Just lie down for a little bit.”
“All right, I will, as soon as I clean up.”
He bent and scooped her into his arms, taking the stairs two at a time, ignoring her protests.
Davis, Caleb and Joshua worked all afternoon, laying rugs, unpacking dishes and pots and pans. After a short nap, Emma was up again, directing where things should and should not go. She put together a light supper of soup and bread that Mae had also sent along, and after saying goodbye to the Campbell brothers, she and Davis collapsed on the sofa in the parlor.
The sun was just making its journey toward the horizon, and the orange, lavender, and gold streaks peeking through the window soothed them. Too tired to do much more than just sit and gaze, Emma thought back on this perfect day. Finally in her own home, she had plenty of time to prepare for Christmas. Painting and other decorating could wait until after the holiday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma awoke to warm breath and nibbling on her ear. She swatted at the annoyance, and buried further into the blankets. The nibbling started up again. Then a warm hand snaked up her front, over her belly, and attached itself to her breast. She tried to go back to sleep, but soon the sensations the hand drew forth by circling and massaging caused the sleepy feeling to ripen into another one. She rubbed her bottom against a hard ridge and sighed. The nibbling turned to small kisses, and soon Emma was flat on her back staring up at a wide-awake, energetic pair of blue eyes.
“Good morning, darlin’. Merry Christmas.” Davis leaned down and covered her mouth, sliding his tongue against her closed lips until she opened, then he delved in.
Fully awake now, Emma moaned softly and kneaded the corded muscles of his back, then moved her hand further down to caress strong muscled buttocks. His hard body felt so good against her softness, her skin tingling and fully aware of where his warm flesh touched her.
Bracing himself on his elbows, he shifted lower where he nibbled her neck, then latched his lips onto her sensitive nipple and suckled as his strong fingers plucked at the nipple on her other breast.
“You’re so beautiful.” He raised his head to stare into her eyes, leaving her skin cooling from the loss of his warm mouth. “More beautiful with our child inside you.”
“Fat,” she panted, smiling at him.
“No. Filled with life. Extra curves to run my hands over. ” He slid his palm down to cup and massage the softness of her bottom.
Heat spread throughout her body, bringing the familiar restless feeling between her legs. His touch always brought this response. Almost as if her senses only awoke with her husband’s attentions. She ran her fingers through the silky hair that had fallen over his forehead.
Davis nipped and kissed his way from her breasts to her rounded stomach, dipping his tongue into her navel. She gripped his head, fisting his hair as he moved even lower.
His mouth caressed the very spot where she ached and throbbed, licking and nibbling until she called his name and shook with frantic need.
Slowly, Davis eased her onto her side and placed her leg over his, then slowly entered her from behind. He started out slowly, but soon picked up his rhythm as Emma muscles tightened, searching for release.
“Let go, baby.” He nuzzled her neck, reached around, and stroked the eager nub that would help her along. She tensed, anxious for release. Within moments, her body jerked as waves of pleasure flowed over her. She let out a loud sigh as Davis pulled her closer, burying his head in the space between her head and shoulder. With a final thrust, he groaned and collapsed.