“So, what are you doing here?” Leah inquired again.
“I wanted to show Jake what to do.”
“Can’t Haydon or Jess do that?”
“They could, but...”
“You know both Haydon and Jess are going to hang you for not trusting them to show Jake what to do,” Leah interrupted her brother.
Michael frowned. “It’s not that I don’t trust them. I wanted to be here to welcome Jake. To show him around and...”
They continued to talk about Jake as if he weren’t standing right there between them.
“Fine, fine. If you insist on being the one to show him what to do, I’ll run over and sit with Selina and the twins until you get back. I know that will help put your mind at ease and help you to relax a bit.”
“It sure will. Thank you, Leah. But don’t wake her or the babies. And don’t knock. Just open the door quietly and let yourself in.”
“Yes, yes, Michael.” Leah dragged out the words and rolled her eyes at her brother. “You worry too much. You really need to learn to lighten up.”
“Just wait until you have children. Then it will be my turn to tell
you
to lighten up.”
She shook her head and glanced over at Jake. “See you later, Jake.”
He gave a quick nod and watched her as she headed toward Michael’s house.
“You like her, don’t you?”
Jake yanked his attention to Michael. “Sure I like her. She’s been a great friend to me.”
“She’s more than a friend. I can see it in your eyes.”
Jake shook his head and waved Michael off. “The only thing you see in my eyes is respect.”
“If you say so, buddy.” The smirk on Michael’s face bugged Jake. Couldn’t a guy have a female friend without everyone making a big deal about it?
Best change the subject before Michael put together any more pieces that didn’t fit. “So, what do you want me to do?”
“Changing the subject, huh?”
“Michael.” Jake sent Michael a warning glare. “I’m here to help, not discuss my
friendship
with Leah. You want my help or not? Besides, thought you didn’t like leaving Selina alone.”
Worry crowded into Michael’s face immediately followed by determination. He glanced at his pocket watch. “Oh, man. I’ve got to hurry. I’ve been gone ten minutes already.”
“Ten minutes? That long, huh? We’d better hurry, then.”
“Okay, wise guy. Just wait until you become a father. Then you’ll understand. Come on.” He motioned for them to go inside the barn.
Jake hoped someday he would know exactly how Michael felt. Once again, he wished Leah hadn’t turned his marriage offer down. He knew she’d make a good wife and mother, and he admired her and respected her more than any other woman he knew.
Thoughts of Leah answering some strange man’s ad and inviting him there trailed through Jake’s mind. Would he be able to handle seeing his best friend hanging out with another man?
A man who could possibly become Leah’s husband and take her away from him?
God, give me the grace to let my friend go and to make it through this time. Make it a large dose. ’Cause I’m sure gonna need every ounce You can spare.
Chapter Four
S
teps creaked under Leah’s feet. She cringed, hoping the noise wouldn’t wake Selina. Michael would give her a good scolding if she did. Of that she was certain. Quietly she opened the door and stepped inside. Her eyes popped open. She’d never seen Selina’s house this messy before. Never.
Dishes were scattered all over the table and piled in the sink. If Selina saw them, she would be so upset, and Leah couldn’t have that. After she peeked into Selina’s bedroom to make sure everything was all right, she closed the door. Leah grabbed an apron from off the hook, rolled up her sleeves and, as quietly as she could, she washed the dishes and tidied up the house.
Squeaking hinges caught her attention. She turned to find Michael stepping inside the house.
“Is she still asleep? Are the twins okay?”
She barely heard his questions his voice was so low.
“Yes. They’re fine.” She, too, kept her voice down.
“Good.” He nodded. “Leah, would you mind doing me a favor?” He looked away and then back at her. “Oh. Thanks for doing the dishes and picking up the place. I really appreciate it. I hadn’t gotten to that yet.”
“You’re welcome, Michael. That’s what sisters are for.” She smiled. “Now, what did you want?”
“We have a cow that’s down and needs doctoring. Everyone else is busy and Jake will need my help. Would you mind staying here with Selina a bit longer? I don’t want to leave her alone.” He ran his hand over his face. “Man, I wish I didn’t have to help. I hate leaving Selina. But Jake can’t do it alone and no one else is around.”
Leah laid her hand on his arm. “I can stay with her. She and the twins will be just fine.”
Worry crowded his face. It was happening a lot these days.
“Michael.” She turned and gave him a push toward the door. “Go. They’ll be fine. Selina’s a strong woman.”
“She is, isn’t she?” Pride puffed out his chest.
“Yes. Now go. I’ll wait until you get back.”
“If you need anything—”
“Michael, she’ll be fine.” This time, Leah pushed him out the door.
“I’ll be back in about an hour.”
“I’ll be here.”
She watched Michael leave, then shut the door.
With Selina and the babies still sound asleep, Leah searched her brother’s cellar and pantry and made a pot of stew and some biscuits.
Nearly an hour later, Leah heard a baby cry. She headed over to the bedroom, slowly opened the door and peered inside. Lottie Lynn’s little arms were moving in short, choppy movements. A wail came from Joseph’s bed and his arms and legs imitated his sister’s. Leah scurried inside, not knowing which one to reach for first.
“They sure have mighty good lungs,” Selina said with a voice filled with sleep.
She started to rise, but Leah shot up her hand. “You stay there. I’ll bring them to you.”
“I ain’t helpless. I can get them.”
“I know you’re not. But Michael would have my hide if he knew I let you get out of that bed.”
Selina rolled her sleepy eyes. “Such fussin’ that man does over me. I can do it.”
“Please, Selina. You stay there. Let me do this for you,” Leah said over the wails of the twins. She picked up Lottie Lynn, who stopped crying instantly. Leah hugged the baby girl to her chest. Someday she hoped to have a houseful of her own children. Her thoughts went to the letter still in her pocket, the one destined to be mailed today. Maybe that someday wasn’t too far off.
She changed the baby’s diaper and handed her to Selina who was now sitting propped against the pillows, looking more tired than Leah had ever seen her. No wonder Michael seemed so worried. She made a mental note to tell her mother that despite Michael’s protest, they needed to come and help Selina...and Michael.
“Thank ya kindly, Leah.”
“You’re welcome.”
Joey’s loud wail pierced the air. Leah scuttled over to his crib and, securing his head, lifted him out. Muddy diaper odor stung Leah’s nose with its potency. E
wwww. She
wrinkled her nose and blinked her eyes.
“Sweet twinkling stars above. You need changing, little man,” she cooed to him as she walked over to the changing table Michael had made. She laid him on the wooden slab with the feather-filled flannel quilt on top and changed her nephew’s diaper. His crying stopped. She picked him up, kissed his cheek and turned toward Selina. A light blanket covered Lottie Lynn’s head while she nursed.
“Do you want me to leave and you can holler when you’re finished?”
“No. It don’t bother me none. Unless you’re uncomfortable.”
She shook her head, sat down in the rocking chair next to the bed and rocked Joey.
Leah knew it was time to make the announcement. She let out a long breath to settle the butterflies flitting about in her stomach. “Well, I finally did it.”
Busy with the baby, Selina hardly looked up. “Did what?”
“I placed an advertisement for a husband. And I’ve already received several answers.”
Selina’s eyes went wide as they jerked up, and her brows puckered. “Does your family know?”
“No.”
“They ain’t gonna like it. You goin’ off to who knows where.”
Leah found that weird coming from Selina, who had traveled across the country to be with Michael.
“I know what you’re a-thinkin’. I did it. And I personally see nothin’ wrong with it. But your family is mighty protective of you.”
“I know they are. But...” She handed Joey to Selina and took the newly fed Lottie Lynn from her mother. With a cloth draped over her shoulder Leah patted her niece on the back until a loud burp echoed in the room. Selina and Leah giggled.
Selina settled Joey and then turned her attention back to Leah. “But what?”
“But, I don’t think they’ll have a problem with it once I tell him that Fitzwilliam will be coming here, and I won’t be traveling alone.”
“Fitzwilliam? Ain’t that an interestin’ name. Never heard it before.”
“I love his name. And—” she shifted Lottie Lynn and cradled her closer “—I really believe God is in this.”
“Why’s that?”
“Well, ever since reading
Pride and Prejudice
I’ve prayed for a man like Mr. Darcy. In the book, Mr. Darcy’s first name is Fitzwilliam.”
“Oh. I see.” She waved her head back and forth, confusion flooding her face. “No, I don’t see. What’s that gotta do with anythin’?”
“It’s simple, really. I’ve been praying for a man like Mr. Darcy. Then I get a letter from a man with Mr. Darcy’s first name. And he lives in New York City.” Oops. She shouldn’t have said that. Leah didn’t want Selina asking her why that was important, so she rushed on before she could. “You see, these are all signs.”
“Signs?”
“Yes. From God.”
“Leah, it ain’t none-a my business—”
“What isn’t any of your business, sweetheart?” Michael interrupted Selina as he stepped into the room.
Leah’s gaze flew to Selina. With her eyes only, she begged Selina not to tell him.
Her brother strode into the room and kissed Selina, then took Lottie Lynn from Leah. “So, how are my favorite people in the whole world doing?” Michael sat on the bed next to Selina.
“Oh, I didn’t know you thought of me as one of your favorite people. I’m honored, and I’m doing great,” Leah teased her brother.
“Very funny. Ha-ha. I wasn’t asking you.”
“Really? Could have fooled me,” she teased him again.
Michael turned to his family.
Whew. Thank You, Lord. Michael’s forgotten all about his question.
Leah stood. “It looks like you don’t need me anymore, so I’ll be on my way. There’s stew on the stove and biscuits in the warmer.”
Michael glanced over at her. “Thank you, Leah. I appreciate your help.” He turned back to Selina.
“Thank ya kindly, Leah.” Selina peered around him. Then, as if she weren’t even there, her brother and his wife started talking. They were so adorable to watch. Leah silently prayed for a marriage like theirs, like the marriages of all her siblings and her parents. Out of the house she bounded with a spring in her step. Time to ready her horse and head into town to mail the letter that might very well give her the future she desired.
* * *
Jake finished mucking the stalls. Rivulets of sweat streamed from underneath his cowboy hat. From his back pocket, he pulled out a handkerchief that had definitely seen better days.
“You need a new one of those.” Leah stepped in front of him, and what a beautiful sight she was.
He looked at the holes in his kerchief. “Sure do.”
“I’ll make you some.”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“I know I don’t need to, silly. I want to.”
It was hard for Jake to accept charity—always had been. He hated feeling less than in front of anyone. Feeling that way in front of Leah was even worse. “Only if I pay for them.”
Leah planted her hands on her slender hips. “No. You will not pay me for them.”
“Won’t take them then.” He crossed his arms over his chest and stood his ground.
Her eyes trailed the length of him. For some odd reason, he hoped she liked what she saw. “You think that stance is going to stop me? Well, it won’t. Besides, you have a birthday coming up and you can’t refuse a birthday gift from a friend. It would be rude.”
She got him there. He picked up the shovel again and changed the subject. “How are Selina and the twins doing?”
“Great. They’re so cute. You should see them.”
“I’ll give Selina a few more days to recuperate before I do. Besides, don’t think Michael’s gonna let anyone near her for a few days.”
They laughed.
“He sure is protective of them, isn’t he?” Leah said through a giggle.
“I would be, too.”
“I bet you would. You’ll make a fine father someday.” As she realized what she’d said, her face turned a deep shade of red. She spun and headed toward the tack room.
Jake followed her. “What you doing?”
“I’m going to get Lambie ready so I can head into town to mail my letter.” She kept her back to him and reached for a halter.
His heart felt as if it had been thrown from a bucking bronc, but he reached for the tack just the same. “Here. Let me do that.”
She turned to him and her smile was filled with gratitude. “I can get her. But thanks anyway.”
Jake gently tugged the halter from her grasp. “How about you let me help—or no handkerchiefs?” He grinned down at her.
She tilted her head and gazed up at him with those big blue eyes. “Okay. You win. But—” she held out her hand “—only if you promise me you will accept my gift.”
Jake glanced down at her hand. “Deal.” He accepted her handshake. Her hand felt small in his larger one. Soft, too, except for the few calluses he felt.
“Um, Jake.” Leah glanced down at her hand. “You can let go now.”
His attention drifted to her face and then to where their hands were still joined. “Oh, right.” He dropped her hand as if it were on fire and felt heat rush up his neck and into his face. He couldn’t believe it. He was blushing. Blushing. Like a woman.
Embarrassed, he spun on the heel of his boot and strode to her horse’s stall. “How you doing, girl?” he asked, slipping the lead rope around Lambie’s neck and then the halter on her head. Jake led the mare from her stall over to where Leah stood by the phaeton.
While they worked together to hitch up her horse Jake asked, “Lambie’s a weird name for a horse, ain’t it?”
“Yes. Abby named her.”
“Did she name Kitty, too?” He referred to the pet pig with the huge personality.
“Yes. When she was younger she wanted to name all the animals. My brothers didn’t have the heart to refuse her. They’re sorry for it now.” She laughed.
“Why’s that?”
“Well, we have a horse named Lambie and one named Raven. Kitty the pig.” She ticked each one off her fingers as she mentioned them. “Miss Piggy, the cat.” She paused. “Oh and there was Taxt, one of our bulls.”
“She named a bull Taxt?”
Leah laughed again. “Everyone asks that. And the answer is yes, she did.”
“Poor bull.”
Leah’s giggle at his comment pulled a chuckle out of him. Ever since they’d become friends, he’d found himself laughing more and more. It felt good. Real good in fact.
“There. All finished.”
“Thank you, Jake, for helping me.”
“Welcome. Anytime.”
She grabbed the lines under the horse’s chin and tugged on them. Jake hurried ahead and opened the double doors.
Outside the sun had knocked the midmorning chill out of the air.
Leah looked up at the sky and all around. “It’s sure a lovely day today.”
Jake shifted his focus from her sleek, graceful neck and placed it upward, glad his hat shielded the bright sun from reaching his eyes. “Sure is.”
“Well...” Her eyes collided with his. “I’d better go now. Mother wants me to pick up a few things for her, and I need to mail my letter.” Her face brightened at that, and his outlook dimmed.
Pushing his own stupid feelings aside, he offered her a hand into the buggy, even though he really didn’t want to aid her reason for going. “Mind picking up my mail while you’re there?”
“No. I’d be happy to.” She sat down and faced him.
“Leah.” He gathered the lines but didn’t hand them to her. “You sure you wanna do this?”
“Do what? Go to town? I have to. Mother needs—”
“No,” he interrupted her, unable to keep the frustration from his voice. “Answer that man’s ad.”
“Of course I’m sure. Otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it.”
“How can you be so certain?”
Her eyes brushed over his face as if she were contemplating her answer. She looked away and then her attention settled on him. “For years I prayed for a man like my father and Mr. Darcy.”
“Mr. Darcy? Who’s that?”
Her eyelids lowered to her lap.
Jake watched as she nervously tugged on her fingertips. In a bold move, he reached for her hands and held on to them. “Leah, look at me.”
Slowly, she raised her head toward him. “We’re friends. You can tell me who Mr. Darcy is.” Jake wondered if Mr. Darcy was the man who had just bought the livery stable. He couldn’t remember the man’s name, only that it started with a
D.
“Promise you won’t laugh?”