A Baby For Christmas

Chapter Four

Louise was awake long before it was time to rise. The baby kicked as if excited about the journey. Just stay where you are for a few more days.

She lifted her head from her pillow. Did she hear a tapping at the door? A chill wove around her spine. Not Vic! She’d locked the doors solidly. But she knew that wouldn’t prove enough barrier to stop the man.

“Louise, are you awake?” Nate whispered from the other side of the bedroom door. He’d spent the night in the parlor, which should have made her sleep a lot better than it did.

Her lungs emptied in a whoosh and she rose gingerly from bed, donned a wrap and cracked the door open. “Yes?”

“I’m going to get a wagon. Lock the door after me.”

She waited until he went outside to move down the hall as fast as she could and turn the key.

Missy had begged to sleep in the room with Louise last night, saying she was afraid to be alone, afraid Vic would find her. She sat up as Louise returned to the bedroom. “Today we start our great adventures.” She lifted her hands over her head and laughed. With an ease Louise could barely remember, Missy scurried from bed and began to dress.

“Remember to wear your warmest clothes.” Although the weather had been mild, it was December and the temperatures could drop anytime.

Missy chattered as they dressed. “I’ve always wanted to see what was north of here. But more than anything, I want to get away from that vile Vic.”

“You’re about to get your wish.” Louise put the last of her things in her valise. She wouldn’t need much for the journey. Everything else was in a small trunk—baby things, some outfits for after she’d had the baby and a few mementos of her mother.

She paused a moment to let regrets at what she was about to leave waft through her, combined with wishes for what might have been if her mother had stayed.

Aunt Bea had told her the truth about Louise’s mother. Not that she died and that was why Louise and her pa were on their own, as Pa always said, but that she’d left Pa because she couldn’t stand the mining camps. Aunt Bea said she thought Ma had tried to take Louise, but Pa wouldn’t allow it. Louise thought Aunt Bea only wanted to remove the look of shock from Louise’s face. Ma had died of consumption three years after leaving them.

Louise reached into the trunk for an item.

“I have something of your mother’s,” Aunt Bea had once said, and brought out a painting of a young child. The painting she now held in her hands.

“Is that me?” Louise had fingered the frame.

Her aunt had nodded. “Your mother was a talented artist. The picture is now yours.”

“Thank you.” The painting had been her most cherished possession ever since. In it she was sure she saw love. But love had not been enough to make her mother stay. Because of that thought she’d never display the picture. For a moment she mused on a thought. What was enough to make any person stay? If not love, then what?

She’d considered the question many times and had never found an answer. Nor did she expect to today, either. She put the picture into the trunk, closed the latches, then went to the kitchen.

They ate a hurried breakfast. Aunt Bea insisted they take an abundant lunch for the journey, most of which was the remainders of meals Louise had prepared in the past two days.

A wagon rattled up to the house and Nate knocked.

She unlocked the door and stepped back to let him in.

“Where’s the luggage?” he asked.

Louise directed him to the two trunks—hers and Missy’s, and he hoisted one to his shoulder and trotted to the wagon. She and Missy carried their smaller bags. In minutes, he had both aboard and stood at the door. “Are you ready?”

Louise and Missy pulled on their warmest outer clothing. Aunt Bea pressed a gray woolen blanket into each of their arms.

“Stay safe. Let me know when you arrive.” She hugged Louise.

Tears stung Louise’s eyes. Aunt Bea had only twice before hugged her. Once when she told her about her mother and the other time when Gordie was killed.

“I’ll send a letter,” she promised Aunt Bea, then let Nate lead her to the wagon and help her aboard. He had to practically lift her.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m such a size right now.”

“For better or worse,” Aunt Bea reminded them.

Louise met Nate’s gaze, as full of secret and regret as hers. He acknowledged the moment with a little nod of his head and a barely there smile before he turned to assist Missy.

They rattled down the street to the depot. He helped them alight and, with his arm around Louise’s shoulders, led them inside where it was marginally warmer than outside. It would be warmer if the door was closed, but the ticket man had it propped open.

She sat on the narrow wooden bench and Nate unfolded the blanket Aunt Bea had provided and draped it over her lap. A person could get used to being taken care of. She buried the thought. Best not get used to it. This was temporary. She must stand on her own for her sake, as well as that of her unborn child.

“Wait here,” he said. “While I take care of the wagon.” He rushed out. Seemed he was as impatient to start this journey as Missy, who wriggled on the bench beside her. Louise tried to decide what she felt. Certainly not the excitement Missy showed. Truth was, she was worried. Not so much about Vic anymore, though she’d never quite believe he was out of her life. But the baby had been more active lately. Please, God, don’t let it be born before we reach Eden Valley Ranch. Let it be a Christmas baby. But would God even hear her? Or listen if He did? So many times in the past she had felt abandoned by God, though she did her best to believe He loved her, as the Porters had so fervently taught her.

If the baby came on the trip, it would slow them down, and Nate had made it clear he wouldn’t let them hinder him from getting back to Edendale in time to see a man about buying a ranch. She drove steel into her spine. If he left them somewhere, she would simply continue the journey at her own speed.

What if the stagecoach left them, too?

She would not contemplate all the things that could go wrong.

A shadow crossed the floor. She looked up and there stood Vic leaning against the door frame.

“Going someplace?” He drawled the words.

“Away from here.” Louise’s reply carried a full dose of her dislike for the man. Away from you.

“Hear you and Nate got hitched. You figger you can tie that cowboy down, do ya?”

She figured no such thing. “I fail to see how that’s any of your business.”

The man behind the ticket wicket watched them. The room was small enough he could hear every word. She didn’t care. She and Nate were legally married. That’s all anyone had to know.

Vic strode over and sat beside Missy.

Louise moved down the bench so Missy could put space between herself and Vic. He simply moved down until Louise balanced on the end.

The ticket man cleared his throat.

Vic ignored the subtle warning. “Missy, you don’t have to go with Louise.”

“I’m going because I want to.”

Louise had to give the girl credit. She never let on how much Vic frightened her.

“You sure? Hear it’s real primitive up there. No decent town for miles. Mostly Indians and buffalo roaming about. You might get tired of nobody who can show you a good time.” He pushed closer to Missy.

Louise pushed back to keep from being bumped to the floor.

The ticket man cleared his throat most loudly. “Ladies, is this man bothering you?”

As if that wasn’t obvious. But Vic had a reputation throughout the town, and Louise didn’t blame the ticket man for being cautious.

Vic scowled at the poor man. “This ain’t none of yer business.”

“It is mine.” Nate blasted through the door, yanked Vic to his feet and rushed him outside.

Vic fought to free himself from Nate’s hold as he scrambled to keep his feet under him.

Nate shoved him from the building and released him on the sidewalk.

Vic splayed his arms to stay upright.

“Leave my wife and sister-in-law alone. You hear?” Nate stood tall, his fists on his hips, and glowered at Vic, who picked up his hat and dusted it off before smashing it back on his head.

“You done made a mistake.” He stalked away.

Louise didn’t know whether to be shocked at Nate’s actions or amused at Vic’s blustering.

Missy chuckled. “Someone should have warned Vic not to mess with Nate. He never did take kindly to unfairness.”

Louise let those words simmer in her brain. She’d forgotten how Nate sprang to the defense of others.

The ticket man stared at Louise.

“That’s right,” she said calmly. “Nate and I are married now.” She felt a sense of pride in saying those words, even if it was only pretend.

She could hear the man gasp clear across the room.

The stagecoach rattled to a stop and Nate helped put the trunks on top.

Louise pushed to her feet and followed Missy, who practically danced out to the sidewalk.

Louise made it as far as the door and stopped. It was too late to change her mind. She’d burned her bridges yesterday when she married Nate. The baby kicked her hard as if to remind her that she had no choice. Vic was too dangerous. Yet she couldn’t make her feet move. She didn’t like change. Going meant leaving...leaving her life, her friends. She glanced to the right and left. None of her friends had come to bid her farewell. But then, they didn’t know she was leaving. Any more than they knew she was married again.

Nate stood in front of her, his expression quietly concerned. He touched her arm. “Is something wrong?”

His touch, his words, filled her with strength and resolve. “Everything is fine. I was just saying a mental goodbye.”

He nodded. “Do you want me to give you a moment?”

He had always had this gentle consideration for the needs of others—spoken or otherwise. Another thing she’d forgotten. Encouraged by that memory, she smiled. “I’m done. I’m ready.”

He bent his elbow for her to hold as she crossed the wooden walkway and escorted her down the wooden steps to the ground. Grateful for his help, she turned to face him. “Thank you. I’m sorry I’m so awkward right now.”

“As your husband, I am more than willing to help you.”

Her heart beat a rapid rhythm as wild wishes for forever tangled with regret and reality.

He flashed a smile so unexpectedly warming that she could only stare. He leaned closer to whisper, “We might as well enjoy this while it lasts. I, for one, fully intend to.”

“How can you think that’s possible?”

He chuckled. “We were friends in the past. Let’s see if we can remember what that was like.”

A relieved smile curved her mouth. See, he truly wasn’t Vic nor like Vic in any way.

“Folks, I’d like to get on the road soon as possible.” The driver’s urging made it impossible to do more than nod her agreement to Nate.

He steadied her as she climbed into the stage and sat next to Missy. Facing them was a woman whose expression was full of curiosity. No doubt she’d strained to hear every word. She shifted and a pained look came to her face, perhaps from sharing the space of the man on the other end of her bench—a weathered old man who ought to have shaved and bathed. Clean clothes would have been nice, too. Between the two, a cowboy in rumpled clothes leaned forward on the leather-covered seat as if uncomfortable at being pressed so close to the others.

At least Louise and Missy weren’t crowded together with a stranger. Unless they picked up more passengers on the way.

The smell of the one man permeated the coach and made Louise’s stomach roll. Perhaps when they got moving, fresh air would help.

With a crack of the whip and a call to giddyap, the journey began.

Her heart lurched along with the coach. Where was Nate? Had he abandoned her already?

She glanced out the window. He sat astride his horse, riding beside them. Was that how he planned to make the trip to Fort Macleod? Or did he plan on leaving them before they arrived at their destination? Riding out there, he could leave at any moment, and then what would she do?

Her lips pressed tight. If he left, she’d have to manage. At least they were going away from Vic.

If Nate left, would he look her up later and arrange to dissolve their marriage?

She sat back. Oh, how upset Aunt Bea would be if she knew the falseness of her marriage vows. How often had she warned Louise to do what was right even when it was difficult? Aunt Bea never came right out and said so, but Louise understood her to mean Louise shouldn’t be like her mother. In Aunt Bea’s opinion, Ma ought to have honored her wedding vows.

The baby kicked against Louise’s ribs.

She relaxed as much as was possible in the swaying coach. She was doing this for the right reasons—to protect her baby.

Missy poked her head out the window on her side. “We’re almost out of town. We’re on our way.” She laughed from sheer joy.

Louise took one more look out the window, glancing back. Why couldn’t things stay the same? People left or died. Things changed. Just once she’d like to think she could hold on to something, or someone.

Instead, she was leaving the place that had been her home for many years. She was heading into an uncertain future as part of a very temporary marriage.

Seemed forever was always going to be out of her reach.

* * *

We used to be friends?

Nate grinned as he thought of Louise’s surprised expression when he said those words. She had looked so worried, frightened even. Guess he couldn’t blame her. She was a widow, about to become a mother, and now leaving her home for a place she’d never seen.

He chuckled softly and ducked his head, lest anyone see and wonder why he was so amused. She was also a new bride. No wonder she wore such a tense expression.

At that moment he had decided to try to make the journey enjoyable, though he’d ridden in a stagecoach once and wondered if it was possible to find any pleasure in the ride. But he would do his best to help her through the next few days. Not only because he was her temporary husband, but because of Gordie. And also because of the past they shared, a happier time, to be sure. He had no desire to go back. The future beckoned. He’d always thought of Louise as part of his past, but now she was part of his present. Just not his future. Even so, it wouldn’t hurt to help her. He didn’t find the prospect distasteful, which alarmed him. Still, it was only a few days out of his life, seven or eight at the most. Might as well make the best of it.

They left the town behind them. In a few miles they turned toward Fort Benton. From there they would follow the Whoop-Up Trail north.

He’d decided to ride his horse rather than be cooped up in the coach, but now he wished he was inside so he could point out different landmarks to Louise.

It was cold but clear. No threat of snow or rain. Dust rolled up from the horses’ hooves and the wheels. Some of it drifted into the coach. Was she comfortable enough?

He’d have to wait until their first way station to ask.

He settled back into the saddle and drank his fill of the scenery. It felt good to be in the open again, riding horseback. That was his life now—a free-and-easy cowboy about to start his own ranch. It would mean lots of work. Hours of riding. Cattle to buy and move. Horses to break. Meat to hunt.

And no one to worry about but himself. He liked that. Back in Rocky Creek he was reminded of the futility of worrying about others. He’d asked around for details on Gordie’s death. No one had been charged with his death, even though it seemed likely he’d been murdered. The last person seen with him had been Vic. It was enough to convince Nate that Vic had something to do with Gordie’s death. Nate had worried when his friend had joined up with Vic. He’d tried to convince Gordie it wasn’t wise. Rather than continue to argue with his friend, he’d left. Every year when he visited, he’d sought out Gordie and tried again to persuade him to leave, to follow him to Eden Valley Ranch and get work.

Every year he’d failed and left. All his worry and concern had achieved nothing. Better to be free and easy. To move forward, not back, not even glance over his shoulder at what might have been.

The stage hit a hole in the trail and jolted from one side to the other. The occupants clutched at the leather handholds to keep from being tossed from their seats. Sure didn’t look comfortable to Nate. He’d sooner ride a horse any day.

He’d taught Louise to ride. Not that she’d never been on horseback before she moved to Rocky Creek, but she’d never ridden astride at full gallop across a field.

Ma had heard of it and scolded Nate royally. “She’s a young lady. Have some regard for her safety and reputation.”

It was a warning he meant to heed but Louise had ideas of her own and had continued to follow him and Gordie around, insisting she could do anything they did. Mostly she could.

No longer. She could barely waddle. Wouldn’t she pitch a fit if he pointed it out to her?

At least he was doing what he could to protect her reputation with this pretend marriage, and at the same time keep her safe from Vic.

He glanced around, studying every bush and boulder, looking for someone lurking after them. He saw no one. Had Vic given up on his quest to have Louise and Missy? And the baby? Nate’s jaw protested at how hard he clamped down on his teeth. Imagine selling a baby! The mere thought made his insides twist. Best for Vic if he stayed away.

But would Vic give up so easily? One part of Nate thought Vic would move on to easier prey, especially after Nate had tossed him into the street. But another part thought Vic didn’t like to admit defeat.

Nate rode around a rut dug in the trail by wagon wheels during a rain. The stage wasn’t able to miss it and lurched from side to side again.

Nate fell back and to the side. From his position, he could see Louise without her noticing unless she looked over her shoulder.

Her face was pinched and pale, her eyes closed, her mouth a thin line.

The ride had to be most uncomfortable in her condition. Maybe she was regretting this decision.

He kept his position as they continued, watching with growing concern. He might have lost his right to ask God for favors by vowing falsely, but somehow he knew that wasn’t true. How many talks had Bertie given back at the ranch as they gathered in the cookhouse for Sunday services? He’d said God never gave up on people. God, don’t give up on me. I know what I did was wrong, marrying with no intention of staying married. But I did it for Missy, Louise and her baby. I’m still concerned about them. Please help me get them safely to the ranch.

They came to the first way station to change horses.

The driver called, “Folks, time for a quick break, but be late getting aboard and be left behind.”

The threat of being left behind in this desolate place would make all of them hurry. There was only a crude barn, a set of corrals for the horses and a dugout home for the bewhiskered man who sauntered over to help with the animals.

Nate dismounted, led his horse to water, then made haste to help the ladies down.

Missy hurried to the well to drink her fill of water.

Nate pulled Louise’s hand around his elbow to rest on his arm. When she leaned heavily on him, he dipped his head to study her face. Was she gritting her teeth? “Are you okay?”

She nodded, then worked her jaw loose. “I need a drink and to stretch my legs.”

He filled a dipper and she gulped back three swallows, then stopped and handed the dipper back with a word of thanks. He again pulled her hand around his arm as they walked along the dusty path.

She stopped at the corner of the corrals and leaned on a post.

“You sure you’re okay? It’s not too late to change your mind.”

She turned on him, pierced him with a sharp look. “Are you suggesting I go back? And do what? Fight Vic? Do you really think I’d stand a chance against someone so despicable and sneaky?”

“I was only thinking of you. We’ve just been gone a few hours and you already look exhausted.”

She drew herself upright, no longer leaning on the post. All hint of tiredness had been erased from her demeanor. “I am only thinking of my baby.”

Their gazes held, hers full of fury and determination, his, he supposed, full of resignation. “Put that way, I guess you have no choice but to cowboy up.”

“Cowboy up?”

“Means you do what is hard instead of moaning about it.”

She nodded. “Exactly what I mean to do.”

He grinned. “Awfully good to see there is some spark left in you.”

She rumbled her lips. “I might lose my spark, but I’ll never lose my fight.” Her hands pressed to her stomach and he understood she would fight whatever enemy threatened her baby.

“You won’t fight alone.” Although she’d made it clear this was Gordie’s baby, he felt more than a little concern for the little one’s safety. “I’ll make sure all three of you get to Eden Valley Ranch.”

Her gaze burned a path through his thoughts as if she didn’t believe him. Didn’t trust him.

Why would she think that? He’d never done anything to give her reason to doubt his word. “You don’t trust me. Why?”

Her reply was cut off by the coach driver. “Folks, get aboard unless you want to stay here.”

Louise hurried back to the coach with Nate on her heels. He knew he wasn’t wrong in thinking she was grateful she didn’t get a chance to answer his question.

Chapter Five

Louise sat in the coach wishing it didn’t have to move. The constant swaying made her seasick. The jolting from side to side brought on spasms in her stomach muscles. But with a gentle bounce they were on their way once again. She hung on to the leather strap and tried to think of something besides her stomach.

Nate was right. She didn’t trust him. But what purpose would be served in admitting it? As to her reasons, they were too numerous and too convoluted to tell. Throughout her life she’d had no evidence she could trust anyone.

Not even God? her conscience accused her.

There were times she trusted Him. Like when she’d told Gordie they were going to have a baby. She’d been thrilled at the thought of another little Porter in the family. Gordie had seemed to enjoy the idea, too.

But then Gordie had been killed. It was hard to trust after that.

They jerked over another hole in the trail and she bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out a protest.

You don’t need to trust when everything is going according to your wishes. It’s when things are difficult and hard to understand, you need to trust.

She recalled hearing the words in a soft, gentle voice. Not Aunt Bea. They seldom talked about such things. It was Mrs. Porter who had said them. And Louise did her best to believe them. But there were days she wanted things to be easier. Then it would be easy to trust.

They swayed hard to the right and she could do little but think about keeping from crying out against the pain in her ribs.

“That young man is keeping a close eye on you,” the lady across from her said. “Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Miss Rowena Rolfe.”

Louise and Missy introduced themselves.

The three women looked toward the men awaiting their introductions.

The cowboy said, “Sam.”

The other man grinned, revealing stubs of yellowed teeth. “Sparky George.”

No one asked if George was his first or last name, and after a minute he settled back.

Miss Rolfe continued, “I’m journeying to Fort Macleod to join my brother.” She leaned closer and whispered, “He tells me there are ten men to every marriageable woman.” She blushed and lowered her gaze.