Stand-In Father

As temporary guardian to his twin baby nieces, William Barns barely knows a diaper from a burp cloth. The well-meaning but meddling neighbor ladies suggest a wife—namely Emily Jane Rodgers. Although William isn’t in the market for a bride, he needs a loving woman to watch over the children, and Emily Jane fits the bill nicely.

Emily Jane agrees to care for William’s nieces—not become his betrothed. Fully determined to find her own way in life and to open her own bakery, Emily Jane isn’t looking for a husband. But no matter how hard she resists, Emily Jane is roped in by the twins’ little hugs and William’s tender regard. And soon she longs to be a permanent part of this ready-made family…

“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting,” William said, giving Emily Jane a hand up onto the wagon.

“Not at all. I needed to visit a little while with Beth anyway.” She sat down and then turned and kissed each twin.

They giggled and tried to get her hat.

William pulled himself up beside her. As he took the reins he asked, “New hat?”

“Beth loaned it to me.”

He smiled over at her. “It’s very pretty on you.”

A compliment? She felt a little uneasy.

A soft laugh drifted from his side of the wagon seat. “We’re friends, Emily Jane. No need to get all nervous about a compliment.”

How had he known? She cut her eyes under the hat to look at his profile. Was it possible that over the past few weeks they’d grown so close that they knew what each other was thinking? If so, that was dangerous. Maybe after today she should put some distance between herself and William. From her experience with people, those who could read each other’s minds and expressions seemed to be in love. She wasn’t ready for love.

Yes, distance after today would be the best solution for them both.

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.

The Texan’s Twin Blessings

Rhonda Gibson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

—Isaiah 43:18–19

Tina James, thank you for always believing in my stories and trusting me to get them written on time. James Gibson, your love means more to me than you will ever know. Thank you for keeping the midnight oil burning so that I can find my way after a long night of writing. And as always, thank You, Heavenly Father, for giving me my heart’s desires.

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

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Granite, Texas Late Spring 1887

Hot, aggravated and about at the end of his rope, William Barns stood on his grandmother’s porch juggling his year-and-a-half-old nieces, Rose and Ruby. The little girls squalled louder.

“Eat!” Rose twisted sideways, her little voice pleading.

They were hungry, so was he, and as soon as his grandmother opened the door from the other side, she’d help feed them. Of that he had no doubt. He shifted the twins higher on his chest. Today they’d had milk and bread in their diets and little else.

The heat was getting to them and making the girls cranky; him, too, if he was honest about it. Colorado springtime and Texas springtime were very different in the way of weather, and the effects on him and the girls were going from poor to bad fast.

Why was his grandmother taking so long? If he remembered correctly, the house was not that big. He’d been a kid the last time he’d stood on this porch, and even then it had seemed small. William clinched his jaw in an effort not to get impatient with the girls and his grandmother. Surely she’d heard him knocking.

The trip from Denver, Colorado, had been exhausting. Rose and Ruby demanded his undivided attention. He’d had no idea how much was required of his late sister, until she’d been killed and he’d taken over the twins’ care. What a load she had carried and carried well.

His heart ached at the loss of his sister, Mary. If only he’d gone to the bank that day, instead of her. The throbbing in his ankle reminded him why he’d stayed with the napping twins while his sister had gone to town and faced down two bank robbers. If only he hadn’t slipped on the frozen snow and broken his ankle after the last ice storm they’d had, he would have been the one at the bank.

Rose, apparently tired of the juggling, chose that moment to throw up sour milk all over his shirtsleeve. Ruby, spying her sister’s distress, let out a wail that pierced his eardrums.

As the curdled milk scent reached his nostrils, he briefly wondered how his delicate, prim sister had managed to take care of his darling nieces with the ease that she had. They burped putrid liquids, and the diapers, well, he’d almost taken to wearing a clothespin on his nose while changing them.

Exhausted, Rose laid her head upon his shoulder and shuddered her unhappiness. Mirroring her sister’s actions, Ruby did the same. Regardless of their disgusting smells and loud crying, William loved his nieces with all his heart.

“I’m sorry, baby girls. I know you’re hot and tired, and sick of me pouring liquid into you.” He kept his voice soothing and calm. “Just hang on a few more seconds. Grandma’s on the way, and she’ll have something good for us to eat.”

His chest ached with the sorrow weighing down upon him. He felt as if the responsibilities of the girls might be more than he could take. Why did everything have to change?

Memories flooded his tired mind. On the fateful morning he’d lost his sister, his brother-in-law and town sheriff, Josiah, had been out of town but was to return later in the day. William later learned that Josiah had been lured away by fake information that the robbers were in the town next to theirs. He’d hurried off to help the sheriff there, and while he’d been gone the criminals had robbed their bank.

Three rough-looking men had arrived in town shortly after the bank opened. They’d entered the bank, threatening those inside if the teller didn’t turn over the money. When they’d escaped in a blaze of gunfire, they left Mary lifeless and the bank teller wounded.

Witnesses had whispered that it had all happened so suddenly. The bank robbers had taken Mary’s money and left her for dead. She had stumbled out of the bank, clutching the morning’s mail to her wounded chest. It was when she fell in a heap of petticoats that everyone realized she’d been hit by the gunfire. His sister had died on the dirty street, leaving behind an angry, grieving husband and two beautiful, motherless little girls. And him.

A piercing cry sounded within his left ear, pulling William from the painful memory. “Ruby, please don’t scream.” He looked to the dark window on his left. Where was his grandmother? Why hadn’t she answered? He turned and pounded on the door with his elbow.

Aggravation at the delay crept up his spine and into his already pounding head. The longer he stood there, the worse he felt. William refused to give in to the irritation at having to wait for his grandmother; one angry man in the family was enough.

The memories he’d been shoving away flooded in once more. Josiah had allowed his rage and grief over the murder of his wife to run so deep he’d practically forgotten his daughters. William had been left with no choice but to take over the care of the girls. Once his sister had been put to rest, Josiah had gone after the murderers with the promise to come back for the girls, but William wasn’t holding his breath.

Even though Josiah was a good lawman, William worried about his brother-in-law’s state of mind. Josiah blamed himself for his wife’s death. He’d even made the statement he wasn’t sure he was a fit father and that if he couldn’t protect Mary, what made him think he could protect his girls? William had tried to talk to him, offer comfort, but in the end, Josiah had left a bitter and angry man.

After three months of waiting, William couldn’t stand living in the same town that his sister had died in. He’d left word with Josiah’s neighbor that he was moving to Granite, Texas, and that Rose and Ruby would be waiting there for Josiah when he’d finished his business with the bank robbers. He worried Josiah might never come for his daughters—the man had been so resentful—and Josiah had probably taken risks that could end his life, leaving the girls orphans.

Rose trembled, and one look at her white face reminded William that he needed to focus on her and her sister instead of rehashing what had happened or worrying about what might have happened to their father. Until he heard from Josiah, he was responsible for the little girls, and right now they needed real food and a place to rest. He reached for the door handle and found it locked. William sighed. She wasn’t home.

“Excuse me.”

He turned to the soft voice that had managed to be heard over the little girls’ cries. A young woman stood behind him in the yard. Her red hair blazed under the sun, and light freckles crossed her nose as if she’d too often forgotten to wear her bonnet. Green eyes filled with sadness looked up at him. The freckles across her nose and cheeks gave her the appearance of being very young, but the depth of emotion in her eyes made him think she might be older than she looked. Realizing he was staring, William responded. “Yes?”

“My name is Emily Jane Rodgers. I’m Mrs. Barns’s neighbor.” She pointed to the house across the street, then turned to face him once more. “Mrs. Barns no longer lives here.” Her sweet voice seemed to drip with warmth and deep sorrow.

William shifted the girls, who had quieted down at the sound of the female voice. “Nice to meet you, Miss Rodgers. I’m William Barns. Where has my grandmother moved?”

Renewed sorrow seemed to fill her pretty green eyes. “I have a key to the house. Let’s go inside, so that I can explain.” She brushed past him, and scents of cinnamon and sugar filled his nostrils.

The girls stared at the redheaded woman. Ruby stretched out a chubby hand to grasp a strand of her hair as she worked the key into the lock. Thankfully, the little girl couldn’t reach Miss Rodgers, but her failed attempt had her leaning farther, straining against his arm till he thought he might drop her. He tightened his hold on Ruby, turning aside from the temptation.

Finally the woman opened the door and stepped within the cooler interior. William followed as questions regarding his grandmother bombarded his tired mind. They stood in the sitting room, where all the furniture was covered with fabric of various colors. His hopes sank in his chest as he realized that if his grandmother had moved, she would have taken her things with her. He used his boot to shut the door.

Miss Rodgers dropped the key into the pocket of her apron that hung about her small waist and then moved to the window. She pulled back the heavy curtain to allow sunshine into the room before she turned to face him. Dust particles swirled in the air around them. “I’m sorry I have to be the one to tell you this, but Mabel passed away last month from a cold that had moved into her chest.” Sorrow filled her voice.

He gasped. A new sharp pain pricked his heart. A stinging dryness scalded the backs of his eyes. William looked about for a place to set the squirming twins, who wanted to get down and explore this new place. William realized he didn’t dare put them in the layer of dust that covered the floor. He shifted their weight and held them close to his aching chest.

He’d lost his sister and now his grandmother. Who was next? One of the twins? His brother-in-law? He’d also lost his fiancée, Charlotte, thankfully not by death, but she’d been clear that having children or taking care of someone else’s was not a part of her future with him. They’d parted ways since he wanted children and intended to protect and keep his nieces until their father’s return.

The questions returned once more. How much more could he take? And how was he going to care for the girls by himself until his brother-in-law returned? This was not how he had pictured his life. Doubt rose in multiples. Why was the Lord testing him? Had he offended Him in some way? He loved the fellowship with his Lord and tried to honor and please Him above all others. But his load seemed to get heavier every day. As if the Lord had heard his thoughts, William’s troubled spirit quieted, and he forced his lips to part in a curved, stiff smile at the woman staring solemnly back at him.

* * *

Emily Jane watched the emotions cross the handsome face of the man in front of her. William Barns wore a dark brown cowboy hat. Wavy black hair peeked out from under the brim and curled about his collar. It was his sapphire-blue eyes that held her attention; they told a story of their own. From the depth of sorrow staring back at her, Emily Jane read that this wasn’t the first time death had recently broken his heart.

Without giving her actions much thought, she reached for one of the babies, who had resumed kicking and crying. “Here, let me take one of them.” Poor little mites needed their mother. Emily Jane felt sure that Mr. Barns mourned her death as well as his grandmother’s; why else would he show up alone with the two little girls?

He placed the little child into her outstretched arms. “Shhhh, it will be all right.” Emily Jane rocked from side to side as she held the small one against her shoulder.

The child settled down and sniffled but no longer cried as if she were being tortured. Emily Jane looked to Mr. Barns and saw that he copied her actions. She offered him what she hoped was an encouraging smile. “Do you have fresh diapers for these sweet girls?” Emily Jane asked, as she continued to rock and pat the small back in her arms.

“Out in the wagon.” He spun on his booted heels and limped away. “I’ll be right back,” Mr. Barns called over his shoulder.

“Go!” The little girl in her arms tugged in the direction that Mr. Barns had left. She cried in earnest when he and her sister continued out the door.

Emily Jane pulled the darling close and patted her back some more. “He’ll be right back.” Emily Jane looked about the room during his absence. In the short time Mabel Barns had been gone, the house had become quite dirty.

Would William Barns stay here now that he knew his grandmother had died? Or would he take his daughters and go to other family members for help with the children? She assumed the need for help with the girls had been what prompted him to visit his grandmother.

She refocused on the room as she jiggled the sobbing little girl in her arms. Dust covered every inch of the furniture, fireplace mantel and floors. If he stayed, it would take him a few hours to clean up the mess. Mabel had died a little over a month ago. Dusting was a daily job if you lived in Texas, especially Granite, a task Mabel had seemed to enjoy.

Emily Jane’s throat closed. Fresh waves of sadness rolled over her as she mourned the loss of her friend. The child in her arms began to twitch and quiet down as if she sensed Emily Jane’s sorrow.

“Let’s get this wet diaper off of you, little one.” Emily Jane walked to the sofa and pulled the dust-covered protective sheet off of it. To keep the sofa from getting wet, she took off her apron and laid it on the cushion. Then Emily Jane sat down and began to unpin the soiled cloth diaper.

She guessed that the child was about a year old, maybe a little older. Twins were often smaller than other children. Her black wavy hair matched the color of her father’s, and brilliant blue eyes shone from her face. A frayed yellow ribbon had been tied in her hair. “You sure are a pretty little girl,” Emily Jane said in a soft voice, happy the child was no longer screaming and crying. The tot looked like her handsome father.

Emily Jane shook her head to erase the memory of melancholy within his eyes. She didn’t want to focus on William Barns’s good looks, either. No, she wasn’t interested in handsome men. She had a new life ahead of her. One of independence with no controlling husband or demanding children to steal her joy of baking.

The little girl looked up at Emily Jane and sucked her thumb while Emily Jane pulled the wet cloth from under her. As soon as she was free of the sodden diaper, she pulled her thumb from between her lips and said, “Shew wee.”

Boot steps clacked against the wood floor. Then Mr. Barns handed her a leather pouch that resembled a saddlebag. “Shew wee is right.” His warm voice brought a grin to the child’s face. Emily experienced an unusual feeling in the pit of her stomach. What would it feel like to have someone’s happiness within your power? She’d probably never know since she had chosen another direction for her life. One where she decided which path to take instead of a man doing it for her.

Emily Jane took the bag and found the clean diapers. As soon as she got the cloth pinned into place, she handed the first little girl over to Mr. Barns and took the second child.

“Thank you, miss, but you really don’t have to do that.” He moved as if to change places with her.

“I don’t mind,” Emily Jane answered as she proceeded to change the second child. The big man hobbled about the room. He touched the fireplace mantel and sighed. She wondered what had happened to his ankle but didn’t think it was her place to ask. As soon as the second child was diapered, Emily Jane stood.

“Did Grandmother sell this house to you?” he asked. His voice broke, and he turned his face away.

Emily Jane shook her head. “No, a few days before her passing, she gave me a key and told me that if any of her kin should show up to let them in. I suppose she was worried you’d arrive after bank hours and wouldn’t be able to get the extra key from the bank and so therefore wouldn’t be able to get into the house.”

Confusion furrowed the skin of his brow. “Does the bank own the house?”

“I’m not sure. All I know is what she told me. That Doc had done all he could for her and to give you the house key. Oh, and she also instructed me to tell you that you need to go to Mr. Fergus at the bank and tell him you are her kin. He has further information as to what is to become of this place.” Emily Jane knew her words were rushed, but she hadn’t expected a handsome man with two small children to be the “kin” that Mrs. Barns had predicted would come.

Mr. Barns frowned and voiced his thoughts. “How did Grandmother figure I was coming? There was no way she could have known. I didn’t even know myself until a short time ago.”

Emily Jane shrugged. “I’m not sure if she knew which of her grandchildren would arrive. She sent a letter off, but I don’t know to whom. I assumed, since you are here, it was you.”

He shook his head. “Maybe her letter was one of the letters that Mary dropped on the day she died. The wind blew several letters away, but in all the ruckus no one heeded them.”

The soft words were spoken as if he were talking to himself. Emily Jane was pretty sure he wasn’t speaking to her. His blue eyes were focused in the past as if he’d forgotten she and the little girls were in the room. But now she knew the little girls’ mother’s name and that she’d recently died.

Not willing to be ignored, both of the children began to whine and fret once more.

He seemed to snap out of the memories and return to them. His voice sounded tired and hopeless as he said, “They are hungry. I was hoping Grandmother would be able to feed them and help me get them ready for bed.”

Emily Jane looked about the house. It wasn’t fit for children, at least not without a good cleaning. She sighed as her motherly instincts took over. Being the oldest of twelve, Emily Jane was used to helping her mother by taking matters into her own hands, while her father took care of business. “Let’s go over to my house, and I’ll find them something to eat.” She didn’t wait for his answer, simply scooped the child off the couch and headed to the door.

She heard him follow and decided to have a quiet talk with herself regarding the Barns family. It was her Christian duty to help him get settled into their house. After that, William Barns and his girls were on their own. She didn’t have time for children, and no matter how much he might need a wife, she did not need a husband. Emily Jane glanced back at him. William Barns was a handsome man; he’d find a woman to marry soon and it wouldn’t be her.

The last thing Emily Jane wanted was to get married, especially to a man who already had two children. She didn’t want children. After helping her parents with eleven brothers and sisters, Emily Jane had had enough of kids to last her a lifetime. Plus, she also didn’t want a controlling man in her life. She’d had twenty-three years of her father controlling her and her mother. No, sir, Emily Jane Rodgers wasn’t going to allow a man to control her again. She had bigger plans for her life. Someday she’d open her own bakery and be able to support herself. She’d own her home and be able to buy new things instead of having to wear hand-me-downs, supplied by the local church ladies.

Emily Jane opened the door to the house that she shared with Anna Mae Leland. Anna Mae was the local schoolteacher. They’d met when they’d both answered Levi Westland’s mail-order-bride advertisement. Well, Anna Mae had willingly answered it; she, on the other hand, had been forced to answer it by her father. He’d decided twelve children were too many to feed, and Emily Jane was the oldest and the one he could get rid of the easiest. It hurt that her father and mother had so easily sent her away, to a man she’d never met in a place she’d never been. How could a parent do that to a child, especially their firstborn? Emily Jane didn’t plan to have children, but if she did, they would be loved unconditionally; that much she knew for sure.

The screen door shut behind him as Mr. Barns followed her inside the house. Emily Jane led him to the kitchen. She set the child she held on the braided rug beside the table, walked over to the cabinet and scooped up two empty pans and two large metal spoons. “Please, have a seat, Mr. Barns, and I’ll have dinner ready in just a few moments.” Emily Jane handed the little girl on the floor a spoon and placed one of the pans down in front of her. That would keep the child busy for a few minutes. She motioned for Mr. Barns to set his bundle of joy down beside her sister.

He did so with a sigh and a smile that said thank you.

Emily Jane nodded and then handed the second little girl the other spoon and pan. She’d have to stop thinking of them as little girls and ask what their names were. While he pulled out a kitchen chair, she turned to the stove.

Again, she had something to be thankful for. Emily Jane had already fried up chicken, made mashed potatoes and warmed up a jar of green beans just before she’d seen him and the girls arrive. She expected Anna Mae to arrive home from school any minute now.

And then what? He couldn’t stay in the dusty house tonight, and he couldn’t stay here.

She glanced at him over her shoulder. His deep blue gaze met hers. Emily Jane could get lost in the depths of his needs. She could...but she would not. She simply couldn’t allow that to happen.

The girls banged happily on the pans. The noise filled the room and prevented the need for polite conversation. Emily Jane didn’t want to enjoy the sound of children playing, but deep down she did. She also didn’t want to be aware of the man sitting at her kitchen table. But she was. They reminded her of home and all that she’d lost when she’d answered Levi Westland’s mail-order-bride ad all those months ago.

Would she be able to ignore the man and children in her kitchen? Had things just changed in her life? If so, how was she going to distance herself from the handsome man and his beautiful girls?

Chapter Two

“Thank you for the offer of supper. I’ll be happy to pay you for what we eat.” William laid his hat on the table and ran weary fingers through his hair.

The young woman, Miss Rodgers, turned from the stove with a platter of fried chicken. She set it down on the table. “That won’t be necessary. I always make more than we can eat.”

“We?” It hadn’t dawned on him that Emily Jane Rodgers would have a husband and her own children to take care of. He’d been so absorbed in the loss of his grandmother and the dilemma of what to do with the girls that he’d not even considered the marital status of the woman before him.

She nodded. “Anna Mae and I.”

Was Anna Mae her sister? His gaze moved to the sisters, who banged happily on the pans with the spoons she’d supplied. They were very close and affectionate with each other. He had heard that was the way with twins. Would they someday live together? He sighed tiredly. Right now, their future was as unclear as his own.

Miss Rodgers walked back to the stove for more food. She turned with a bowl of green beans and a plate of biscuits. His stomach rumbled with hunger. It had been a while since he’d had a good home-cooked meal. During the trip, he’d made sure the girls had food and milk but hadn’t worried about his own stomach.

She gave him a knowing smile. He had no doubt in his mind that Miss Rodgers had heard his belly rumble. “Anna Mae Leland is the schoolteacher here. She should be home any moment.” She placed the rest of the food on the table. Her gaze swept over the girls before she moved to the sideboard and pulled out plates and silverware.

“Are you sure she won’t mind having company?”

“I’m sure. Anna Mae loves children, so these two will be a welcome sight to her.” Miss Rodgers smiled at him again as she placed the plates on the table.

Her pearly white teeth flashed, but her eyes didn’t hold the smile. Did she feel obligated to help him? Miss Rodgers seemed nice, but her gaze seemed dubious at best. Was it because they were alone in the house together?

He cleared his throat. “I need to go take care of the horse and wagon.” He looked to where the girls played contentedly. Should he ask her to watch them while he unloaded the wagon and found housing for the horse? Or just assume she knew he needed her to do so.

They looked up at him with their mother’s trusting eyes. Rose and Ruby were his responsibility. He’d take them. William stood and stepped toward the girls. Weariness rested upon him like the shroud of death that seemed to haunt his family at the moment.

“If you’d like, you can leave the girls with me.”

Her soft voice held no regret at the suggestion, so William nodded. “Thank you. I won’t be gone any longer than it takes to get the horse and supplies settled.”

“Your grandmother kept her little mare in the lean-to in the back. It’s small, only two stalls, but you are welcome to put your horse there also,” she offered as she poured milk into two cups.

He nodded. “I’ll look into putting him up at the livery tomorrow.”

Just as William got to the door, Miss Rodgers called after him. “What are the girls’ names?”

He turned to face her. “The one with the yellow ribbon is Rose and the other is Ruby. Those ribbons are the only way I can tell them apart, so please don’t take them out of their hair.” Shame filled William. What uncle, who had taken care of his nieces for as long as he had, couldn’t recognize them without their silly bows? He hurried out the door before Emily Jane could ask him the question he’d just asked himself.

What must she think of him? Showing up with two little girls, dirty little ones at that, and not knowing that his grandmother had passed away? William crossed the dirt road. He moved to the back of the wagon and began pulling out the few belongings he’d brought. He told himself it really didn’t matter what she thought. Emily Jane Rodgers had no say in what he did. Other than being their neighbor, she held no place in his or the girls’ lives. And to be honest, he had too much on his plate to worry what some silly woman thought of him.

He had to admit, though, that she was very pretty and had been helpful. And so far silliness had not been part of her character, more a cautious, no-nonsense attitude toward his circumstances. She had known just what to do for the girls and had been willing to feed them. Was she just being neighborly? Or had she seen him as a single man with two children and a possible husband?

William shook his head. No matter how pretty or helpful Miss Rodgers was, he had no intention of becoming her husband. Or anybody’s husband, for that matter. He picked up the closest box and realized being tired put very wayward thoughts into one’s mind. Miss Rodgers was simply a nice woman. Very pretty and very nice. Nothing more. He hoped he was wrong that she might see him as a possible husband; he definitely wasn’t looking for a wife.

He limped up the porch and entered the house. It was time to focus on himself and the girls. They needed a place to sleep tonight. William walked straight through the sitting room and into his grandmother’s bedroom. Her bed rested against the center of the back wall. Other than the dust that covered everything, it looked much like it had five years ago when he’d last visited her. She had a small cabinet for clothes, a washbasin by the window and a small writing desk against the opposite wall. A side table sat on the other side of the bed and held a kerosene lantern and her Bible. He set the box of clothes down inside the doorway and then went to explore the rest of the house.

He followed a short hallway to the other side of the building where the kitchen and another bedroom rested. His grandmother had used the other bedroom for a sewing room as well as her guest room. Would the girls be too far away from him if he put them in this space?

William sighed as he went back out to the wagon. He lifted an oblong box from the bed that had served as Rose’s cradle during their trip and carried it into the house and his grandmother’s room. Then he went back for Ruby’s. The girls would sleep in the room with him until they were old enough to be put in their own room. Plus, he’d need to clean only one room tonight.

On the way back outside, William noticed the bag that held the girls’ diapers and drinking cups beside the sofa where Emily Jane had left it. He scooped it up and continued on to the horse and wagon.

It didn’t take long to find the lean-to behind Emily Jane’s house and take care of the animal. What had happened to his grandmother’s horse? Miss Rodgers had said that she kept her here. William made a mental note to ask her about the little mare.

Taking a deep, unsteady breath, he hurried around the house, only to stop disconcerted at the door. Was he supposed to knock or go on in? He knocked.

Footsteps hurried across the floor. So far he hadn’t heard the girls crying; that was a good sign, right? A rush of fragrances, sugar and cinnamon, hit him when she opened the door. He breathed deeply, enjoying the calming smells, making another mental note to cook something spicy at his grandmother’s so the stale smell would leave.

“Mr. Barns, please, come on inside. You didn’t need to knock. I expected you to return.” She spun around on her heels and hurried back to the kitchen.

The slight bite in her voice had him hurrying after her. Had the girls misbehaved while he was gone? The diaper bag slapped against his side as he went to check on his nieces.

The scene that met him almost had him laughing out loud. Each girl sat in a chair by the table. Miss Rodgers had tied them to the chairs with what looked like aprons. Their faces were clean and their eyes sparkled as they gnawed on chunks of bread. They smiled up at him.

He eased into a chair beside Ruby. “I hope they weren’t too much trouble.”

Miss Rodgers sat across from him. “Oh, no, they were just hungry. Now that they’re eating, they seem content and happy.”

The front door opened and closed in the sitting room. A voice called out, “Emily Jane, I’m home.”

This must be the Anna Mae that Miss Rodgers had mentioned.

“I’m in the kitchen,” Miss Rodgers called back. She offered him a smile. “I’m sorry for the yelling, but if I don’t answer she will think it strange.”

He grinned back. “So the yelling back and forth is normal?”

“It’s become a part of our routine.” A slight blush filled her cheeks, and he wondered why.

“You would not believe my day.” The woman called Anna Mae stopped abruptly, her gaze taking in the scene at the table.

Light brown hair, piled on the top of her head in a bun, and big brown eyes made Anna Mae Leland look plain next to Emily Jane. At least, that was William’s first impression of her. She wore a simple gray dress, dusty brown shoes and a beige apron. He wondered if she dressed like that as a way to hide or become invisible to those around her.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize we had company.” Her brow crinkled, and then she looked at the two girls. A smile replaced the scowl. “Who are these darling ladies?” she cooed.

The little children smiled happily in return and kicked their legs back and forth. Who wouldn’t smile at someone whose tone of voice had gone from normal to doting?

Miss Rodgers introduced them. “Anna Mae Leland, this is William Barns, Mabel’s grandson, and his daughters, Rose and Ruby.”

William stood and shook the hand Anna Mae extended toward him. His hand engulfed her smaller one.

“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Leland, but I have to correct Miss Rodgers. Rose and Ruby are my nieces, not my daughters.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I assumed they were yours.” Her voice drifted off as if caught in a high wind.

“Nothing to be sorry about, Miss Rodgers. It was an understandable mistake,” William assured her, returning to his seat.

Both ladies were seated and, after a short grace, began filling the girls’ plates with soft food. Mixed emotions threatened to overwhelm him. He didn’t know whether to be relieved or offended at this liberty. He’d been the only caretaker of the girls since their mother had been killed. To suddenly relinquish that duty left him floundering, a bit as if he’d lost something precious. He shook his head. What on earth was wrong with him? This was what he’d needed his grandmother’s help with. It was as simple as that.

William then filled his plate. As he sank his teeth into the first bite, he closed his eyes in pure pleasure. “Ummmmm,” he all but groaned. He hadn’t tasted fried chicken this good in... He didn’t know how long. “You are a wonderful cook, Miss Rodgers,” he praised.

“Thank you.”

Miss Leland wiped Ruby’s mouth and then said, “Wait until you taste dessert. Emily Jane is the best baker in these parts.”

William watched Emily Jane finger a loose tendril of hair on her cheek as if embarrassed at her friend’s praise.

“Thanks, Anna Mae.” Her voice was smooth but insistent. “But we both know that isn’t true. Violet is the real baker. I still have lots to learn from her before I can ever open my own bakery.”

So she wanted to open her own bakery. Which to his way of thinking meant she wasn’t lazy. Good for her. His sister had been a hard worker with dreams of her own, also. Too bad her life had ended before she’d had a chance to realize them.

William listened to the women talk. His gaze moved to his nieces, who were making a mess of their dinners but were so happy he didn’t have the heart to make them stop. He was surprised that neither Miss Rodgers nor Miss Leland asked him questions regarding the girls and the lack of their mother and father.

In the short time since he’d arrived in Granite, Texas, he’d learned that Anna Mae Leland was the schoolteacher who loved children and that Emily Jane Rodgers was a friend of his grandmother’s and an aspiring baker. Yet, neither knew much about him, which to his way of thinking wasn’t all bad.

The last thing he needed was for either of them to start looking at him as an eligible bachelor. Since Charlotte’s rejection, he had no interest in women. His focus would be on the girls until their father returned. They were his sole concern now.

“Will you be staying long in Granite, Mr. Barns?” Miss Leland asked.

William rubbed his chin. “I guess that depends on what the banker says about the house and if I can find a job.”

Miss Leland nodded as if she understood. “Well, you might talk to Mr. Moore over at the general store. His wife just had their first child, and I hear he’s looking to hire someone.”

Working at the general store wouldn’t be so bad, at least until his money arrived at the bank. Selling the mercantile in Denver had made him a wealthy man, but until the money arrived he’d need to work. Not that he wouldn’t work after the money came in. It wasn’t in his nature to be lazy and watch others labor. “Thank you, Miss Leland. If all goes well at the bank tomorrow, I’ll stop by the general store.”

Rose and Ruby chose that moment to let everyone know they were done eating and ready to move to another activity. Their cries filled the house and had both women jumping to pick them up.

“I need to get these two down for the night.” William reached for Rose.

Miss Rodgers caught his attention. “Where?”

“I’ll take them to my grandmother’s house. Her bedroom isn’t that bad.” He hoped she didn’t think he was yelling at her. The girls’ cries were so loud that he had to raise his voice to be heard.

She shook her head. “It’s too dusty for them there.”

Before he could respond, both women handed him a little girl.

“Try to comfort them. We’ll be back in a little while. Between the two of us, we’ll have the house livable in no time,” Miss Leland instructed him as the two ladies walked out of the kitchen.

William hurried after them. The screaming children seemed unaware of the noise they were making. “I can’t let you do that,” he protested.

“It’s no trouble at all,” Miss Rodgers called over her shoulder as they left the house.

He continued after them, aware of several older women looking out their windows or standing on their porches. Instead of protesting further, William hurried across the road to his grandmother’s house. I’ll be glad when I get control of my life once more, he thought as the children howled and the women charged onward, on a mission to clean his grandmother’s home. He hurried into the house behind them, then stopped abruptly and sneezed; not once, not twice, but three times in a row. Dust particles swirled so thick he could hardly see the ladies jerking covers off the furniture. Then the twins sneezed. “I think we’ll just sit out on the porch awhile,” he muttered to himself, since the ladies paid him absolutely no attention.

* * *

Emily Jane loved working at the bakery, but on mornings like this, she wished her hours weren’t so early. Her new neighbors had kept her up most of the night with their cries for attention, and getting up at three in the morning had her even more tired than normal. A yawn filled her chest as she placed plates of pancakes in front of Mrs. Green and Miss Cornwell, two of her neighbors. She turned her head to release the yawn.

“Thank you,” Mrs. Green said tiredly between huge yawns. “I didn’t get a lick of sleep last night.”

“I know,” Miss Cornwell said, pouring honey over her pancakes. “Those babies cried almost the whole night. Disgraceful.”

Emily Jane should have walked away, but instead she turned to face the women and said, “They weren’t that bad.”

“No? Didn’t you hear them?” Mrs. Green asked, as her blue eyes searched Emily Jane’s.

“Yes, I heard them, but they were in a strange new place and were overtired. I’m sure they’ll settle down once they get used to their new home,” she answered, wiping down the table beside them.

“So he’s staying, then?” Miss Cornwell lifted the fork to her lips but waited for Emily Jane to answer.

“I don’t know.” Emily Jane didn’t want the women assuming she knew more about William Barns’s business than she should. Although she did wonder what he’d found out at the bank this morning.

The bell over the door jingled as three more ladies from her neighborhood entered the bakery, Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Harvey and Mrs. Orson. They hurried to where Mrs. Green and Miss Cornwell sat. Mrs. Harvey slipped into a chair at the table next to the other two women.

Mrs. Wells covered her mouth as a yawn overtook her. “Excuse me. I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night with all that crying.”

“We were just talking about that,” Mrs. Green said, leaning forward in her seat.

Mrs. Orson shook her head. “I don’t think anyone got any sleep last night. Mr. Orson paced the floor all night. It was very annoying. I’ll be glad when that man takes his children and moves on.”

Emily Jane decided to change the subject. “Ladies, what can I get you this morning?” she asked with a forced smile.

“Just coffee for me,” Mrs. Orson answered.

Mrs. Harvey smiled up at her. “Do you have any of those fruit-filled pastries?”

Emily Jane returned her smile. Fruit-filled pastry was one of the new items she’d suggested that the bakery start serving. “Yes, ma’am, we have apple and peach this morning.”

“I’d like to try the peach and a cup of your coffee.”

“I’ll have the same.” Mrs. Wells dropped into the chair opposite her friends. Her bulky figure pressed against the table as she leaned forward to continue the conversation Emily Jane had interrupted. “Has anyone learned if they are staying? Mabel was a friend of mine, but even she would have understood our reluctance to having crying children in our quiet neighborhood.”

Seldom did they ever agree upon anything, but it seemed lack of sleep had all five graying heads nodding in unison.

Emily Jane left them to their gossiping. Why did they have to be so mean? Rose and Ruby were children who had simply been overtired the night before. She placed the fruit pies on two small plates and poured two cups of coffee, then returned to the women’s table.

“What are we going to do, if he stays here?” Mrs. Orson demanded.

She set the plates and steaming cups in front of the women. “I really don’t think the girls will be that much trouble once they are settled.” Emily Jane straightened her spine and resisted the urge to yawn again. “You know, talking about Mr. Barns and his children like this isn’t very Christian-like, ladies.”

Mrs. Green huffed. “Well, if you like Mr. Barns and his screaming children so much, why don’t you marry the man and keep those kids quiet?”

Emily Jane stood there with her mouth hanging open. Were they serious? She...marry a man to keep his children quiet? She glanced about the table. The other four women nodded their heads in agreement.

“I am not the marrying kind, ladies. I have dreams of opening my own bakery someday, and those dreams do not include a man with two children.” She offered each of them a smile, before hurrying to the kitchen and away from their speculative looks.

A little while later, Emily Jane entered the front door of her home. She carried the box of baking supplies to the kitchen table. After talking to her neighbors, her thoughts had clung to what they’d said. She admitted to herself that they were right in that Rose and Ruby had cried most of the night. It amazed her that the girls’ voices had carried so clearly upon the still night air, keeping most everyone in the neighborhood awake. But the plain and simple fact of the matter was that she could do nothing about their unhappiness. She wondered briefly why that bothered her so much.

She emptied the box, placing each item on the kitchen table. Today she was going to try her hand at adding a new ingredient to her oatmeal raisin cookie recipe. One of the joys of her job was that Violet, the manager of the bakery, supplied the ingredients for her to bake up new recipes. In return, once the recipe was perfected, Emily Jane fixed it at the bakery. Customers seemed to love her new creations.

As she mixed the flour with the rest of the ingredients, Emily Jane’s thoughts drifted to the women. She’d been surprised at their suggestion that she marry William Barns. Did they really think that if she married him, then the girls would settle down? How rude of them.

Emily Jane stirred the mixture hard and fast. There was no way she’d marry William Barns. She had no intention of marrying anyone and definitely not a man with children. The girls did remind Emily Jane of her own sisters, but that was no reason to get married to a complete stranger, not that he’d asked her. She shook her head. No, she wasn’t getting married now or anytime soon; she had a dream of opening her own bakery someday, and that dream didn’t include a family or a man who might be like her father and think he could control everything she did.

Chapter Three

William stood holding a niece on each hip. He stared at the group of five women, wondering if they had lost their minds. He could see one or even two of them being a little addled due to age, but all five?

“We’re not asking you to move away, at least not right now. All we’re asking is that you consider Miss Rodgers as a future bride. She could help you with the girls, and she really is a sweet little thing,” Mrs. Harvey said as the others nodded their agreement.

When the women had stopped him on the sidewalk in front of the bank and introduced themselves as his neighbors, he’d been happy to meet them; but now they were butting in where they didn’t belong, and he planned to put a stop to their meddling. “Look, ladies, I know you mean well, but I have no intentions of marrying Miss Rodgers or anyone else. Now if you will excuse me, I’m going home.” William thought they’d move to the side and let him pass.

He thought wrong.

Mrs. Orson put both hands on her chubby hips and demanded, “Why not? Those girls need a mama. If they had a mama, she’d know how to keep them quiet so a body could rest at night like God intended. Miss Rodgers comes from a large family. She’s perfect and knows how to take care of small children.”

So that was it; they didn’t care about Miss Rodgers. They just wanted him to keep the girls quiet. Rose sucked her thumb with her head on his shoulder. Ruby’s chubby little hand played with the hair on the back of his neck. He returned his attention to the ladies. “You’re right, but I’m not the man to get one for them. I’m sorry we disturbed your sleep last night. I’ll try to keep them quieter.”

“If you are going to stick around here, won’t you need a wife to take care of the children while you work?” Miss Cornwell asked in a quiet voice.

The elderly woman did have a point. He’d need someone to help him take care of the girls but didn’t think the woman had to be his wife. Surely he could pay someone to watch Ruby and Rose.

Thanks to his visit to the bank, William now knew that his grandmother’s house belonged to him and his sister, Mary. A lump formed in his throat as he thought of Mary. Now that she was gone, William would make sure that the girls would own the other half of the house. He’d made arrangements for his money from the sale of the mercantile to be transferred from the bank in Denver to the Granite bank. Then he’d walked over to the general store and asked about the job Miss Leland had mentioned the night before.

Mr. Moore had eyed the girls and then agreed to give William the job. He’d asked William if he could work from ten in the morning until four in the afternoon, and William had agreed.

“You ladies wouldn’t happen to know of any young ladies who would be willing to watch the girls while I work, would you?” He hoped the change of subject would sidetrack them enough to drop the idea of him marrying Miss Rodgers.

Mrs. Orson sighed. “You got a job?”

“Why, yes, ma’am, I did.” He looked directly at the sour-faced woman.

She shook her head. “I see. The only lady I know of who is home during the day and able to keep up with two small children would be Miss Rodgers.” Mrs. Orson looked to the other women for agreement. “Emily Jane gets home around eight thirty every morning. Isn’t that right, ladies?”

The group nodded. He could see the spark of joy and scheming in their eyes. William couldn’t believe he’d walked right into their plans for him and Emily Jane. Well, hiring the woman to watch the girls and marrying her to watch the girls were two very different things.

Rose began to fuss at standing in place too long. Ruby decided it was time to join her sister in the protest, and she too began whining and trying to push out of his arms.

“If you will excuse me, ladies, I need to get these wiggle worms home.”

William took a step but stopped when Mrs. Green called to him.

“Mr. Barns, you will check with Emily Jane about watching the girls, won’t you?” she inquired.

“She is really good with young children. After all, she has had lots of practice,” Mrs. Harvey prompted.

They were an insistent bunch, he’d give them that. He grinned at Mrs. Harvey. “I’ll ask her, and thank you for the recommendation.” William hurried down the sidewalk toward home but could still hear them as he walked away.

“He really seems like a nice young man.”

“I think he and Emily Jane would make a nice couple, don’t you, Lois?”

“I do hope those girls settle down soon. I need my sleep,” another grumbled.

“Well, after a woman gets her hands on them, I’m sure they will become little darlings, and Emily Jane is just the woman for the job,” Mrs. Orson said in a no-nonsense tone.

Their voices faded as William hurried toward the house. As soon as he started walking again, the girls quieted down. They were already little darlings. He really didn’t see that having a woman in their lives would change them that much.

Each girl laid her little head on his shoulder. It was a short walk to his grandmother’s house, now his and the girls’ new home. He reached for the doorknob and found a small cloth bag hanging on it.

William ignored it; even though his curiosity was stirred, his hands were full. He carried the girls inside for a morning nap. After changing their diapers, he put them in their cradles. Thankfully, they curled up and went to sleep almost immediately.

Tiptoeing from the bedroom, William sighed and closed the door. His gaze moved about the sitting room. Thanks to Miss Leland and Miss Rodgers, the house now looked and smelled fresh. Once they’d started cleaning the night before, they hadn’t stopped until the whole house shone.

He remembered the bag on the front doorknob and went to retrieve it. The sweet scent of sugar and spice filled his nostrils. William pulled it open and saw two cookies inside. Had Emily Jane brought them over? Or perhaps another neighbor. Until he found out, William decided not to give them to the girls.

After the racket the girls had made last night, it wouldn’t surprise him if one of the neighbors put a sleeping draft in the cookies. He grinned at the silliness of his thoughts. Still, he’d wait on giving them to the girls until he was sure they were safe.

He walked over to a big chair and sank into its cushions, laying the cookie-filled bag on the side table. A yawn stretched his mouth wide. Nap time for the girls was one of his favorite times of the day. Often at night, one or both of them would wake up fussy. When was the last time he’d gotten a full night’s sleep? As his eyes drifted shut, William’s thoughts went to Emily Jane Rodgers. Would she watch the children? If so, he silently prayed she could get the girls into a regular sleeping routine.

* * *

Emily Jane pulled a fresh batch of oatmeal raisin cookies from the oven. She never tired of the baking smells that filled the kitchen. This recipe was no exception. She’d played with the ingredients a bit and liked the results. A pinch of this and a pinch of that had been her mother’s motto, but Emily Jane liked the results of being precise with her measurements. She wrote everything down as she went, and if the dessert turned out well, she could fix it over and over again without adjusting anything.

She put the cookies on a cooling rack and sat at the table to sip her coffee. All morning she’d been thinking about the neighbor ladies. How could they be so mean? Yes, children were noisy, yes, they cried, and, yes, the twins’ voices did carry on the night breezes, but that was still no reason to wish them gone. A smile teased her lips as she thought about how they would have reacted if they’d lived near her family. Her five brothers and six sisters were far from quiet.

Living out in the middle of nowhere pretty much explained why she and her sisters Sarah and Elsie had never married. There were no boys nearby to marry. Anxiety spurted through her. Had twenty-two-year-old Sarah and twenty-one-year-old Elsie been forced to answer mail-order-bride ads, too? Emily Jane hoped not, but then again, if it worked out as well for them as it had for her, maybe it would be the best thing for her sisters.

She thought over her own experience as a mail-order bride. Thanks to her father’s decision to lessen the mouths he had to feed, Emily Jane had answered an ad. She’d arrived in Granite, Texas, expecting to be courted by Levi Westland. His mother had written to Emily Jane and two other women telling them to come to Granite. She’d promised Emily Jane that if Levi didn’t choose her as his bride, then she’d help her find a husband.

Emily Jane shook her head as memories flooded her mind. She hadn’t wanted a husband then but wanted to be obedient to her father’s wishes and had come to Granite. It had been a relief when Levi had chosen Millie Hamilton as his new wife.

After Levi and Millie’s wedding, Bonnie Westland had offered to make good on her promise of a husband, but Emily Jane had assured her she was happy without one right now. Thankfully, Bonnie had understood but still assured Emily Jane that, should she change her mind, she’d be willing to help her find the perfect man. As if there were such a thing as a perfect man.

Emily Jane walked to the sink and placed her coffee cup in the hot soapy water. She hadn’t written her family since she’d arrived in Granite. The last thing she wanted was for Pa to tell her to come home and start the husband hunt all over again.

Still, she often thought about her siblings. Her sense of loss was beyond tears. She missed their laughter; she missed her sisters whispering in bed at night so as not to wake their parents. She found herself listening sometimes for their voices. And the little ones—tears welled within her eyes—how she missed cuddling their bodies close, burying her nose in their necks and smelling the powdery softness. Her lips pressed shut, so no sound would burst out. It had been a long time since she’d felt such a strong urge to cry. She straightened her shoulders and dared the tears to fall. Yes, Ruby and Rose made her homesick to see her family again, but her time of grieving the loss of her siblings was over. She’d proved adept at handling herself without any help from others and couldn’t afford to be distracted by homesickness.

Emily Jane placed the cooled cookies into the metal cookie bin and decided to work on a new batch. Cookies that were different, plus a new recipe would take her mind off family. She’d wanted to try her hand at making lemon cookies and had gotten the ingredients to try them.

A knock at the front door pulled her away from the bowl of flour. Emily Jane wiped her hands on her apron. She’d had more company in the past two days than she’d had in a month. A chuckle escaped her as she realized that that really wasn’t much company, just Mr. Barns and his nieces. Very seldom did anyone come calling during the day.

She pulled the door open and found them standing on the porch as if just by thinking their names they’d appeared. “Hello, Mr. Barns. Please come in.”

He stepped inside and inhaled. “Something sure smells good in here.”

Emily Jane grinned at the two girls looking over their uncle’s shoulder. “I just baked a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies. Would you like to try them?” Heat filled the room, making it warmer than it had been a few moments earlier, so Emily Jane left the front door open.

“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, we’d love to try them. Wouldn’t we, girls?” He followed Emily Jane into the kitchen.

“No trouble at all. I’ve been experimenting, so you’ll be the first to taste my new creation.” She took Rose from him and set her on the floor.

He set Ruby down beside her sister and frowned. “Experimenting?” William placed the girls’ bag on the floor at his feet.

Emily Jane saw the worry on his face and laughed. “Yes, experimenting. I do it all the time with cookies, cakes, bread and different kinds of pastries.” She picked up a cookie and handed it to him.

She scooped two sugar cookies from a plate on the sideboard and handed one to each of the girls. “Here you go,” Emily Jane said as their chubby little hands wrapped around the sweet treats.

Emily Jane watched William take a big bite and then close his eyes. “Well, what do you think?” The lines of concentration deepened along his brows. She waited for his reply, surprised at her feelings of uncertainty.

He swallowed and then opened eyes that brimmed with appreciation. “I think you can test your cookies out on me anytime. These are delicious.” William popped the rest of the cookie into his mouth and looked to the sideboard, where more cookies rested on various plates.

“How about some coffee to go with a small plate of cookies?” Emily Jane moved to the coffeepot and poured him a generous cup.

“Both sound wonderful.” He sat down at the table.

Emily Jane’s gaze moved to the girls, who happily nibbled at their sugar cookies. She should have set them at the table but no matter; the crumbs could be swept up after they left.

“Did you leave a couple of cookies on my door this morning for the girls?” William asked.

She nodded. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. I just wanted to make sure it was you before I let them have them.” His grin brightened his face.

Emily Jane decided not to focus on his good looks and placed several cookies onto a dessert plate. She carried them to the table and set them in front of William. “So, what brings you over? Surely it wasn’t the cookies I left for the girls.” She sat down across from him.

“Straight to the point. I like that in a woman.” He set his coffee cup down. “This morning I had a chat with the neighbor ladies.”

She looked down at the angelic faces covered in cookie crumbs. Oh, please, Lord, don’t let him be here to ask me to marry him and take care of the girls.

“And they suggested you might be interested in watching the girls while I work.” He searched her face, his eyes curiously observing. She wondered briefly what he expected her face to reveal. Emily Jane had no idea. His voice was calm and steady and gave nothing away. “This morning Mr. Moore offered me a job working in his store from ten to four every day. He suggested I find someone to watch the girls and start work this afternoon. I sort of hoped you’d be able to watch them today.”

She wanted to help him, she really did, but the thought of growing attached to the girls worried her. And how much time would they take from her experimental cooking?

“What hours did you say you would have to work?” Something in his eyes beseeched her to help.

“From ten to four.”

She found herself nodding. “I’ll help, but only until you can find someone else.”

A sweet grin split his lips, revealing straight white teeth.

“That’s all I’m asking. Thank you. I’ll be back a few minutes after four to pick them up. Thank you again.”

William hurried from the house as if he suspected she might change her mind at any moment.

As the door closed behind him, Emily Jane asked herself the hard questions. Had she done the right thing by agreeing to help him? Emily Jane knew it was the right thing to do, but was it the right thing for her? Was it possible she’d lose her heart to these darling little girls and William?

Chapter Four

Emily Jane didn’t have time to think any more about the choice she’d made in watching the girls. Rose began to cry almost as soon as the door closed behind William. She scooped down and picked up the little girl. “Now what are you fussing about? He’ll be back soon.” She patted the little girl’s back.

Thankfully, even with a wet diaper, Rose stopped her complaining and nestled close to Emily Jane. She looked down at Ruby and saw the little girl crawling toward the sitting room.

First thing she’d need to do was find a way to confine the twins to one area. Unlike their uncle, Emily Jane couldn’t hold them both at once, at least not all the time, and strapping them to a chair all afternoon wasn’t an option. “You two are lucky I have little brothers and sisters and know how to build a fun pen for you to play in.”

She set Rose down and snatched up Ruby before she could crawl from the room. Someone knocked at the front door. “Now, who do you suppose that is?” Emily Jane asked Ruby, who wiggled in her arms, trying to get down.

“Who is it?” Emily Jane called.

“Elsie Matthews, dear.”

Mrs. Matthews was a sweet woman who lived two houses down. In her late sixties, she was the least of the busybodies who lived in the neighborhood. “Come in, Mrs. Matthews. We’re in the kitchen.”

The door opened, and the older woman stepped inside. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

Emily Jane motioned her in. “Not at all. I was just figuring out how I would manage these two this afternoon. Can you stay long?”

“Long enough. What can I help you with?” She pulled her shawl from around her slight shoulders and hung it on the nearest kitchen chair.

Rose crawled over to the older woman and pulled on her skirt. “Up,” said the little girl, smiling.

Emily Jane watched as Mrs. Matthews scooped the child into her arms and tickled her belly. “So you were one of the wee folk making all that noise last night, weren’t you?”

In reply, Rose giggled.

Emily Jane carried Ruby to the center of the kitchen and set her down again. “They both need baths. Would you mind keeping an eye on them for just a second while I step out back and get the washtub?”

“Be happy to, but are you going to drag in that big tub just to give these two a bath? Wouldn’t it be easier to just wash them one at a time in the washbasin?” Mrs. Matthews placed Rose beside her sister.

Emily Jane laughed. “Yes, but the washtub will hold them both. I’m going to use it as a pen so that I can get some work done.”

“That’s an excellent idea.” Mrs. Matthews’s light auburn hair streaked with gray bobbed on the top of her head as she nodded her approval.

Emily Jane hurried to where their washtub sat by the back door. Normally they did their laundry on Saturday, so the tub would be available for the girls to play in for a couple of days yet. William should have someone else lined up to watch the girls by then.

Rose and Ruby giggled and crawled after Emily Jane. Mrs. Matthews laughed. “Oh, no, you don’t. You two have to stay and play with me for a few minutes.” She knelt down, offering her apron strings for them to pull on.

Emily Jane lugged the big tub inside. It was wooden with metal rings around the top, middle and bottom of it, the perfect size to hold two little girls. Normally Anna Mae helped her carry it inside, but since she wasn’t available and Mrs. Matthews had her hands full with the girls, Emily Jane tugged on it until she got it into the kitchen.

Mrs. Matthews hurried over. “Here, let me help you with that.”

Together they set it against the wall by the back door. “I think you might need something soft inside for them to sit and play on.”

“I’ll go get a blanket, be right back.” She hurried to her bedroom and grabbed a small nine-patch quilt from the foot of her bed. It was her reading quilt. She enjoyed curling up in it and reading her Bible before going to sleep each night.

When she returned to the kitchen, she saw that Mrs. Matthews stood holding Rose with Ruby sitting at her feet pulling at the buttons on her black shoes. “This should do it.” Emily Jane spread the quilt out in the bottom of the tub and then reached for Ruby. Mrs. Matthews added Rose.

The girls grinned up at them. They really were sweet little things. Emily Jane went to the cupboard and pulled out spoons and pans for the girls to play with.

“Would you like a cup of tea?” Emily Jane asked.

Mrs. Matthews sat down in a chair at the table. “I’d love one. And while you are making it, I’ll keep an eye on the girls. Maybe you could tell me how you ended up with these two this afternoon?”

Emily Jane nodded. “Mr. Barns, Mabel’s grandson, started work this afternoon at the general store. Some of our neighbors suggested I’d be a good person to watch them.” She poured water into a large pail for the girls’ bath and also filled the teapot.

“Oh, I’m sure they did.” Mrs. Matthews laughed. “They came over to the house this morning, complaining about the girls crying last night. You’d think they were all a hundred years old the way they gripe.”

Trying to hide a smile, Emily Jane nodded. “Yes, they came by the bakery this morning, too.”

“Meddling old hens.” Mrs. Matthews’s hazel eyes met hers. “I’m sure they had a lot to say.”

Warmth filled Emily Jane’s cheeks as she remembered them suggesting she marry William Barns and give the girls a mother. She shook her head at the memory. “Can you believe they suggested I marry him?”

“Why?” Mrs. Matthews tilted her head to the side and scrunched up her brow. “I mean, for goodness’ sake, you just met the man.”

Her expression was comical, and Emily Jane giggled. “To give his nieces a mother. They seem to think a mother would be able to stop them from crying at night.”

“That’s preposterous.” Mrs. Matthews cooed down at the twins. Emily Jane gazed at the girls, who looked so much like William. Where are their parents? she wondered. And why aren’t they taking care of the girls?

* * *

A few minutes after four that afternoon, William knocked on Emily Jane’s front door. Weariness seeped through his bones like honey from a leaky jug. Working with Mr. Moore hadn’t been hard. It was the sleepless night up with the girls. His energy level was zero and his nerves stretched tight.

She opened the door with a smile and stepped back to allow him inside. The aroma of fried ham drifted to William, reminding him he still needed to feed the girls. His stomach growled, so to cover his embarrassment, William said, “Something sure smells good in here.”

“I’m glad you think so. We saved a plate for you.” Emily Jane motioned for him to follow her.

He didn’t need to be asked twice. William shut the door and did as she bade. His gaze took in the clean kitchen and the girls.

Surrounded by blankets, they were playing in a large washtub. Their hair and faces looked freshly washed, only neither wore their ribbons. Shock filled him. How was he going to tell them apart? “Miss Rodgers, what happened to the girls’ hair ribbons?” He knew the question came out tight and sounding angry, but he couldn’t stop the feelings of confusion and fear coursing through him.

Ruby and Rose squealed with happiness at the sound of his voice. They scrambled to pull themselves up on the side of the tub. He knelt and gave them both hugs. They smelled of soft, clean powder.

“Oh, they were horrible, so I threw them out.” She pulled a covered plate from the back of the stove and turned to face him.

“I remember specifically telling you that those ribbons were the only way I could identify them. Did you forget?” As he looked into the identical faces, he felt robbed. Something important had been taken from him. How was he going to know which girl was Rose and which one was Ruby?

She set the plate down on the table. “No, I remember. But since Rose has a birthmark behind her right knee, I didn’t think you’d mind me throwing out the ribbons. They were pretty ragged, and I plan to replace them. I just haven’t had time yet.”

William picked up the little girl closest to him and looked at her leg. How had he missed the small brown mark that looked like an ant behind her knee? He should have seen it. Maybe the girls did need a woman’s care. He kissed Rose on the cheek and then put her back into the tub. “No, that won’t be necessary.”

Ruby extended her arms, reaching for William to give her a cuddle and kiss, too. He obliged by picking her up and kissing her soft cheek. She giggled.

When William set her back down, he noticed two colorful cloth balls in the tub with them. Picking one up, he said, “These are pretty.”

Emily Jane poured a glass of water and set it beside his plate. “Mrs. Matthews, another one of our neighbors, brought those by earlier for the girls. You should come eat this before it gets cold.”

William gave the ball to Rose and stood. “I appreciate all you’ve done for the girls today.”

“It wasn’t much.”

He laughed. “You gave them a bath. That’s huge. I put off doing that until I can’t stand the smell anymore. They are a handful at bath time.” William sat down and lifted the cover from his plate of fried ham, mashed potatoes and green beans.

Her gentle laugh had his gaze moving to her face. “Well, that explains a lot.”

William laughed with her and then offered a quick grace before forking a chunk of ham and chomping into it. “You know, if you keep feeding us, I’m going to have to pay for my meals here, too.”

Rose chose that moment to fuss. She was tired of being in the tub. Emily Jane walked over and picked her up. “Shhhh, little one, Anna Mae has a headache. We don’t want to wake her, do we?” She leaned the little girl against her shoulder and rubbed her back.

“I’m awake,” Anna Mae said as she entered the room. She smiled at William and the girls on her way to the coffeepot. “I think my headache has about run its course.” She poured a cup of the fragrant liquid.

Emily Jane smiled. “I’m glad.”

Anna Mae returned to the table and sat down. “How was your first day at work, Mr. Barns?” She took a sip and studied him over the rim of her cup.

William sat up a little straighter in his chair. He cleared his throat before saying, “I believe it went well. Wilson says I’m a natural.”

Anna Mae nodded. “I’m sure you are. Isn’t today the day that supplies arrive from Austin?” she asked, still keeping her gaze locked on him.

“Yes, ma’am. It is.”

Anna Mae grinned across at him. “Please, there are no ma’ams here. Call me Miss Anna Mae, and you may address Emily Jane as Miss Emily Jane. I believe that is formal enough for around town and here at home. Don’t you, Emily Jane?”

“That will be fine.”

William nodded his agreement. He could tell by the stiffness in her voice that Emily Jane wasn’t pleased with him calling her by her given name but that she’d complied out of politeness.

“Now that that is settled, would you mind telling us what arrived from Austin today?” Anna Mae asked, setting her cup down.

Ruby had been left out of the conversation long enough. She squealed, letting them know she too wanted out of the tub.

William rose to get her.

Anna Mae waved him back into his seat. “I’ll get her. Please, continue eating and tell us all about your day.”

William did as Anna Mae requested. He found the schoolteacher to be a delight. She seemed truly interested in his everyday goings-on, and Ruby cuddled close to her as if they were meant to be together. Of the two ladies, Anna Mae might be a better choice for the girls as a new mother. Even so, he didn’t feel the same attraction toward her as he did with Emily Jane. That line of thinking was dangerous. William focused on his food.

He finished his meal as quickly as possible and then stood to leave. “Thank you for dinner and taking care of the girls today, Miss Emily Jane.” William picked up the girls’ bag. “Tomorrow Mr. Moore and I are going to put up a poster announcing that I need someone to watch the girls. Do you mind taking care of them one more day?” While he talked, William dug around the blankets in the tub.

Emily Jane handed Rose to Anna Mae and then picked up his dirty dishes. “That will be fine.” She stopped and watched him for a moment. “What are you looking for?”

He straightened and said, “The girls’ stuffed animals.”

She carried the plate, silverware and cup to the dish tub. “They are still in your bag.” Emily Jane poured more hot water over the dishes.

William turned with a frown on his face. “Then how did you get them to take their afternoon nap? They can’t sleep without their toys.”

Emily Jane turned with a sweet smile. “They didn’t take an afternoon nap.”

As if to confirm her words, Rose yawned. Ruby followed suit. The little girl snuggled closer to Anna Mae.

“No nap?” William couldn’t believe it. Over the past few weeks, he’d taken to putting the girls down for an hour or more every morning and again in the afternoon so that he could get some much-needed rest, too.

She shook her head. “No nap.”

“Why not?” William asked.

Anna Mae answered. “So that they will sleep tonight.” She stood and handed a very sleepy Ruby to William and Rose over to Emily Jane.

“And they didn’t fuss?” he asked as Ruby cuddled up against his shoulder.

Emily Jane wiped her free hand off on her apron. “No, they were too busy playing with Mrs. Matthews and sampling cookies. Tomorrow we’ll start with a short nap in the afternoon and then see how well they sleep. But for tonight you should have no trouble whatsoever getting them to sleep the night through.” She smiled at Rose, who stared back at her with big blue eyes.

Baffled at how easily Emily Jane seemed to have taken care of his nieces, William patted Ruby on the back. He did like the idea of them sleeping all night.

Anna Mae shook her head. “My head is beginning to ache again. Emily Jane will help you get home.”

“That isn’t necessary.” William walked to Emily Jane with the idea of taking Rose into his free arm.

Rose curled up against Emily Jane’s chest. “Nonsense. It won’t take me a minute to walk over and lay her down.” Emily Jane’s face softened as the little girl closed her eyes and stuck her thumb into her mouth.

He nodded. “All right.” William followed her as she led the way across the kitchen, through the sitting room and outside. Her light blue skirt swished against the wooden porch steps as she descended.

“It’s a lovely evening.” Her soft voice floated back to him much like the fireflies that buzzed about the yard.

A cool breeze brushed across his cheeks, bringing with it the ever-present scents of cinnamon and sugar. He inhaled. “It sure is.”

They walked side by side to his house. His house. Six months ago, William wouldn’t have thought he’d be in Granite, Texas. Sorrow hit him full in the chest. If he’d known six months ago that both his sister and his grandmother would be gone, he’d have spent more time with them and less time trying to build a business.

“So far, spring is my favorite season in Texas.” Emily Jane pulled him from his sad thoughts.

He slipped around her and opened the door. “I take it you aren’t from around here?” William stepped back so that she could slip past him.

“No, I grew up in Kansas.” She walked back to the bedroom and laid Rose down in one of the cradles.

William placed Ruby into the other. Both girls curled up and closed their eyes. He was amazed at how quickly they went down.

William asked, “When was the last time they were changed?” William hated asking such a delicate question, but the thought of them, their bedding and their toys being wet in the morning didn’t appeal to him. He’d rather change them now and not have to deal with the mess later.

A dimple in her right cheek winked up at him as she grinned. “Right before you arrived. They should stay dry for the rest of the night. I doubled their diapers just in case they fell asleep before you got them home.” She walked toward the bedroom door.

Why hadn’t he thought of doing that at night? Emily Jane truly was a woman who knew how to take care of children. He followed her from the room and then gently shut the door behind them.

Emily Jane continued toward the front door. She stepped out on the porch. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thank you again.” William leaned against the doorjamb and watched her hurry back to her house. She really was a pretty little thing, red hair, green eyes and that cute dimple that had made its appearance tonight. Given enough time, would Miss Emily Jane change her mind and be interested in taking on a more permanent position watching his nieces?

Chapter Five

The next morning as he entered The Bakery, William marveled at the fact that both girls had slept through the night. He carried them to the nearest table and sat down. Aware of several sets of eyes upon them, he sighed. People were forever staring at him and the twins. He wasn’t sure if it was because it was uncommon to see a man with two little girls alone or if it was because the girls were twins.

“Good morning. You must be William Barns.” William looked up into the face of a smiling woman. “My name is Violet Atwood. What can I get for you and these two darlings this morning?” Violet’s hazel eyes studied him with a curious intensity.

Had Emily Jane mentioned him and the girls? Was that how Violet Atwood knew of them? Or had others been talking about him? His thoughts went to the group of ladies who’d spoken to him the day before. Now there definitely was the possibility that they had mentioned them.

He realized that Miss Atwood was waiting to take his order. William cleared his throat before saying, “Good morning. I’d like a cup of coffee for myself and a slice of bread for the girls. Nothing too sweet.” William didn’t mention that the cookies he’d given them for breakfast already had them squirmier than two playful puppies. He looked down at his nieces.

Rose was attempting to grab Ruby. Ruby pulled against his arm to get at the salt and pepper shakers on the table. It was all he could do to hold on to the two wiggling girls. He sighed.

“Be right back with your order.”

He nodded and tightened his grip on the children. His gaze followed Violet Atwood about the room. Her graying brown hair had been piled up onto the top of her head. Miss Atwood wore a brown day dress with a white apron that covered her ample stomach. William wasn’t sure about her age but was impressed with the way she zipped about the tables, refilling coffee cups and then hurrying back to the front of the bakery, where he could see her laying out slices of bread on a plate and pouring his cup of coffee.

She seemed to be the only one working in the small establishment. Had Emily Jane already finished for the day? He’d hoped to see her this morning.

Ruby knocked the salt over, and Rose kicked her feet with joy at the sight. The two girls giggled, bringing more attention from the other diners. William righted the saltshaker and pushed a little farther away from the table.

“I imagine those two keep you pretty busy.” Violet set the plate of bread and coffee on the opposite side of the table out of Rose and Ruby’s reach. “I have just what you need to be able to eat and drink in comfort. Be right back.”

William didn’t have time to comment as she whirled around and headed through a small side door that he’d assumed earlier led to the kitchen. Both Rose and Ruby were pulling against his arm to get to the plate of bread. He wished he had some form of harness to put on the little girls. William both dreaded and welcomed the day they’d be able to walk and sit in a chair on their own.

The sound of wood bumping against wood drew his attention back to the side door. He could see Violet wrestling with something and then heard Emily Jane’s soft voice. “Here, let me help you with that, Violet.” Emily Jane came through the door and held it open for the older woman.

“Oh, thank you, Emily Jane. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Emily Jane’s teasing laughter and words floated to him. “Learn to prop the door open before trying to force a high chair through it?”

Violet giggled like a schoolgirl. “I suppose so. Now, get out of my way so that I can get this to our customers.”

Emily Jane turned around. Her big green eyes settled on William and the little girls. He wondered if she’d be upset that he’d brought them to her place of work; after all, she’d seen quite a bit of them since they’d arrived.

A smile brought the dimple in her cheek out of hiding as she followed Violet to their table. “Good morning, Mr. Barns.” Emily Jane reached for Rose, who at the moment was pulling on the tablecloth, inching the bread and coffee closer with each tug.

He handed his niece over. “Good morning to you, too.” William turned his attention to the high chair. It stood about thirty-five inches tall with a dark varnish over red with stenciled white flowers on the wide headrest. “I wish I had brought one of those from Mary’s house. It sure would have made things easier at home.”

Violet finished making sure it was secure and motioned for Emily Jane to place the little girl inside. “You can always stop by Levi Westland’s furniture store and see if he has any more available. He made this one special for the bakery.” She ran her hand over the pinewood.

“That’s a splendid idea.” William grinned up at her. Rose banged her small hands against the wooden tray in front of her. Ruby tried to do the same to the table but William moved her to his other side, farther away from her target.

“Emily Jane, are you going over to the general store on your way home today?” Violet asked as she placed a bit of bread into Rose’s hand. She handed the other half to Ruby.

Emily Jane nodded. “Want me to pick up something for you?”

While Ruby’s hands were full of bread, William reached for his coffee. Maybe now was the time to go to the general store, too. He needed to replenish his grandmother’s cupboards, and if Emily Jane was going and had any suggestions on what he’d need, he’d welcome them.

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble. We could use more coffee.” Violet patted Rose on the head.

“No trouble at all.” Emily Jane smiled at her boss.

William jumped into the conversation. “Well, speaking of trouble, I’m not sure what to pick up to replenish Grams’s cupboards. Would you mind if the girls and I tagged along with you?” He sipped his coffee and watched her over the rim of his cup.

For a brief moment, Emily Jane looked as if she were going to refuse his request. Her gaze moved from him to the girls. He suspected it was the way the girls were gobbling their bread, as if they’d not eaten all morning, that persuaded her to agree. “I’ll be happy to help you find what you need.” She turned toward the kitchen, untying her apron strings as she left the table. “Let me finish up in the kitchen. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“Take your time.” William smiled into his cup. So far the day was turning out quite nicely. The girls had slept in; he’d managed to have a cup of coffee, and now Miss Emily Jane was going with them to the general store. She’d know what he’d need for the house and the girls. His mood turned a bit somber as the familiar feelings of insecurity attacked him. There was so much he didn’t know about the care and future of little girls. Which, if he were truthful, was why he’d ended up at The Bakery today anyway. He’d forgotten to replenish the cupboards. Anyone else would have remembered that babies needed to be fed as soon as they arose in the mornings, but, no, he hadn’t even thought of it.

And their clothes. He continued the self-incriminating examination. Who would change a baby’s diaper without getting the needed items first? He’d changed Ruby this morning and forgotten the clean diaper. He shifted nervously in his seat, assailed by a terrible sense of helplessness. He ate a slice of the bread and finished his coffee.

“I’m sorry. That took a little longer than I’d anticipated.” Emily Jane breezed back in as swiftly as she had left. Her gaze moved to the girls. “Are we ready to go?” she asked, smiling at the girls.

“We’re ready.” William stood. The soft scent of cinnamon teased his nose as Emily Jane bent over and lifted Rose from the chair. “I thought you had escaped out the back door so you wouldn’t have to be troubled by us today,” he teased.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft and clear. “I couldn’t leave till I cleaned up the mess I made. Violet works the crowd alone when I’m gone, and the added work would not have been fair.”

Her face was full of strength, shining with a steadfast and serene peace. He realized that he felt hope when he was around her. Things didn’t look so bleak. She laughed softly at Rose’s gaze of happiness when she kissed her on the neck, eliciting soft giggles from the child. Suddenly the morning seemed to be going splendidly.

William turned toward the door without waiting for her to follow. He felt totally bewildered by his behavior. First he was sad at the loss of his family, then happy at having Emily Jane enter his life, then uncertain how to deal with the girls and his slight attraction to Emily Jane. What on earth had caused this tumble of confused thoughts and feelings?

Not since he was a kid had a woman caused so many conflicting emotions. And he’d just met this one. Maybe he was turning into a ninny. A setting hen. It had to be because he’d been taking care of babies. That had to be it. Everyone turned to mush around them. He clenched his jaw and imposed an iron control over his thoughts. Enough. He needed a little time away from Emily Jane to remind himself that she had no power to change him. She did not hold the key to his happiness, nor his thought process. And contrary to what the little old ladies in this town thought, he was not going to marry her only to have his heart broken when she decided that taking care of Rose and Ruby was too much work.

Chapter Six

Emily Jane enjoyed the walk to the store. Rose giggled as they strolled. The twin pointed at a little boy and his dog as they ran across the street. Ruby giggled along with her while William strode in silence. She couldn’t help but wonder if he regretted inviting her along. His brows were pulled into an affronted frown, and a muscle flicked in his jaw. She didn’t know him well enough, so she couldn’t decide if he was angry or contemplating some deep subject.

The bell jingled overhead as he held the door open for her. She stepped inside the store and waited for a few seconds to give her eyes a moment to adjust. The wonderful scents of spices and leather filled her senses.

Carolyn Moore stood behind the counter. “Emily Jane, how good to see you.” She walked over to where they stood. “Who is this cute little girl?” Carolyn asked, touching Rose’s arm.

Rose tucked her thumb in her mouth and laid her head on Emily Jane’s shoulder. She pressed her body as close to Emily Jane’s as she could. For a brief moment, protectiveness rose in Emily Jane. She realized how foolish that was, considering the store owner was a good friend and would never hurt the child.

“This is Miss Rose.” Emily Jane smiled at them both.

Carolyn laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Rose.” She turned her attention to William and the child he carried. “And who might this be?”

When William didn’t answer but stood with his mouth twisted in a wry smile at Carolyn’s teasing, Emily Jane answered. “That is Miss Ruby.” Carolyn knew who both girls were, of course, but knew the method of pretend surprise would make the girls feel more comfortable. She was an old hand at winning children over.

“Well, hello, Miss Ruby.” Carolyn laughed. “My, aren’t we all being so formal today?” She waved her hand in front of her face much like Emily Jane assumed a woman of wealth would wave a fan.

Carolyn’s laughter was contagious, and soon Emily Jane’s, Ruby’s and Rose’s giggles joined in. William stared at them all as if they’d lost their minds. Emily Jane couldn’t help but laugh harder, looking into his bemused face.

Mr. Carlson, Carolyn’s elderly father, called from the back of the store. “Women sure are a funny breed. William, come on back here and let the women get their cackling done.” He busily set up a checkerboard that was his constant companion.

“I’d love to, Phillip, but I need to get some shopping done before I return to work here in a bit,” William called back to him.

Emily Jane enjoyed the way his voice rose to answer the other man. It was loud enough to be heard but not booming like her father’s. So far there wasn’t much she’d found dislikable about the man. From his beautiful blue eyes to his full lips. He carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence, and yet there were times when he appeared so vulnerable.

Reining in her wayward thoughts, Emily Jane pulled her gaze from his handsome face and looked to Carolyn. Being caught staring at William caused heat to travel into Emily Jane’s cheeks. She quickly blurted out, “Violet asked me to pick up some coffee for her, too.”

The other woman grinned and nodded. “I’ll have Amos run it over. He’s been pestering us for a job this morning. We use him as needed to run deliveries for us, so he’ll be happy for the work. I told him to come back in a bit, so he should return soon.”

Emily Jane dug into her purse and pulled out a coin. “Would you make sure he gets this for helping me out?” She handed the money over with a smile and prayer that Carolyn would forget whatever thoughts she had about her and Mr. Barns. Amos and his mother could use the extra coinage, and Emily Jane was always happy to find a way to assist them. “Also, tell him to stop by the house when he gets done.”

Carolyn looked at her with a quizzical expression. “We’re paying him, Emily Jane.”

Relief washed over Emily Jane that Carolyn seemed to be distracted now. “I know, but I want to make sure he knows he’s appreciated.” And that was the truth. Amos worked hard to help his ma out, and he was growing into a fine young man. For that Emily Jane was grateful.

An understanding glance passed between them before Carolyn tucked the money into her apron pocket and turned her attention to William. “Now, do you need any help with your shopping, Mr. Barns? I know you know where everything is, but with these two sweeties, I’m not sure you will be able to gather up what you came for. If you’d like, I could take your list and gather your supplies for you.”

William shook his head. “No, thank you. I’m sure there are more things I’ll need that I forgot to put on the list. Luckily, Miss Emily Jane has agreed to help me with the girls, so I should be able to manage for now.”

Emily Jane nodded. “I’m going to pick up a few spices, too.” She noticed a small wagon sitting beside the door. It had tall railings on each side and the back. Emily Jane pointed at it. “Carolyn, may we use that wagon?”

“Oh, yes. Of course.”

She carried Rose to the wagon and set her inside. “Look, Rose. Want to ride?”

The little girl giggled and kicked her small legs. Emily Jane picked up the long handle and pulled Rose to William and Ruby.

“What a great idea.” He put Ruby down beside her sister. The two girls laughed and banged against the wagon’s sides. He dug inside the bag he had flung over his shoulder and gave both the girls their stuffed animals.

“Those should keep them busy while we get our shopping done.” William made his way to the sugar and flour barrels. He pulled a sack from the pile and began filling it with sugar.

She heard him humming as he scooped the white granules into the bag. Emily Jane looked back at the girls, who seemed content to slap at each other with their toys and giggle. Experience with her siblings told her the girls wouldn’t be content long. She hurried to help William complete his shopping so that she could get on with her own.

For the next thirty minutes, Emily Jane and William piled merchandise on the front counter while the children played in the wagon. She helped him pick out canned goods that the girls could eat, as well as breakfast foods such as eggs and salt pork.

Emily Jane looked at the mountain of supplies and decided that his basic shopping was complete. William had moved to the men’s department, which consisted of ready-made shirts, pants and boots.

Happy to have his shopping done, she turned her attention to the fabric and ribbons. Emily Jane chose yellow and green ribbons to replace the girls’ bows. Impulsively, she added matching yellow and green fabric. The girls needed new dresses, and since she was good friends with Susanna Marsh, the local dressmaker, Emily Jane decided to add those to William’s pile.

Next, Emily Jane walked to the wall of spices. She needed baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger to resupply her baking cabinet at home. Thankfully, Levi Westland, the owner of The Bakery, had agreed to let her have a running tab at the general store so that she could practice making various sweet breads, tarts, pies, cakes and cookies for the eatery or she would not have been able to afford all the wonderful seasonings.

Someday she’d have her own bakery. It would be as big as The Bakery and would have round tables with blue-checkered tablecloths. She’d pay extra for a large glass window so that people passing by could see inside. And she’d also find a way for the smell of her freshly baked goods to vent outside and entice passersby to come inside.

The recipes she created each day and passed on to The Bakery were hers, and someday she’d be making them in her own store. She’d need to move from Granite, so that she wouldn’t be in competition with Mr. Westland and Violet. Moving was not something she looked forward to doing. Emily Jane frowned, as she wondered once again where she would go.

Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.

Текст предоставлен ООО «ЛитРес».

Прочитайте эту книгу целиком, купив полную легальную версию на ЛитРес.

Безопасно оплатить книгу можно банковской картой Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, со счета мобильного телефона, с платежного терминала, в салоне МТС или Связной, через PayPal, WebMoney, Яндекс.Деньги, QIWI Кошелек, бонусными картами или другим удобным Вам способом.