Building a Family

En route to the Double T Orphanage to work on its expansion, carpenter Chip Evans and Caroline Hunt discover two orphaned children—and become their caregivers. But Chip’s determined not to let himself get too attached to the children who just lost their widowed father...or to the lovely woman helping him care for them. Especially since Callie and the little ones just don’t fit into his detailed plans for the future.

Callie can’t help but fall in love with the orphans, and despite her better judgment, she’s falling for Chip, too. Her dreams of being a wife and mother were not quite like this. But Callie believes a plan bigger than Chip’s brought them all together...and now she just has to help him see it, too.

Dear Reader,

I hope you enjoyed Chip and Callie’s story. The idea for it came about as a result of two incidents from my own family that dealt with infertility and adoption. Callie’s accident is based on my great-aunt’s experience. She was kicked by a mule when she was very young. As a result, she was unable to bear children. I asked myself what it would have been like for a woman in the 1870s to deal with such a diagnosis.

Adoption has played an important role in my own life. My mother was already pregnant with me when she began dating the man I knew as my father. Although she was young and had been pressured to give me away, she’d chosen to raise me herself, for which I’m very grateful. Since my parents married when I was a baby, I don’t remember life without Dad. I never considered him my stepfather, although legally that’s what he was. Thirty years after he came into my life, we entered the historic courthouse in my Gold Rush–era town, where he adopted me. That was a milestone day!

As I created this story, I asked myself what would happen if a woman who was given the same diagnosis my great-aunt received, and who embraced adoption as a way to form a family, was to meet a man intent upon having children of his own. The possibilities were intriguing, and the story took shape. Setting the story at the Double T, where my first Love Inspired Historical, Family of Her Dreams, took place, was fun. I enjoyed revisiting Spencer, Tess and their children.

I love hearing from readers. You can contact me through my website at www.keligwyn.com or write to me at PO Box 1404, Placerville, CA 95667.

Warmly,

Keli Gwyn

“It’s your turn to fly the kite, Callie.” Chip left the children gripping the string together and sauntered over to her.

She took the hand he offered, and he pulled her to her feet. They stood inches apart, their hands still linked. His was warm and strong, his grip firm but gentle. She glanced up at him, hoping for a smile. Instead, his serious side had reappeared. His gaze swept over her face, coming to rest on...her mouth?

Was it possible Chip wanted to kiss her? What would she do if he tried? Part of her wondered what it would feel like to have his lips pressed to hers, but the more sensible part—

“Don’t you wanna do it, Miss Callie?” Jasper’s question shattered the moment, which was for the best. Chip wasn’t ready to court anyone.

The trouble was that the more time she spent with him, the more Callie found herself drawn to him.

Award-winning author KELI GWYN, a native Californian, transports readers to the early days of the Golden State. She and her husband live in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, historical museums and other Gold Rush–era towns. Keli loves hearing from readers and invites you to visit her Victorian-style cyberhome at keligwyn.com, where you’ll find her contact information.

Her Motherhood Wish

Keli Gwyn

www.millsandboon.co.uk

For every house is builded by some man;

but he that built all things is God.

—Hebrews 3:4

In memory of my dad, Carl Lannon, who welcomed me into his heart and his life from the very start.

Acknowledgments

My heartfelt thanks to those who have made such valuable contributions to this story...

My perceptive editor, Emily Rodmell, who takes a rough version of a story and gives me insights into how to polish it until it shines.

My agent, Rachelle Gardner, who deals with all the publishing details and offers support and encouragement so I can devote myself to writing my stories.

My AAA Team: Adri, Amanda and Anne, who read the story at various stages and gave me excellent suggestions on how to make it even stronger.

My husband, Carl, who gives me the male perspective, fuels my creativity with delicious homemade scones, and listens to me go on and on and on about my stories.

My friend Jessica Scharffenberg, an ob-gyn nurse, who answered my medical questions.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Dear Reader

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

March 1875

The sight of the golden-haired beauty stopped Chip Evans in his tracks. He hadn’t seen the lovely Miss Caroline Hunt since he’d returned to Placerville. But there she stood, shielded from the California sunshine by the hotel’s balcony as she rummaged in the beaded handbag dangling from her wrist.

He drank in the vision with the eagerness of a man who’d been stranded in the desert for days. The Plan didn’t call for him to begin courting a lady for another three years, but a fellow couldn’t pass up the opportunity to feast his eyes on such a striking specimen of femininity, could he?

Callie, as everyone called the petite woman with the smile as warm as a spring day, could have walked out of the pages of one of those fashion magazines at the mercantile. Her light pink gown, with its form-fitting bodice, hugged her in all the right places. The rosiness in her cheeks added a nice splash of color, drawing his attention to her exquisite features—clear blue eyes, a pert nose and petal-soft lips. Or so he imagined.

He gave himself a mental kick. Although he’d welcome the opportunity to kiss Callie, he had no business thinking such a thing. Sure, she’d agreed to dine with him. Once. They’d enjoyed a delicious meal with delightful conversation, but that was the extent of it. Entertaining romantic notions could be a distraction and keep him from reaching his goals.

Why he’d asked her to join him in the first place remained a mystery. One minute she’d been seeing to his order at the Blair Brothers Lumber Company, where she worked as a clerk, and the next he’d issued the invitation. Giving in to an impulse wasn’t like him.

Callie snapped her reticule shut, spied him and started. She composed herself, lifted a gloved hand to shoulder level and gave a demure wave, appearing almost shy. Odd. The Callie he knew exuded confidence.

Chip sauntered across the wide main street to the Cary House, his boot heels thudding against the hard-packed earth. He stepped onto the plank walkway and struck a casual pose, leaning against one of the pillars supporting the balcony overhead. “Where are you off to all fancied up like that?”

She blinked in rapid succession. “Fancied up? If you intended to compliment me, that’s not the way to go about it.”

“No, but you look cute when you’re piqued.”

“So you admit to intentionally irritating me?”

He would admit to no such thing, even it was the truth. “I’d say you look stunning—” which she did “—but you’d probably accuse me of being too forward.”

The hint of a smile lifted the corners of her mouth, but the irksome woman wouldn’t let it break free. Normally, she was easygoing. “Although I appreciate the thought, I’m unclear as to the reason behind your flattery. Was there something you wanted?”

Since admitting the sincerity behind his compliment could be telling, he chose to answer her question instead. “You’re standing at the stagecoach stop, and you were smiling when I first saw you. It appears you’re going somewhere and are looking forward to your trip. Am I right?”

She swept her gaze from his slouch hat to his boots and back again. “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. I’m going to visit my brother.”

“Is he still in Shingle Springs?”

Her trademark smile burst forth in all its radiant glory. “You remembered.”

“Of course.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just that...” She brushed the toe of her boot over a knothole in the walkway, the leather sole rasping over the rough pine.

“Go on.”

“I told you where my brother is living when you took me to lunch. That happened six months ago, and since you lef—” She winced, a slight gesture he might have missed, if he hadn’t been so focused on her every movement. “Since I wore your ears out that day, I’m surprised you were able to recall anything I said.”

He remembered their conversation in detail. They’d started off talking about the lumber business but quickly moved on to more personal topics. They discovered that they’d both lost their parents during childhood.

Unlike other women, Callie was easy to talk to. She might wear fancy dresses on occasion and carry herself with the bearing befitting a society lady, but she didn’t put on airs.

“I’m headed to Shingle Springs, too. I have a job down that way. If you don’t mind riding in my wagon, you could go with me.”

To her credit, she showed no outward sign of surprise at his abrupt change of subject, other than a brief pause. “I’d like that.”

“Good. It’s parked behind Dr. Wright’s office. I’ve already filled my wagon with lumber, so we can set off right away.” He was tempted to offer Callie his arm, a gentlemanly courtesy he would normally think nothing of, but refrained.

Although he would enjoy having her hand wrapped around his elbow, he wasn’t in the habit of strolling with a lovely lady. Since he’d asked her to lunch during the last week of September the previous fall, showing a lapse of judgment on his part, she might get the impression he’d taken an interest in her. He would keep things nice and friendly-like this time so there would be no misunderstanding.

Chip swept an arm toward Coloma Street, opposite the hotel. “Shall we go?”

They arrived at his wagon minutes later. She accepted his help climbing aboard, rewarding him with a friendly smile and simple thank-you.

Perhaps his earlier concern was unfounded. She’d been pleasant company that day at the restaurant, but her reaction to seeing him today proved she hadn’t set her cap for him. The reception she’d given him the past July, when he’d taken second place in the horse race at Placerville’s Independence Day celebration, had indicated the same thing. The first-and third-place winners had each received a kiss from the ladies who presented their ribbons. All he’d gotten from Callie was a businesslike handshake.

The springs of his new buckboard creaked as he climbed aboard. He no longer needed to rent one, thanks to having achieved the first of his two yearly goals, the other being the completion of his kitchen. With the hefty load he was carrying under the tarpaulin today, his recently acquired team of workhorses would earn their oats.

He took his place on the bench seat, leaving a respectable distance between Callie and him, grabbed the reins and got underway. Her rigid posture and lips pressed firmly together gave him the impression she didn’t care for his company. “If you’re not comfortable riding with me, just say so.”

She sent him a parlor-perfect smile, stiff and insincere. “It’s fine.”

“Really? You look as relaxed as my thoroughbred before a race.”

“How is Dusty?”

“He’s doing well. I’d stop by my place and let you see for yourself, but we need to get underway. If you’re still willing to join me, that is.”

“I am. I appreciate your offer.” She raised a delicately arched eyebrow. “I’m just not sure why you made it.”

He chuckled. “Because we’re going to the same spot. Why else?”

“Yes. Of course.” She faced front once again, as tense as before.

His experience with his female customers had taught him that women didn’t always say what was on their minds. Perhaps if he helped out Callie, she’d give him a clue what she was thinking. “It’s not like you to be on edge. Is something wrong?”

She fidgeted with her fan. “Since you asked...I didn’t think you cared for my company.”

“What gave you that idea?” He enjoyed spending time with her, more than he should.

“You left town so abruptly. We’d dined together just two weeks before, and yet you didn’t even tell me you were going away until the day you rode off.”

A warning gong sounded inside his head. He hadn’t realized his departure would matter to her. The fact that it had proved his earlier decision not to offer his arm had been a wise one. Although Callie made a wonderful companion and possessed many of the qualities he would seek in a wife, he had three years to go before he would be ready to go courting. He wasn’t a cad, though. “I’m sorry. As my friend, you deserved to know. Can you forgive me?”

The momentary drooping of her lovely lips followed by a genuine smile told him his message had been received. He’d accomplished his goal, so why did his chest feel so hollow?

* * *

Friend? Callie hadn’t known where things stood between them. Now she did. Chip hadn’t asked her to lunch because he harbored feelings for her. He’d made that clear when he’d failed to let her know he was leaving town until the last minute. His standoffishness earlier that morning when he hadn’t offered her his arm reinforced the message.

A lady couldn’t help but hope a man as accomplished and attractive as Chip would take an interest in her, though, could she? She longed to marry and have a family. She’d wondered if the powerfully built carpenter with the broad brow, thick brown hair and adorable lopsided smile could be the answer to her prayers. The charming man was a bit too regimented for her liking, but he was hardworking, generous and oh, so handsome.

She drew in a calming breath in an attempt to slow her racing heart. Why it had taken to thumping so wildly was beyond her. It wasn’t as though there was anything between them.

Although Chip could be a mite exasperating at times, his engaging personality and ready laugh made him a delightful companion. Since she enjoyed his company and wasn’t likely to see much of him once she began her new job in Shingle Springs—provided she got it, of course—she would make the most of this unexpected opportunity to spend a few hours with him.

Conversation flowed freely, just as it had when they’d shared a lunch all those months ago. He urged the horses into a slow trot, and the miles flew by.

A familiar screech rent the air. Callie put a hand above her eyes to shield the sun and peered at the sky, where a large bird circled. “Just what I thought. It’s a red-tailed hawk.”

“I didn’t know you watch birds.”

“I don’t, but my brother does. Isaac can identify most species. It’s one of his many talents.”

“You don’t talk about any other brothers or sisters. Was it just the two of you?”

She nodded. “Mama and Papa wanted more children, but that wasn’t to be. What about you? Did you come from a big family?”

“Big enough. And noisy. There were four of us boys, although I’m the only one left. Alexander was the oldest. I was second in line. Jeremiah came next, and Montgomery was the caboose kid, as Pa used to say.” He gazed down the road, a sorrowful look in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry.” Although she wanted to find out what had happened to his brothers, she couldn’t come up with a question that suited her.

Chip sent her a too-bright smile. “It was a long time ago, but I have good memories.”

She followed his lead, avoiding a subject he obviously didn’t want to dwell on. “You must have had a lot of fun together.”

“That we did. I look forward to the day my home is filled with the joyful shouts and laughter of my children.” He cast her a quizzical glance. “What about you? Do you look forward to having a family one day?”

She did, very much, but the question never failed to shake her sense of peace. Chip’s emphasis on the word my breathed life into fears she fought to suppress. Most men had a strong desire to father children of their own, just as most women dreamed of becoming mothers.

But what would happen if a woman couldn’t bear children? The elderly doctor who’d treated her after the accident when she was a girl of six said she couldn’t.

A muffled sob coming from behind a thick stand of manzanita bushes spared Callie the need to answer Chip’s question. “Did you hear that? It sounds like someone’s crying.”

Not just someone. A child.

Chip brought his wagon to a halt, jumped to the ground and looped the reins around a low-hanging branch of a scraggly oak. His team shifted restlessly, causing the heel chains on their harnesses to jangle. “It’s all right, fellows. I just need to have a look.”

Callie climbed from the wagon and stood beside Chip. Although she listened intently, she heard nothing but rustling leaves. “The crying seems to have stopped, but I’m certain there’s a child out there somewhere. We have to find the poor dear.”

He beckoned. “Follow me.”

They rounded the plentiful shrubs. He stopped and pointed toward a downed tree in the distance, where two youngsters sat huddled together, their attention on each other. “Look.”

“I’ll try to get closer without scaring them.” She approached slowly.

A twig snapped under Callie’s foot. The little fellow, who appeared to be all of five years old, pulled the small girl to his side and stared at Callie, wide-eyed.

She held up her hands in the classic surrender position. “I’m not going to hurt you. We’re here to help.”

The boy froze, but the slip of a girl broke free and ran into Callie’s open arms, dangling a doll in one hand. She pulled the child to her in a tender embrace. “I’ve got you, sweetheart. Everything’s going to be fine.” Or so she hoped.

Left alone, the young fellow’s gaze darted from Callie to something over his shoulder. He was shaking. What could have happened to terrify him so?

Chip drew closer to the boy. “It’s all right. We won’t let anything happen to you.”

“No.” The lad’s lip quivered. “The bad people left us here and made Papa drive away, but what if they come back? I gotta keep Ruby safe.”

Chip’s features tightened, but he spoke with admirable calm. “Ruby’s a nice name. What’s yours?”

“Jasper.”

“That’s a great name, too. You said the people took your father, Jasper? When was that?”

The young fellow shrugged. “Not too long. One of the bad men hollered to the others and told them to get back on their horses when you come along.”

Thank the good Lord they’d shown up when they did. These children could be in danger. It sounded like their father was. Callie joined Chip, cradling the frightened girl to her chest. “Do you know where they went?”

“Over there.” Jasper pointed to the north, where a cloud of white smoke crested the trees.

Callie inhaled sharply. Something was on fire!

Chip leaned over, putting himself on the boy’s level, and spoke with such tenderness that Callie stifled a sigh. “I need you to stay here with my friend Miss Callie while I look for your father. Will you do that?”

“Y-yes.”

“Good.” Chip straightened, assumed a take-charge manner Callie found reassuring and spoke beside her ear. “I don’t like leaving you and the children alone, but I have no choice. Take them back behind that log—” he angled his head toward the downed tree where Jasper and Ruby had been hiding “—and keep out of sight until I come back.”

Although she did her best to keep her voice level, it cracked. “I’ll do that. What about you? They’re sure to be armed.”

“I have what I need.” He flipped open his jacket, revealing a revolver strapped to his hip.

Callie nodded. “Go on then. We’ll be fine.”

He left, and she hustled the children to their hiding place. She held Ruby in her lap and pulled Jasper to her side.

“What’s the tall man’s name?” the boy asked.

Callie replied in a hushed voice, using the informal manner of address preferred by the owners of the Double T orphanage, where she hoped to work. “Mr. Chip.”

“I never heared that name before.”

“I’d never heard it, either, until I met him.” It had to be a nickname, since his parents had given his brothers longer names. “I like your name. Did you know Jasper is a special stone?” If she could keep him talking, perhaps the traumatized boy would relax.

He scoffed. “’Course I do. Papa told me. He makes pretty things out of stones like that.”

“Oh, is he a jeweler?”

“Yep. He’s gonna start a jewelry store up in Placerville. Have you ever been there?”

“I live there.” But if her interview went well, she’d be moving to Shingle Springs.

Jasper’s face pinched with worry. “When will Papa and Mr. Chip come back?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart. We must be patient.”

“Why did the bad people take him?”

She wished she knew. “I’m sure we’ll find out shortly.”

The rapid-fire questions continued until Chip returned. Alone. Callie approached him with Ruby on her hip, eager for good news.

Jasper raced around the log and faced Chip, with his legs spread and arms folded, scowling. “Why didn’t you bring Papa back? You said you would.”

Chip squatted and rested a hand on the boy’s shoulder. The kindhearted man spoke with such compassion that Callie’s eyes misted. “I looked for him like I said I would, but I’m afraid I have some sad news, Jasper. Your papa won’t be coming back. He’s...gone.”

The boy’s face paled. “You mean he’s dead, don’t you?”

Blood rushed in Callie’s ears, drowning out all other sounds, much as it had the day the robbers burst into her parents’ house and took their lives all those years ago. She clutched Ruby to her and pressed a kiss to the girl’s mass of blond curls.

No, Lord, no! How could You let this happen to these precious children?

She drew in a calming breath. Giving way to sorrow would do no good. The days ahead would be difficult ones for the children, but things would work out for them, as they had for her.

With her composure restored, she became aware of her surroundings once again. Chip stood nearby, holding the brokenhearted boy tightly, his features drawn.

Ruby clung to Callie, soaking her shoulder with tears. How much did the darling girl understand? She couldn’t be more than two or three years old. How could she grasp the harsh realities the way her brother had?

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.

Callie fell in step beside him. “Do you mind slowing down a bit? I can’t keep up when you take off with that determined stride of yours.” Although her tone was pleasant, he sensed an underlying edge.

“I cover ground when I’ve got work to do. I’ll have to remember to take it easy when you’re with me. I can’t be leaving my assistant in the dust, can I?” He flashed her a grin.

She ground to a halt and stared at him in disbelief. “So, I am working with you?”

He stopped. “Yes. Tess told you that, didn’t she?”

“She did, but you said the plans had changed. I thought...” She shook her head. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter.”

He’d built homes and furniture to suit the wives of many men through the years and had made an important discovery. If a woman said something didn’t matter, that was rarely the case. “It obviously does, but I’m not sure what it is. Care to enlighten me?”

She took a sudden interest in her boots, clicking the heels of the tiny things together. “I thought you’d asked Tess to find you another assistant.”

“Why would I? You know as much about lumber as most carpenters and have an impressive grasp of design. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

He’d obviously said the right thing because Callie look up, beaming. “Thank you, Chip. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations.”

Three resounding rings of a cast-iron bell sent a swarm of children their way. He’d learned during the many hours he’d spent at the Double T that Tess used the bell to convey messages to the children. Earning the right to swing the striker inside the large triangle was a privilege the orphans eagerly awaited. Three rings meant the end of playtime.

The boys scurried past them on their way to the barn, where their chores awaited them. The girls flocked to the kitchen on the bottom floor of Miss Muffet House, where they would help prepare supper.

“Let’s get out of here before these young’uns run us over.” Chip chuckled and put a hand on the small of Callie’s back, steering her clear of the hubbub. Reluctant to release her, he kept his hand there as they walked. To his surprise, she didn’t pull away. Interesting.

They reached Jack and Jill House, but he decided to take her to the woodshop on the far side of it instead. He opened the door for her. She stepped inside and inhaled deeply. “I love the smell of freshly cut lumber. Don’t you?”

He fought a grin but lost the battle. “I like watching you enjoy it.”

She gave his arm a playful swat. “Don’t go making fun of me.”

“I’m not. I like the way you embrace life.” He wouldn’t mind if she embraced him, too.

But The Plan didn’t call for him to court a woman yet. From what he’d seen, the lovely Miss Caroline Hunt had potential, but if he gave in to his attraction so far ahead of schedule, he wouldn’t accomplish his goals.

Callie’s face fell. “Most days I have no trouble keeping a sunny outlook, but sometimes shadows cross our paths when we least expect them. I can’t help thinking that the children’s father drew his last breath this morning. Were you able to take care of everything?”

“Spencer’s ranch hands helped me bury Mr. Tate at the cemetery in town.” An image of the man’s lifeless body rushed in, causing Chip’s stomach to pitch, as it had earlier. He’d watched far too many cholera victims buried in the middle of the trail on the wagon train’s trek to California—including the five from his family. He strode to the open window at the front of the woodshop, placed his palms on the ledge and drew in several deep breaths of fresh air.

With a swish of her skirts, Callie was at his side, standing just to his left. She rested a hand on his upper arm and stood there, offering silent support.

Gradually, his nausea passed, and he became aware of the warmth radiating from her. He turned, putting her mere inches from him. She took his hands in hers and lifted compassion-filled eyes. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

He was tempted to jerk his hands free, but the pull was too strong. It had been years since someone had reached out to him and offered comfort. Like a weary traveler crossing the barren desert of Nevada, he drank in this unexpected outpouring of kindness. “I’m fine.”

“You will be, I know, but in talking with Isaac, I learned that witnessing the aftereffects of such an atrocity can be difficult. But you did it, and I thank you for that. When the children are ready, they’ll be able to visit their father’s grave site and say their goodbyes.”

“I just did what anyone else would have done, but I appreciate your kind words.” He gave her hands a gentle squeeze.

She lowered her gaze to their clasped hands, pulled hers free and backed away. “I’m s-so sorry. I didn’t realize what I was doing.”

“I didn’t mind.” His admission surprised him as much as it did her.

She gave a nervous laugh, composed herself and continued as though nothing had happened, much to his relief. He didn’t want to explore the reasons behind his confession.

“We couldn’t talk earlier, but I’ve been battling curiosity ever since you told me about the letter you found. What else did you learn from it?”

“The children’s father was George Tate. He was coming here from Marysville, where he worked in a jewelry shop. He was going to open his own, as Jasper said. It sickens me to think that he was brutally murdered less than five miles from his destination.” He unfurled the fists he’d formed.

“It’s tragic, but I take comfort in knowing that he spent his last days on earth looking forward to the fulfillment of a dream.”

He scoffed. “How can you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Dismiss Mr. Tate’s anguish. His final minutes must have been horrific.”

Her features hardened, but her voice was calm, controlled. “I realize that, but focusing on the dark side of life does nothing but drag a person down into a pit of despondency and despair. I much prefer to look for the good in a situation.”

“Sometimes there is nothing good.” Sometimes people were so consumed by their own grief that they would leave a nine-year-old boy to battle a deadly disease on his own. But he’d shown them he was made of tougher stuff than they’d thought. He’d survived, and he would ensure that his family’s legacy would live on in the children he would have one day.

Callie jerked her chin up. “The Good Book says that ‘all things work together for good to them that love God.’ I firmly believe that. Don’t you?”

He wasn’t in the mood for a theological debate, tired as he was after his harrowing task, but she deserved a response. “I believe God can bring good out of bad, but He doesn’t promise that life will be easy.” He had a hard time seeing how anything good could come out of losing his entire family inside of one week or Jasper and Rudy being robbed of their father.

Callie wandered over to his workbench, one of three in the spacious woodshop, where he’d set his toolboxes. She trailed a fingertip over the lids as she walked past each one. “No, but He does promise to be with us no matter what comes our way. That’s a promise that fills me with hope.”

Hope. Callie embodied it. He admired that, but her rosy-hued outlook could keep her from accepting the harsh realities of life. And they were facing one now. As much as he’d like to spare her, he couldn’t. “I’m afraid trouble could be coming our way.”

“What do you mean?”

“In his letter, the landlord assured Mr. Tate that a safe would be installed before his arrival so he’d have a place to store the gemstones he was picking up in Sacramento City. The attempted robbery doesn’t strike me as a random act. I think it was planned by someone who’d learned about the shipment.”

She stopped and gave him her full attention. “You think it was premeditated, then?”

“I do.” But there was more to it than that. “I’m not sure they got the jewels.”

Her clear blue eyes bored into him. “Why? It seems to me they wouldn’t have left until they did.”

He disagreed. “Since his attackers beat him before taking his life, it makes sense they hadn’t found what they were after and used force to get him to talk.”

She challenged his supposition. “But why kill him if he hadn’t revealed their whereabouts? Wouldn’t they have kept him alive until he told them? I think it’s more likely that he told them what they wanted to know, thinking they’d take the jewels and leave. They could have killed him so he couldn’t report the report the theft or describe them. Since they didn’t pursue us, I think they’ve probably left the area and are busy trying to sell the stones somewhere else.”

He saw her point, but... “If he had the jewels, wouldn’t he have given them up right away? I think it’s more likely he didn’t have them with him and that’s why they did him in.”

She placed her palms on his workbench, looked across it and studied him with narrowed eyes. Skepticism and concern waged a war in their depths. Concern won out. “If what you believe is true and he didn’t tell them because he didn’t have the jewels, where are they?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps he entrusted them to Wells, Fargo and Company. I hope that’s the case.”

“Why?”

A simple question requiring an answer he was loath to put into words, but he must. “Mr. Tate’s attackers were willing to resort to murder in order to get his gemstones, so I expect they won’t stop looking until they find them. If they don’t show up in an express delivery, I’m afraid his killers might come looking for the children and try to get information out of them.”

He waited for Callie’s reaction, expecting anger, shock or fear. Instead, she laughed.

“You can’t be serious. They have no idea where the children are now since they took off when we showed up.”

“I’m quite serious. It wouldn’t take them long to find out, and once they did, they could try to find them.”

“Why would they do that? They left the children behind so they wouldn’t have to witness the...crime. That tells me they must have scruples.”

Her positive outlook was admirable, but he dealt in facts, and those he’d collected had decided his course of action. “Given their history, it seems more likely they would stop at nothing to get what they want and wouldn’t let the fact that Jasper and Ruby are children get in their way. We have to protect the youngsters, which is why Tess changed the plans. In most cases, she puts a new child in with the others right away to help them adjust as quickly as possible, but she wants us to keep a close watch over Jasper and Ruby. He and I will bed down on the third floor of Jack and Jill House, and Ruby will share your room on the second. I’ll bring beds over from the bunkhouse to use tonight until I can get those we need done.”

Callie sobered. “If Tess is concerned, she must believe the children are in danger.”

“We don’t know that for sure, but she agreed that taking precautionary measures would be wise.”

“I understand why you’re doing this, but I still think the murderers got the jewels. Even if they didn’t and they came looking for the children, I believe they’re safe here.”

He wanted to believe that, too, but unlike Callie, he’d seen what Mr. Tate’s attackers were capable of. The fatherless children were now in Chip’s care, and he would do everything in his power to protect them.

But what if it wasn’t enough?

Chapter Three

The dining hall was abuzz as scores of children sat at the long tables, carrying on animated conversations. Jasper was on Callie’s left, his eyes roving over the scene. Although the room was large, it had a friendly feel, with paintings of characters from Mother Goose tales on the brightly colored walls. Older children wearing ankle-length white aprons and smiles carried in platters and bowls heaped with an assortment of mouthwatering dishes and set them on the tables.

Jasper’s chin dropped. “I never seen so much food in one place before. And it smells real good.”

That it did. Callie hadn’t realized how hungry she was. Thankfully, no one could hear her rumbling stomach over the hubbub. “I’m sure it will taste good, too.”

Ruby, seated on Callie’s right, pointed. “Chicken.”

“That’s right, sweetheart. Fried chicken. Do you like it?”

The little girl nodded.

“She likes drumsticks,” Jasper volunteered. “So do I.”

Chip, seated on Jasper’s other side, grinned, a playful gleam in his eye. “I do, too. I hope there’s more than one left when it’s our turn to pick. I wouldn’t want to have to fight you for the last one.”

The young fellow scowled at Chip. “Fighting is wrong. Papa says so.” His face pinched with pain as reality rushed in. “He said so.”

Callie sent a disapproving glance Chip’s way and hastened to reassure Jasper. “Mr. Chip was teasing. He wouldn’t take the last drumstick. He’d let you have it. But you don’t have to worry. There’s plenty of food.”

“Miss Callie’s right, Jasper. I was just having some fun with you, but it wasn’t the right time. I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”

The boy studied Chip intently, his forehead creased in concentration. A slow smile spread across Jasper’s boyishly round face. “I’ll forgive you—if you give me your drumstick, too.”

Chip laughed. “Jasper, my boy, you drive a hard bargain, but if you think you can polish off two drumsticks, you can have mine.”

Luke stopped behind the vacant spot next to Ruby. “Do you mind if I sit here?”

Callie smiled. “Not at all. We’d love your company, wouldn’t we, Ruby?”

In answer, the little girl scooted closer to Callie.

“It’s all right, sweetheart. This is Luke. Don’t you remember? He’s the one who rode on the seesaw with us.”

Jasper chimed in. “I remember. He’s not an orphan. He’s Mama Tess and Papa Spencer’s son.”

“That’s me, all right.” Luke smiled, plunked himself down on the bench and leaned close to Ruby. “I know I’m big and scary, but I won’t hurt you. I like girls. I have three sisters. I think one of them is your age. How old are you?”

“Th-this many.” Ruby let go of the doll in her lap, raised a trembling hand and held up two fingers.

“Yep! That’s how old Lucy is. She’s the youngest. If you look over there, you can see her.” He pointed to the head table, where Spencer and Tess sat with five children. “She’s sitting next to Lila, the one who gave you the cookies. Do you remember her?”

Ruby glanced at the rest of the Abbott family and nodded.

“Who are them others?” Jasper asked.

“The older boy is Lewis. He just turned seven. The younger one, Lionel, is six. The other girl is Lorene. She’ll be turning five next week. I can’t wait. I’ll get to eat chocolate cake two different times.” He smacked his lips.

Jasper craned his neck to look at Luke. “How come?”

“Mama makes a cake just for us whenever there’s a birthday in our family, but we’ll have a party here in the dining hall, too, for all those who have birthdays in April. We do that on the first Saturday of every month.”

Jasper held up his fingers, ticked off the months and looked up, his eyes wide. “All the orphans here get chocolate cake twelve times in one year?”

Luke nodded. “You will, too, if you’re here that long.”

“’Course I’ll be here. I don’t have nowhere else to go.”

Callie’s heart pinched. “You could get adopted and go live with a nice family who loves you.”

A fierce scowl creased Jasper’s brow. He folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t want a new family. I just want my papa back.”

The dear boy’s reaction was understandable, given his circumstances, but his future could hold untold blessings, as hers had. “It’s hard. I know. I lost my parents when I was young, too, but there are wonderful people out there who have hearts full of love, and they want to give it to special children like you and Ruby.”

“I don’t want no one else. You and Mr. Chip can take care of us.” He gave a decisive nod.

Chip rested a hand on the grieving boy’s shoulder. “We will be looking out for you. You can count on that.”

Callie opened her mouth to speak, but Chip shook his head. He was right. Clarification could come later. The children needed reassurance now. “Yes. We’ll be here.”

Tess stood and clapped three times, bringing the chatter in the room to a close. “It’s a special day here at the Double T. We’ve had two children join our happy family—Jasper Tate and his sister, Ruby. Welcome!”

Heads turned in their direction, and applause broke out. A few children even cheered. Jasper and Ruby went from stunned to smiling in a matter of seconds.

Luke leaned over and whispered, “I need to join my family now, but I’ll see you all later.” He left.

Once the room quieted, Tess continued. “As you can see, Jasper and Ruby, we’re happy to have you here. Now, it’s time for Papa Spencer to ask the blessing, so bow your heads and close your eyes.”

Tess sat, and Spencer stood. “Lord, thank You for the food we’re about to eat, for the many hands who helped make it and for each of the boys and girls here. I ask You to be with Jasper and Ruby. Thank You for bringing them to us. Please help them to feel at home here. It’s in Your name I pray. Amen.”

Callie opened her eyes to find Jasper blinking his. She leaned over. “What is it?”

“Papa Spencer was talking to God, wasn’t he? About me and Ruby?”

She nodded.

“I never had anybody do that before, except for my papa.”

“Mr. Chip and I have been praying for you, too.”

“Really? Does God listen to you?”

Chip answered before she could. “Yes.”

Jasper wiggled his mouth from side to side, stopped abruptly and jerked his head toward Callie. “Then He knows what those bad people did to Papa, don’t He? And where we are now?”

“He does. Why?”

“Because He can still watch over me and Ruby, just like He did when we was with Papa.”

It appeared the dear boy was scared, which made sense after what he’d gone through. “Of course He can, and He will, but I don’t think you have anything to wor—”

“Here you go.” Chip plopped a spoonful of mashed potatoes on his plate and shoved the bowl at her.

If she wasn’t mistaken, he’d interrupted her on purpose. What did he have against letting the children know they were safe? She attempted to make eye contact with him, but he didn’t look her way. He asked Jasper what he’d seen when Tess had given him and his sister a tour of the Double T, which prompted the talkative fellow to launch into a detailed description.

Fine. Chip might be able to ignore her now, but once they’d tucked the children in bed, she’d let him know what she thought about him cutting her off. He might believe Mr. Tate’s murderers would come looking for Jasper and Ruby, but that didn’t mean she agreed.

The meal passed quickly. Despite her opposing view, she was still drawn to Chip. For a man as regimented as he was, he certainly had a playful side, which the children seemed to bring out. He kept Jasper distracted with his stories throughout the meal and even managed to get a smile out of Ruby.

Tess stood. She clapped thrice, as she’d done before the meal, and the room grew quiet. “Children, I’m sure you’ll want to see to the clean-up as quickly as you can tonight when you hear what special treat awaits you.”

Excited murmurs swept through the room. Callie tapped Chip on the shoulder to get his attention and whispered over Jasper’s head. “Do you know what’s going on?”

A lopsided grin and a wink were her answers. She suppressed a stab of jealousy. Evidently, he was privy to information she wasn’t. Just how much did he know about the workings at the Double T? And how had he come by his knowledge?

Once Tess had the youngsters’ full attention, she continued. “You probably noticed our newest helpers who joined us for dinner. For those who don’t know, Mr. Chip is a carpenter. He’s going to be working here the next few weeks while he builds furniture for Jack and Jill House, and Miss Callie will be helping him.”

The heads of several curious children turned toward them, and Callie smiled. She looked forward to getting to know everyone who called the Double T home.

Tess continued. “Some of you have been here longer than others and can remember when he built the seesaw, parallel bars and that wonderful tree house, his gift to all of you. And I’m sure you’ve seen the wooden toys he’s made. Tonight we’re going to discover another of his talents.”

So Chip was the one behind the play equipment, was he? It appeared his generosity knew no bounds, which wasn’t a surprise. Although he was focused on chasing after his goals, she’d heard numerous tales of good deeds he’d done up in Placerville. He’d added a room on a house for a young widow left with five children to raise on her own, fashioned a tiny coffin for a family who’d lost their infant son and repaired a roof for an injured miner’s family—all with no cost to the recipients. It was a wonder the hardworking man had time for sleep.

Callie leaned forward, as eager as the children to find out what Chip was going to do.

Tess swept her gaze over the room, her smile evidence of how much delight she took in building the suspense. At last she spoke. “How many of you have heard of whittling?”

Hands shot up, some of them waving wildly. Jasper’s was among them. As was Callie’s.

“That’s great. Many of you have seen the darling little figures Mr. Chip makes. Tonight he’s going to do wood carving. He’ll be creating something bigger and better than anything he’s done before. And you get to watch him begin the sculpture.”

A young boy raised his hand.

Tess called on him. “Yes, Freddie?”

“What’s he going to make?”

She held up an index finger, leaned forward and grinned. “That, my dear boys and girls, is for you to figure out. The first one to guess correctly gets to ring the dinner bell tomorrow. Now, I’ll excuse you. Once the clean-up is done, we’ll gather on the bottom floor of Jack and Jill House, where we’ll have benches set up.”

One group of children began clearing the tables. The rest filed out in a noisy but orderly fashion. Jasper and Ruby watched the exodus, their brows furrowed. They had to be overwhelmed by all the changes in their lives. Callie had to admit she was feeling a bit unsettled herself. A new job could do that to a person. Her uneasiness had nothing to do with the handsome carpenter she’d be assisting. Or did it?

Chip stood. Callie rose, too, and planted Ruby on one hip. “You’re a man of many talents. My brother told me you drop off toys here from time to time, but I didn’t realize you’d built the playground equipment. No wonder you know so much about how things work around here. I’ve visited several times, and yet I have a lot to learn.”

“I’m no expert, but I’d be happy to teach you what I know. All you have to do is ask.” He sent her one of his most winsome smiles.

She chuckled. “All right. I’m asking. What happens next?”

“Very well. Now that Tess has excused the children, they’ll complete their assigned chores under the supervision of their group leaders. Each of the groups has a name. Tess chose to use wildlife found in California for them. Whenever a new group forms, the children in it choose the name. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the first boys who lived here dubbed their groups the grizzlies, the cougars and the salamanders. The girls, on the other hand, went with quail, chipmunks and rabbits.”

Jasper tugged on Chip’s sleeve. “Mr. Chip.”

“What is it, Jasper?”

“Can I be in the grizzlies?”

Chip leaned over, his hands on his knees. “You and I are going to be in a special group, just the two of us. And you—” he gave Jasper a playful tap on the tip of his nose “—get to pick the name.”

“I do? Oh!” He scrunched his face in the cutest way as he contemplated. A smile burst forth. “I know. We can be the bullfrogs. I used to hear them outside my window at night.”

Chip grinned. “What do you think of that, Miss Callie? I’m sure you’re fond of frogs.”

“It’s a fine name. I’ve seen some big bullfrogs up in Hangtown Creek. I even grabbed one once.” Accidentally, when she’d mistaken it for a rock. She’d nearly shrieked her lungs out, but they didn’t need to know that.

Jasper gazed at her with boyish admiration. “Really? How big was it?”

Chip’s lips twitched, a telltale sign of his disbelief. “Yes, Miss Callie. Tell us. Just how big was this frog you befriended?”

Since she’d gotten Jasper’s attention focused on something pleasant, she might as well finish the tale with a flourish. She suppressed a shudder at the memory of that dreadful experience, shifted a yawning Ruby to a more comfortable position and forged ahead.

“It was a spring day much like today, clear and warm, with not a cloud in the sky. Recent storms had filled the creek, and it was burbling over the rocks. I tossed stones in the creek just so I could hear the satisfying plops. I reached for a nearby stone, but I saw something else.” She paused for dramatic effect.

“What was it?” Jasper asked.

A strangled sound from Chip stopped her. She recognized it for what it was—a cough covering a chortle. He was laughing. At her.

So be it. She wasn’t going to let his amusement ruin Jasper’s fun. “It was a big ol’ bullfrog with bulging eyes. That fellow was huge. Why, he must have been as big as my hand. Or bigger.” Definitely bigger. And very ugly.

Jasper trembled with excitement. “And you picked it up?”

“I sure did. He didn’t like being disturbed, though, so he took a flying leap out of my hand.” If she wasn’t embellishing the tale for the boy’s benefit, she might have mentioned that the slippery creature didn’t have much choice, not when she’d flung him as fast and as far as possible. She could happily live the rest of her life without seeing another frog.

“Miss Callie is a brave woman, isn’t she, Jasper? Now that she’s finished her exciting tale, we should be going. I have to make sure everything’s ready before the rest of the children arrive. How would you like a piggyback ride?” Upon receiving a nod, he hefted Jasper onto the bench and presented his back. The young fellow climbed up and wrapped his arms around Chip’s neck. Chip galloped across the dining room, bringing forth peals of laughter.

Chip stopped at the doorway and turned. “The honorable knight and his trusty steed can’t ride off and leave the pint-sized princess and her lovely lady’s maid behind. It’s our job to protect the ladies—and the realm.”

There it was again—that edge of concern to his voice. Why was he so convinced that the children were in danger? And if he was, why had he cut her off earlier when she attempted to reassure Jasper? Those were questions she’d ask him as soon as she could get him alone, but with their two young chaperones present much of the time, opportunities to have Chip to herself could be few. Which could be a good thing. He might exasperate her on occasion, but his charisma and magnetic personality drew her to him.

Since she didn’t know him as well as she’d thought, she would be wise to keep her distance, for the time being anyhow. But there was nothing to stop her from inviting the attractive carpenter to have a cup of hot cocoa with her after they got the children in bed later that evening, was there? They did need to make plans, after all, and admiring him over the streaming beverage would be a nice way to end the day. If their time together led to her having sweet dreams, so much the better.

* * *

Carving with an audience wasn’t something Chip had done very often. The few times he’d attempted it, he’d had a handful of adults looking on. Mindful of his need to concentrate, they’d remained silent. Carving with a group of curious children watching and calling out their guesses would test his ability to remain focused on his work, but he thrived on challenges.

He stood in the middle of the large space that would become the new playroom, with Tess by his side. She surveyed the setup. “Do you think this arrangement will work?”

“I do.” The older boys, assisted by their group leaders, had carried in benches from the dining hall and arranged them in a U shape, three rows deep, with a sturdy table in the middle.

“Very well. Then I’ll leave you to finalize your preparations.” She headed out the door just as Callie walked in, with Ruby by her side.

Apprehension clamped a vise around Chip’s chest. “Where’s Jasper?”

Callie responded with a casual shrug. “Outside.”

“Where?”

“I’m not sure exactly, but he’s fine.”

The vise squeezing Chip’s chest tightened. “How do you know that, if he’s not with you?”

“He’s with Spencer and Luke. I believe they’re capable of looking out for him, don’t you?”

She didn’t understand how important this was. He lowered his voice so Ruby, who was walking between the rows of benches, wouldn’t hear them and become alarmed. “I know you don’t think the children are in danger, but based on the facts, I believe they could be.”

Her words were hushed but forceful. “If they are—and I’m not convinced that’s the case—I see no need to alarm them.”

“Neither do I.”

“Really? Then why did you stop me at dinner when I tried to assure Jasper that they’re safe here?”

How had she come to that conclusion? “I didn’t—”

“Cut me off? Yes, you did. Jasper asked about the ‘bad people’ and was concerned that God wouldn’t know where he and Ruby are and be able to watch over them. All I was going to say was that he didn’t have anything to worry about, and you interrupted me.”

“But there is cause for concern. Surely you can see that.”

She huffed out a breath. “Of course I do. Life is fraught with dangers, but the children don’t have to worry because we’re here to see that they’re safe, just as their father did and God does. The last thing they need right now is to sense any anxiety on our part. They need to feel safe and secure so they can deal with their grief. Surely you can see that.”

“I’m not the enemy, Callie. I care about the children, too. I’m just trying to protect them, the same as you are. It would be easier if we could work together on this. Can’t we do that?”

He must have said what she wanted to hear because the tension in her lovely face eased. “That’s what I want, too.”

“Good. Then we’re a team.”

“Miss Callie?”

“What is it, sweetheart?” She sat on one of the benches and pulled Ruby into her lap.

“Where’s Jaspy?”

“He’s outside with Luke and his papa, but he’ll be here soon.”

“Where’s our papa?”

Callie lifted sorrow-filled eyes to Chip. Her compassion knew no bounds. She shifted her gaze to the darling girl and spoke with such tenderness that his chest tightened. “Oh, sweetheart, he’s gone, just like your mama. But Mr. Chip and I are here. Mama Tess and Papa Spencer, too. We’ll take good care of you.”

Ruby’s chin quivered, and tears ran down her cheeks. “But I want my papa wight now.”

“Of course you do. Losing a mama or a papa hurts in here.” Callie placed a hand over Ruby’s heart. “I know. Mine went away when I was a girl, too, but some nice people took me in. Someday, you’ll have a new family, too, and they’ll love you, but right now this is your home and we’re your family.”

Her sentiment was well-intentioned, but circumstances didn’t create a family. You were born into one, and they loved you from the start. No matter what you did or how many mistakes you made, they were there for you, just as his had been there for him. Hoping for that same level of love and acceptance from someone else was foolhardy. He’d learned that lesson the hard way.

But Callie was right about one thing. The children would be well cared for. And they’d be safe. He would see to that.

“Let’s dry your tears before the other children arrive.” Callie pulled a handkerchief out of her sleeve, dabbed each of Ruby’s cheeks and kissed them. “That’s better, isn’t it?”

The little girl nodded. “You’re a nice lady.”

Callie smiled. “And you’re a lovely girl. Now, shall we see if Mr. Chip needs anything?” She held out a hand, and Ruby took it.

They slipped between the benches and joined him.

Ruby gazed up at him. “Do you need help, Mr. Chip?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I could use someone to make sure I have all my tools lined up just right.” He swept a hand to where he’d laid out his knives, chisels, gouges and the mallet. “All the handles need to be facing the edge of the table so I can grab them quickly. Could you tell me if any of them are backward?”

The adorable girl bobbed her head and started down the row, lifting her doll so she could see, too. He leaned against the bench, blocking Ruby’s view of the final tools, reached behind his back and spun the wooden mallet around. She approached, and he stepped out of the way.

“Oh! This one’s upside down.”

“Why, look at that! You’re right. Would you turn it around for me? It’s not too heavy.” And it wasn’t sharp, as the other tools were.

Ruby righted the mallet and looked to him for approval.

He squatted, smoothed a strand of her blond hair behind her ear and cupped the side of her soft face in his work-roughened hand. “You did a great job, princess.”

Callie sighed. He looked her way, and his breath caught. Minutes before she’d been irritated with him, but now her entire countenance shone with admiration. And it was directed at him. He wasn’t sure what he’d done to bring about such a transformation. He hadn’t changed his position on the need for safeguarding the children, but he would enjoy being in her good graces while it lasted.

She caught him staring at her and smiled. “You’ll make a fine father one day, Chip.”

So that was it, was it? She was pleased with the way he’d handled Ruby’s offer of help. He hadn’t done anything special, but Callie’s approval meant a great deal to him.

Four rings of the dinner bell, the signal for a special event, brought the brief encounter to a close. She swept in to pick up Ruby and stood in one of the open corner areas between the benches. “We’ll have a good view from here, sweetheart. I’m looking forward to watching Mr. Chip work, aren’t you?”

Callie’s enthusiasm eased the tension in Chip’s shoulders.

A young boy about seven years old bounded in ahead of everyone else and plopped down in the middle of one the front row benches, facing Chip.

“You were fast.”

“I ran,” the boy said, breathless. “I wanted to get the best seat so I can see everything you do.”

“You should be able to. What’s your name, son?”

“Freddie. I got one of those animals you made. I wanna see how you do it.”

“Ah, yes. You’re the one who asked Mama Tess what I’ll be making.”

Callie walked down the row behind the lad and leaned close. “If you like working with wood, we can ask her to let you come help us one day. You’ll learn a lot from Mr. Chip. He’s very good.”

Admiration and compliments? Was Callie sincere, or was she teasing him?

He had no time to ponder the question because the other children entered the large room and took their seats on the benches. Jasper squeezed in next to Luke. A group leader had to settle a minor scuffle as two young fellows vied for the same spot, but as soon as Tess stepped into the center and clapped, everyone quieted.

The tall woman smiled. “Thank you all for seeing to the after-dinner chores so quickly. Now you’ll get to watch Mr. Chip make something special. He won’t be able to finish it tonight, but he’ll get as far as he can. I’m sure you’ll have lots of questions, but he’ll need to concentrate, so you’ll have to save them until the end.”

Freddie’s eagerness to learn had overcome Chip’s concerns about keeping the children quiet. “I remember having a hard time holding questions inside when I was a boy, so, if you’re agreeable, they can ask their questions while I’m working.”

“Very well.” Tess turned her attention back to the children. “You may raise your hand to ask a question just as you will when you make a guess about what Mr. Chip’s making, but wait for me to call on you before speaking.”

Freddie’s hand shot into the air.

Tess chuckled. “He hasn’t even begun yet, Freddie. What do you want to know?”

“That chunk of wood on your table is really big, Mr. Chip. How can you make a little animal out of it?”

“This—” he patted the large round of white pine “—is for the statue I’ll be carving. I use small pieces of wood and different tools when I whittle a toy.”

Callie spoke up. “Would you be willing to show us, if it wouldn’t take too long?”

“Sure. I could whip out a small figure in no time.” And he knew just the one he’d make. He grabbed a scrap of white pine and his knife and set to work, sending chips flying.

“I have another request.”

He paused and looked at Callie. “Yes?”

“If you could talk as you work, we’d all understand what you’re doing.”

Talk and carve at the same time? He’d never done that, but he could give it a try. “I’ll do my best.” He kept his hands moving as he explained the process. “I’m using a knife to remove all the wood that isn’t part of the figure. That sounds simple, but that’s really what it’s about. I keep the image in mind and shave off everything that doesn’t belong.”

He continued, describing and demonstrating the four basic cuts as he worked. The children sat quietly with not a single hand going into the air. He was finished in no time. “Since Miss Callie asked me to make this little fellow, I’ll give it to her, but I’m sure she’ll pass it around so you can all see it.” He handed her the creature.

She laughed. “Why, thank you, Mr. Chip. I’ll think of you every time I look at this bullfrog.”

One of the boys who’d been involved in the scuffle piped up. “Why’d ya make a frog for her? Ladies don’t like ’em.”

Jasper rushed to her defense. “Miss Callie does. She even picks them up.”

Chip hurried to take the focus off Callie. She was likely to bend his ear about his choice later. If he was correct, she’d had absolutely no intention of touching a frog that day and had mistaken it for a stone. He looked from Jasper to the other boy, who’d also spoken out of turn, and attempted a scowl, but he couldn’t stifle his smile. “Gentlemen, I didn’t see any hands go up, did I? I hope to soon, though, because I’m ready to start on the wood carving, and I look forward to hearing your guesses.”

He began by tracing faint lines that wouldn’t be visible to those on the benches and explained how they would be his guides. With his mallet in one hand, he tapped the handle of the chisel he held in the other. As before, he kept up a running dialogue.

A scant three minutes had passed when the first hand went up and Tess called for the guess. All he’d done so far was round off the top corners. “Is it a mountain?” a girl about Jasper’s age asked.

“I’m afraid not.”

He worked steadily but couldn’t help stealing glances at Callie. Her interest rivaled Freddie’s. She’d taken a seat on the end of a bench, with Ruby beside her, and was leaning forward, just as the curious boy was.

With Callie’s lips parted like that, Chip thoughts wandered into dangerous territory, which wouldn’t do. All it would take was one slip of the blade, and he could do irreparable damage. He dragged his gaze from her and returned his attention to the creation taking shape.

The guesses continued, none of them close. He’d been hard at work for a good thirty minutes when another hand shot up, this one belonging to Luke’s oldest sister. “It’s going to be a cowboy sitting on a fence, isn’t it?”

“You’ve come the closest so far, Lila. I’m impressed.” Both Tess and her daughter beamed at his praise.

Another five minutes passed with not a single guess. He stopped and scanned the benches. With the children, their group leaders and a curious ranch hand or two, some sixty-five pairs of eyes were trained on him. The room was so quiet he could almost hear the children thinking.

He reached for a smaller gouge on the table behind him and turned back to his creation, stealing another look at Callie as he did. She smiled her encouragement and mouthed the words keep going. Her eagerness spurred him on.

As he began the telltale cuts that would reveal a key part of the sculpture, he anticipated more guesses coming soon. Sure enough, Freddie’s wildly waving hand caught his eye. And was that Jasper with a hand raised, too?

Tess chuckled. “It appears we have a tie. I’d like you both to come up and tell me what you think it is.” They joined her, taking turns whispering in her ear. She straightened and smiled. “We have two winners. I’ll count to three, and you boys can say what it is together. One. Two. Three.”

“Humpty Dumpty,” they shouted in unison.

Callie began clapping, and the others joined in. Pride radiated from her, reminding him of Tess’s response when he’d complimented her daughter earlier. He and Callie had only been caring for the children for several hours, and yet it was clear they’d already come to mean a great deal to her. She’d make a fine mother one day.

The Plan didn’t call for him to find a wife to fill that role for three years yet, a fact he must keep in mind. But no harm could come from enjoying the company of his lovely assistant over the next few weeks, could it?

Chapter Four

Ruby sneezed.

“God bless you, sweetheart! Here. You can use my handkerchief, if you need to.” Callie pulled the lace-edged square from her sleeve.

“I’m all wight. My nose just tickled.” The little girl rubbed it with the back of her hand.

“Sawdust can do that, and there’s plenty of it in here. Mr. Chip has been working very hard.”

Callie looked around the large woodshop. Stacks of boards rested in neat piles. Some were waiting to be cut, others had been planed and a fair number were sanded and ready to be oiled before being assembled into bed frames.

Her gaze lingered on the handsome carpenter as he kept his saw busy—and his muscular biceps flexing. The steady rasp as he sliced through the pine planks kept time with the rapid beating of her heart. At the rate Chip was going, he’d have the first order of furniture for the new dormitory built in no time. She wasn’t in any hurry. He was fun to be around, and he was so good with the children. She dragged her attention from him.

Jasper raced up to her on a stick horse. He’d whooped and hollered when Tess had dropped by with it the day before. He stroked the horse’s cinnamon-colored yarn mane. “I know what I’m gonna name him. Gingersnap, ’cause he’s the same color as one of them cookies we had after lunch. Do you like it?”

Callie smiled. “It’s a fine name.”

Chip paused, saw in hand. “I like it, too. You could call him Snap for short.”

Jasper tilted his head. “Like a nickname?”

“That’s right. Miss Callie has one. Her full name is Caroline.”

Callie seized the opportunity to learn what his name was. “What is Chip short for? Christopher, Charles or something else?”

Chip shook his head. “None of those. My name is really Sebastian. The first carpenter I worked for when I was a boy of ten, a Scotsman, said it was too much of a mouthful for a laddie like me since I was no bigger than a wood chip. He called me Chip, and the name stuck.”

“It suits you. Thanks for telling me. We’re keeping you from your work, though.” She held out a hand to Ruby. “We should find something else to do while Mr. Chip gets the next batch of boards cut. Let’s see if Mr. Isaac has time to lead you around on the pony, shall we?”

The thumping of Jasper’s stick horse on the wooden floorboards as he rode around the room came to an abrupt halt. “Mr. Chip don’t need my help now. Can I go, too?”

“He doesn’t need your help or ours just now, so I suppose you could join us.” She leaned toward him, smiled and adopted a playful tone. “If you’re interested in a riding lesson, that is.”

“Yee-haw!” Jasper galloped over to them, one hand holding the rope reins and the other swinging an imaginary lasso over his head. Ever since Jasper had seen the cattle on the day Chip and Callie brought him to the Double T, he’d been telling anyone willing to listen that he was going to be a cowboy when he grew up.

The room quieted. Chip stood with the saw hanging at his side and an exaggerated pout on his handsome face. “Are all my helpers going to abandon me?”

“Just for a short time. The children have spent the better part of three days in here with us. I understand why, but I thought some time outdoors would be good for them. Isaac mentioned that he would be free this afternoon and hinted rather strongly that he’d like to meet Jasper and Ruby.”

“I see.” Chip crossed the room in a few strides, wearing a smile. “And you’re going to take your brother up on his offer and leave me here to slave away on my own, are you?” He heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Good help is so hard to come by.”

Callie chuckled. “Since we really can’t do much to help at this point, I figured you might appreciate having some time to yourself. Without distractions.”

“Ah, but these are the best kind of distractions.” He ruffled the children’s blond heads. And winked at her.

Chip’s impulsive gesture didn’t mean anything. He was just being his usual engaging self, but even so, a shiver of delight raced up her spine.

His brow furrowed. “Are you cold?”

“Not at all.” With him standing so close, she could smell the masculine mix of wood, linseed oil and sunshine that was Chip. Even better, she had a good excuse to look into his intriguing eyes, a far deeper blue than her own, with golden circles around the centers. Those eyes widened, and she realized she was staring. “You’ll be fine without us for an hour or so, won’t you?”

“No. I’ll miss you something fierce, but I’ll manage somehow.”

She laughed and gave his arm a playful swat. “Oh, you.”

Jasper gazed up at her, his brow furrowed. “Why did you hit him, Miss Callie?”

She’d momentarily forgotten about their young chaperones. “I didn’t hit him. I just swatted him. Mr. Chip was teasing me, and I was teasing him back. That’s all. But you’re right. Hitting isn’t a good thing. We should get on over to the corral. We’ll see you when we return, Chip.”

“You might see me sooner than that. I could use a break myself.”

“We’d like that.” She certainly would, more than he knew.

“Then I’ll definitely join you.” He flashed her a smile that held the promise of an enjoyable time to come. She had to force herself not to skip down the path.

Minutes later Callie stood outside the corral fence watching Isaac lead Ruby around on a pony. Callie’s brother didn’t let his war injury hold him back, but he still had trouble with loud noises or altercations of any kind between adults. He was fine with children, though, because, as he said, they posed no threat. He’d certainly overcome Ruby’s hesitation in a hurry. The little girl was actually smiling.

Jasper waited beside Callie, his feet on the middle rung of the slat fence and his hands gripping the top one. “How long do I gotta wait for my turn?”

“Until Ruby’s done. It won’t be long now.” Footfalls from behind caught her attention.

Tess approached them, with her hands behind her back and a smile on her face. “Since you want to be a cowboy one day, Jasper, you’ll be needing one of these.” She held out a small cowboy hat.

Jasper’s eyes grew as round as wagon wheels. He took the hat and plopped it on his head.

Callie leaned close. “What do you say?”

He beamed at Tess. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad you like it. The Double T is a good place for boys like you. Papa Spencer and his ranch hands can teach you everything there is to know about raising cattle.”

Isaac led the pony up to the fence beside them. “This little lady had a nice ride. It’s her brother’s turn now.”

“Yee-haw!” Jasper cringed and clamped a hand over his mouth.

Tess’s forehead furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

Callie rested a hand on the remorseful boy’s shoulder. “He remembered that we’re not supposed to make loud noises around horses. Isn’t that right, Jasper?”

He bobbed his head.

Isaac passed Ruby to Callie and smiled at Jasper. “Sounds like you’re well on your way to being a good cowboy then, but you need to learn how to ride a horse. Let’s get you on the back of that pony, shall we?”

In no time, Jasper’s lesson was underway. Ruby sat on a bale of hay near Callie playing with her beloved doll, giving Callie time alone with Tess.

Tess watched Isaac instructing Jasper. “I never of tire of seeing your brother sharing his love of horses with the little ones. He’s come so far.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Isaac witnessed carnage such as I can’t begin to imagine. I look forward to the day he can break free from the shadows of the past and fully embrace the present.”

Compassion shone from Tess’s eyes. “Every person who arrives at the Double T has been wounded in some way and bears scars. While most of us eventually move beyond the traumas and tragedies that have come our way, some people have a harder time of it. The best we can do is love, support and encourage them, all the while praying that the Lord will work His healing.”

A peal of childish laughter rang out, drawing Callie’s eye. Isaac had said something that tickled Jasper. Tess was right. Isaac had made good progress at the Double T. One day he would be free of the mental anguish that plagued him, and she would rejoice. “I can’t thank you enough for giving Isaac a job and a purpose.”

“We’re blessed to have him. I’m thankful he’s brought you to us, as well. You’re a wonderful addition to our happy family.”

Tess excused herself and left, passing Chip, who was coming Callie’s way.

He ambled up beside her, rested his folded arms on the top rung of the fence and watched Isaac and Jasper. “Our boy’s doing well, isn’t he?”

Our boy. The words sent a surge of longing through Callie. She could imagine the day when she had a husband like Chip and children like Jasper and Ruby. “He is. Just look at his grin.”

“The hat’s a nice touch. Another gift from Tess, I presume?”

“Yes. The caring woman has six children of her own and two dorms full, as well, but she makes time for all of them and knows just what will make each of them happy. If I’m blessed with children one day, I want to be that kind of mother.”

“I’m sure you will.”

His words warmed her, but she couldn’t help thinking of the diagnosis that had destroyed her dream of bearing children of her own. If only something could be done to fix whatever had gone wrong inside her...

Chip turned to face her, leaning against the fence with one boot heel hooked on the lowest rung and his arms extended along the top one, a masculine stance that made him even more appealing. “If I recall correctly, you said Isaac looked forward to raising horses but is no longer able to ride himself, at least not without pain.”

She smiled. “Your attentiveness speaks to your character, as does your tactfulness in not mentioning his limp or...the other thing he deals with.”

“I have nothing but respect for the men who served. Many of them suffered—and are suffering still. You must be happy he’s found a job he enjoys.”

“Indeed, but what makes me happiest is that I located him. It took two years, but I did it.”

Chip raised an eyebrow. “He didn’t tell you where he was?”

“Because of his condition, he didn’t want to be a burden, so he headed to California after the war. I’d get a postcard from him every now and then, each one from a different location here in the Gold Country, but that was all. I came west to search for him.” She glanced at Isaac, smiled at the obvious delight on her brother’s face and retuned her attention to Chip. “What he didn’t know was that he could never be a burden. He’s not just my brother. He’s my only living relative. He’s also a good friend.”

“I can see why you were determined to find him. Nothing is as important as family.”

“It must be so hard not to have any of yours left. When did you lose the last one?”

“When I was nine. We were headed West when cholera ripped through our wagon train, and we all took ill. The disease claimed all five of them in the space of one week.”

“Oh, Chip, I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t have brought it up if—” She followed his gaze, shocked to discover her hand resting on his arm. She pulled it away and hid it in the folds of her skirt. “F-forgive me.”

“Please, don’t feel badly. You had no way of knowing.”

How kind of him to intentionally misinterpret her apology. “How did you survive?”

“I used this.” He tapped his head. “People were saying the water had gone bad, and that’s what caused the cholera. Once I was on my own, I noticed that the single men who sat around the campfire drinking coffee with Cookie hadn’t gotten sick. I figured maybe something about boiling the water before drinking it made a difference, or maybe it was something in the coffee itself. I asked the old fellow if he’d bring me some in exchange for food from my family’s supplies, which he did.”

“I’m surprised you liked it. Most children don’t care for the taste.”

“I couldn’t stand it.” He shuddered at the memory. “Cookie put a pinch of salt in each pot to take out the bitterness, but it didn’t do any good as far as I could tell. I added a good deal of sugar, and that helped me choke it down. I can’t stomach coffee to this day, but according to Dr. Wright up in Placerville, it’s probably what saved my life.”

“Coffee? Really?”

“The sugar mostly. He’d read an article from a medical journal about a sugar treatment for cholera when he was in college. Seems I stumbled onto the cure myself. He said the boiled coffee probably helped, too. He boils his instruments because studies have shown fewer infections occur among the patients whose doctors employ that practice. Whatever it was, it worked.”

“I’m glad. The Lord’s used you to do a lot of good.” Chip had no idea how much she knew about his philanthropic endeavors, so she wouldn’t embarrass him by elaborating.

He shrugged. “I’m just doing my job.”

And doing it well. He was not only hardworking and humble, but he was also ambitious. Many carpenters were content to spend their years framing houses, laying floors and putting on roofs. Not Chip. He’d begun as a carpenter but had gone on to become a joiner, too, enabling him to install a building’s doors, windows and stairs. She’d learned over their memorable lunch that he’d arranged to spend several months working with a furniture maker three years ago, adding that skill to his repertoire.

What he’d neglected to tell her was that he would be heading up north for six months to work with a friend who specialized in sideboards and china cabinets. His farewell on his way out of town had come as a surprise. But he was here now, standing beside her and looking as winsome as ever. “Speaking of your job... I’ve been meaning to ask if the training you received up in Oregon was as beneficial as you’d hoped?”

Eagerness shone from his dark blue eyes. “Very much so. I’m eager to put everything I learned to work and complete the kitchen and dining room at my place. Once I do, I’ll be able to move forward with The Plan.”

“The Plan? What plan is that?”

“This one.” He pulled a worn piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to her.

She hesitated. “Are you sure you want me to see this?”

“Sure. It’s just a list of goals I came up with when I turned eighteen. I’ve been ticking them off right on schedule ever since. Open it and see for yourself.”

The pride in his voice piqued her curiosity. She unfolded the sheet and studied it. Chip had listed the year and his corresponding age down one side. Next to each of the twelve entries were two goals, which would take him all the way to age thirty. They began with “become a carpenter in my own right” and “purchase basic tools” and ended with “increase savings” and “have first child.”

She looked up from the page. “So you’re twenty-five and have already done everything you’d intended to up to this point?”

“I have. What do you think?” He’d resumed his casual pose, leaning against the fence, but the drumming his fingers against the top rail showed his eagerness to hear her answer.

“I’m impressed. In addition to learning joinery and furniture making, you’ve bought your quarter horse, Dusty, your workhorses and your wagon, along with a piece of property. You’ve also built your house, most of the furniture in it and a barn. As you said, all that’s left is to complete those last two rooms, and you’ll be ready to take the next steps.”

“Correct. Now you know why I’ve been working so hard. The best is yet to come. I’ll have the family I’ve dreamed of ever since I was nine.”

That wouldn’t happen for quite a while since The Plan didn’t call for him to begin courting for three more years—after he’d added some unspecified amount to his savings in order to “ensure that my family is well provided for.”

She cast a glance at Ruby. Assured that she was fine, Callie continued. “When I asked earlier how you survived, what I was really wanted to know was who took you in and how you fared with them.”

“And I filled your ears with the tale of my remarkable recovery. Sorry about that.” He gave her an apologetic smile.

“I’m glad you told me, but I am curious about the other.”

He averted his gaze and drew circles on the ground with the toe of his boot. “I spent a few years with a carpenter once I reached California—the one who gave me the nickname. He taught me everything he knew, and I moved on. I found a few other woodworkers who were willing to take me in, and I gleaned what I could from them, too.”

Clearly, there was more to his story, but she could understand why he wouldn’t want to talk about it. “You’ve done remarkably well for someone who’s been on his own for so long.”

His head came up. He moistened his lips, which drew her attention to them. What would it be like to feel them against hers?

You have no business thinking about that, Callie. Get a hold of yourself.

“I can see why family is so important to you and understand why your upcoming goals are related to that, but I’m sure you realize they’re different than the ones that came before.”

“What do you mean?”

She chose her words carefully. “All of your goals to this point were, to a certain extent, under your control. A number of those coming up—find a woman to court, marry and have children with—aren’t. You might find a lady you’d like to court, but she might not be interested in you.” Although the possibility of a woman being able to resist Chip’s many appealing characteristics seemed unlikely, it could happen.

He laughed. “Not that I’m vain or anything, but I don’t think that will be a problem. I work hard, and I’m not bad looking.”

Certainly not, but there was more to it. “Suppose the lady who captures your eye realizes what a wonderful man you are and marries you according to your plan. There’s no guarantee children will come along according to schedule, is there? It seems to me the Lord would have a hand in that. Wouldn’t you agree?”

All signs of amusement drained from his face. “You have a point, but He knows how much having a family of my own means to me. I see no need to alter The Plan. May I have it back, please?” He held out his hand, and she placed the paper in it.

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