Her Motherhood Wish

Jasper had told Callie about his mama going to heaven not long after Ruby learned to walk. With their father gone, too, they were orphans. Callie could empathize with their pain, as could Chip. How like the Lord to put the two of them on the road at the precise time Jasper and Ruby had been left alone.

Chip set the boy down, held his small hand and looked into Callie’s eyes. “I suggest taking our young friends to the Abbotts’ place. I know space is limited, but from what Spencer said, Tess won’t turn away a child in need.”

“I think that’s our best option.” While life in an orphanage was not ideal, the bighearted owners gave the children in their care a nice place to live, plenty of food in their bellies and a whole lot of love. If the couple hired her, she’d be able to look out for Jasper and Ruby during their first days as orphans. In time, smiles and laughter would replace tears and sorrow, as they had for her after Mom and Pop Marshall had taken her in.

Callie inclined her head toward the area where the children’s father had lost his life. “Do you need to tend to anything before we leave?”

“I saw to the most pressing matters. I’ll come back as soon as I can to finish the job.”

Since she saw no sign of smoke, he must have extinguished the fire. Without tools or a wagon, there would have been little more he could do. She’d get the details later. “We should get going. The sooner we get the children there, the better.”

“You’re right.” He scanned the area. “I’m fairly certain we’re alone now, but we don’t want to encounter any...company en route.”

They returned to the wagon. Jasper sat on the buckboard’s seat between Chip and Callie, putting on a brave front that was at odds with his red-rimmed eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. Ruby sat in Callie’s lap, trembling.

Jasper broke the lingering silence. “Where are you taking us?”

Chip answered. “To a place where some nice people will look after you.”

“What kind of place?”

“It’s called the Double T, and I think you’ll like it.” Chip sent the inquisitive boy a warm smile. “There will be plenty of other children to play with.”

Jasper’s brow furrowed. “Is it one of them orph’nages? Papa told me ’bout them. He said they’re cold and dark and stinky.”

Callie hastened to reassure the misguided boy. “The Double T is nothing like that. The buildings are big and blue, and there are lots of windows to let in the sunlight. Each child has a comfortable bed, a wardrobe full of clean clothes and plenty of delicious food to eat. Outside, there are horses and lots of cows. My brother, Isaac, works there. He teaches the children how to ride horses.”

Jasper eyed her with suspicion. “Are you fibbing?”

“Not at all. It’s a wonderful place. The boys live in Humpty Dumpty House and the girls in Miss Muffet House—for now anyhow. Mama Tess and Papa Spencer are adding Jack and Jill House, where the youngest children will live once it’s opened. There is a large playroom on the first floor. Girls will live on the second and boys on the third.”

He smiled. “I know them names! They’re from Mother Goose.”

“That’s right.” She sent him an encouraging smile. “What a bright boy you are.”

The rest of the trip passed in a flurry of questions. Jasper’s curiosity knew no bounds. Callie and Chip took turns telling him about every aspect of the Double T, from the cattle-ranching lessons Spencer gave the children to the impressive tree house in the massive oak behind the dormitories. She was surprised at Chip’s familiarity with the orphanage, but then, according to her brother, he did make regular deliveries of wooden toys he’d created.

Chip turned off the main road in Shingle Springs, heading north. When they’d traveled about a mile, the Double T came into view.

Ruby had fallen asleep, but Jasper let out a whoop that woke her. “It looks just like you said! I never seed so many cows.”

Callie breathed a sigh of relief. They hadn’t encountered any criminals along the way. Plus, she and Chip had succeeded in painting an accurate picture of the place and overcoming Jasper’s hesitation. If all went well, the dear boy would find solace here.

Ruby rubbed her eyes, looked up at Callie and pouted. “Where’s Papa?”

Oh, dear. The blond-haired darling hadn’t grasped the sad truth after all.

Jasper rested a hand on his sister’s arm and spoke with the assurance of a devoted big brother. “Papa went to heaven, Ruby, like Mama done, but it’s all right. I’m gonna take good care of you.” His boyish declaration melted Callie’s heart.

Seemingly satisfied with her brother’s explanation, Ruby clutched her doll tightly and nestled against Callie.

Chip brought the wagon to a halt in front of the main house. “You’ve got a right fine brother, Ruby.” His compliment hit its mark, putting a smile on the young fellow’s face.

Tess saw them and waved. The tall women left a group of older children working in the garden and crossed the yard. “Well, this is a surprise. One of the girls saw your wagon coming and told me a family had arrived, but I see that’s not the case after all.”

A surge of longing flowed through Callie. Her greatest wish was to have a family. The fact that she, Chip and the children had been mistaken for one was understandable. Jasper and Ruby, with their golden locks, did bear a resemblance to her, and the boy’s eyes were the same sapphire-blue as Chip’s.

Chip hopped from the wagon. “When I learned that Callie was coming this way, I offered her a ride. Along the way, we came across these children and discovered they’d been orphaned this very morning. We couldn’t think of a better place to bring them.”

Tess’s hand flew to her throat. “The poor dears. All our beds are full, but we’ll make do until you get the new ones built, Chip.”

Callie glanced from Chip to Tess and back again. “Your next job is here? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Chip shrugged. “It didn’t come up.”

She chuckled. “I’ll have to remember that you’re not the most forthcoming of gentlemen. All that aside, I’m glad you’ll be making beds for these precious children.” She turned to Tess. “This fine young man is Jasper, and the pretty girl in my lap is Ruby. Children, this nice lady is Mama Tess.”

Jasper piped up. “She’s real tall.”

Tess nodded and spoke with her characteristic mix of efficiency and warmth. “That I am. Tall enough to help you down, Jasper.” She lifted her arms, and he allowed the orphanage owner to assist him.

Chip had walked around the wagon. He reached for Ruby. “Come to me, princess.”

Princess. Callie heaved a silent sigh. Could Chip have said anything sweeter? He would make all those children he planned to have a terrific father.

Ruby went willingly into Chip’s arms. He shifted her onto his hip and offered his free hand to Callie—along with a knee-buckling smile. “Your turn.”

An unexpected wave of shyness washed over her. “Thank you, but I’ve got it.”

“I’m sure you do, but I’m here if you need me.” The rich timbre of his voice, coupled with his kindness, was her undoing. She didn’t need his help, but she certainly wanted it.

“It would be easier if I had assistance.” She took his hand. He clasped hers tightly as she navigated the sizable spaces from the wagon bed to the wheel’s hub and from there to the ground below. Much to her delight, he didn’t let go until several seconds after she’d completed her descent, giving her hand a squeeze—and her a wink—as he did. The handsome man possessed so much charm he was dangerous.

A slender young girl, around nine years old, sidled up to Tess. “I took the last of the gingersnaps out of the oven, Mama. What would you like me to do next?”

“I think these two youngsters might be eager to sample your baking, Lila. What do you say, Jasper? Would you and your sister like to go inside with my daughter and have a cookie?”

The boy cast a quizzical glance at Callie.

She nodded. “It’s fine.”

Uncertainty crinkled his brow. His gaze bounced between Callie and Chip. “You’re not gonna go off and leave us, are you?”

Chip was quick to answer. “I have an errand to tend to, but I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“What about you, Miss Callie? Ruby needs you.” The boy put on a brave front, but clearly he was scared, too.

“I don’t want to leave, but this isn’t my home.” Although she hoped it would be, she didn’t know what her future held.

Tess faced Jasper, stooping to put herself on his level, and spoke in a reassuring voice. “Your new friends will be here for you. Mr. Chip is building furniture to fill the rooms in Jack and Jill House so we can invite more children like you to come and live with us, and Miss Callie is going to be working here, too.”

“I am?” The words had slipped out before Callie could stop them. “But you haven’t even interviewed me yet.”

“That—” Tess straightened and waved a hand dismissively “—is entirely unnecessary. I’ve watched you when you visit your brother. Your love of the children is evident, and that’s my top priority. I can teach you everything else you need to know.”

“Thank you.” She’d always wanted children to shower with love. Now she’d have them.

Chip set Ruby down, and the youngsters followed Lila inside. He looked at Callie, one eyebrow raised. “You didn’t tell me you were coming here for a job interview. I thought you were just visiting your brother. And you said I’m not forthcoming?”

She ignored the teasing gleam in his eyes. The jovial man had a disturbing ability to weaken her defenses. She’d spent the past six months putting him and his endearing ways out of her mind. She responded with feigned detachment. “I wasn’t sure I’d get the job, so I saw no reason to mention it.”

Tess folded her arms and smiled. “I didn’t realize you two were so well acquainted.”

Callie rushed to answer, eager to dispel any false impressions. “We’re not. Close, that is. I helped Chip with his orders a few times when he came into the Blair brothers’ lumberyard, and we went to lunch once, but that’s all.”

“I see. Now, what can you tell me about the children?”

Chip quickly filled in Tess on how they’d come across Jasper and Ruby and made the decision to bring them to the Double T.

“What did you find when you went in search of their father?” Tess asked Chip.

Callie had been wondering the same thing.

He cleared his throat. “It’s, um, not a pleasant tale, nor one fit for a lady.”

“Be that as it may,” Tess countered, “since Spencer and I are taking the children in, I need to know what took place.”

Chip rubbed the back of his neck. “When I got close enough to assess the situation, their father’s wagon was fully engulfed in flames. The killers were nowhere to be seen. They must have ridden off, as Jasper said. Since I didn’t know for sure or have any idea how many people were involved in the holdup, I approached cautiously. Jasper told us afterward that he’d seen two men and one woman, but all I saw were footprints. The trio took the horses and left the wagon’s contents strewn all over the ground, evidence of a hasty search.”

“What were they after?” Tess asked.

Callie blurted the answer. “Jewels.”

He jerked his head toward her. “How did you know?”

“Jasper told me his father was on his way to Placerville to open a jewelry shop. If the crooks knew about that, it makes sense that’s why they’d come after him.”

He nodded. “Yes. I found a letter to that effect in his pocket from his new landlord.”

“Was he still...in the wagon?” Callie dreaded the answer, but she had to know.

Chip shook his head. Tightness around his eyes and mouth showed his anger, but his voice was level. “I found Mr. Tate tied to the trunk of a tree a short distance from the wagon. Based on the number of cuts and bruises he’d sustained, it was clear that before they shot him, his killers roughed him up in an attempt to get him to tell them where to find the jewels.”

Callie’s eyes burned with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall. She must remain focused on the children and their needs. Thanks to her new job, she’d be here to help them move beyond this tragedy and find happiness once again.

“I’m going to head up the hill now and see that Mr. Tate receives a proper burial. I’ll stop by the sheriff’s office afterward and report the crime to the deputy.”

Tess took charge, as was her way. “I’d like you to ask Spencer to provide a couple of ranch hands. They can help with the task and ensure that you’d have backup if the murderers return to the scene of the crime. We’ll have our workers keep a lookout for any suspicious activity here at the Double T, too. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to the children.”

“I’ll talk with Spencer and get underway.” Chip strode toward the barn.

Callie’s chest tightened. “You don’t really believe the children are in danger here, do you? It seems to me this would be the safest place possible.”

Tess cast a watchful eye over the area before returning her attention to Callie. “I like to think that, but we can’t be too careful. Now, about your job. Since you worked at Blair Brothers Lumber Company, I would like you to assist Chip.”

“Me? Why?” No sooner were the words out of her mouth than Callie wished she could take them back. “Wouldn’t a man be more suited for the position?”

Tess gave Callie’s arm a reassuring pat. “I contacted your previous employer and learned that you’re a quick study and are quite knowledgeable about the lumber industry. Chip will be busy building the furniture, but he’s sure to benefit by having someone close by who can hold things in place, hand him tools and help in other ways. You could do that and take care of Jasper and Ruby at the same time. They trust the two of you.”

Although she would enjoy serving as Chip’s assistant, spending so much time with him could make fighting her attraction difficult. “I’ll do whatever you want, of course, but I had hoped to be working with more of the children.”

“You will. When the furniture is built and Chip moves on to his next job, we can take in more children. You’ll become one of the new group leaders. In the meantime, Spencer and I like to expose the children to different trades. We’ll be sending some in to help in the woodshop, the word help being used loosely, especially with respect to the younger ones. You’ll be responsible for seeing that they’re kept out of harm’s way—and Chip’s, as well.”

She could keep the children out of his way, but it wasn’t them she was concerned about. Unless she wanted to set herself up for disappointment, she was the one who needed to keep her distance.

Chapter Two

Joyful shouts and bubbly laughter filled the air. The older girls at the orphanage congregated around the swings, while the older boys performed gymnastic stunts on three sets of parallel bars. Several younger children were engaged in a rousing game of follow the leader.

“Faster, Miss Callie. Faster,” Jasper called from his end of the seesaw.

Callie stood behind Ruby, who sat on the end opposite her brother, and helped the little girl spring back up after Jasper had sent his sister’s side down. “I’m going as fast as I can. Ruby isn’t as big as you are.”

“But I wanna go so fast that I bounce when I hit the bottom.”

Callie smiled. “You’re an adventurous one, Jasper. I have an idea. I’ll give Ruby a ride.” She reached for the little girl, who had clung to her ever since Tess’s oldest daughter, Lila, had brought the children back outside. “Come here, sweetheart.” Callie scooped Ruby into her arms, sat in front of the seat and T-shaped handle, with her legs to one side of the seat board, and held the little girl close.

The seesaws Callie had used as a girl had simple rope handles and had been made from roughly hewn white pine planks. The builder of this one had used Monterey pine, known for its strength and durability. Having been sanded until it was smooth, there was little likelihood of getting a splinter, as she had after riding the seesaw in a park near her parents’ house in Chicago.

The memory of her father removing the sliver resurfaced, causing tightness in her chest. Although he’d been gentle, his words had cut her to the core. See that you’re more careful after this, Caroline. I haven’t time for such trivial matters. I’ve got more pressing business to attend to.

As far back as she could remember, neither her mother nor her father had shown much interest in either of their children. As a result, she and Isaac had grown close. Her brother had been there for her back then, just as she was there for him now.

Although the war had been over for ten years, Isaac continued to deal with Soldier’s Heart, an affliction many soldiers had developed, especially those who’d endured as many battles as he had. They experienced bouts of anxiety brought on by sudden loud noises, along with elevated heart rates. Aside from a limp, the result of an invading minié ball, her brother was as healthy as the horses he loved. But if his routine was upset or something startled him, he could become as skittish as a newborn colt. With her new job at the Double T, she could help him move beyond his painful memories and enjoy life again.

“Hold on, Jasper.” Callie pushed her toes against the ground and bounced up, sending the boy dipping down a short distance.

He stated the obvious before she had an opportunity. “This won’t work. You’re too big.”

“You’re right.” Even though she’d attempted to compensate for their size difference, the weights were uneven.

A tall young man of around thirteen crossed the yard and squatted beside Jasper. “Looks like you could use a partner.”

The boy’s eyes widened. “I thought orphans was little. You’re almost all grown up.”

“I’m not an orphan. My parents run the Double T. You met my mother earlier.”

“Mama Tess is your mama?”

“She is. I’m Luke. Mama told me you’re Jasper. Would you like to ride the seesaw with me and make your sister and Miss Callie go way up high?”

“Yes!”

Callie moved to the seat, putting Ruby and her ever-present doll in front of her. Luke took his place behind Jasper and shoved off with gusto, sending Callie and Ruby rushing down. Thanks to the wood chips spread under the seesaw, they had a soft landing. Callie used both feet to push against the ground as hard as she could. Ruby squealed as they shot upward.

Up and down they went, over and over again. Since Jasper and Ruby were having such a good time, Callie couldn’t bring herself to put an end to their fun. Reality would return soon enough.

Chip’s hearty laugh came from behind her. “What do we have here?”

At the sound of his rich, full voice, she experienced a rush of breathlessness that had nothing to do with her descent as Luke kicked off on the opposite side, and everything to do with the man who’d filled her thoughts ever since he’d left on his sorrowful errand. She’d missed his solid strength and reassuring presence.

“We’re riding on a seesaw, Mr. Chip,” Jasper said, as he and Luke started upward again.

“Would you mind letting me take your place, Luke? I’d like to get in on the fun.”

“Not at all.” Once stopped, Luke climbed off and headed to where the older boys continued their impressive feats on the parallel bars.

Chip positioned Jasper in front of him. “Let’s see if we can make Miss Callie and Ruby bump a bit when they hit the ground.”

“No! I wanna go bump.” Jasper’s mouth drooped.

Callie was eager to cheer him up. “Oh, you’ll bump, Jasper. Ruby and I will see to that, won’t we, sweetheart?”

Ruby nodded. “Don’t be sad, Jaspy. We’ll make you bounce weal hard.”

“Yee-haw!” Chip hollered. “Let’s have some fun then.”

His enthusiasm was contagious. Before long both children were laughing, a welcome sound that warmed Callie’s heart. There would be plenty of time for tears and cuddles, but showing the children that life would go on and they could still have fun was important, too.

Despite her best efforts, Callie couldn’t send the seesaw upward with enough momentum to offset Chip’s larger size and grant Jasper’s wish. “We need to make a switch, Chip. I’ll take Jasper, and you can take Ruby.”

“That’s a great idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself. I’ve got a lot on my mind, I suppose.”

Understandable after his mournful task. “I’d like to hear about it. Later.”

He and Jasper hopped off when they reached the bottom. Chip kept a firm grip on the handle and lowered the plank slowly until Callie and Ruby were resting on the ground. He covered the short distance between them and swept Ruby into his arms. The look he gave Callie, a mix of sorrow and determination, sent the message that he cared about the children as much as she did and would help ease their pain. “I talked with Tess, and there’s to be a change in plans. When we’re finished here, we can discuss it.”

His serious tone didn’t bode well. She hoped he hadn’t balked at the idea of having her as his assistant because, despite her reservations, she wanted to spend time with the handsome, hardworking carpenter. As long as she reminded herself that he would finish the job in a few weeks and walk out of her life, everything would be fine. She could do that. Couldn’t she?

* * *

By kicking off the ground as hard as he could while holding Ruby tightly, Chip managed to make Callie and Jasper hit the ground with a satisfying thump. Jasper’s gleeful grin and Callie’s musical laugh were his rewards.

Working with the cheerful young woman would present a challenge. Not only was she fun to be around, but she was also mighty nice to look at. The afternoon sun filtered through the trees, transforming her blond hair into a rich gold. Several strands had come loose from the thick braid swirled on top of her head, and they framed her lovely face.

Her radiant smile drew his attention to her pretty pink lips. Without warning, she pressed them together and raised a dainty eyebrow. Heat crept up his neck. She’d caught him staring at her. He would have to be content with surreptitious glances in the future.

Tess appeared a few minutes later, bringing their seesaw ride to an end. “Jasper and Ruby, I’d like you to come with me. I’m going to show you around the place.”

Ruby tensed in Chip’s arms but said nothing.

He summoned his most reassuring tone. “It’s all right, princess. Mama Tess is a nice lady. She’ll take good care of you.”

“I wanna stay with you and Miss Callie.” The tremor in the little girl’s voice touched a chord. He could remember vividly the day he’d found himself alone in the world, bouncing around in the back of his father’s prairie schooner, weak from the cholera that had claimed his last family member hours before. No one in the wagon train had cared about an orphaned boy likely to die.

But these children weren’t alone. They would receive loving care at the Double T. “We’ll still be here. You’ll see us at supper.”

Jasper hopped off the seesaw and rushed to his sister’s side. “Don’t worry, Ruby. I’m here with you.”

Mollified, the little girl allowed Tess to take her by the hand. The caring woman offered Jasper her other one and headed for the playground, leaving Chip alone with Callie.

She stood beside him and watched with furrowed brow as the children got farther away. Ruby trudged alongside Tess, her tiny shoulders hunched as she hugged her doll tightly, but Jasper had a spring in his step. The energetic boy seemed to have Callie’s positive outlook on life and wasn’t ready to deal with his grief. Ruby, on the other hand, was understandably scared. Her fear brought out a protective instinct in Chip unlike anything he’d experienced before.

“The poor dears.” Callie shook her head. “I know they’ll be all right, but they’ll have a difficult time ahead of them.” She turned to him. “Were you able to give their father a proper burial and find out why those horrid people did that to him?”

He inclined his head toward two giggling girls skipping by with linked arms. “Let’s go somewhere else, shall we?” He headed for Jack and Jill House, the largest of the three dormitories, beyond the two smaller ones. The impressive three-story clapboard building, recently completed, sat empty, awaiting furniture he’d been hired to build. He had a busy month ahead of him, but that was how he liked it.