Hitched for the Holidays

After a pupil’s prank forces Anna Mae Leland to take shelter with a widowed sheriff during a blizzard, she loses her teaching job—but gains a fiancé. Josiah Miller needs a mother for his twin daughters and Anna Mae needs to protect her reputation. This business-only arrangement means the recently jilted Anna Mae need never risk the folly of love again.

Josiah has long admired the town’s spirited schoolteacher from afar. In close quarters, she’s an ideal friend and helpmate. Yet Christmas’s arrival brings a gift neither dared hope for—a second chance at love and happiness…but only if they’ll forego what’s practical and follow their hearts.

“I’ve decided to take you up on your offer.

“But before I say yes, I want you to know that I was engaged once before. My fiancé left town the night before our wedding and broke my heart. I can’t take that type of heartbreak again, so know this…I most likely will never love you. At least not the way a wife should love her husband.” She breathed out heavily. “There. I’ve said it, so if you don’t want to marry me after hearing this, I understand.”

Josiah’s heart went out to Anna Mae for her loss. But still it felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. She didn’t want a real marriage, either. This was perfect. He laughed.

“You’re happy I won’t ever love you?”

“Yes. I want to be friends with you, but I can never love you the way I did my first wife.”

“Oh, I see.” Anna Mae nodded. “But I’d rather no one else knows that this is a marriage of convenience.”

He nodded in turn. Anna Mae laughed. “Good, then we can get married whenever you’re ready.”

Was it his imagination or did her laugh sound forced?

RHONDA GIBSON lives in New Mexico with her husband, James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. You can visit her at rhondagibson.net. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.

A Convenient

Christmas Bride

Rhonda Gibson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

—1 Peter 5:6–7

To God be the Glory and to James who continues to believe in me.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

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

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Granite, Texas October 1887

Sheriff Josiah Miller peered out his cabin window into the darkness, searching for a plausible explanation for the uneasiness shivering down his spine. What had set off the warning bells in his body?

His twin daughters snuggled deeply under their covers, sleeping soundly on this cold winter’s night, and for that he was thankful. No worries on that front because he’d just checked on them. So what accounted for the dull disquiet that had him pacing the floor, looking out the window every few seconds?

They were in the midst of a fierce snowstorm and it was only October. Maybe that’s what had him skittish as an unbroken mare. Signs pointed to a harsh winter. He dreaded it. Lonely nights out in the cold could work on a man’s mind. He shrugged his shoulders in mock resignation.

Dratted snow! He blamed the white stuff for his dismal thoughts.

Josiah stopped pacing midstride and slowly turned back to the window. Snow swirled about, creating almost zero visibility. In spite of the fire that burned in the fireplace, he shivered, not only from the cold pressing against the glass but from the banshee-like wails of the wind.

On nights like this he missed Mary the most. If she were alive, Mary would be humming and the aroma of fresh baked bread would draw him to the kitchen. How often he’d slipped up behind her, slid his arms around her waist, kissing her, tickling her, till she cut him a slice. She’d scold him for his impatience, but always with a twinkle in her eyes that belied her words. She knew how to make a home cozy and warm; a place where he longed to be. Now, when it was too late, Josiah realized how much he missed her and the home they’d shared.

Perhaps he should begin looking for a wife so that his twin daughters wouldn’t have to grow up motherless. Raising them alone was hard. Finding a babysitter even harder. They needed a mother’s love and he needed help.

Shadowy movement beside the barn caught his attention. Josiah focused intently on the area. There. Right at the front edge by the door something moved again. His eyes weren’t deceiving him. What in the world could that be?

He cupped his hands around his face and pressed his nose against the cold windowpane. His breath fogged up the glass. Josiah wiped away the condensation. Could it be an animal? Had his horse gotten out of the barn into the snow and cold? Josiah grunted, tempted to leave the beast to his own devices, but he wasn’t a coldhearted man and knew it was a disgruntled thought he’d never act upon. A lawman’s horse was as important to him as his right arm.

At the door, he eased his warm feet out of his slippers and into heavy boots. He pulled his fur jacket off the coatrack, thrust his arms inside and then put on gloves. Pulling his hat down tight on his head and wrapping a long woolen scarf around his face, Josiah stepped out into the freezing, swirling snowstorm.

Gripping the rope he’d tied from the rail of the porch to the barn door, Josiah gave a little tug. It held fast. That was reassuring. Some men got lost in a storm like this and died feet away from their barn or house. Josiah had no intentions of dying like that.

After he’d inched away from the house, he glanced over his shoulder. He could barely see the light from his front window. His chest bumped into something and he turned back around. “Well, I’ll be.”

A small mule waited patiently, head down, nose almost touching the snow. “So it was you instead of my faithful horse that I saw out here.” Josiah reached out and touched her nose. Warm air filled his glove. “Poor thing, must be half-frozen,” he muttered.

A soft thud sounded beside the animal as its rider fell into the snow. Josiah eased around the mule to see who it had been carrying. Yards of dark fabric covered the woman’s legs. A scarf much like his own covered her face. He reached down and lifted her out of the snow.

The woman sagged against his chest. In a weak voice that sounded low and scratchy she moaned, “Please, take care of my mule.”

He couldn’t make out her face, but her voice sounded familiar. Her wet dress, slightly frozen in places, pressed against his coat and he felt no warmth from her whatsoever. Big brown eyes beseeched him, glazed with what he could only assume was a fever. “Now don’t you go fretting, ma’am. I’m not one to leave an animal out in this storm.”

Josiah looked to the mule. He could take care of only one of them at a time. “Sorry, lil’ feller. I’ll be back as soon as I get your mistress settled.” He weighed his options for a few moments, then decided there was nothing for it but to place the woman over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He had to have a hand free to hold on to the line and be guided back to the house. Expecting a fight, he immediately knew her condition to be serious when she only groaned slightly. He grabbed the rope in his gloved hand and headed back to the house.

His thoughts bumped together as he worked to get there. What a night for being out in this weather. Where had she been going? And why couldn’t it have waited until after the storm. The woman slumped limply against him as she lost consciousness.

Out of breath from his battle through the snowdrifts, bearing the slight weight of the woman, Josiah gave a sigh of relief to find the bottom step of the porch. He pulled her closer to his chest and carried her the rest of the way to the front door.

Wet clothes added weight to her body. In the light from his window he could see that her hood had fallen back and brown hair spilled out over the fabric. Deep brown eyes fluttered open for a brief moment, causing Josiah to gasp as recognition gripped him.

“Anna Mae?”

“Josiah.” His name whispered across her lips as she slipped back into unconsciousness.

His name, spoken in a weak and tremulous whisper, was the sweetest sound he’d heard in a long time. As long as she could speak, he had a chance to save her. His heart leaped in his chest with fear as her breathing became raspy. Josiah pushed the door open and carried her to the couch. He laid her down gently. Now what was he going to do?

“I suppose I should get that wet cloak off of you. I’m sure you’ll feel much better once that is removed.” Whiskers scratched his palm as he rubbed his jaw.

Carefully, he shifted Anna Mae up and about until he was able to remove the heavy, wet cloak. He lowered her. Brown hair that he’d only seen up in a bun now cascaded about her shoulders in a soft curtain of silk.

Anna Mae Leland was the town’s schoolteacher and a good friend of his sister-in-law, Emily Jane Barns. What had she been doing out in this weather? He’d known her only a few months but Josiah believed her to be a sensible woman. So why was she traveling in a blizzard? And where had she been going?

He walked to the door and looked out at the shadow of the mule. His gaze moved back to Anna Mae. Both of them needed immediate care, both needed warmth.

Josiah tossed more wood on the fire and then went into the bedroom where his girls slept. He pulled blankets from the chest at the foot of the bed and carried them back to her. Should he try to make her more comfortable by getting her into dry clothes? Or leave her in the wet dress? The thought came that she needed another woman, not him. He tucked her tightly within the blankets.

Unsure what to do for her next, Josiah decided to take care of the mule. He opened the door and stepped out into the raging blizzard. He’d been in enough storms in his lifetime to know that this one was going to be long and hard.

His gaze moved back to the window, which offered light and comfort. What on earth was he going to do about the woman resting on his couch?

* * *

For the first time since her arrival at the farm, Anna Mae sat at the kitchen table with the Miller family. It had been all she could do to walk the short distance from the bedroom where she’d been for over a week.

The day before, her fever had finally broken, and she’d awakened and explained to the sheriff that she’d been lured out into the storm by Bart, her ten-year-old student. She’d told him it was probably just a prank but still hoped he’d check on the boy. Josiah assured her that the boy was probably home before the storm ever hit. She latched on to that small ray of hope, trying hard to be very thankful.

But now she had other problems. She traced the outline of a knot in the wooden table. “What am I going to do? As soon as word gets out that I’ve been here throughout the entire storm, the school board will fire me for sure.” She rested her arms on the tabletop and dropped her head on them. Weakness overwhelmed her. Her throat still hurt, but not like it had.

“Here, drink this.” Josiah placed a hot cup in front of her.

She raised her head. Rose and Ruby, the sheriff’s two-year-old twins, sat on their side of the table motionless, watching the adults. Each held a handful of eggs and a piece of bread.

Josiah dished scrambled eggs onto a plate and set it before her. “I don’t see what the fuss is about, Annie. We’ll just explain what happened and everything will be fine.” He returned to the stove.

“Eat?” Rose asked hopefully.

“Not yet. Let me get my plate and we’ll be ready,” Josiah answered, pouring coffee into another mug and bringing it and his plate to the table.

Anna Mae tried to think of the children as chaperones, but didn’t believe the school board would go for that. No, she was doomed.

“Please don’t call me Annie, Sheriff Miller. And I really don’t think they are going to care what my excuse is. They aren’t going to approve of my staying here with you for so long.” Anna Mae sighed. She’d asked him not to call her Annie before but it didn’t do much good. He seemed to enjoy teasing her.

The big sheriff shrugged his shoulders and sat down at the table, his plate heaped with eggs, bacon and bread. “I believe you are wrong. All they have to do is take one look at you and know you’ve been sick.”

Did she look that bad? Anna Mae tucked a stringy hank of hair behind her ear. Sadly, he was right. She knew without looking into a mirror that she was a sight.

“Now don’t go fussin’. All I meant was that you’ve lost weight and the luster in your eyes hasn’t quite come back. If you add that to your scratchy sounding voice, well there’s no mistaken you’ve been under the weather.”

“Eat now?” Rose pleaded, looking from one adult to the other.

Josiah’s gaze moved to the girls. They sat poised at the table just as they’d been moments ago. “We best pray before these two get tired of waiting and start throwing those eggs at us to get our attention.” A wide grin spread over his face just before he bowed his head to pray.

Anna Mae couldn’t concentrate on his prayer. Just like before, she was out of a job and it wasn’t even her fault. If Bart hadn’t lured her out into the storm, she would be home in her room at the boardinghouse.

As soon as he said amen, Anna Mae asked, “Did you go check on Bart?”

Josiah laid his fork down. “Haven’t had a chance to but I’m sure the boy is fine. If he weren’t they would have sent out a search party for him, and I’d have been the first one they came to for help. Why don’t you tell me how that happened again?”

Anna Mae sighed. “I was at the school grading papers when Bart came running inside. He asked me to go with him into the woods. He said Miles Carter, one of the smaller boys in my class, was hurt and I was the closest adult who could help him.” She took a sip of her coffee.

“Go on.” Josiah helped the girls with their meals and ate his breakfast at the same time. Her heart went out to him. She would have been dead now if he hadn’t helped her. He already had so much to do and he’d stayed with her during the worst of her illness. His eyes were surrounded by dark circles, showing his lack of sleep since her arrival.

She focused on her story. “He’d already brought the little mule to the front of the school so we left almost immediately. At first I believed him, but the deeper we went into the woods the more I began to doubt his story. I knew Bart was still sore that he had to stay in at lunch and sweep up the school, but I really hadn’t thought he’d do spite work.”

“Spite work?” The sheriff turned quizzical eyes on her.

“That he’d leave me alone.” A deep sigh slipped from between her lips. “I was wrong.” Anna Mae set her cup down and reached for her fork.

He looked up and smiled. “Well, no matter what brought you here, it’s nice to see you up and sitting at my table, Annie.” A wicked twinkle entered his eyes.

She almost corrected him again, but he’d saved her life so she decided he could call her whatever he wanted to. “It’s nice to be here, Sheriff Miller.”

He bent over to pick up the bread Rose had dropped. When he straightened he asked, “Then what happened?”

“Bart distracted me by saying he thought Miles was directly in front of us. While I focused on the spot where he pointed, Bart took off, leaving me alone in the woods. I never even saw him go.” Anna Mae felt foolish, but continued on. “The sky had become overcast and I couldn’t get my bearings. I think I wandered around at least an hour before it started to rain, and then the rain quickly turned to snow. It got so bad I couldn’t see two feet in front of me, so I decided to give the mule her lead, praying she’d take me back to the schoolhouse.” Anna Mae shivered. “I was so cold and wet.” Just the memory of the sharp pain in her chest as she breathed in the icy air sent another shiver down her spine.

“It’s a good thing your mule found my place. I hate to think what would have become of you,” Josiah stated, before dishing more food into his mouth.

“Thank you for saving my life.”

He held her gaze as he swallowed and then said, “That mule out there saved your life. All I did was keep the fever down and get a little water in ya. Now eat up.” He waved his fork toward the plate in front of her. “You tell the school board what you just told me and I’m sure everything will be fine.”

The eggs scratched as they went down, and Anna Mae turned her head to cough. The cough seemed to come and go, but at least her chest no longer burned from the pain of it.

Once the coughing subsided, she asked, “Do you think it’s safe to go to town today?”

He shook his head, gently wiping eggs off the side of Ruby’s mouth. “Not with a wagon. That rainstorm we got right before the snow turned into a layer of ice. Besides, it’s best to stay out of the cold air and let that cough heal.”

“But the longer I stay here...” She left the words hanging in the air.

“Nothin’ to do for it. I can’t have you and the girls out in this weather.” He sipped his coffee.

He was right. If it were just her safety, Anna Mae felt sure she’d risk going out. But it wasn’t just hers, it was the twins’, too. She sighed.

“If you need something, I can take Roy and go out.”

“Roy?”

A grin split the sheriff’s face. “Yeah, my horse.”

“You named him Roy?” Anna Mae felt a chuckle rise in her sore throat. The big black gelding Josiah rode looked like anything but a Roy. Her papa had a business associate named Roy who was old, bent over at the waist, and sported a bald spot right in the center of his hair. Other than their names, there were no similarities between the fine-looking horse and the balding old man.

“Now don’t go makin’ fun of Roy, he’s seen me through some rough weather. I believe he could get me to town without too many mishaps.”

The thought of Josiah out on ice and snow with his horse slipping and possibly breaking a leg didn’t appeal to her at all. She shook her head. “No, I don’t need anything. Just wanted to get back before the school board missed me.” She spooned another bite of egg into her mouth, worry making the food flavorless. She brushed crumbs from her lap. If the board were to see her wearing Josiah’s shirt and long johns, she’d be in more than a heap of trouble. She’d be run out of town on a rail.

Thankfully, his shirt covered her to right below the knees, but still her cheeks flushed every time she remembered struggling into the clothes that belonged to the sheriff.

Shortly after she’d arrived, Josiah had insisted she put on dry clothes. She’d been shaking so badly from the cold and the fever that consumed her body that it had taken much longer than normal for her to change. Concerned, he’d threatened to come in and help her. She’d managed to get them on before he’d made good on his threat, but was so exhausted she’d fallen into a deep sleep. Hopefully, she’d be able to change back into her own dress right after breakfast.

Josiah pushed away from the table, taking his and the twins’ plates with him. The little girls were covered in egg and wet crumbs. “Maybe, if the sun comes out full force, we’ll be able to get to town in a couple of days.” He raked the scraps into the slop bucket and carried it to the back porch to be thrown out later.

Anna Mae offered, “I can help you with that.” She pushed away from the table and immediately felt the weakness in her limbs.

“Nope, you are just recovering.” He walked over to her and placed a hand under her arm. “I’ll help you to the couch and you can rest there until you need to return to bed. I don’t want you to come down with another fever.”

Tears filled her eyes as he walked beside her into the sitting room. Josiah had been so nice to her. He’d saved her life and then tried to make her comfortable during the worst of her sickness. Anna Mae vowed that during the time she had to stay here, she’d offer her help and make herself useful.

“Why don’t you bring the girls in here and I’ll read to them,” she said, hoping he’d at least let her help out in that way.

“Now that’s a right nice idea. Give me a minute to get them cleaned up and I’ll put them in the corral.” He waited until she seated herself on the sofa, then handed her a small quilt before he returned to the kitchen.

Anna Mae stared into the fire, disturbing thoughts troubling her. Would she have a job when this was all over? If not, where would she go? Would this town be as hard on her as her hometown had been? Fears and past hurts ran deep within her. How she hated this feeling of uncertainty. She’d just lately felt secure enough to put down roots. As if she finally belonged. Now her very livelihood could be decided by others known for judging harshly.

Without warning, Anna Mae remembered the shame she’d felt when her ex-fiancé, Mark Peters, had left her standing at the altar. She’d given up her teaching job to marry him. She’d thought he loved her, but he’d left the night before their wedding and had a note delivered at the hour of the marriage ceremony. Fresh tears filled her eyes, for just thinking of it shattered her. Not because she’d loved Mark to the point of distraction, but because he’d made a laughingstock of her. The whole town had shaken their heads and secretly called her a fool. With her teaching job no longer available, Anna Mae had done the only thing she felt she could do. She’d answered Levi Westland’s ad for a mail-order bride.

But thankfully, God knew that Levi wasn’t the man for her, and had sent Millie Hamilton to be his new bride. Anna Mae had breathed a sigh of relief the day Levi announced his intention to marry Millie, confirming in Anna Mae’s heart that she was meant to be a schoolteacher and a spinster.

“I wish you’d stop worrying about the school board. Whatever comes, we’ll face it together and I’ll make sure that they understand.” Josiah placed the girls into what he’d called the corral, made of boards and fabric, and stood to smile at her.

Lost in thoughts of the past, Anna Mae needed a moment to reorient herself. She longed to trust in Josiah’s assurances, but she was reluctant to place her faith with a man again.

Chapter Two

Josiah stood in the kitchen and listened to Anna Mae’s soft voice as she read to the girls from the book of Genesis. He knew the girls didn’t understand the story of Adam and Eve, but they looked up at Anna Mae with sincere interest. He dried the last dish and laid the towel to the side.

His boots made a soft clomping sound as he walked across the floor. He knelt down beside her chair and touched her hand. It felt soft under his rough fingers. She turned her big brown eyes upon him. “Would you mind terribly if I go check on Roy and the mule?”

A soft smile graced her chapped lips, reminding him that she needed to drink more water. “Not at all. I’m sure they would enjoy breakfast and a little attention.”

He nodded and stood. Josiah reached for Ruby and touched the soft black curls on her head. He glanced between her and Rose. “You girls be good for Annie, ya hear?”

“Go,” Ruby said as she worked to stand up.

“Not this time, little one. It’s too cold out there for little girls.” He leaned over and kissed her soft cheek.

Rose scrambled for him. She smacked her lips, wanting her kisses, too. “Tisses!” she demanded.

He laughed and scooped both girls up into his arms. Kissing them both all over their faces sent them into squeals of delight. Josiah’s love for the girls grew stronger every day. They were changing so much as they got older.

Anna Mae’s soft laughter joined in. He looked over at her and saw that her face looked a little pale. Had she overdone it this morning? Possibly. Maybe now wasn’t a good time to leave her alone with the twins. He stood to his full height and looked down on her.

As if she could read his mind, Anna Mae said, “You better hurry and take care of the animals. We’ll be fine until you return.”

Josiah nodded and quickly set the girls back into the corral. He pulled on his coat and scarf. Cold air blasted into the house as he hurried out the door.

Snow glistened on the ground and the early morning sun rays added to the brightness. He shielded his eyes and exhaled, his breath forming a cloudy vapor. Thankfully, the snow had stopped falling. He followed the trail to the barn, the cold air stinging his face.

When he opened the door, warmth greeted him along with the scent of hay and dust. Roy snorted from his corner of the barn and the little mule hailed him with a loud bray. “I hear ya, you ornery beasts.”

Josiah hurried to give the animals water, grain and hay. As quickly as he could, he mucked out their stalls and laid fresh hay. A glance at his pocket watch told him he’d been out of the house for close to two hours. Giving the horse and mule a final pat, Josiah started the trek back to the house. He glanced up at the sky. In another hour or so the sun would sit directly over the house. That would help heat the place up a bit.

Lord willing, in the spring he could add another fireplace; or maybe he’d just buy one of those new-fangled stoves he’d seen advertised down at the dry goods store. He figured Anna Mae would like that. He reined in his thoughts immediately. What in the world was he thinking? She wouldn’t be here in the spring. A woman like Anna Mae was looking for a love relationship, and he wasn’t. He didn’t want love. It hurt too much when the one you loved died.

For all he knew, he might not be here, either. He’d thought about getting a house in town but didn’t want to seem ungrateful to William, his brother-in-law. After all, he’d been the one to buy the orchard. William might not like the idea of him moving to town and leaving it vacant. When he got to the front porch, Josiah stomped as much snow from his boots as possible before entering the house.

His gaze roved around the room and he saw the twins napping in their corral and Anna Mae asleep on the couch. He walked over and gently, so as not to wake her, covered her with a quilt.

Josiah reached out and touched Anna Mae’s forehead. Cool. He stared down into her lovely face. Dark lashes rested against her pale cheeks. Her dark hair feathered about the pillow. Anna Mae Leland truly was beautiful.

He grinned as he remembered the first time he’d called her Annie. She’d flared up like a hissing cat. That little bit of spitfire seemed to rouse her to get stronger. Truth be told, he preferred Annie over Anna Mae. The name seemed softer. It suited her better, so he’d continued to tease her with the name. Now it just felt natural.

Josiah made a mental note not to call her Annie once their lives returned to normal. It was a little too informal for the schoolteacher position that she held. Would the school board fire her? He took a deep breath. He’d only wanted to help her, keep her safe, and he may have ruined this sweet woman’s life. It couldn’t be helped. There was no way that he would have turned her away, sick and in the middle of a blizzard.

Josiah caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. He cared about her. How could he not? For the past week, he’d worried over her health and at times her life. Did Anna Mae realize how close she’d come to death?

He shook off the worry he felt for her even now and, with a sigh, turned to the kitchen for a hot cup of coffee.

If he could save her job and reputation, he would. If not, well, he’d cross that bridge when he got there.

* * *

Anna Mae woke to childish giggles and the smell of frying ham. She pushed herself up and looked about. Josiah stood at the stove and the girls played in their corral.

How long had she slept? Her gaze went to the window. The sun still shone through the glass, and she sighed, thankful she hadn’t slept the whole day away.

“I see you are awake.” Josiah cradled a cup of coffee in his hands and rested a hip against the sturdy kitchen table. “Did you have a good nap?”

Her throat felt so dry, Anna Mae couldn’t speak. She tried to swallow but found she couldn’t do that, either. She nodded.

He must have sensed her need because Josiah walked to the stove and poured her a cup of coffee. He held it out to her. “Take small sips. It might burn a little going down.”

She took the cup and did as he instructed. The warm liquid both felt good and hurt. It was just what she needed to be able to speak. “Thank you.” The two words sounded scratchy as she forced them out of her tight throat.

“You’re welcome.” He sat down beside her on the couch.

“It’s kind of early for dinner, isn’t it?” she asked. “Or are you making a late lunch?”

Josiah laughed. “Trying to get a head start on dinner tomorrow night. My wife used to make the best ham and beans. I thought I’d try my hand at it, but I think I’m doing something wrong.” He sighed dramatically. “Mine never tastes like hers.”

“Is that why you’re frying ham now?” Anna Mae asked, looking toward the stove.

He nodded. “But for the life of me, I can’t seem to get it right.”

She grinned. “That’s because you don’t fry the ham first. Do you have a ham hock that hasn’t been cooked?” she asked.

“I’m sure there is one in the root cellar. Why?”

Anna Mae swung her legs off the couch. “Because that’s what you should put into your beans.” She croaked hoarsely as she spoke.

“Now, Annie, don’t go thinking I wanted you to get up and cook.” He stood also. “Because that wasn’t my plan.”

She smiled over her shoulder. “Go get the ham hock and we can have boiled beans and fresh bread for dinner tomorrow.” Anna Mae watched him slip into his coat and scarf, then head out the back door.

In the bedroom she hurried out of his clothes and into her dress. It felt good to be back in her own clothes, and Anna Mae realized that if she must stay with the Millers, she needed to give Josiah his bedroom back.

She eased her feet into her stockings, thankful for their warmth. As she made the bed Anna Mae made a decision. No one she’d ever known liked feeling beholden to someone, and neither did she. If she could pull her weight around here it would benefit them both. She’d look for other ways to help and right now she needed to get the beans on.

She returned to the kitchen, pausing to check on the twins, stealing a kiss from each one. Worn-out from everything she’d done, Anna Mae sat at the kitchen table and began sorting the dry beans, making sure not one black rock remained in the mix. She could almost taste tomorrow’s meal.

She heard Josiah before she saw him. He stomped the snow from his feet, then entered the house, triumphantly waving a ham hock in his hand. “I found it, took a while, but we now have meat.” He seemed undecided what to do with it and she stifled a giggle. “Boy, it’s cold out there. Brrr.”

Anna Mae laughed. “Set the ham hock in that bowl to thaw. I’ll put the beans on to soak on the stove as soon as I finish sorting them.”

If he noticed she’d changed clothes, Josiah didn’t say anything about it. Instead he asked, “Would you mind having fried eggs and ham for dinner tonight?”

“Not at all.” Anna Mae set a rock off to the side of her bowl.

“Good. Eggs, bacon, ham and beans are about all I know how to make. Mary was the cook, not me.” He pulled a chair out and sat down. “And when I’m on the trail of bad guys, I don’t have to cook much.” He grinned.

Anna Mae focused on the job at hand. She wondered about his wife, but didn’t want to be nosy. She knew that Mary had been killed during a bank robbery and that she was William Barns’s sister, but that was all anyone seemed to know about her. “Back when we lived together, Emily Jane did all our cooking, before she married William. I’d gotten used to her fixing all my meals, and now that I’m staying at the boardinghouse and Beth provides my meals, well, I’m a little rusty at cooking myself. But together I think we’ll do just fine.”

“Well, we won’t starve to death, that’s for sure. Emily Jane helped me stock the pantry before the storm hit, and the root cellar is full of meats and vegetables.” He leaned back and studied her. “But I don’t want you to overdo it today.”

She smiled. It was nice having someone care about her. Since Emily Jane married, Anna Mae had felt alone. A feeling she was very familiar with, since she’d felt that way most of her life. She couldn’t deny that of all the things she longed for in her life, belonging to someone, being important to at least one person, ranked right at the top of her list.

The flames crackled in the fireplace, drawing her back to the present. There was nothing like a fire to give the house a cozy feeling. She raised her eyes to find the sheriff watching her, a glint of concern in his analyzing gaze.

“I won’t overdo, I promise.” She dumped the clean beans in the pot beside her. “It just feels so good to actually be up and moving about. To be doing something of importance. I am not fond of idleness at all.”

Josiah picked up the pot of beans and moved to the counter. He rinsed the beans well before setting the pot on the back of the stove. When he returned to the table Anna Mae asked him, “What do you normally do while the girls have their afternoon nap?”

Josiah shrugged. “Read or clean my guns.”

Anna Mae pushed away from the table. “I don’t want you to change your routine because of me.” She walked back to the couch and sat down.

Josiah followed. He dropped into the rocker beside the fireplace. “All right. What do you normally do midafternoon?” he asked, setting the rocker into motion.

“Well, if I’m at the school I teach math, but if I’m at home I sew, read or create lessons for the next day.” She pulled her legs up onto the couch and slipped them under the quilt she’d left there earlier.

“What made you want to be a teacher?” Josiah asked as he put a cloth ball back into the corral with the girls, who had awakened when the adults started talking.

Her gaze moved to Rose and Ruby. “I loved to read as a child and my teacher had all kinds of books he’d loan me. He told me I was smart enough that I could teach, if I wanted to. So when I got old enough to do so, I did.” She paused, watching the twins play together. They rolled the ball back and forth between them and giggled as if each time something new happened. Their enjoyment of such a simple task reminded Anna Mae of her calling.

“Watching children learn new things and the excitement on their faces when they realize they’ve figured out a math problem, or understand a new word they just read, gives me a thrill that I can’t explain.” Anna Mae looked up to see Josiah studying her face.

“What made you want to become a farmer?” she asked, feeling a little self-conscious.

He laughed. “I never wanted to be a farmer. William bought this place, and while I’m happy for the home, I never figured to be a farmer.” He shook his head as if to shake away funny memories.

“So was your dream to become a sheriff?”

Josiah set the rocker into motion again with his foot. “I’m not sure I’d call it a dream. When I was a boy, I was accused of stealing my neighbor’s puppy.” He chuckled. “I didn’t take the pup, but since it was the doctor’s dog and his son was pitching a fit, the sheriff came to ‘talk’ to me about it. Well, I tried to convince him I hadn’t taken the puppy, but he didn’t believe me. So after he left our house, I set out to find out where the little dog had gone.” He closed his eyes and rocked.

When it became apparent he wasn’t going to continue, Anna Mae leaned forward and asked, “Did you find the puppy?”

His eyes flittered open. “Sure did. It was at the meat market, trapped under the boardwalk with a bone too big to get out.” Josiah chuckled. “I enjoyed looking for that pup and proving to the sheriff that I hadn’t stolen it. It was then that I decided I wanted to be a lawman when I grew up.” He glanced at the girls, who continued to crawl about the corral like playful puppies.

“I imagine it’s an exciting job.” Anna Mae sat back against the cushions.

“It can be, but it’s also dangerous and stressful when you have a family to consider.”

Her gaze moved to the girls once more and narrowed speculatively. “Have you ever considered a different line of work?”

“Yes and no.” He sighed. “Right after Mary died, while I searched for the bank robbers who shot her, I thought a lot about quitting. But what can a seasoned lawman do besides upkeep the law?”

Anna Mae grinned at him. “Farm?”

He chuckled. “I know little to nothing about farming.”

She tucked the thin quilt closer around her legs. Even covered as she was, she felt the chill in the air. “So I take it you grew up in town?”

Again he nodded. “Yep, I was known as a street rat. My mother had died when I was a baby and my father...he hadn’t taken her death well. So to my way of thinking, when the doctor’s kid accused me of stealing his puppy, he did me a great favor.”

“Gave you a direction to follow?”

“You could say that. I went to Sheriff Grady and told him I wanted to work for him. He took a twelve-year-old boy under his wing and helped me grow to manhood.” For a moment Josiah seemed to travel back in time.

Anna Mae could barely stifle a yawn. “I’m glad. We were both fortunate to have someone mentor us.” She covered her mouth to conceal another yawn.

“You look like a woman who needs more rest. Why don’t you go on back to bed for a little while? I will call you for dinner.”

She shook her head. “No, it’s time I started sleeping out here and let you have your room back.”

“Now, Annie. You aren’t fully well yet and I can’t allow you to do that.” He stood and pulled the rifle down from over the fireplace.

“I appreciate all the help you’ve given me, Sheriff Miller, but I am well enough now to take care of myself.” It was a weak protest that came from a still scratchy throat.

He grinned at her and said. “Sheriff Grady used to say, ‘Young man, as long as you live under my roof, you’ll abide by my rules.’ I think I’ll use those words on you. So no more protesting, go get some rest.” Josiah set the gun down and reached for her hand.

Anna Mae wanted to argue but didn’t have the strength. She took his hand and allowed him to pull her up. “All right, but as soon as I’m feeling better, I will be moving to the couch.”

He laughed at her weak words. “We’ll see.”

Anna Mae went into the bedroom and shut the door. If truth were told, she liked him being in charge. But Anna Mae refused to allow herself the luxury of depending on a man. The last man she’d depended on to keep his word had failed miserably. No, she wasn’t going to get close enough to Josiah or his girls to depend on them for happiness or anything else.

* * *

A few days later, Josiah inhaled the hearty fragrance of fresh, hot bread mingled with a pork stew cooking on the stove. His gaze moved to the woman who sat reading with his girls.

She was amazing.

Over the past few days, she’d managed to clean the house and at the same time keep the girls happy. He’d helped her with a lot of the cleaning, but still she seemed to be able to spot just what needed to be done. She’d also allowed the girls more freedom from the corral. They’d wobbled about the house and seemed happy just to explore and play.

Unfortunately, the storm had picked up once more, and as the snow fell, Anna Mae became quieter and quieter. Josiah assumed she worried over what the school board would say once she did make it back to town. He noticed little Rose releasing a mighty big yawn.

“Looks like these two are ready for a nap,” Josiah said, taking Rose from Anna Mae’s lap.

“Yes, it is that time,” she answered, swinging her legs off the couch.

“You stay put. I’ll come back for Ruby,” he instructed as he carried the little girl into the bedroom he shared with the two children. He glanced over his shoulder.

“No nap,” Ruby muttered, tucking her head under Anna Mae’s chin. Her chubby little thumb found her mouth and her eyes began to close.

Josiah slipped Rose into her crib and then returned for Ruby.

Anna Mae yawned, too, as she met him halfway to the bedroom. She offered him a gentle smile as he took Ruby from her arms.

“Go lie down. You could use some rest, too, after all you’ve done this morning.” He turned to the bedroom before she could protest.

Ruby was already asleep as he tucked her little blanket about her small shoulders. His gaze moved to her twin, who also breathed in a steady, slow manner. His girls were freshly bathed, wore clean dresses and smelled of talc powder. If only they had a mother to keep them smelling and looking like sweet little girls.

Josiah walked back to the sitting room. Anna Mae rested on the couch with the quilt over her. Her steady breathing told him that she, too, had settled in for a nap. Had she overdone it? He’d noticed she grew tired after each task, but would take a short break and then start back to cleaning or doing something with the girls. Maybe he should have made her relax more.

She’d been at the cabin now well over a week. It was time she had her own bedroom. When he and the girls had first moved into the house, he’d started using the extra two rooms as storage rooms. Now his guest needed one of them.

As he cleaned and straightened it up, his thoughts turned to Anna Mae’s future. Would the school board fire her for being at his place for so long? Josiah sighed. Even he knew that they weren’t going to approve of her extended stay.

Maybe Levi Westland would be able to help her. Levi was the reason Anna Mae was in Granite in the first place. He’d invited her to their small town as a mail-order bride. Then when he’d chosen to marry Millie Hamilton, Levi had made sure that Anna Mae got the teacher’s position when it became available.

But if Levi couldn’t persuade the school board, what in the world was Josiah going to do about her? He had no idea what would become of Anna Mae should she lose her job. Would he be able to help her? And if so, how?

Chapter Three

Three days later, the sun came out and melted most of the snow and ice, making it possible for Anna Mae to return to town. Mud squished under Josiah’s boots as he hitched his horse to the wagon. He’d decided to leave the mule in the barn. It would be hard enough driving the wagon through the mud without trying to pull a cankerous mule behind it. Josiah had assured Anna Mae he’d bring it back to town as soon as the ground hardened up a bit.

Anna Mae remained inside, preparing the kids for the trip. Her illness had taken its toll on her body and she appeared much slimmer than she’d been when she’d arrived two weeks earlier. He wasn’t sure if the weight loss was due to her being sick or from worrying about her job. She’d lost her appetite but had kept up her good nature.

He watched as Anna Mae stepped out onto the porch, holding a child in each arm. What he could see of her dress looked clean and pressed. She also wore her green cloak and gloves. She’d drawn her hair into a tight knot at the nape of her neck, giving her pale face a pinched look.

Josiah guided the horse up to the porch and reached for Rose.

“Thank you, Sheriff Miller.” She passed the child to him and waited as he placed Rose upon the seat and then handed the child a small rope attached to the bench for her to hold on to. Next, he took Ruby from Anna Mae’s arms and did the same. The twins looked at each other and grinned happily as they clung to the rope. The word go was about the only recognizable thing they said to each other. The rest of the sounds they made were not real words, but the twins seemed to have no problem understanding each other as they nodded and smiled.

Anna Mae turned back to the open door and retrieved a picnic basket. “I packed a lunch for you and the girls’ return trip.” She offered him the hamper.

“That was very nice of you, Annie.” He took the basket and placed it in the bed of the wagon. He checked that the girls were comfortable and covered with a thick blanket before turning to assist Anna Mae.

“Please, Sheriff Miller, don’t call me Annie while we are in town.” Anna Mae twisted her hands in the folds of her dress.

He gave her a gentle smile. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

Anna Mae gave him a doubtful look, then took his hand while she pulled herself up onto the seat beside the girls. “See that you are.”

“I promise.” Josiah planned on being the perfect gentleman once they entered town. He had to admit, though, that he felt a sense of loss already with her leaving. He shook his head regretfully. He sure was going to miss Anna Mae.

When he seated himself on the other side of the twins, she asked, “Is it very far to the Bradshaws’ place?”

“No, just across the pasture.” Widow Bradshaw lived a little too close for his comfort. True, she supplied him with fresh bread each week, but her constant hinting that she’d make a good mother for the girls was becoming a nuisance.

“Good. I know you think I’m being silly, but I want to make sure that Bart is doing all right,” Anna Mae said, smoothing the wrinkles from her skirts.

Josiah raised the reins and was about to gently slap them over the horse’s back when he heard another wagon pulling onto his property. He looked behind him and saw Mrs. Bradshaw and Bart. “It looks like Bart made it home,” he said matter-of-factly.

Anna Mae nodded. “Yes, it would appear so.”

The widow called out as their wagon drew closer. “Yoo-hoo! Sheriff Miller! I see you are able to get out today, too. I’ve been so worried about you and the girls.”

Josiah put a smile on his face, praying that it looked sincere. “Yes, ma’am, we were just heading to town.”

The wagon stopped beside them and Mrs. Bradshaw’s smile faded away. “Why, Miss Leland, what are you doing out here?”

“Uh...”

The widow’s face slowly began to turn red. Whether she was angry or embarrassed, Josiah wasn’t sure. “We were just headed to your house, Mrs. Bradshaw. It seems that Bart thought it funny to strand Miss Leland out in the snowstorm last week.”

She looked to her son. “Bart, darling, what is he talking about?”

The boy glanced down at his feet. “It was just a joke.”

“A joke that could have cost your teacher her life,” Josiah answered in a firm voice.

“What was just a joke?” Bart’s mother demanded.

Bart sank deeper onto the wagon seat and refused to answer. His brown hair was tousled. And his deep brown eyes focused on his feet.

Mrs. Bradshaw turned her attention back to Josiah. “I don’t understand.”

He nodded toward the boy. “Bart told his teacher that one of the younger boys was hurt, and led her into the woods right before the storm. Then he disappeared, leaving her lost. When the freezing rain and snow hit, Miss Leland almost froze to death before she arrived here at my farm.”

The boy looked up as if shocked by his words. Had Bart not realized the danger he’d put his teacher in? Probably not. Josiah held Bart’s gaze with his own.

The widow looked to Anna Mae. “Are you saying she’s been here for over two weeks?” When no one answered, she crossed her arms and huffed. “She doesn’t look injured to me.”

Josiah cleared his throat and then said with quiet emphasis, “Regardless of how she looks now, Miss Leland has been very sick due to your son’s deceitfulness. The facts are, he lured her into the woods, then left her in the middle of a fierce storm.” Josiah so badly wanted to add that all of the above were offenses against the law.

“I don’t believe it.” Mrs. Bradshaw glared at Anna Mae.

Still sounding a little hoarse, Anna Mae answered, “I’m afraid it’s true, Mrs. Bradshaw. Isn’t it, Bart?” Her gaze moved to the little boy.

“Yes, ma’am,” he answered, before ducking his head once more. “I didn’t think about you getting caught in the storm,” Bart admitted.

“I believe you owe your teacher an apology. She’s been very worried about you and whether or not you made it home safely,” Josiah told him.

Bart looked up. “I’m sorry, Miss Leland.” His young voice sounded hopeful as he asked, “Were you really worried about me?”

A tender smile touched Anna Mae’s lips. “Of course I was.”

His young cheeks turned a bright pink and once more he looked away.

Mrs. Bradshaw’s voice sounded colder than the icicles that had been hanging from the roof a few days ago. “Well, it’s done and over and the boy has apologized. Since you’ve had a woman to cook and bake for you, I don’t suppose you need fresh bread.”

“No, we don’t, but thank you for offering,” Josiah answered, still looking at the boy. Bart had been doing lots of mischievous things over the last few weeks. Josiah wondered if the boy simply craved attention. “Now, back to Bart.” He let his words hang between the two wagons.

“What about him?” his mother demanded.

“I think the boy needs to be punished for leaving his teacher out in the woods to freeze. Don’t you?” Josiah asked, fearing what she’d say.

“No, I don’t.” She sputtered. “I think you are—”

Bart’s young voice interrupted her. “He’s right, Ma.” The boy turned to look at him. “I could chop your wood for you, Sheriff, if you think that would be a good punishment,” he offered.

“What do you think, Miss Leland?” Josiah asked.

Anna Mae nodded. “I think that would be good for the boy. Plus, he could cut some for the school, as well.”

Mrs. Bradshaw sat on the wagon bench with her mouth hanging open. “You are seriously going to punish my boy for a childish trick?” She shook her head.

Bart looked to his mother. “I shouldn’t have deceived her and then left her in the woods, Ma.” He turned his attention back to Josiah and lifted his chin. “I’ll cut the wood.”

Mrs. Bradshaw slapped the reins over her horse’s back. “Good day to the both of you,” she said, turning the horse back in the direction of town. Josiah watched her leave, utterly mystified.

* * *

Anna Mae leaned back and sighed. Her fears had been realized, and they hadn’t even left the Miller property. Mrs. Bradshaw would be knocking on the door of every school board member as soon as she got to town. It was as plain as the nose on her face that the other woman was interested in the sheriff and that she’d assumed the worst when she’d learned that Anna Mae had been staying with him.

She turned to look at the little girls, who up to this point had sat quietly listening to the adults talk. Rose pulled at her left ear and puckered her little face into a frown. Was she coming down with an ear infection? Anna Mae reached across and touched her forehead.

“Something wrong?” Josiah asked.

“I’m not sure. You might have Doc look at the girls’ ears when we get to town. Rose acts as if hers might be hurting.” Anna Mae turned back around on the hard seat.

Josiah nodded. “I’ll do that as soon as I drop you off at the boardinghouse.” He snapped the reins over the horse’s back and the wheels made a sucking noise as they pulled free of the mud.

Anna Mae wanted to bring up Mrs. Bradshaw, but didn’t know how to go about it. She couldn’t come right out and say that the other woman hadn’t been happy to see her with Josiah. Did he realize that the widow was sweet on him?

That didn’t matter. What did concern Anna Mae was that the widow would tell the whole town that she’d been out at the Miller farm for over two weeks. She feared the other women in town would think ill of her. Anna Mae chewed the inside of her cheek as she worried about what would be waiting for her in Granite.

Would the school board demand her resignation? Or simply fire her on the spot? Would the women avoid her? Would she ever be able to look anyone in the eyes again?

She’d gone through this before, but at least when her fiancé had left her at the altar, the women knew that she’d done no wrong. He simply hadn’t loved her enough to keep his word or take her with him when he left town. This would be different. The women would talk. Everyone would talk. She was sure to be fired from her job and looked upon as a wayward woman.

As they pulled up in front of the boardinghouse Josiah said, “It looks like the good widow has gotten here before us.”

Anna Mae saw three of the board members’ buggies already parked in front of the boardinghouse. She offered a wobbly smile. “Well, she did have a head start.” Anna Mae climbed down from the wagon and took Ruby from Josiah.

Levi Westland stood on the porch waiting for them as they walked up to the front door, hands shoved in his pockets, shoulders hunched forward. He tipped his hat to Anna Mae and nodded to Josiah. “Glad to see you are safe, Miss Leland.” His voice was calm, his gaze steady. Icy fingers of fear seeped into every pore of her being.

“Thank you, Mr. Westland,” she answered, her voice shakier than she would have liked, fully aware that he was a member of the school board.

His mouth spread into a thin-lipped smile. “So the rumor is true.”

“Rumor?” Josiah repeated the word, but Anna Mae watched him tighten his hold on Rose. His vexation was evident.

The talk had already begun. Anna Mae hugged Ruby to her and inhaled the baby smell. It had a calming effect on her and she looked to Levi. With a slight smile of defiance, she responded, “If the rumor is that I’ve been out at the Miller farm waiting out the storm, then yes, the rumor is true.” She pulled her shoulders back and raised her head. Anna Mae knew she had nothing to be ashamed of, but if Levi’s manner and tone of questioning mirrored the rest of the town, then she didn’t stand a chance.

Levi sighed in resignation. “I hoped it wasn’t. We’ve been worried about you, but with the weather the way it was, none of us could come looking for you. We searched the school and about town, but weren’t sure where to look from there.” His handsome face twisted in regret. “I’d intended to come out and get Josiah to help round up a search party, but Mrs. Bradshaw just arrived in town and said there was no need.” He paused, the silence stretching between them as the severity of the situation became clearer. Finally Levi offered her a sad smile. “I truly am glad you are safe.”

Josiah placed his hand at the small of her back and gently urged her toward the door. “Let’s go inside and talk where it’s warmer.”

Levi nodded and held the door open for them.

Anna Mae slipped inside. Her heart raced in her chest. She felt her face flush with humiliation. She didn’t want to lose her job or reputation, but deep down felt as if she probably had already lost both. Anna Mae just couldn’t accept the dull ache of foreboding. And once again in her young life, she experienced the nauseating, sinking feeling of despair.

A terrible sense of bitterness threatened to overwhelm her. She glanced at Josiah and found his expression grim as he watched her. He’d said he’d stand beside her, but what good would that do? Would his being there only make things worse?

Tears filled her eyes, but she refused to release them as the questions roared through her mind, one more insistent than the others. What was she going to do now?

Chapter Four

As Anna Mae had expected, within minutes of her arrival the last remaining two board members miraculously showed up at Beth’s Boardinghouse.

They whispered among themselves, argued a bit, then called her into the sitting room and invited her to sit. Mrs. Anderson, the bank president’s wife and head of the school board, pointed to a chair placed in the center of the room, and it was not lost on Anna Mae that her back was to the door. The board was in full intimidation mode and wanted no interruptions or distractions. She sat in the chair, her fingers tensed in her lap.

Josiah slipped into the room and sat off to her right, with his cowboy hat resting on his knee. Anna Mae could only assume that he’d left his girls with Emily Jane. Having him there made her feel somewhat better, but not much.

Mr. Holiday, the newly elected town mayor, leaned forward and lowered his voice as if the charges against her were too vile to speak out loud. In a soft, yet firm tone he said, “Miss Leland, it has come to our attention that you were out past dark on the night the storm hit. That you ended up at the Miller farm, where you have resided for over two weeks. Would you say that these statements are true?”

He was a large man, with a walrus-type body and face. His mustache twitched when he spoke and his normal voice came out loud and robust. But not today. Now his dark eyes searched her face as he waited for an answer.

“Yes, that is true but—”

Mrs. Thelma Anderson, the bank president’s wife, interrupted with a sharp tone. “There are no excuses for such conduct. It is very plain in your contract that we will not tolerate this type of behavior.”

Anna Mae’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounded, and her eyes widened in astonishment. The suddenness of the attack took her breath away. Surely they would give her a fair hearing before pronouncing her guilty and firing her. “If you will just let me explain,” she pleaded. She couldn’t accept the dull ache of foreboding.

Levi Westland nodded. “Yes, I believe we should allow her to explain.”

“I don’t see the point. The evidence is here for all to view. Miss Leland admits she spent many nights at the Miller farm.” The bank president’s wife spoke with a contempt that forbade any further argument.

“Now, dear, let her speak.” Mr. Anderson patted his wife’s hand.

The woman looked ready to argue further, then took a deep breath and sighed. “I don’t see the point, but if she must.”

“I believe she must.” Josiah’s low voice reminded Anna Mae of his presence. She hated that he was here to witness her shame.

Mr. Anderson waved his hand in her direction. “Go ahead, Miss Leland. Tell us what happened.”

Anna Mae remembered Josiah’s words, “Just tell them what you told me.” She took a deep, calming breath and did just that. Her hands shook in her lap as Mrs. Anderson studied her with impassive coldness. The woman’s mouth twisted wryly as Anna Mae recounted how she’d followed Bart out into the woods.

Levi nodded his head as if agreeing with her choice to go search for the little boy, as did a couple of the other men.

She assured them of the innocence of her stay and that she’d been very ill. Anna Mae finished by explaining that she and Mr. Miller had returned to town the moment it was safe to travel with the girls.

Josiah stood. His hands worked the rim of his hat while he spoke. “I can vouch for Miss Leland. Everything she has told you is the truth. When she arrived at the farm, Miss Leland was very ill. It wasn’t until the last few days that she’s felt well enough to get up and eat.”

Mrs. Anderson gasped, but he pressed on. “I’d like to add that Miss Leland behaved like a perfect lady, watching over the girls as best she could, being sick and all, while I handled the care of the horse and mule. She has done nothing wrong and I request that you allow her to keep her teaching position.”

Anna Mae knew that in his own way Josiah thought to help her, but she feared his words caused more damage than good. He must have felt so, too, as the tensing of his jaw betrayed his deep frustration. Her heart warmed at the thought that at least he’d tried to help her. She watched the play of emotions on his face and realized he felt the same hopelessness that tore through her.

For a moment she allowed bitterness to slip in. He would walk away with no repercussions. His job wasn’t threatened. He would suffer no embarrassment, no aftermaths, yet she stood to lose everything. Where was the fairness in that?

Then she realized how unfair her thoughts were. He’d been nothing but kind to her. Even in front of these people, Josiah had tried to help her. They’d become friends during her stay with him. If truth be known, it was a friendship she wouldn’t have minded cultivating, if the circumstances were different.

She imposed an iron control on herself, stifling any warmth she felt toward the sheriff. Josiah simply felt guilty for her predicament. It wasn’t his fault, but she knew he felt as if part of it were. Either way, Anna Mae refused to allow herself to soften toward him. She couldn’t afford to let another man break her heart. Besides, by the way things looked, after today she wouldn’t be staying in Granite.

She raised her eyes to find the board members watching her, gauging her reaction to Josiah’s words. Her gaze shifted from one person to the other, the majority of them staring back in accusation. Thoughtfully, she searched each man and woman’s face. Several of the men looked at her with what appeared to be sympathy, while Mrs. Anderson’s features showed nothing but scorn. Levi Westland held her gaze as if to say he was on her side.

Mrs. Anderson spoke once more. “As honorable as Miss Leland’s tale sounds, she still broke several of the rules of her contract. Gentlemen, I realize you think she did the right thing by going out for the boy, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that she signed a contract. What good is the contract if we do not hold our schoolteachers to it?”

When no one answered, Anna Mae was assailed by a terrible sense of bitterness. She knit her fingers together and rested them in her lap. Her throat ached with defeat. Lord, why? In desperation her heart cried out to her creator. Have You forgotten me? Is there a purpose in allowing this to happen a second time? Did I not learn the lesson You wanted me to through the humiliation of being stranded at the altar? Must I be humiliated again through no fault of my own? Bitter tears burned the backs of her eyes. She lowered her head so that they couldn’t see them.

The woman’s voice droned on. “I move that we dismiss Miss Leland as our schoolteacher. She broke the contract when she left town with Bart Bradshaw and stayed out after dark. As for what happened at the Miller farm, that is between Sheriff Miller, Miss Leland and the good Lord.”

Anna Mae raised her head and boldly looked Mrs. Anderson straight in the eyes. She might stand accused, but she most definitely was not guilty, and she refused to cower in front of them as if she were. God knew that she had done no wrong and therefore had nothing to be ashamed of.

Mr. Anderson spoke up. “I second the motion.”

Mrs. Anderson continued with the ruling. “All in favor raise your right hands.”

Three of the men raised their hands. Levi Westland sat staring at them with hard eyes.

“All opposed.” Mrs. Anderson continued as if daring Levi to raise his hand.

He did so and said, “This is wrong, Thelma Anderson, and you know it.”

She ignored him as if he hadn’t spoken. “Miss Leland, you are hereby removed as the schoolteacher of Granite, Texas, for your unladylike conduct.”

“Now hold on just a moment.” Josiah’s voice boomed about the room. “Miss Leland never once misbehaved as a lady. And if I hear such words bantered about town, I may just lock you up for slander.”

Anna Mae stood. “Sheriff Miller. Thank you for your kind words, but the school board has spoken.” She smoothed out her skirt and walked to the door. Just before exiting, she added, “I’m sure Mrs. Anderson is too much of a Christian to go speaking falsehoods about me. Now, if you all will excuse me, I will be retiring to my room.” Her chin quivered but she managed to hold her head high as she exited the room.

* * *

Josiah looked at each of the school board members. He ought to arrest every one of them. They’d just delivered a verdict without any evidence. A court of law would have thrown them out of the courthouse. He could think of any number of things to charge them with. Slander, destruction of character and illegal firing from a job. And the unfairness of it—now that cut the cake. All in the name of moral correctness.

“Well, now, what will we do for a schoolteacher?” he asked, noting that none of them would meet his eyes.

Mrs. Anderson raised her head and sighed dramatically. “I suppose I shall have to fill in until another teacher can be found. I suggest we advertise for a male teacher this time.”

He looked at the older woman, her actions finally making sense. “Ah...” He deliberately drew the word out. “I see.” Everyone knew the bank president’s wife was bored, but Josiah wouldn’t have thought she’d fire Anna Mae to give herself a job to do.

She glared at him, but a telling flush crept into her cheeks and deepened to crimson.

Josiah shook his head, distaste curling the edges of his mouth into a grimace, which he allowed the board members to see. To their credit a few of them had the grace to look ashamed, and dropped their heads. He slapped his hat back on his head and left.

He made his way to Emily Jane, who sat with the twins just outside the door. “Thank you for watching the girls,” he said in greeting.

“It didn’t go well for Anna Mae, did it?”

“I’m afraid not.” Josiah took Rose from Emily Jane and looked about for Ruby.

The little girl sat at the foot of the stairs, looking up. Ruby held a soft spot for the young schoolteacher. She pulled herself up on the bottom step and began to climb.

“Oh, no, you don’t, little lady.” Josiah scooped her into his free arm and held her tight. His gaze moved up the stairs, where he knew Anna Mae had fled.

Poor woman. She’d lost her job and her reputation today. When word got out that the school board was looking for a new teacher, everyone would want to know why, and even though he’d threatened to toss Mrs. Anderson in jail if she bad-mouthed Anna Mae, he knew the older woman would tell everyone what had happened. And if she didn’t, Mrs. Bradshaw would. He sighed heavily.

“I think I’ll go up and see if I can make her feel any better.” His sister-in-law pushed herself up from the bench.

Josiah nodded. “Thank you again for taking care of the girls.”

“You’re welcome. They were good.” She walked past him and headed up the stairs, then stopped and said, “I hope you and the girls can come into town for Sunday lunch. I’ll fry up a chicken if you do.”

He grinned at her. “If the weather stays clear, we’ll be there.”

She nodded and then continued up the stairs.

Josiah carried the girls out to his wagon and put them onto the seat. He handed them the rope to hold on to and then tucked several blankets around them. The wagon tipped slightly as he pulled himself up and sat down beside Rose. As long as he was in town with the wagon he might as well go to the general store for supplies.

Mentally he ticked off what he needed—coffee, salt and beans. Thanks to Anna Mae, he now knew how to cook ham and beans that didn’t taste plain and hard. He guided the horse to the store.

Once inside, he sat the girls down and took each one by the hand. They were old enough now to toddle along with him. Carolyn Moore came out of the back room.

“Josiah, how good to see you. Did you get a lot of snow out at your place?” she asked, coming around and kneeling in front of the girls.

“We got our share, that’s for sure.” He laughed as he watched Carolyn give both twins a big hug.

“You girls don’t look too frostbitten,” she teased.

They giggled and tucked their faces into his legs.

It always amazed him that the girls could turn shy in an instant. He stroked their curls and grinned like the proud papa he was.

“What can I help you with today?” Carolyn asked. She wiped at a thin layer of flour on her apron, reminding him that he should get some more of that, too.

“It seems I’m in need of coffee, beans, flour and something else.” For the life of him Josiah couldn’t remember the other item. Anna Mae would know what he needed at the house.

Would she be all right? Now that she’d lost her teaching job, what would she do? Maybe instead of denying that the school board would release her, he should have helped Annie plan a new future.

“I’ll gather the coffee, beans and flour for you. As for the something else, as soon as you remember what it is, let me know and I’ll add it to your pile.” Carolyn went to measure out his requests.

A heaviness centered in his chest and there was a sour feeling in the pit of his stomach that caused him to rub the affected area. He should have stood up for her better. But what more could he have said to help her keep her job? As it was, he thought he might have made the situation worse. He could still see the look of tiredness that had passed over her features, and hear the strained tone of her voice.

“Have you remembered what the other something was that you needed?” Carolyn asked as she placed a brown paper bag full of beans onto the counter.

Josiah looked about the store. His gaze landed where the spices were and he remembered. “Salt.”

Rose and Ruby pulled at his hands. He didn’t understand their babble, but looked toward where they were straining. They seemed to have spotted a section of toys and wanted to get closer to them. “When did you start carrying toys?” he asked, as he allowed the girls to pull him forward.

Carolyn grinned. “We got a shipment in right before the storm hit. Wilson thought it would be good to carry toys, since Christmas is right around the corner.”

“If these girls are any indication, I believe your husband was right,” Josiah said, releasing their little hands so that the girls could get to the toys. It wouldn’t hurt to see what they might be interested in. As Carolyn had said, Christmas was right around the corner. He watched as Ruby grabbed a stuffed brown horse with a white mane and white spots, and Rose pulled at an ugly gray toy elephant.

What would Anna Mae do about the upcoming holidays? With no job and no income, she certainly wouldn’t have much of a Christmas. He sighed and let his gaze move about the store. A dress hung in the dry goods area. The pretty fabric would look nice on the schoolteacher.

Josiah shook his head. His thoughts refused to stop bringing Anna Mae to mind. He felt responsible for her. Hadn’t he said that no matter what happened he’d stand beside her?

“Is there anything else I can get you, Sheriff?” Carolyn asked, placing the salt into a box for him.

“Do you think the twins will remember the toys they’re playing with now, if I buy and hide them until Christmas morning?” he asked, picking up each of the girls, who held tightly to the toys. Josiah carried them to the counter.

“I doubt it. They are still pretty young,” Carolyn said, tickling Rose and taking the toy from her at the same time.

“Then go ahead and wrap them up for me, if you will.”

“Be my pleasure to do so.” Carolyn handed Rose a peppermint stick to replace the toy.

Josiah grinned at the ease with which the shopkeeper distracted the girls with candy. She took Ruby’s toy also and replaced it likewise. The twins smiled and smacked their lips as they sucked on the candy. They were so, oh what was that word Anna Mae described them with? Oh yes, adorable. They had a double dose of it.

“You do have a way with children,” he said.

Carolyn wrapped the toys in brown paper and placed them in the box. “I’ve had lots of experience.” She smiled at him and then added the cost of the toys to the list she’d been tallying for him.

Josiah paid for his supplies and the toys and then carried them out to the wagon, while Carolyn watched the girls. As he placed the box in the back, he froze, his hand clenched on the sideboard. Suddenly, with crystal clarity, he knew what he had to do to make things right with Anna Mae.

The girls needed a mother and Anna Mae needed a home and her reputation restored. And he needed someone he could trust to take care of his girls while he worked. His sister-in-law could no longer watch his girls and run a bakery with a newborn to take care of as well.

With courage and determination settling like a rock inside him, he girded himself with resolve. He would marry her.

His mind went through a thorough deliberation process before he allowed himself to act. Would this benefit them both or were his motives selfish? If she agreed to this harebrained scheme, what would her motives be? Would a marriage between them benefit them each?

He already knew that marriage would solve both their problems. She would have a home and the girls would have a mother. But would it produce positive results like he pictured in his mind, or bring regrets further down the road?

Josiah stood still and listened to his gut. In the few years he’d been sheriff, it had never steered him wrong. He turned his head sideways to hear better. Not a word; not even a growl.

He fell back on the evidence. She cooked better than he did. She’d been sick the entire time she was with him, yet his house looked cleaner. The most persuasive piece of evidence won the case. She loved his girls and she tolerated him pretty well.

Now all he had to do was convince her that marrying him would solve both their problems. He’d have to be up front with her and tell her that he could never offer her a husband’s love, but that he would happily and freely supply her basic needs for the rest of her life. Surely she’d understand that he’d already lost the love of his life and that he couldn’t risk losing another person that he loved that deeply.

Would Anna Mae agree to such a proposition? The future looked so vague and shadowy. Why, he didn’t know what would take place in his own life, so how could he expect her to join up with him? He had a farm, yet wasn’t a farmer; he was a sheriff.

But could he keep being a sheriff and possibly leave his daughters without a daddy? If he married Anna Mae, and something did happen to him, he knew she’d take care of the girls. Yes, the girls needed a mother. A stable woman they could depend on to take care of them. They needed Anna Mae.

Chapter Five

“How could I have been so stupid?” Anna Mae folded another dress and placed it in her satchel. She might as well get this over with; there was no way she could survive another smirch against her character. If she left before the entire town knew, which should be in about an hour, give or take a few minutes, she’d avoid the pitying glances and censuring looks.

She plopped down on the bed, a green shawl clutched in her hands. How could this keep happening to her? It would be different if she engaged in bad behavior. But she didn’t; never had, never planned to.

All her loneliness and confusion welded together in one upsurge of yearning, and she bent over, her hands clutched against her stomach, a groan pushing through her gritted teeth. Would she ever belong? She thought she’d found a place to call home, but now she’d have to move on.

Without warning, Emily Jane rushed through her door and knelt in front of her. “Oh, Anna Mae, I’m so sorry. Please don’t cry.”

Anna Mae collapsed into her friend’s arms, yielding to the compulsive sobs that shook her. She wept aloud, as Emily Jane rocked her back and forth.

Little by little Anna Mae gained control of her emotions, and with a hiccup or two accepted a hanky from Emily Jane. She mopped up her face, but the compassionate, caring look in her friend’s eyes almost undid her all over again.

“Why are you packing, Anna Mae?” Emily Jane spoke in an odd, yet gentle voice, as if she were afraid she’d cause the waterworks to start again. “We’re not letting you leave. Why, where would you go?” Emily Jane’s eyes grew large and liquid. “I couldn’t bear it if you weren’t around to talk to. We’ve lived together since we both arrived here.” She took one of the dresses from the valise and hung it back on the hanger. “Plus, I need you around so my baby will have an aunt to spoil it rotten and let it do things that as its mother I can’t.” She rubbed her rounded belly and offered a genuine smile.

“How can I stay, Emily Jane? Everyone thinks the worst of me.” Anna Mae shivered, uncertain if it was from the fear taking root in her heart or from the cold that crept through the window.

Emily Jane lifted the shawl off the bed where it had fallen during their embrace, and wrapped it around Anna Mae’s shoulders. “Come. Let’s get out of this cold room and go sit in the dining room.” She turned her toward the door with a slight nudge.

Moments later, a sigh shuddered through Anna Mae as she took a deep drink of her cream-and-sugar-laden hot coffee. “I can’t believe I acted so stupidly and placed my employment in jeopardy.”

“It wasn’t stupid to want to help one of your students,” Emily Jane said, patting her hand in comfort.

Anna Mae looked about the room. Thankfully, the noon lunch rush hadn’t begun and she and Emily Jane were the only occupants. “Thank you, Emily Jane, but I knew better than to believe a student as mischievous as Bart.”

“Then why did you go with him?”

Anna Mae’s breath caught in her throat and tears filled her eyes again. Did Emily Jane realize her voice sounded accusatory?

“No, no. Don’t look at me like that. I meant, was there a reason beyond what you’ve said so far? Did he act scared or was he crying?”

Anna Mae thought back to the day Bart had lured her into the woods with his lie. Maybe she had still wanted to help him, to win him over. She didn’t know. Her stomach growled and she wished suddenly she’d taken Emily Jane up on her offer of cake. It was probably for the best. Anna Mae didn’t think she’d be able to get food down her tight throat, anyway.

“Anna Mae?” Emily Jane’s voice was infinitely compassionate, but probing, snatching Anna Mae back to reality. She realized she’d been quiet for too long.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I went because he seemed so upset and he rushed me so that I didn’t take the time to think it through. If I had, I would have realized that he was lying.” She took another sip of coffee, the sweet taste mingling with the sourness in her stomach. “Well, it can’t be helped now.”

“What are you going to do?” Emily Jane nibbled on the applesauce cake she’d ordered.

Anna Mae set her cup down. “There’s nothing else for it, Emily Jane. I’ll have to leave town.”

“But why?” Her friend dropped her fork, creating a clatter that sounded loudly in the room. “I don’t understand that way of thinking. Why would you leave town?” She scrambled to retrieve her fork.

“I have no job, and as soon as word gets out that I spent two weeks out at the Miller farm, my reputation will be ruined.” Fresh sorrow filled her at the truth of her words. “I have to leave.” Her sense of loss was beyond tears. Everything had been going well. She’d had a job, a home and friends.

Emily Jane shook her head. She lowered her voice so that the few people who had filtered into the dining room wouldn’t hear her. “The only ones who will think ill of you are the ladies who are jealous of you, like Mrs. Bradshaw. Why don’t you give it a few days and see what happens? I’ll check with William and see if I have enough money to hire you to work at the bakery. I’m sure I’ll need the extra help with the arrival of our new baby.” She rested her hands protectively around her rounded tummy with a small grin.

“Thank you, dear friend, but I can’t ask you to create a job for me. I love you for wanting to, but I can’t accept it.”

A pair of boot tips appeared in her line of vision and then a man cleared his throat. Anna Mae looked up to find Josiah standing beside the table. She took a quick sharp breath. What was he doing back at the boardinghouse? Had he come to tell her what the doctor had said about Rose’s ear?

“Ladies, mind if I join you?” He twisted his hat in his hands as he waited for an answer.

Emily Jane responded first. “Of course, please do.” She indicated he should take the seat between them.

Beth Winters hurried over to take his order. “What would you like, Sheriff?”

He pulled the chair out and sat down. “Coffee and a piece of whatever kind of cake my sister-in-law is having.”

She nodded and hurried off to get them.

Anna Mae nervously fingered the handle of her cup. Where were the twins? Didn’t he know it would add fuel to the fodder if they were seen together?

“Where are the girls?” Emily Jane asked.

He hung his hat on the back of his chair. “I left them with Carolyn Moore for a few minutes.”

“Did you take Rose to the doctor?” Anna Mae asked, drawing his attention back to her.

“Yep. He said her ear is a little red and to put a few drops of oil in it this evening before putting her down for the night.” He grinned at Anna Mae.

As their eyes met the tenderness in his expression amazed her. But there was something more. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but he almost seemed pleased with himself; as if he’d just confirmed something that had been on his mind. Good for him, she thought sarcastically, irked by his easy manner.

Beth returned with his coffee and cake. “Here you go, Sheriff, it’s on the house.”

“That’s right nice of you, Mrs. Winters.” He tipped his head in her direction.

A soft pink filled Beth’s cheeks as she turned to go. Was Beth sweet on him? Anna Mae realized that first Mrs. Bradshaw and now Beth seemed to be interested in the sheriff. She crossed her arms protectively across her chest and studied him thoroughly.

He was handsome, with wavy black hair that touched the back of his collar, and deep blue eyes. His nose was a little crooked, as if it had been broken at one time or another. When he smiled his eyes seemed to hold an inner light that drew a person, much like a bee to a honeycomb, but was that any reason to fall over oneself around him?

Josiah glanced up from his dessert to catch her staring at him. He measured her with a cool, appraising look. “I’ve been worried about you, Annie.”

She peered about to see if anyone had heard him use his pet name for her. Assured that no other diners sat close by, she returned her attention to him. “I’m fine, Sheriff Miller.” She stressed his last name, reminding him they were no longer at his cabin and not to call her by her given name.

“Anna Mae just told me she’s thinking about leaving town,” Emily Jane interjected, taking a big bite of her cake and carefully observing both of them.

Anna Mae felt more than saw Josiah’s posture stiffen. She would have liked to be the one to tell him that she was leaving. Not that it mattered, but she wanted him to know that it wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t help it that Bart had led her into the woods on a stormy night, or that her mule had chosen Josiah’s farm to take her to. Anna Mae hadn’t decided when or how she would tell him, but she had hoped to do so herself.

“So you’re thinking about leaving?”

She nodded. “I planned to tell you before I left.” She became aware of Emily Jane watching them with acute interest. “Because I wanted to thank you for all that you did for me when I was sick.”

Josiah looked to his sister-in-law. As if he’d silently asked her to leave, Emily Jane picked up her purse and said, “Well, I hate to eat and run, but I need to get back to the bakery and start tomorrow’s bread.”

She hugged Anna Mae and whispered in her ear, “Don’t make any rash decisions today.” Then she waved, leaving the two of them sitting silently.

* * *

Without Emily Jane’s presence, Josiah suddenly felt tongue-tied. How did one propose a marriage of convenience? He didn’t want Anna Mae leaving Granite. She seemed to sincerely care about his daughters and they needed a mother. Josiah knew deep down, though, that she’d never capture his heart the way Mary had. It was impossible that any woman would truly take her place. Because he felt so sure of this, Anna Mae would never be a true wife to him. However, for the girls’ sake, and to save Anna Mae’s reputation, he had to ask her to marry him. He might as well jump in with both feet. As casually as he could, he said, “You don’t have to leave, you know.”

She looked at him over her coffee cup. Clear brown eyes rimmed with pink puffiness regarded him curiously. He could tell she’d been crying earlier, and an emotion he hadn’t felt in a long time swept through him. He wanted to take away all her pain and embarrassment.

Her sigh tore at him. “Yes, I do. I don’t want my friends feeling sorry for me, and I can’t face the shame of having to impose on them for my livelihood.”

Josiah knew that feeling. Maybe not for his means of support, but didn’t he have to impose on others to watch his children so he could work? It felt like the same thing. Maybe he could convince her that he knew the feeling, and that if she’d permit it he’d make certain neither of them would feel that way again. But even a small-town sheriff like himself knew this was a delicate situation and should be handled with care.

He reconsidered that tack. One wrong word or move and he could push her in the opposite direction. “Maybe you don’t have to impose on your friends for your livelihood.” He said the words tentatively, as if testing the idea.

“I know I don’t. And I won’t. That’s why I’m leaving. My room is paid here until the first of November. Emily Jane asked me not to make any rash decisions, so I suppose I’ll stay until then. Hopefully, by the first I will know where I’m going and what I must do when I get there. I’ll simply have to endure the gossip until I leave.” She set her cup on the table and squared her shoulders. Determination tightened her jawline.

He admired her fortitude. It would serve her well in the days ahead. But right now he didn’t need her stubborn and unwilling; he wanted to be her knight in shining armor and rescue her from distress. He breathed a plea heavenward. Lord, a little help here, please. Can You make her receptive and sensible?

Half in anticipation, half in dread, Josiah pushed his plate back and reached for her hands. “What I mean, sweet Annie, is that maybe we can help each other.”

Her fingers shook against his palm so he tightened his grip. “How?” Confusion laced her pretty features as she held his gaze.

“You could marry me,” he blurted, scarcely aware of his own voice.

Anna Mae snatched her hands back and shook her head. “What did you say?” She pushed stray tendrils of hair away from her cheek.

Josiah felt a curious, swooping pull inside him, surprising him to stillness. Why had he never noticed how incredibly beautiful Annie was? Her features were dainty, her wrists small and her waist curving and regal.

He forced himself to focus on the statement he’d just made. All right, it probably wasn’t the best proposal she’d ever heard. She must think him an insensitive clod. Josiah cleared his throat and tried again. “We could get married. I need someone to take care of the girls, and you wouldn’t have to find another job or leave.” To his annoyance he felt heat climb up his neck and into his face. His aggravation increased when he noticed his hands were shaking. What was wrong with him? This was how a man in love acted; and he certainly wasn’t in love. He made a gesture with his right hand. “This is not how I rehearsed this in my head on the way over here.”

She leaned closer and whispered, “You want to marry me so you’ll have a babysitter for the girls?”

He ran a hand behind his neck and rubbed. “Well, yes, but it would benefit you, too.”

Anna Mae crossed her arms over her chest once more. “Explain to me how that would work exactly?” At his puzzled look, she pressed on. “How marrying you and taking care of the girls will help me?”

“You wouldn’t have to leave your friends.”

She laughed bitterly and wagged the tip of her finger at him. “Believe it or not, I am capable of making new friends, Sheriff.”

He dropped his head and stared at the checkered tablecloth. “I’m sorry. This isn’t coming out right.” Josiah sighed heavily, and without looking up at her, he continued. “All I’m proposing is a marriage of convenience. It wouldn’t be a real marriage.” He lowered his voice as she had done. “I don’t expect us to share a bedroom, only the responsibilities of the children, the farm and the house.”

How could he explain to her that he only wanted to help? He’d been partially responsible for her job loss and the town thinking they’d been intimate. He just wanted to make up for that. Maybe this had been a bad idea. She was right. How would marrying him help her face the women in town who were probably gossiping over their luncheons right now? Still, he gave an impatient shrug. The idea had merit and he’d be foolish not to realize how much it would benefit him. Lord, if You’re of a mind to, I could use that help right about now.

Her soft hand covered his and he looked up quickly, so surprised his mouth dropped open. He merely stared, tongue-tied. Tears filled the beautiful milk-chocolate orbs regarding him with tenderness. Her voice, when she spoke, still held a touch of hoarseness. “I know you’re trying to help me, and what you said is right; the girls do need someone to take care of them. In a real sense, it’s a lovely suggestion. As my grandmother used to say, it would kill two birds with one stone.”

Josiah watched as she fought some inner battle before speaking again. What an honorable woman she was. Even in distress, she managed to consider the feelings of others. She was three times a lady compared to her accusers.

“I can’t give you my answer right now, Josiah, but I’ll pray about it.” She lifted her hand from his and stood up. She touched his shoulder briefly. “Thank you.”

She walked away with stiff dignity, the long skirt of her dress swaying gently. She paused just inside the door and looked back at him. For a moment she studied him intently and then she was gone.

She’d said thank you? What on earth did that mean? He hadn’t done anything that she had to be thankful for. Had she been referring to him nursing her while she was sick? For proposing marriage to her? What? He gritted his teeth and barely suppressed a groan of frustration.

If he lived to be a hundred, he’d never understand women. And why, Lord, didn’t You give me a more elegant way of speaking and expressing myself? One thing was for certain; Josiah hadn’t the foggiest idea what Anna Mae’s answer would be, nor when she’d tell him.

Chapter Six

Anna Mae took one more look at her reflection in the mirror, then gathered her Bible and shawl in preparation for church. Today, sink, swim or drown, she’d face the gossipmongers and learn if her friends were true or not.

Almost a week had passed since Josiah’s proposal. She’d cowered in her room as much as possible, coming down for meals only after everyone else had left.

Miserable without the twins, she’d worried over Rose. Had Josiah remembered to administer the sweet oil twice a day? Were the girls wondering where she was? Did they cry for her at night? She’d shared their bedroom, many nights placing them in bed with her if they seemed distressed after she diapered them. Their mother had died when they were just babies, then their uncle and Emily Jane had cared for them. Finally their daddy had shown up and taken them. At least with Anna Mae at the farm they’d had the sense of stability of a mother for a brief few days.

Needless to say, the twins needed her, and she needed them. They filled a void she hadn’t recognized she had. That still small voice she’d grown to recognize as the Lord’s asked if she could just walk away from them.

Her friends, Emily Jane and Susanna had visited her. She’d shared Josiah’s proposal with them, purposefully leaving out the marriage-of-convenience part. They’d both been thrilled that he’d offered marriage and that she would be staying if she accepted his proposal.

When she finally wrapped her mind around that Josiah was offering “a marriage of convenience only,” she found it lacking to say the least. Josiah was another man who didn’t see her as a true wife. What was wrong with her? Did men see something she didn’t? Why couldn’t someone love her?

She arrived late at the church but still beat Josiah and the girls there by mere seconds. Josiah pulled the wagon to a stop at the boardwalk. The twins spotted her and both scrambled to get out of the box in the back. Anna Mae could no more stop herself from reaching for them than she could stop breathing. They fell over the side into her arms, causing her Bible to fall to the ground. Both chattered a mile a minute, though most of their words were unintelligible.

“Girls, girls. Calm down,” Josiah chided, but his eyes were lit with laughter and he seemed as pleased to see her as the twins. He recovered her Bible and reached for Rose. She fussed but finally released her hold on Anna Mae.

“Shall we go in?” he asked.

A wave of anxiety swept through her. “Maybe you should go first and I will sit near the back.” She started to hand Ruby over, but two little hands pressed against Anna Mae’s cheeks and Ruby’s lips quivered. “Ruby go you.” The little head shook up and down positively, a question in the depths of her eyes.

Anna Mae placed her forehead against the little girl’s. To turn this baby away could possibly relay that she wasn’t loved enough, that she somehow lacked the ability to be loved. Anna Mae knew all about those feelings. No way would she ever make this child feel unloved or unimportant. “We’ll all go together.” Bolstering her courage, she shifted Ruby to her side and walked up the church steps.

Josiah rushed ahead and pulled the door open. Anna Mae was happy to see that no one else waited on the steps or in the entryway as they entered. She slipped into the back pew and made room for Josiah and Rose. The piano began playing the moment they were seated. She breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that no one would be able to speak openly to her or about her until after the service.

When it was finished, Anna Mae hurriedly gathered her things. Please, Lord, don’t let anyone speak to me. Just this once, please, can I be selfish and make it out of here without embarrassment? Please, Lord? Just this once?

It seemed as if the Lord had too many people at that moment to listen to because Mrs. Harvey, a sweet older woman, immediately turned in her seat. “Anna Mae, I am so glad to see you this morning. I’d heard you were sick. Are you feeling better now?”

Anna Mae smiled at her. “Much better, thank you.”

The woman motioned for her to sit back down. She did and then Mrs. Harvey leaned against the pew and whispered, “You won’t have any more trouble from Thelma. I told her that if she breathed one word as to why you chose to quit teaching, I’d tell some of her secrets.” The sweet woman chuckled. “Don’t expect to hear her ever speak of it again.” She patted Anna Mae’s hand.

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