Wanted: Convenient Wife

When preacher Hugh Arness advertises for a marriage of convenience, the single father’s not expecting Annie Marshall to apply. She’s too vivacious—and far too pretty. Yet Annie connects with his withdrawn young son, Evan, and he agrees to a trial period—which her grandfather will chaperone—until Christmas. By then he’ll have found a candidate who doesn’t make him long for more than he feels worthy of...

Security and her own home...Annie wants both, without the heartache love brings. Soon she’s earning little Evan’s trust, eager to show his papa that their partnership can work. She knows that Hugh needs tenderness, too. And maybe this Christmas could mark the end of their practical arrangement...and the start of a true union and real family.

“I’m here in response to your ad. I’ll take care of Evan and your house. By the end of four weeks you’ll see you couldn’t do better.”

“But you could do better.” That’s what had Hugh so confused. “Better than a man eight years your senior with a four-year-old boy who might never get over the way he’s been treated.”

Annie’s eyebrows arched as if surprised by his statement.

He hurried on. “You’re young. You’re beautiful.”

She blinked rapidly and gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. Did she not believe him on the latter observation?

“I’d like to know why you are so set on such an arrangement.” He meant the marriage she so stubbornly sought. And why was he resisting her offer so vehemently? Because of the very things he’d told her. She deserved better than an older man with a troubled child.

All he wanted was to be enough for his son and for that he needed a helpmate. One who wouldn’t regret her choice and perhaps run off with someone younger and more suitable as soon she discovered she could do better and he had no doubt Annie would soon discover that.

Dear Reader,

I had such fun writing Annie and Hugh’s story. I loved bringing these two reluctant, wary people together. They were a perfect match for each other even if they were the last people to discover it. Annie is such a loving, giving person. Watching her make Christmas special for her new family made me realize yet again how much I enjoy Christmas—not necessarily the gifts but the special things we do to create long-lasting memories. I hope you find joy in the season. God’s gift to us is the reason for the season and the source of real joy. May His love and presence bless you.

You can learn more about my upcoming books and how to contact me at www.lindaford.org. I love to hear from my readers.

Blessings,

Linda Ford

LINDA FORD lives on a ranch in Alberta, Canada, near enough to the Rocky Mountains that she can enjoy them on a daily basis. She and her husband raised fourteen children—four homemade, ten adopted. She currently shares her home and life with her husband, a grown son, a live-in paraplegic client and a continual (and welcome) stream of kids, kids-in-law, grandkids, and assorted friends and relatives.

Montana Bride by Christmas

Linda Ford

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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We love him, because he first loved us.

—1 John 4:19

Dedicated to the reason for the season:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

—Isaiah 9:6

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

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

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Bella Creek, Montana, winter 1890

Annie Marshall shook the sheet of paper. “Mr. Arness—I’m sorry, Preacher Arness—I’m here to apply for this position.”

Hugh Arness did his best to deliver God’s word every Sunday, and on numerous occasions between Sundays he faithfully helped those in need. At the moment he was the one in need of help but Annie Marshall was not the person to fill that need. “How old are you, Miss Marshall?”

“I’m nineteen but I’ve been looking after my brothers, my father, my grandfather and until recently, my niece since I was fourteen. I think I can manage to look after one four-year-old boy.”

That might be so and he would have agreed in any other case but this four-year-old was his son Evan, and Annie Marshall simply did not suit. She was too young. Too idealistic. Too fond of fun.

She flipped the paper back and forth, her eyes narrowed as if she meant to call him to task. He’d seen her reaction to things before. A little fireball was not what Evan needed. He’d also witnessed her riding about with her friend Carly Morrison. They were a wild pair who seemed to think they could do as they pleased.

“Are you going back on your word?” she insisted, edging closer.

Hugh was grateful for the wide desk between them. He glanced out the window. Her grandfather, Allan Marshall, whom most people called Grandfather Marshall, sat in the wagon waiting for Annie to complete her business. Poor man must be cold out there but he was too crippled to get down by himself and seek shelter indoors.

Hugh turned back to the girl opposite him. “I’ve not given my word to anything.” He meant to point out leaving her grandfather outside in the winter wind did little to prove she was as capable as she wanted him to believe but before he could, she read aloud the words he’d so carefully penned.

“‘Widower with four-year-old son seeking a marriage of convenience. Prefer someone older with no expectations of romance.

I’m kind and trustworthy.

My son needs lots of patience and affection.

Interested parties please see Preacher Arness at the church.’”

“I’m applying,” Annie said with conviction and challenge.

“You’re too young and...” He couldn’t think how to voice his objections without sounding unkind, and having just stated the opposite in his little ad, he chose to say nothing.

Her eyes—blue eyes like her three brothers—narrowed. She had blond hair like her brothers too. And she was tall like them, but completely feminine. He pushed aside that foolish thought. He didn’t need or want anyone that made him aware of such things. No sir. At twenty-seven, he was admittedly jaded but he wanted nothing to do with romance and love. His wife leaving him had taught him the foolishness of expecting such stuff.

“Are you saying I’m unsuitable?” She spoke with all the authority one might expect from a Marshall...but not from a woman trying to convince him to let her take care of his son.

He met her challenging look with calm indifference. Unless she meant to call on her three brothers and her father and grandfather to support her cause, he had nothing to fear from her. To answer her question, yes. Had he not seen her and her friend racing through the streets, seemingly unmindful of those in the way? Hadn’t he heard her father complain that she left them to fend for themselves on many a Sunday? No. He needed someone less likely to chase after excitement and adventure. She’d certainly find none here as the preacher’s wife.

“I would never say such a thing but like the ad says, Evan needs a mature woman.” And he’d settle for a plain one, and especially a docile one.

“From what I hear, he needs someone who understands his fears.” She leaned back as if that settled it.

He wondered what she’d heard and from whom, but living in a small town and being the preacher made it impossible to keep anything hidden. “It sounds like you think you would be that person.” He kept his tone moderate even though the girl was starting to get on his already tense nerves. “What would you know about being abandoned?”

“My mother died when I was younger. I’d venture to say I might know how little Evan feels.”

“There’s a whole lot more to it than that.” Hugh had come to Bella Creek in the spring to find his son. It had taken him several months to locate him. He couldn’t begin to guess what had happened to the boy since Hugh’s wife had disappeared with him eighteen months ago. He’d learned she had died months ago and he had frantically searched for his son until he located him a few days ago.

“I found him in a home where he was treated like an animal.” His throat tightened and he couldn’t go on.

Annie’s eyes clouded. “Poor little boy.”

“In many ways he acts like an animal.”

“Can’t hardly blame him, can you?”

No, he couldn’t but after meeting Evan, the only other women who had come in response to his ad had hurried away, no longer interested in marrying the preacher. There weren’t many eligible women in the area so he’d sent notices to papers in several cities. But it would take time for a reply to come from any interested parties. And would their interest wane once they met Evan?

In order to conduct this futile interview with Annie, he’d left Evan with the elderly woman who normally came in several times a week to cook and clean for him. Evan had been sitting in the corner with a bowl of mashed potatoes in the circle formed by his folded legs. From the far room came the sound of crockery breaking and Mrs. Ross shrieking a protest.

“You’ll have to excuse me.” Hugh leaped to his feet and hurried through the open door, across the sitting room and into the kitchen.

Evan stood facing Mrs. Ross, his eyes wide, his mouth a grimace far too like a snarl for Hugh’s peace of mind. A shattered dish lay between them.

Mrs. Ross flung about at Hugh’s approach. “He slapped the bowl out of my hands.” She backed away from Evan. “Hugh, I’ll clean your house. I’ll make your meals. But I’m sorry, I can’t handle this child of yours.” She looked about ready to weep.

Hugh patted her back. “I understand.”

The distraught woman grabbed her thick woolen shawl and hurried out the back door.

“Hmm. Looks like you need someone immediately.” Uninvited, Annie had followed him.

He would not look at her...would not let her see how desperation sent spasms through his jaw muscles. How was he to care for his son? Would the boy ever recover from his state?

Somehow Grandfather Marshall had managed to get down from the wagon despite his crippled state and hobbled into the kitchen, his canes thudding against the floor.

“Annie, you listen to me,” he said with some authority.

Hugh hid a grin. The elder Marshall ruled his family and half the territory.

Annie jammed her fists on her hips and glowered at her grandfather. “How’d you get down?”

“Called to the blacksmith to help me. I had to talk sense to you. Marriage is not a business deal. Whatever reason causes a man and woman to get hitched, it’s forever. Forget this foolish advertisement for a marriage of convenience and let’s get home before winter sets into my bones and I freeze into a solid block.” He turned back toward the outer door.

Annie didn’t move. Didn’t give any indication she’d even heard his remarks. Instead she lowered her arms, tucked them into her skirt and looked at Evan.

Hugh’s eyebrows rose a fraction of an inch. The girl must be the only one within the whole of Montana who dared ignore the old man. A young lady who wouldn’t heed the directions of someone in authority. It further reinforced his opinion that she was unsuitable.

Evan huddled in the corner, his eyes wide as he watched the adults. No doubt he wondered what they would do that involved him.

“Well,” Annie said after a few seconds of silent study between the two. “Looks like someone should sweep up the mess.” She spied the broom behind the stove, swept up the broken dish and looked about for a place to dispose of it.

Hugh sprang forward, holding the ash bucket and she dumped the debris into it.

The look she gave him was part pity, part curiosity and all challenging. Before he could think how to divert her from her goal, she shifted her attention to Evan.

She squatted down to the boy’s eye level, keeping far enough away not to frighten him. “It’s okay, Evan. It was an accident. No one is cross with you.” She waited a moment then slowly straightened and brought that determined blue gaze back to Hugh.

“You need someone. It might as well be me.”

Her grandfather banged one of his canes on the floor. “I forbid it.”

“No need, sir,” Hugh said. “I’ve already told her no.”

Annie shook her head. “What about Evan? Who is going to look after him while you do whatever it is preachers do?”

He resisted an urge to list all the things preachers do but she was right. He couldn’t prepare a sermon, visit the shut-ins and the ill, listen to people’s worries in his office or even read his Bible if he had to constantly wonder about Evan and keep an eye on him. God, I beg You. Send me someone to help with Evan. Knowing God understood his heart, he didn’t bother to add, someone older, less attractive, less likely to want a life of adventure...or at the very least...less likely to want courting and all that went with that.

He leaned to one side to watch the door to his office, fully expecting it would open and the perfect solution to his problem would step inside.

“I have the perfect solution,” Annie said.

Hugh did not share her opinion.

Her grandfather thumped his cane again. “Forget this nonsense and take me home.”

She shook her head. “Grandfather, I’m pretty sure that Conner and Kate would prefer to have the house to themselves.”

Her words caught Hugh’s interest. He’d married her brother Conner and his wife Kate a few months ago. They’d adopted the baby that had been left on Conner’s doorstep, spent a few months in a cabin and then had moved into the big ranch house. It seemed Annie was feeling like an extra spoke in a crowded wheel.

She went on facing Hugh with what appeared to be patience and a whole lot of determination. “Here’s what I propose. Give me four weeks to prove I can handle the job. If you aren’t satisfied I’ll leave. If I prove I can handle the task, then I expect you to honor your offer.”

Why was she so desperate for a marriage that he’d clearly indicated would not be a love arrangement? What sort of whim or desire to prove something drove her to seek this position? How long before she changed her mind and chased after another fancy?

“Annie,” her grandfather bellowed. “I will not allow it. You can’t live in the house with a man you aren’t married to.”

She smiled sweetly at him. “I expect you to live here too.”

The old man blinked, opened his mouth and closed it, then sank to the nearest chair and leaned over his canes. “You are determined to do this, aren’t you?”

She nodded.

“Then I might as well stop arguing. But it still depends on Hugh’s agreement. What do you say?”

* * *

Annie waited for Preacher Hugh’s reaction. He was a big man, with strong features. At the moment, his expression was troubled but she knew he had deep dimples when he smiled and his smile was beautiful. His dark brown hair was rumpled, his dark brown eyes troubled as if worried how he would cope with his young son. As she’d said, her suggestion was the perfect solution. After four weeks he’d be used to her and have learned to appreciate all she could do. Then they’d marry. A marriage of convenience would give her a home without any risk to her heart. One thing she’d learned in her—according to Hugh’s opinion—few short years, was that it hurt to care. People, pets, everything either died or left, and when they did, a part of her heart fractured off and lay dying. Her mother’s death had ripped a huge hole in her heart. Her brothers had married and she rejoiced for them but it made her feel lonely. Her pa had left to see more of the West. Said he’d always wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. She hoped he enjoyed his travels but for her, it was another goodbye.

And don’t get her started about how easily beaus left. Rudy Ryman had taught her that lesson very well. She’d been foolish enough to unreservedly give him her heart. Not even her family realized how thoroughly she’d loved that scoundrel...or imagined she had. It still hurt to recall how easily he’d left when he decided he would sooner live a life of adventure than share his life with her.

Besides, no matter what Kate and Conner said, she and Grandfather were in the way.

She’d admired Hugh from afar from the day he arrived in Bella Creek, drawn to his unwavering determination to find his son and to his kind but challenging words on Sunday morning. He was a man she could trust to keep his word. A marriage based on mutual needs was perfect for her. She had no intention of ever again giving her heart to a man.

She swung her gaze toward Evan. Poor little boy. She could feel the fear coming from him. It rivaled the sour smell of him. He needed clean clothes and a good bath. She tucked a smile away as she imagined Mrs. Ross trying to bathe him. The little guy had a feral look to him. Had Hugh tried to get Evan near water and clean clothes?

Hugh still hadn’t given his answer and she shifted her attention to him, amused at the desperate look in his eyes that she guessed he tried vainly to hide.

“Four weeks?” he asked, his voice full of doubt and regret.

She nodded.

“Or until I find someone more...”

She knew he meant to say more suitable but he quickly changed his mind at the way she silently challenged him. How dare he consider her less than ideal! Why she could out-bake, out-clean, out-take-care-of anyone in the entire West.

“More mature,” he substituted with a little cough.

She raised her eyebrows. “I hope they don’t break down the door in their urgency.”

A flicker in his eyes informed her that he understood her little sarcasm. After all, how many unmarried young women were there in the wild West of Montana? A worrisome thought raised its head. She could think of two spinsters in Bella Creek area. Had they seen the ad? How far abroad had he sent the ad for a wife? Well, she was here and not anyone else and in the weeks they agreed to she would prove herself so invaluable he would never want her to leave.

Hugh shifted his attention to Grandfather. “And you’re willing to stay here?”

Grandfather nodded. “Wouldn’t want her reputation ruined.” The men studied each other, some sort of agreement forming.

Annie resisted rolling her eyes. What was it about men that they thought they could hide their feelings from her...from any woman for that matter? As plain as the nose on either of the male faces she knew they both thought she would get this out of her system and they could all get back to their ordinary lives.

She could have informed them it wouldn’t be that simple. She had no intention of staying at the ranch and becoming the spinster sister that everyone endured and pitied. She could almost hear the whispers of her brothers and their wives. Can’t you take her for a few months? She’s been with us long enough.

Hugh turned to his son. “You think you can deal with him?”

Annie smiled at Evan. “What do you think, Evan? Can you and I get along?”

For an answer, he sank to the floor and pulled into the corner as far as he could. He wasn’t ready to trust her nor should he. For all he knew, she meant him harm and not good. It was up to her to prove otherwise.

“We’ll get along just fine.” She spoke as much to Evan as to Hugh.

Hugh rubbed at his chin and sighed. “I’m desperate enough to accept your offer.”

“Try not to fall all over yourself in gratitude.”

He had the grace to look embarrassed. “I’m grateful and desperate.”

She had the grace to overlook his predicament. “Grandfather, we need to return to the ranch and get our things.” She studied the weary old man. “Actually why don’t you stay here and get to know Evan while I get our things?”

Grandfather gave her a grateful smile. “Don’t mind saying that’s the best offer I’ve had in a long time. That cold is bitter.”

“I’ll be back.” She looked around her at the unwashed dishes Mrs. Ross had left in her hurry to escape the frightened boy in the corner. “I’ll take care of things when I return.” She hurried outside. Winter afternoons were short and she had to pack up enough to last her and Grandfather a few weeks and get back to town before the cold deepened as darkness settled in. She could arrange for her other things to be delivered after she and Hugh were married.

Her jaw muscles twitched. She liked the preacher just fine. A marriage to him would suit her. A home and a family of her own without the risk of opening her heart.

She ignored the blaring warning that it might prove more difficult to guard her heart than she imagined, especially with a little boy who needed a wagonload of patience and understanding.

Heavenly Father, give me wisdom and patience to deal with little Evan.

She had gone into the parsonage wearing a stylish red winter cape but now pulled on a heavy winter coat that her brother Logan had outgrown, wrapped a buffalo robe around her legs and turned the wagon toward home. Wanting to spare the horses, she kept them to a slow trot. By the time she’d covered the four miles to the ranch, her hands were numb and her face ached from the cold.

Her brothers Conner and Dawson both ran out as she drove up as if they’d been waiting and watching for her return. Her brothers did their best to take care of her even though she didn’t need it. Besides they now had wives. Dawson, the eldest at twenty-six, had married beautiful Isabelle Redfield and they made a home with his daughter, six-year-old Mattie, in a house to one side of the main house.

Conner, twenty-four, had married the doctor’s daughter Kate. They had recently left a cold cabin and moved into the main house with little Ellie.

The youngest brother, Logan, at twenty-two and three years older than Annie, had married Sadie the schoolteacher and they lived in town with the three children they had rescued and adopted.

Everything had changed. Like Pa had said when Ma died, You can’t hang on to things. They don’t last. But life goes on. Her brothers had moved on as they should. It was time for her to move on as well.

Dawson lifted her from the wagon and hollered at one of the cowboys to take the outfit to the barn.

“Don’t unhitch,” Annie said. “I’m going back to town.”

Conner and Dawson rushed her indoors, pulled the heavy coat off her and faced her like two defending soldiers.

“Where’s Grandfather? Is he sick?”

“What’s this about going back to town?”

Kate came to the doorway. “You look half frozen. You two let her come in and have a hot drink before you cross-examine her.”

Her brothers stepped aside and allowed her to follow Kate to the kitchen. Little Ellie smiled at her from the high chair where she ate bits of bread.

“Hey, pumpkin,” she said to the baby before she sat at the table and took the tea Kate offered.

“Grandfather and I are going to live in town.” She explained about Hugh and little Evan. “They need someone.”

Both brothers spoke at once, making their opinions clear. They didn’t like the idea. They didn’t think she should settle for such an arrangement. She had no reason to pack up and leave.

On and on they went. Annie ignored them, grateful Logan wasn’t there to add to the ruckus.

She finished her tea and pushed to her feet. “I’d like to get back before dark. Anyone going to help pack things for Grandfather and me?” She didn’t wait for their answer but left the kitchen, crossed the big dining room and smaller sitting room to Grandfather’s bedroom and then pulled out a satchel and begin filling it.

Conner followed. “I don’t like this.”

“I think he’d like some of his books. There’s a crate in the closet off the sitting room,” she said.

Still protesting, Conner went to get the box and fill it with books.

If Annie thought that was the end of it, Dawson soon cleared up that notion. “You belong here with the rest of us.”

She didn’t point out that the rest of us had spouses and homes. “I’d like to take Grandfather’s armchair. Do you think you and Conner could load it in the wagon?”

Making a sound of exasperation, Dawson went to do her bidding.

Annie climbed the stairs to her own room. She paused to look around, an ache the size of a vast desert sucking her heart dry. This had been her room as long as she could remember. She’d spent happy hours here dreaming. No more dreams for her. She’d cried her share of tears on the bed. There’d be no more tears either. She’d stared out the window searching for something to fill her heart. A smile smoothed her tension. She’d found what she needed and pulled the sampler from the wall.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21.

The sampler included a stitched house and the date she’d finished making the hanging. March 15, 1887.

She’d been fifteen and struggling to cope with the pain of loss from Ma’s death and the heavy load of responsibilities in trying to take her place. Working the words of the verse had helped her deal with it all. Her treasure was in heaven. In her faith. In God’s love.

She touched the red roses she’d embroidered in front of the needlework house. How many hours she’d spent on this project. She’d started the project right after Christmas and finished as the trees burst into leaf that spring.

Christmas! It was only four weeks away. If she proved herself, she would have made a loveless match by then but with her own home. She would do everything in her power to make the season special for her very own family. Her heart swelled with anticipation and she smiled as she put the sampler in the bottom of the satchel she’d brought from the hall closet and then opened the wardrobe to choose what to pack.

“You’re sure this is what you want to do?” Kate stood in the doorway, Ellie perched on her hip.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

“Is this because Conner and I moved into the house?”

Annie folded a warm woolen skirt and added it to the contents of the satchel, considering her answer. “You need your own space but it’s more than that.” Not that she was sure she could put it into words. “It’s time for me to move on.”

Kate continued to look troubled. “But you’re prepared to enter into a loveless marriage if Hugh agrees?”

“Seems to me love is only asking to be hurt. Besides, it’s not that he’s ugly or a criminal or anything.”

Kate chuckled low in her throat. “It sounds like you better be careful if you’re hoping to avoid love.”

Oh, she’d be careful. She had no intention of falling in love. “We both understand the terms of our agreement.” She kept her attention on her task. “Which at this point does not include marriage. I have yet to convince him it’s the perfect solution.” Satisfied she had enough clothing, she glanced around the room, picked up her brush and hand mirror, her Bible and the picture of Mama and Pa on their wedding day. She tucked those into her bag. “I’ll get the rest of my things later.”

“We’ll miss you,” Kate said as they descended the stairs.

Annie encountered her brothers as she made her way to the outer door.

“You’re sure this is what you want to do?” Conner asked. Dawson hung over his shoulder, silently echoing the question. “There’s only one reason to get married,” Dawson said.

Conner nodded. “If you love the person so much you can’t imagine life without him or her.”

The two of them silently challenged her.

“This is my chance to pursue the life I want.”

They backed down in the face of her determination.

“I’ll take you to town,” Conner said.

Dawson elbowed him aside. “I’m taking her. I’m the oldest plus you have a wife and baby.” He chucked Ellie under the chin, winning him a giggle.

“You have a wife and a daughter as well,” Conner pointed out.

“Yes, but Mattie is old enough to be of help to Isabelle.”

Annie pushed past them. “You two can stand here arguing all day but I want to get back before dark.” She hurried to the loaded wagon. By the time she climbed aboard, Dawson joined her and took up the reins. “Guess it helps to be the oldest.”

“It’s got its perks. I wish I could change your mind.”

“Grandfather will worry if I’m not back soon.”

“Fine.” They made the trip to Bella Creek with little conversation. Dawson seemed to have accepted Annie’s decision.

In town they went directly to the parsonage. Dawson lifted Annie down and hurried her inside to the warm kitchen, where Grandfather and Hugh sat at the table and little Evan remained huddled in the corner.

Annie had explained about Evan but Dawson still looked a little shocked to see the boy in such a state.

“You need a hand with things?” Hugh asked, and at Dawson’s affirmative reply, went out to help carry in Grandfather’s chair and the other things Annie had hastily packed.

The bags were taken to two of the rooms down the hall. The previous preacher had six daughters and two sons so there were plenty of bedrooms to choose from. Annie chose one close to the kitchen with Grandfather next door. Hugh indicated the second hall where he and Evan slept.

Annie said goodbye to Dawson then turned to consider the kitchen. Mentally she began to plan the evening meal and how to take care of Evan.

Hugh returned from waving goodbye to Dawson. “Annie, could I please speak to you in my office?”

At the hard, flat tone of his voice, Annie’s heart sank. Had he changed his mind?

Chapter Two

Hugh waved Annie to a chair across the desk from his own. He waited for her to sit. Instead she crossed her arms and gave him a look full of challenge. He sighed. Seemed this discussion was to take place while standing and with her all set to argue. If this was the way it would be to have her here he already regretted agreeing to her “perfect solution.”

He perched on the corner of the desk. His position allowed him to see through the adjoining rooms to where Grandfather sat watching them. So far Evan hadn’t objected to the older man, perhaps interested in his canes or knowing the man posed no threat if only because he couldn’t move around too quickly. Evan had not had the same reaction to Hugh. It had taken Hugh two hours to persuade Evan to let Hugh take him home and then he’d had to bodily move him and hold him firmly the entire way to prevent the child from throwing himself to the ground.

Or perhaps Evan respected the air of authority from the older man. Hugh almost smiled as he thought of how Grandfather Marshall ruled with just a firm word and a look that stalled men in their boots. His smile faded to a worrisome thought. Seemed Annie had inherited some of her grandfather’s stubbornness and forcefulness.

“You wanted to say something?” she said, her sweet words laced with annoyance.

“Yes, I did. I think we would do well to establish some ground rules.”

“Rules?” Somehow she managed to convey a snort even though she kept her tone neutral.

“Maybe not rules. What I mean is I would like to understand a few things.”

She jammed her hands to her hips, seemed to realize how belligerent it made her appear and dropped them to her sides. Did she realize her fists curled? “What’s to understand? I’m here in response to your ad. I’ll take care of Evan and your house. By the end of four weeks you’ll see you couldn’t do better.”

“But you could do better.” That’s what had him so confused. “Better than a man eight years your senior with a four-year-old boy who might never get over the way he’s been treated.”

Her eyebrows arched as if surprised by his statement.

He hurried on. “You’re young. You’re beautiful.”

She blinked rapidly and gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. Did she not believe him on the latter observation?

“I’d like to know why you are so set on such an arrangement.” He meant the marriage she so stubbornly sought. And why was he resisting her offer so vehemently? Because of the very things he’d told her. She deserved better than an older man, with a troubled child.

The words that haunted him blared through his mind. Not good enough. Not good enough to please his mother even though he’d tried so hard. Not good enough to please his wife, Bernice, even though he’d again tried hard. Now all he wanted was to be enough for his son and for that he needed a helpmate. One who wouldn’t regret her choice and perhaps run off with someone younger and more suitable as soon she discovered she could do better and he had no doubt Annie would soon discover that.

She looked at the window. Night had turned the glass into a mirror that reflected back the room.

He waited. In his experience those with a secret usually responded best to patience. There was not a doubt in his mind that she had a secret that drove her to seek this position. He needed to know what it was and if it constituted a threat to him or his child. Moreover, he knew Evan needed security. Not housekeepers who came and went, but a woman committed to staying.

She brought her gaze back to him, her blue eyes full of midnight shadows. “Let’s just say that I have a concern for a little boy who doesn’t know where he belongs.”

Was she telling Hugh that was how she felt? How could that be? She came from a large, supportive family.

“I’m guessing he’s had lots of losses. If you allow it, I’ll show him that he can believe in permanency.”

They studied each other like wary opponents. He considered her words, trying to find the hidden meaning in them. He appreciated that her concern was for Evan. He respected her for that. But the why of her choice refused to be dismissed.

He reviewed what he knew of her. Her mother had passed away several years ago. Annie couldn’t have been much more than a child but she’d taken over the care of her family. Recently her three brothers had married. Did that explain her rash decision?

“Are you feeling your family has moved on and left you behind?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Nothing stays the same. Life goes on.”

He measured her words, seeking the hidden truth in them. “So you’ve decided to move on too. But why to this?”

Her eyes were innocent yet he got the feeling she hid a world of meaning.

“I don’t care for secrets,” he said. If patience didn’t work then the direct approach was the best.

“I suppose we both have our share of them.”

“Perhaps.” He was beginning to think getting information out of her was like trying to pull an unwilling mule out of a bog. God, please make hidden things plain, dark things light.

She spoke firmly. “I suggest we agree to honor each other’s right to have our secrets.”

It sounded reasonable enough. “On one condition—”

Her eyebrows arched letting him know she’d be reluctant to give a promise. A parallel truth blared through his mind. Maybe she was also reluctant to believe a promise. Had some young fellow hurt her with a broken promise? He hadn’t heard about a failed romance and now couldn’t ask without seeming to be too interested. However, it would explain why she was willing to settle for the sort of arrangement he offered. Trouble was, she would get over that hurt as soon as someone more appealing came along. He couldn’t put Evan through that. No, he needed someone who accepted a businesslike union as her best choice.

She tapped a toe, reminding him he hadn’t finished his statement.

“The condition I would like your agreement on is that no secret can be allowed that hurts Evan.”

Her countenance underwent a transformation. A smile wreathed sparkling eyes. “I can promise you I would not do anything by omission or commission to hurt that little boy.” She held up a hand before he could reply. “That is not to say I won’t make mistakes. I ask if you see me making one that you speak to me about it.” She chuckled low in her throat. “I might not thank you at first but once I’m past my annoyance I will.” She ducked her head. “I might not tell you though.”

Something about her rapid shift of moods, her honest admission of pride—if that’s what he chose to call it—made him want to share a laugh with her. Made him wonder what it would be like to witness both the pride and the humor in action. Seemed he’d get that chance in the next few weeks unless some other woman showed up on his doorstep in answer to his ad because, at this point, he really had no other option.

He shepherded his thoughts back to the moment. He could have wished for more information from her but understood he had to settle for this compromise. He pushed off the corner of the desk.

“Very well. As long as we’re both in agreement about doing what’s best for Evan.”

She tipped her head in acknowledgment. “You can trust me to do what I think is best for him. Speaking of which—” She indicated the open door. “Perhaps I could get to work.”

“Of course.” He followed her from the office.

In the kitchen he paused, uncertain what his role was. “Do you want me to show you around?”

She turned full circle. “I know my way around a kitchen. But could you show me where the vegetables are?”

He opened the small door by the pantry. “My cold room. You’ll find frozen meat in the cupboard in the woodshed. Milk is delivered every morning. I have an account at your uncle’s store for anything else you need. Feel free to purchase whatever is required.”

Both their gazes circled back to Evan, crouched in the corner, watching them warily.

“I don’t know what to do about him.” Hugh spoke softly but he couldn’t keep the despair he felt from his voice.

Annie smiled and it somehow lifted a portion of his worry. “Give him time. We’re all strangers and he has to know he can trust us.”

“I don’t know what’s happened to him,” Grandfather Marshall said. “But it’s obvious he’ll need lots of patient handling.”

Annie smiled at her grandfather. “We have time and patience, don’t we?”

The old man nodded. They turned to Hugh.

He would do everything in his power to give his son whatever he needed. “I have the rest of my life.”

His answer earned him a smile of approval from both of them.

“Feel free to do whatever you need to do.” Annie’s words were kind yet Hugh felt dismissed. As if he was in the way. The words often spoken echoed in his head. You’ll never be enough. He pushed them away. That was his mother speaking and he no longer had to listen to her. Hadn’t needed to since he was twelve when she died of what the preacher said was a broken heart.

Hugh knew it was because his brother, whom his mother loved so completely, had died some months before at age seventeen. Hugh had tried to fill his brother’s shoes but every time he did something he thought would help, Ma had uttered those oft-repeated words. You’ll never be good enough to take his place. He had no pa to voice an opinion contrary to hers.

Annie continued speaking, unaware of the thoughts tangling through Hugh’s mind.

“I’ll prepare supper and make friends with Evan.”

Evan stared at her, his gaze revealing absolutely nothing. As if the boy had shut off all connection with the world.

Anger, pain and sorrow intermingled in Hugh’s heart. Bile burned the back of his throat at how his wee son had been treated. He had to escape before he erupted.

“I’ll be in the office if you need anything.” He fled to the far room leaving the door half-open so he could hear if Evan or Annie required rescuing.

He pulled his sermon notes from the drawer and set them on the desk in front of him but didn’t read a word he had penned.

How could a nineteen-year-old girl from a protective family begin to understand what Evan had been through? He couldn’t help thinking this agreement with Annie was a mistake. The depths of his desperation drove him to prayers that came from the darkest corner of his heart.

* * *

Annie had no idea how to get through to Evan, how to prove to the child she could be trusted. She might have asked Grandfather but he had settled into his armchair by the stove and snored softly.

However, she knew what it felt like to be lost, alone, afraid. She’d felt that way after her mother had died even though she was surrounded by a loving family. When Rudy had left her, she’d known the same feelings, intensified this time because he chose to leave and she’d willingly opened her heart to him despite knowing the pain of loss. She hadn’t felt she could voice her feelings to her family. Even so, she’d received strength and comfort simply by their presence.

What would she have done if she’d been alone? Without family? Or worse, treated poorly? Heavenly Father, heal the hurts of this little boy. Help him learn to trust us. Give me wisdom in comforting him.

She’d have wanted someone to reach out to her, to show they cared, and that she mattered. She could offer that to Evan but she must proceed slowly, letting him set the pace. So she did the only thing she could do at the moment. She talked to him.

“It’s time for me to make supper. What would you like, Evan?”

Not so much as a twitch of interest to indicate he heard.

“Do you like stew?”

Not a flicker.

“Potatoes and gravy?”

Still nothing.

She listed item after item, all the while her hands busy, washing dishes Mrs. Ross had left from lunch and then peeling potatoes. “Bread and gravy?”

The slightest movement of his eye. “Good. Then you shall have it. I’ll make pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans and lots and lots of gravy.” She’d found a generously stocked pantry with jars of canned vegetables and several items of baked goods. Two loaves of bread that appeared to be freshly made. Mrs. Ross had done a good job caring for the preacher. Annie was confident she could do just as well.

She brought out one of the loaves and set it on a cutting board. “How thick do you like your bread?” She placed the knife to indicate a very thin slice. When Evan gave no response, she moved it slightly. Still no response. She widened it so the cut would result in a slice two inches thick.

Evan’s gaze came to hers.

She smiled. Despite whatever had happened to the boy, he wasn’t beyond interest in the things around him. “Too big?” She brought the knife closer to the end of the loaf and paused at a generously thick slice but nothing out of the ordinary. The knife hovered.

Evan watched and she knew it was where he wanted the bread cut. She did so.

“One slice or two?”

Evan’s gaze returned to the loaf and she understood he wanted two.

She chuckled at the way they’d been able to communicate. “You and I will do just fine, won’t we?”

His gaze held hers a second then he ducked his head. He had his father’s dark eyes and dark hair and would no doubt grow into a man as handsome as Hugh. Right now it was hard to see past the shaggy hair, the guarded eyes and the need for a good wash.

Annie turned her attention back to supper preparations, more than a little pleased with the way things had gone so far. Given time she had every expectation that Evan would become a happy, normal little boy. Four weeks would be plenty enough time to make Hugh see that he and Evan needed her. She’d gain her own home and family.

She hummed as she finished meal preparations and set the table but paused as she chose the plates.

Four places? Or did Hugh allow Evan to take his meals sitting in the corner? It wasn’t right. There was no need to continue treating him like an animal and she carried four plates to the table.

“Supper is almost ready.” She put down one plate. “For Grandfather.” She put down the second one. “For me.” Then the third plate. “For your papa.” She set the fourth plate down on the side closest to where Evan huddled but before she could say it was for him, he made a noise half grunt, half growl and kicked out one leg, catching Annie behind her knee. Her leg buckled. She caught at the back of the chair but it slipped from her grasp and banged to the floor.

Evan continued to swing his legs at her, making feral noises.

She fought for balance, trying to get out of his reach.

Hugh strode into the room, scooped his son into his arms and held him tight, restraining the flailing limbs. “Evan, you’re okay. No one is going to hurt you. I won’t let them.” He sent Annie a look of accusation.

She lifted her chin. She would not defend herself, would not say she had done nothing to Evan. The attack had been entirely unprovoked though she realized her expectation that he sit at the table had been a little hasty.

Evan continued to struggle in Hugh’s arms but Hugh held him firmly. “I won’t let you go until you stop kicking and hitting.”

The boy bared his teeth.

Hugh held Evan’s head immobile. “You can’t bite. You aren’t an animal.”

Again Hugh’s gaze hit Annie’s with the force of accusation. Did he think she would judge the child? She shook her head. “It’s my fault. I set a fourth plate on the table and he knew I meant for him to sit at the table. It’s too soon.”

She tore her gaze from Hugh’s and looked at the boy in his arms. “Evan?” She waited, hoping he would acknowledge her but he continued to struggle. “I understand you aren’t ready to join us at the table. That’s okay. When you are, you can sit with us like a little boy who belongs in a family.”

He began to calm.

She continued. There were so many things she wanted him to understand. “This is your home, your papa.”

Hugh sucked in air like he had forgotten to breathe the last few minutes. “I will never let you go again.” His voice broke on the words.

Annie knew from what the preacher had said in the months since he came to Bella Creek that his wife had disappeared along with their son. Knew he’d discovered his wife had died and his son was missing. She wondered about the details. Did he let her go? Why? Or had she left because of something he did?

So many questions. So few answers. Would knowing the facts help her deal with Evan? Or did she want to know because she wondered why Hugh was so set on a businesslike marriage? One would think with him being a preacher he would insist on love being present in such a relationship. But despite the questions flooding her mind she couldn’t imagine asking him about his wife.

Was this one of those secrets they had agreed could exist?

“Supper is ready.” She turned back to the stove, put the food in serving bowls and set them on the table.

Meanwhile, Hugh lowered Evan to the floor where the boy crowded into the corner.

Tears stung Annie’s eyes at the fear on Evan’s face and she vowed she would prove to him that he was safe and life could be fun.

She found a tin bowl and put the two slices of bread in it, drowning them in gravy. She cut the bread into small pieces, put a spoon in the bowl and set it on the floor close enough Evan could reach it but not so close he would feel threatened and lash out again.

Hugh watched her every move. Prepared, she supposed, to intervene.

Grandfather had wakened at the ruckus and observed the whole time.

Annie knew he would not hesitate to give his opinion and wondered what it would be. She stood by the table waiting for Hugh to take the lead. He waited, perhaps for the same reason.

“Shall we eat?” she said.

“By all means. Where would you like me to sit?”

She stood behind the chair closest to the stove and indicated the one across the table for Hugh. Grandfather sat at the spot closest to his armchair and across from where Evan sat on the floor.

Hugh stared at his plate, the picture of despair.

Annie wished she could offer some encouragement to him but she wasn’t sure a touch would be welcome and there seemed no adequate words.

“I’ll ask the blessing,” he said and Annie bowed her head, silently praying her own words. Gratitude for the food, and for the chance to earn her own home, but more than that, a request for God’s healing love to fill their hearts.

Grandfather waited until the food had been passed around and everyone had a good start on eating before he voiced his opinion. “We have our job cut out for us with that one.” He tipped his head toward Evan who had pulled the bowl close and turned his back to them.

There was no clang of the metal spoon against the metal dish and Annie knew the boy ate with his fingers. At the moment it seemed the least of their worries. But Grandfather’s words encouraged her. He had made it clear he meant to ally himself with her and Hugh in winning this boy’s trust and cooperation.

Hugh put his fork down as if he’d lost interest in the meal. “Any suggestions?”

Grandfather also lowered his fork to the table and considered his words. “I once knew an old Indian so weathered and wrinkled you could get lost in the crevasses of his face. He and I worked for the same outfit back before I got married.” He paused and grew somber as he always did when he thought about his long-dead wife. “I knew him several weeks before I heard him utter a word. When I asked him about it he said he never had anything to say until then.” Grandfather’s gaze went to Evan. “I expect it’s the same with him. Same with leaving his corner. He’ll do it when life beyond that spot is more interesting, more enticing than the walls he’s pressing into.”

Hugh turned his gaze toward his son.

Annie watched him, her heart slowly melting as sorrow intermingled with hope in his face.

She was needed here and she could think of no better reason for seeking an arrangement with Hugh than to offer one little boy a safe home.

Hugh’s concern for Evan would guarantee Annie a safe home as well.

Unless a more suitable woman appeared on his doorstep in the next four weeks. She had to assume he had sent advertisement for a wife beyond the possibilities of Bella Creek.

Outside the wind battered the walls of the parsonage. A cold draft swept by her feet and she knew the temperature had dropped. If it snowed, travel would be difficult. Perhaps too difficult for any interested woman to be willing to venture to Bella Creek in answer to a request for a mail-order bride.

Being a ranch-raised young woman she couldn’t bring herself to pray for a storm to break all records but perhaps God would see fit to send enough snow to keep visitors away.

Surely that wasn’t too selfish a request.

* * *

Hugh tried to relax. Grandfather Marshall’s words of support and encouragement meant a great deal to him. As did Annie’s insight into why Evan had struck out. He noticed she rubbed her leg when she rose to make the tea.

“Did he kick you?” he asked, softly, not wanting to upset Evan.

“It’s nothing.” She glanced at Evan. “He didn’t do it out of spite.”

Again, she had an understanding of the child that rather surprised him. The few times he’d seen her before led him to believe she cared only about having fun though if he’d stopped to think he might see that she carried a huge load of responsibility and some lighthearted activity on occasion might be in order.

The thought only darkened his mind. There would be little enough time or opportunity for fun while caring for Evan. Hugh had consulted Dr. Baker who would offer no assurances that Evan would ever be okay.

“Some children,” the doctor said, “are permanently damaged by being treated so poorly. Others, however, respond to patience and love. Just look at little Ellie.” He referred to the baby his daughter and Conner Marshall had adopted. The difference being that she was so young compared to Evan.

As Hugh drank his tea, he tried not to dread the upcoming bedtime. Three nights Evan had been with him and three nights had been an experience he wouldn’t wish on anyone. It would surely test Annie’s commitment. But if she left, what was he to do?

He again prayed for a suitable woman. Again no one came to the door except for the wind and he shifted his attention to Evan. He’d soon learned that to look directly at him caused the boy to shrink into the corner and turn his back to Hugh so he pretended to look out the window.

“Sounds like the wind is getting worse. We might get a storm.” He watched Evan out of the corner of his eye. The boy looked at the window, then, from under lowered eyelids, watched Hugh. What was he thinking? What did he see when he looked at the adults? Was he able to assess their reliability?

Annie quietly cleaned the table and did the dishes while the dread in Hugh’s thoughts continued to grow.

She finished and stood watching Evan. He wished he could read her mind. She brought her gaze to him, her eyes holding the darkness of the night. “What do you do about getting him to bed?”

He pushed to his feet. “Can we talk in my office?” He turned to the older man. “Would you mind staying with him?”

Grandfather waved them away. “Sort things out. You’ll need to be in agreement if you’re to reach him.”

Hugh followed Annie to his office, careful to leave the door open so her grandfather could see them. He could tell by the set of her shoulders and the tip of her head that she expected he was going to take her to task about something. Nothing was further from the truth.

“About bedtime,” he began and was relieved to notice her shoulders relaxed. “It’s been difficult so I thought it best to warn you.”

“Tell me about it.” She sat in the chair he’d indicted earlier and he sank to his own across the desk.

“As you can see, he doesn’t like to be touched and doesn’t like anyone to get too close. I think the woman who kept him let him sleep on a mat in the corner. He relieved himself in the slop bucket.” His throat tightened with the memory of how he’d found the boy and the words poured out as he described the situation.

“I’ve searched for him for months. At times I thought I would fail to find him. It wasn’t until I offered a reward of twenty dollars that the woman came forward. Twenty dollars! That’s all my son was worth. She told me when Bernice was dying—”

“Bernice?”

“She was my wife.”

“I see.”

She couldn’t begin to see what it had been like. Bernice’s dishonesty, her sneaking about with other men and then her disappearance.

“I’m sorry. Please continue.”

He sucked in air. “Bernice told her to hang onto Evan until I came and I’d pay for him. The woman should have been charged with abuse or something. She barely kept him alive and now I don’t know if he’ll ever be right.” He couldn’t go on.

She had her head down, as if studying her hands folded in her lap.

What was she thinking? Had she been moved at all by Evan’s plight?

He was about to go on, describing bedtime when she lifted her head and he saw a sheen of tears.

“How can anyone treat a child that way?” Her voice was a hoarse whisper. “It’s criminal.”

“It is criminal, in my opinion, but Sheriff Jesse assures me there isn’t anything he can do about it.”

“I hope that changes someday soon.” She spat out each word as if she couldn’t wait to get the bitter taste of them off her tongue.

His estimation of her rose several degrees. At least she wasn’t one of those men or women who thought children were of little value unless they could work. “Me too. But it won’t undo what has happened to Evan.”

“I’m sorry and angry at the same time.” She almost choked. “So sorry for Evan.” A beat. “And you.” Her voice strengthened. “But so angry at that woman. Please don’t ever tell me who she is or where she lives. I might hunt her down and exact justice.”

He imagined her in buckskins carrying a long gun and the fire of vengeance upon her face. It so tickled him that he chuckled. “I think for everyone’s sake that will be one of my secrets.”

Their gazes locked and he got the sensation that she saw far more than he wanted her to but he couldn’t pull away.

“Hugh—may I call you that?”

He nodded. Hardly seemed they could stand on formality if they were going to be living under the same roof.

“Hugh, what happened to your wife?”

Her question slammed through him, leaving him floundering for footing. Having a son who exploded at his slightest touch made him feel helpless and frustrated but being reminded of Bernice brought a flood of failure. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Another of those secrets?”

He couldn’t tell if she found the idea annoying or if she didn’t care.

She studied her hands again, examining one fingernail after the other.

Just when he thought she had accepted he didn’t mean to tell her more, she began to speak. “In this case, I think it affects Evan. If Bernice left after a squabble, he might have heard you and...well, it might make him frightened of you.”

“We didn’t squabble.” There were times they hardly talked. Bernice preferred to talk to other men. “She found me sadly lacking.”

Annie stared at him. “Lacking? In what way?” She seemed to find it hard to believe.

He told himself her surprise didn’t please him. After all, what did she know about him? Yet it did his ego good to think she might not think it possible. He shrugged. “I wasn’t exciting enough. Didn’t offer enough adventures. I found it difficult to please her.” Just as he had with his mother.

Annie made a derisive noise. “That sounds to me like she had a problem, not you.”

Hugh knew there was more to it than that. Just as he knew he was far too old to be flattered by Annie’s defense of him. Knowing all that didn’t change the fact that he felt like grinning like a silly kid. Instead, he coughed a little. “About Evan’s bedtime...”

Annie tipped her head and grinned. “That is why we’re here, isn’t it?”

He grinned back then sobered. What was wrong with him that he responded to a young girl’s attention so readily? He had to concentrate. “I can’t let him stay in the kitchen on his own any more than I can let him sleep on a mat like an animal.” He held up his hands in exasperation. “I know. You wonder how letting him sit there all day is any different but somehow it is. At least I know he’s safe during the day.”

She nodded.

“So I carry him to my room. As you can imagine, he kicks and screams the entire time.” He couldn’t help the little tremble in his voice. The whole procedure left him dazed and defeated. “I have a mattress on the floor for him. As soon as I put him there, he scrambles off and pushes it away. It’s like he’s resisting me, not the bed.”

“Hugh, he’s afraid if he trusts you he’s going to be disappointed or worse, hurt.”

She spoke with such certainty that he realized more lay behind her observation than she wanted him to know. Her little secret. And it did affect Evan. It made her more understanding. He was about to ask for her to explain but she spoke again.

“Does he eventually use the mattress? Does he sleep?”

“The first night he curled up in a ball in the corner. I covered him after he’d fallen asleep. Yesterday he waited until he thought I had dozed off before he crawled to the mattress and pulled the quilt over him.”

“That’s great progress.” She grinned widely.

For the first time since he’d found Evan, he almost felt encouraged. “I was so afraid of what he’d do the first night, I pulled my bed against the door to make sure he wouldn’t run off.”

“Somehow I don’t see him running. Now if he was still with that woman I would wonder why he didn’t but I guess it means he’s smart enough to know he couldn’t survive on his own.”

Hugh couldn’t help but smile. “I guess that shows that the boy has a good mind despite the way he acts.”

“Oh, he’s bright enough.” She told him how she’d been able to tell what he liked to eat by his reaction. “I regret that I thought we had made more progress than we had. It was my fault he acted the way he did.”

“I don’t suppose it’s anyone’s fault. We just have to learn to understand him.”

“I’ve been praying that God would give me wisdom and patience.”

To hear how she’d been able to communicate with Evan and to know she’d prayed for him renewed his courage. “Thank you. Do you mind if we pray together before we head back to him?” Normally he had no hesitation about offering to pray for others but this was his need not someone else’s.

“I’d like that.” She leaned forward, her hands clasped together on top of his desk and her head bowed.

He stifled an urge to cradle her hands between his. Instead, he bowed his head and prayed for wisdom, understanding and healing for his son. Silently, he additionally prayed for a more mature woman to come to his door because, despite his resolve to keep things completely businesslike, he found Annie’s concern and care very appealing and it frightened him. He must, above all else, guard his heart against the risk of caring for a woman, especially one who would soon realize that she could do far better than spend her life with a man who could offer nothing but a home with him and his hurting young son.

Chapter Three

Annie kept her head bowed several seconds after Hugh said Amen, waiting for God to direct her thoughts. When an idea came to her mind, she took it as from Him and lifted her head.

The look in Hugh’s eyes almost made her forget what she’d been about to say. He watched her, looking both weary and hopeful at the same time. That was good, she told herself. He was beginning to see how helpful she would be. But the way his gaze clung to hers as if looking for something more left her breathless. She couldn’t say if he found what he sought or if she could even offer it. There were far too many unknowns between them.

There was no need for her to know more about him. And she certainly didn’t want to know about his marriage nor why his wife found him lacking. In what way? She tried and failed to imagine what he meant.

She slid her gaze past his to the night-blackened window. They had a common goal—taking care of Evan. She recalled something she’d heard somewhere. Begin as you mean to go on. She meant to become Evan’s mother and Hugh’s wife. Therefore, she must begin to act like it.

“I think a bedtime routine is essential. So could we establish one starting tonight?” She couldn’t keep looking past him and gauge his reaction so she brought her attention back to him. The quirk of one eyebrow informed her that her request had caught him off guard.

“It seems we have a routine,” he said with a large dose of irony. “I pick him up. He fights me. I take him to the room and keep him there.” His laugh lacked mirth.

It certainly wasn’t how she wanted to go on. She smiled. “Maybe we could work at improving that routine.”

“What do you suggest?”

Did she detect a note of hope? She wanted to believe so. “My mother always read to me at bedtime and said prayers with me. When my papa was home, he came in to hear my prayers.” Her voice deepened. “When I look back, I wonder how I could have taken such ordinary things for granted.”

“I’m sorry about your mother.”

She tried to break from his compassionate look but found herself unable to do so. Her insides clenched. Tears stung the backs of her eyes. Mama had been dead more than four years. Annie knew she should be over her grief but it often welled up inside her like a bubbling pot of hot jam, about to overflow. She swallowed hard, striving to control the sudden rush of sorrow. “Thank you.” She hadn’t been able to keep the emotion out of her voice and wondered how he would react. “I shouldn’t be upset by the memory.”

His smile was soft and gentle. “Some sorrows never go away. A person simply learns how to be at peace with them.”

She met his gaze, practically drinking in the comfort he offered. “I can see why you’re the preacher.” She managed a little smile. “You know the right words to say.”

“Thank you.” Did she detect a bit of a catch in his voice? That seemed strange. But a trickle of hope entered her heart. If he needed to hear words of encouragement, she could give them. But not right now. “I’d like to start a bedtime routine such as I knew but I don’t think he’ll be in a frame of mind for stories and prayers after a struggle to get him into bed. Instead, why don’t we let him stay in his safe corner while I read a story? And then you could say his bedtime prayers.” She didn’t want to exclude Hugh from the opportunity. “I think we need to establish normal behavior for Evan as quickly as he’ll let us.”

Hugh nodded slowly. “I like the idea. Just so long as you don’t expect too much of him.”

“I hope I’ve learned my lesson about pushing him too hard.”

Hugh got to his feet and waited for Annie to go ahead of him.

“I brought a storybook.”

He remained in the sitting room as she hurried to find the book from among her belongings and then rejoined him. Together they entered the kitchen.

Grandfather nodded in his chair. He must have been exhausted. It had been a long day. She would suggest he go to bed but knew he wouldn’t go while both she and Hugh were still up.

“I’ll make tea.” She set the kettle to boil and brought out a selection of cookies from the pantry. As she waited for the water to boil, she talked, knowing Evan listened even when he gave no indication of it.

“I think it’s nice to have tea together before bed,” she said, looking to Hugh to see if he understood her need to explain for Evan’s sake.

Hugh’s slight nod and barely-there smile encouraged her to go on.

And brought a sudden stutter to her voice. She forced herself to speak firmly and steadily as she continued. “When I was about Evan’s age, I remember my mother making milk tea for me. And I always got two cookies. Of course, I always chose the two biggest ones.” She contemplated how best to connect with Evan. “My mother died a few years ago. So no one reads me bedtime stories anymore but that’s okay because now I can read them to Evan.”

From the slight tilt of his head she knew he listened.

She poured the tea and gave a cupful to Hugh and Grandfather. She made milk tea and set the cup and a small plate holding two cookies before Evan then sat across from Hugh.

He gave her a smile that seemed to say he approved of her efforts. Good. It meant they were headed in the right direction. He’d soon learn she had much to offer him and his son.

She sipped her tea slowly and enjoyed the two cookies she had chosen and then opened the storybook. It was the same one her mother had read from when Annie was Evan’s age and as the memories of those days assailed her, tears filled her eyes and clogged her throat. Not wanting Hugh to see how fragile her emotions were, she kept her head lowered.

“Are you okay?” he asked after a moment.

She nodded, unable to speak.

Grandfather squeezed her hand. “It’s okay to miss your mama.”

“Of course it is,” Hugh assured her.

A strangled squeak drew the attention of all three adults to Evan. His shoulders twitched. As if he cried? It was impossible to tell as he kept his back to them.

Annie looked to Hugh. Raised her eyebrows to silently ask if they should go to him.

He lifted his shoulders ever so slightly. He didn’t know any more than she did and his mouth worked.

Her heart tore at the sign of his uncertainty. She couldn’t imagine how difficult it would be to watch his son struggle with so many problems and not know if any offer of comfort would send him into a fury...one born of fear, she was certain. It made her doubly grateful to have had a tender mother and a supportive family and she promised herself she would give Evan the same if he would let her.

It seemed no one quite knew what to do and she could only think of one thing so she cleared her throat and began to read. The book was a collection of Bible stories and moral tales and her favorite had always been about the old farm dog who rescued some orphaned kittens and raised them. The dog fought off a coyote that tried to get the kittens and chased away a hawk. At one point she was sorely injured but kept on tending the three kittens.

“The moral of the story,” Annie read, “is that God loves us even better than that dog loved her kittens. He claims us because He loves us. He takes care of us—1 John 3 verse 1 says ‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.’” She needed to say more for Evan’s sake. “Some children are in families they weren’t born into and they are loved. My brother Logan and his wife adopted three children.” It struck her that the children’s circumstances were somewhat like Evan’s. They’d been neglected and abused by a man claiming to be their stepfather. Perhaps now was not the time to talk about that. “And my brother Conner and his wife have adopted a little girl and love her dearly. My oldest brother Dawson has a little girl but his wife died so Mattie had no mama.” She sensed Evan straining toward her. “Dawson married a very fine lady by the name of Isabelle and Isabelle is Mattie’s new mama. They love each other very much. God loves each of us even more.”

She and Hugh considered one another across the table. The tension seemed to have left his face. If the things she’d said had accomplished that then thanks be to God for guiding her words.

“My mama or papa always said prayers with me before bed.”

Hugh nodded. “I’m the papa so I will do it.”

Annie knew he wasn’t excluding her but simply helping Evan understand his role in the family.

“Let’s pray,” Hugh said and the adults bowed their heads.

Annie stole a look at Evan. He had turned his head slightly to watch his father. She knew the boy would have showed her his thin back if he realized she watched him and would have disguised the longing in his eyes. Seeing it gave Annie hope. Evan knew what he wanted but was afraid to trust it could be his.

It was up to Annie and Hugh and even Grandfather to prove to Evan that he could trust their love and concern.

Hugh prayed for a good night’s sleep for them all. He asked for people to be safe in the cold winter wind and he especially thanked God for allowing him to find Evan and bring him home.

Annie continued to watch the boy from under the curtain of her lashes and saw wonder and doubt intermingled in his face.

“Amen.” Hugh met Annie’s eyes across the table. His eyes were troubled.

She understood he didn’t look forward to getting Evan into bed. She rose. “My mama always said it was time for me to go to sleep after the prayers were said.”

Evan crowded into the corner as if he wanted to become part of the walls.

Annie tipped her head toward Hugh. It had to be done. She went to Hugh’s side. “We’re in this together,” she murmured.

“Thanks.” With a deep sigh, he got to his feet and faced his son. “Evan, it’s bedtime and I’m going to take you to bed.”

The boy stiffened and then his legs windmilled.

“Evan,” Annie said. “We all have our own beds and we all sleep in them. That’s what people in a family do. Grandfather sleeps in his bed. I sleep in mine. You sleep in yours with your papa in his.”

Hugh sucked in air like his lungs had no bottom and then gathered the boy in his arms. As expected, Evan tried to kick, tried to squirm from Hugh’s grasp, but Hugh was prepared and held his son firmly.

Seeing the look of distress on both of their faces, Annie started after Hugh.

“I’ll be right here,” Grandfather said.

“I have to help with Evan,” Annie said, following Hugh down the hallway to the room he and Evan shared.

She had taken care of three brothers, a father and grandfather so stepping into a room where a male slept was nothing new to her and yet this was different and her cheeks burned as she glanced about. There was a mattress against the far wall and a tangle of blankets. There was also a narrow bed with the covers pulled tight. Odd, the men in her family never made their beds. She had assumed men simply didn’t know how or didn’t care. She took in the rest of the room. A wardrobe with the door closed. A coat hanging from a hook on the wall. A table next to the bed which held a lamp, a Bible and three books stacked neatly. From under the bed peeked a valise.

Hugh was a neat, orderly man.

She liked that. However she couldn’t dwell on her reaction as Hugh struggled with Evan.

He reached the mattress and set Evan down. “Time to go to sleep, son.”

The tenderness in Hugh’s voice caused Annie’s throat to constrict.

A keening sound came from Evan’s throat and he scrambled off the mattress and into the corner, watching his father with wide eyes.

Grooves appeared in Hugh’s cheeks at the way Evan shrank from him.

Annie wanted so badly to comfort both of them she acted without thinking. She went to Hugh’s side and squeezed his arm as she spoke to Evan.

“Evan, honey, your papa loves you and wants to help you. So do I. We are both going to be here to take care of you, to protect you, to help you learn to trust us.”

Hugh’s hand came over hers. “That’s right, son. We are here for you. Always and forever.”

Evan grabbed the quilt off his mattress and clutched it to him.

“Good night, Evan,” Annie said. She longed to kiss him but knew she couldn’t. She slipped from Hugh’s side and left the room. In the hall, she paused. Had Hugh really said they were in this together for always?

He stepped from the room and pulled the door closed behind him. “Thank you for all your help with Evan. I truly appreciate it.”

“Did you mean what you said?”

“I hope so. What specifically do you mean?”

She shouldn’t have brought it up. She didn’t want easily made and as easily forgotten promises. Yet if he’d already made up his mind about her staying she wouldn’t have to worry about it.

“I will do whatever it takes to help Evan, if that’s what you mean.”

It wasn’t and yet it answered her question. He would accept her if he thought it was in Evan’s best interests. “I feel the same.”

He shifted so he looked into her face. “Then we are agreed on the most important thing.”

She nodded. Caring for Evan ensured she would have a home and family of her own.

She wanted no more than that.

* * *

Hugh lay on his bed in the darkness, listening to Evan’s quiet breathing. The boy had slipped to the mattress and pulled the quilt over himself a short time after Hugh had turned out the lamp. Probably when he thought Hugh had fallen asleep.

Sleep did not come easily for Hugh as he reviewed the events of the day.

He’d advertised for a woman to become his wife and a mother to Evan and the only one to show up, eager for the task, was Annie...an unsuitable, unlikely match. And yet he had agreed. Out of desperation only.

His eyes widened in the darkness as he recalled the words he’d spoken as she helped put Evan to bed...though help and put to bed were but idealistic terms. Evan had allowed neither. We are here for you. Always and forever. He groaned and regretted it immediately when he heard Evan scuffle to the far edge of his mattress.

Annie could easily take his statement as a promise that he would marry her and make this agreement permanent. He couldn’t imagine doing so.

Apart from her young age, she was a Marshall and he had quickly learned that the family had high expectations of themselves and others. Grandfather Marshall had founded the town of Bella Creek to provide a better place for people to live than the wild town of Wolf Hollow closer to the gold mines. When most of a block had burned down last winter, the Marshalls had spearheaded the rebuilding and finding a new teacher and doctor. It was Grandfather Marshall and two other men—one also a Marshall—who had interviewed Hugh for the preaching position. Annie was the younger sister and cherished daughter and granddaughter. If Hugh failed in any way to treat her as he should, he would face the combined wrath of the large Marshall family. It wasn’t something he would enjoy. How could he hope to live up to their high standards?

How could he make this right? Make her understand he had spoken carelessly? He eventually fell asleep without finding an answer and woke up knowing he must clear up the matter.

The room was still dark and Hugh stiffened listening for Evan’s breathing. He didn’t relax until the boy snuffled. The rattle of pots and pans informed him the young woman troubling his mind had risen.

He slipped into his clothes before he lit the lamp.

Evan woke up and lay in a bemused state for about two seconds then jerked upright, his eyes blinking rapidly. He retreated to the corner then rushed from the room to the kitchen.

Hugh followed on his heels.

Evan skidded to a halt as he saw Annie at the stove and Grandfather in his chair nursing a cup of coffee then he sidled past them and sank into the corner he had claimed as his own.

“Good morning, Evan. Good morning, Hugh,” Annie said, cheerful as the morning sun that had not made its bleary way over the horizon.

“Morning.” Hugh wasn’t yet ready to be as cheerful as she.

Grandfather also greeted them.

Annie poured a cup of coffee and offered it to Hugh. “I don’t know what you take in it. Cream, sugar?”

“This is good.” He sat at the table. “I hope you had a good sleep.” He had a hundred things on his mind, things he wanted to clear up, but that was all he could come up with?

“Fine, thank you.”

She hummed as she prepared breakfast. Grandfather swirled the bottom inch of his coffee. Evan hunched in the corner. Hugh wrapped his hands about his cup. Seems the male members of the household did not wake as bright-eyed as Annie. The thought brought Hugh’s attention to her. She had a spring in her step that had her almost dancing in front of the stove. She reached for the salt with a quickness that made Hugh smile. She flung about and her gaze collided with Hugh’s.

He couldn’t say what he saw in her face or perhaps, more correctly, didn’t want to admit he might see an eagerness. His fingers tightened around his cup. Was she recalling the careless words he’d spoken last night? Always and forever. Wasn’t that what he wanted for both himself and Evan? Why not with her?

He couldn’t answer the question except with his previous doubts that she would soon enough decide she could do better.

She shifted her attention to Evan. “Hey, little man. What would you like for breakfast?”

Evan, as expected, gave no sign of hearing.

Annie wasn’t deterred and she began to list possibilities.

Remembering how she’d said Evan gave subtle clues, Hugh watched the boy. When she asked if he liked eggs, Annie nodded. “Good. One or two?”

He wasn’t sure how she knew his answer but again she nodded. “Two it is.”

She flicked him a triumphant glance. He wanted to believe she really saw a response but caution warned him she might only be saying she did in an attempt to impress him.

Smiling, she turned back to the stove and soon had a bountiful breakfast prepared. She filled a bowl and placed it in front of Evan then served those at the table.

Hugh glanced at those he was about to share the meal with. Grandfather, Annie and Evan. Somehow, despite his reservations about this arrangement, it felt right. He allowed himself to hope the future might provide better things. All he had to do was trust God and not expect too much. Which, he warned himself, did not have any bearing on what expectation the others would have of him.

He asked Grandfather to offer the grace and the old man bent forward to bow his head and prayed a simple prayer of gratitude.

As they ate, both Hugh and Grandfather came to life.

Grandfather looked about. “Is there anything I can help you with, Hugh?”

Hugh’s fork stalled halfway to his mouth. The last thing he expected was such an offer from the old man. He shifted a glance to Annie. Her eyes were quiet and watchful. Did she have an expectation of something from him? If so, he couldn’t begin to guess what it might be and turned back to her grandfather. He could understand the man wanting to feel he was useful but what could Hugh give him to do? Thinking of a task he had put off a long time, he chuckled.

“I don’t suppose you would visit Mr. Barret for me? I promised I’d drop by this week and here it is already Friday.”

Grandfather grunted. “He’ll understand when he learns how you’ve been occupied.” His gaze slanted toward Evan.

Hugh couldn’t say so but he’d gladly accepted the excuse. Mr. Barret—cranky, complaining and bitter—was no joy to visit. “He expects me to keep my word.”

“He expects a whole lot more than that from what I’ve seen.” Grandfather shook his head. “Seems to me he thinks the world owes him far more than it’s given him.”

That was the truth. “I try to tell him that God has a purpose for his life but he won’t believe it.”

“Son, you deliver the Word. It’s up to him to receive it.”

“Thank you.” Hugh had seen so little of his own father that he barely remembered him. The old man’s words fell into his heart like a sweet, warm drink on a cold day. “You make me think of a kindly man, Stewart Caldwell by name. He and his wife took me in when I was twelve. He was a preacher. Because of him, I became one.”

“You honor me to say so.”

Hugh felt Annie studying him and met her gaze. “Were your parents both dead?” she asked.

He nodded.

“I’m sorry. There’s so much I don’t know about you.”

“And I about you.” The moment grew longer with each heartbeat.

Grandfather chuckled. “You want to know anything about Annie, just ask me. I can give you all the details.”

Hugh could ask Grandfather but would sooner have Annie tell him. Her cheeks looked like she was too close to the stove and she shifted her attention to Evan as did Hugh.

The boy had cleaned his bowl and watched the adults until they looked at him and then he shifted away from them.

Hugh’s coffee cup was empty but he took it and squeezed it between his hands as if doing so could relieve the heaviness sucking at his body. Would his son ever learn how to properly relate to people?

Annie rose and reached for the coffeepot. “Can I give you a refill?”

He held up a hand. “No thanks. I must go to the office and study for my sermon. Will you be okay?” He inclined his head to indicate his concern over Evan.

Annie gave Hugh a steady, promising look. “We’ll be fine.”

“You’re going to ignore Mr. Barret?” Grandfather’s voice carried a mix of humor and accusation.

“I’ll visit him this afternoon.” Not until he reached his office did he realize he had not addressed the careless words he’d spoken last night. Of course, he could hardly say anything in front of her grandfather. The old man would surely see it as wrong to withdraw words that could be taken as a promise.

He’d deal with the matter later, though he couldn’t keep putting off unpleasant duties.

Before he started he sat quietly in prayer. God, show me how to help Evan. Give me insight into Your Word that I might deliver hope and encouragement to Your people. He readily admitted he needed to hear from God as much, if not more, than those who would gather on Sunday.

He pulled out his notes, opened his Bible and dipped his pen in ink. Dishes rattled from the kitchen. Grandfather grunted as he made his way to his easy chair. The poor man must be feeling pain today. Annie murmured something.

Hugh leaned closer to catch her words.

“Evan, did you enjoy breakfast? I’m glad to see you ate it all. I hope you got enough.” She chattered away as if Evan understood and responded to everything she said.

Grandfather’s deeper voice chimed in. “Hurts my bones to watch you sit on the floor, young man. Sure do enjoy my soft chair.”

Hugh bent his head, determined to concentrate. He could close the door but he didn’t. How else was he to know what was going on in the other room? And if he wished, even a tiny bit, that he could be there observing, it was only because he cared about Evan. He refused to admit he wished he could see the expression on Annie’s face as she talked to the unresponsive boy.

He forced his attention to sermon preparation and read over the Bible passage he meant to preach from.

A knock rattled the back door. Hugh set aside his pen and pushed to his feet. By the time he reached the office door, a blast of cold air indicated Annie had let in the caller.

“Hi, Logan. What brings you here? Did you want to see Hugh? I’ll get him.”

“I’m here to see you.” Logan’s voice rang with authority.

“Well, here I am. Can you see me?”

Hugh hung back. Someone would call him if he was needed.

“Dawson told me you moved in here.” Logan’s voice rang with disapproval.

“Would you like a cup of coffee and some cookies?” Annie sounded unperturbed by her brother’s attitude.

“Fine but don’t think you can keep me from speaking my mind.” The coffeepot scraped across the stove and china clattered on the table as Annie served her brother.

Should he join them? Hugh thought.

After a moment or two, Logan spoke again. “Tell me what you think you’re doing.”

Annie chuckled. “I know Dawson told you everything and nothing has changed since yesterday.”

“You can’t seriously plan to marry in response to an advertisement.”

“Have you never heard of mail-order brides? Isn’t that what they do?”

Hugh marveled at the calm way she answered.

“You aren’t an old spinster. You have a family that gladly wants you to stay with them. Why are you doing this?”

“Why do you object?”

“Because you deserve better than a loveless marriage.”

“I’m not married yet.” She drawled out the final word as if to inform Logan it was only a matter of time.

Hugh had to put a stop to this. He hadn’t promised her a marriage...only a four-week trial period. Was that long enough for someone to answer his ad? Someone more suitable. As he headed for the door, Grandfather spoke.

“Annie thinks she can protect herself from pain by settling for less than love.”

“Why,” Logan demanded in an aggrieved tone, “would she want to do that?”

Hugh slowed, wanting to hear her response.

“Because of that young fella who courted her—what was it?—a year or two ago.”

Logan made an explosive sound. “Rudy Ryman! That milksop? Good riddance to him, I say. If he hadn’t left, us boys were about to suggest he should.”

Silence greeted his remark. Hugh wished he could see Annie’s expression. Was this the real reason for her eagerness to marry him?

Annie’s soft response came. “Nothing stays the same but life goes on and I intend to go on in the way I choose.” No mistaking the conviction in her words.

“Dawson told me you wouldn’t listen to reason,” Logan continued. “But you and I have always been closer than that. I hoped you’d listen to me.”

Annie continued to speak in gentle tones. “I’d like you to accept that this is what I want.”

There came no response. Was she changing her mind under pressure from her brother? Hugh had to know what was going on and crossed the sitting room. As he reached the kitchen doorway, Logan’s look blasted him. Hugh, having dealt with harshness all his life, kept his own expression bland. “Hello, Logan. What brings you here so early in the morning?”

“My sister. No offense, Preacher, but I’m trying to talk her out of this arrangement.”

Hugh’s gaze skimmed those at the table and settled on Evan who huddled in the corner, his shoulders hunched forward, hearing every word and wondering what these adults would decide and how it would affect him.

Hugh met Annie’s look. Saw desperation and determination. She inclined her head slightly toward Evan signaling that she was concerned about how the boy would react to this conversation.

Her look, her concern about his son and Logan’s comments about a beau of Annie’s made up his mind. “Annie and I are agreed that she should stay here for now. Evan and I need her. Your grandfather provides chaperoning.”

Annie’s smile rewarded him.

Had she heard the limitation of his offer? For now. Until someone more suitable, more likely to find this situation to their satisfaction answered his ad. Why was he having to remind himself of that so often?

* * *

Annie poured Hugh a cup of coffee as he sat to visit with Logan. What Logan said was true. They had always had a closer relationship than she’d had with her other brothers but nothing he could say would change her mind about her decision. In less than twenty-four hours, she had already proven to Hugh how much she was needed here. And she meant to prove she was invaluable.

As the men discussed the weather, she mentally planned the next few meals and observed Evan out of the corner of her eye. The boy gave the appearance of indifference but she was certain he listened with interest to every word. He glanced at the window as they mentioned the possibility of a storm. His hands twisted as Logan wondered if the cows would find enough shelter.

Logan pushed aside his cup. “I better get home and tell Sadie how our discussion went. She will be disappointed I wasn’t able to change your mind.”

“Assure her I am fine. We are all fine.”

“That’s a fact,” Grandfather added. “I rather like the notion of spending the winter in town. That drive in the cold gets less and less appealing.”

Logan chuckled. “Are you admitting you’re getting old?”

“Nope. Just cold. And don’t try and convince me you enjoy riding out to the ranch every day.” Grandfather knew as well as Annie that Logan didn’t go out every day since the fall work ended.

Logan managed to look slightly embarrassed. “I’ve got things to do in town. Come spring I’ll be out more often. In fact, Sadie and I are talking about building a house on the ranch property. We like the idea of the kids being around family more.”

Annie slid an overt look at Evan, noting the way he watched them from the curtain of his eyelashes. It was the word family that drew his attention and she vowed to use the word as often as possible.

With goodbye to all in the room, including Evan, Logan made his departure. Hugh returned to the office and Annie turned her attention toward cooking, though her thoughts were not on the familiar tasks. No. Instead, she prayed for guidance. A thought came and she began to speak.

“Evan, that was my brother. I have three brothers and they are all married and all of them have children. We are a big family. The reason my brothers come to see me is because they care. They would do anything for me. That’s what families do.”

She prepared a pot of soup for the noon meal and described everything she did from peeling carrots to chopping onions.

“Onions make me cry.” She wiped her eyes on the corner of a towel. She looked directly at the boy and caught a look of concern in his face before he jerked away. “Not because I’m sad but because they give off a juice that stings my eyes.” The fact that he showed emotion over her tears so encouraged her she wanted to run to the office and tell Hugh.

The office door remained ajar. How much could he hear? She half considered raising her voice so he wouldn’t miss a word. Somehow she would make an opportunity to tell him of Evan’s reaction.

While the soup simmered on the stove, Annie swept the floor and then got down on her hands and knees to wash it. Not because it was dirty. Mrs. Ross had seen to that. But in order to have an excuse to get to Evan’s level. As she worked, she continued to talk.

She told him how Grandfather had started the Marshall Five Ranch, and Grandfather told of his early days. She spoke of the first horse she could remember riding.

Soon enough it was time for dinner and she went to the office. Hugh sat with a fan of papers before him. He held what looked like a photograph in his hands. She observed for a moment, then rapped on the door.

“Dinner is ready.”

He looked at the picture a moment longer before he let out a long breath and laid the picture faceup on the desktop.

Curious, she tried to see it.

He noticed her interest and tipped the picture toward her. “Evan’s mother.”

She studied the likeness of a very pretty young woman. “Bernice?” Why was he showing her now when he’d refused to talk about her last night?

“Do you remember me mentioning Stewart Caldwell?”

“Wasn’t that the preacher who took you in when your parents died?”

“Yes, after my mother died. My father had disappeared before that.”

“I’m sorry. You’ve had a lot of loss.”

He drew his finger along the edge of the frame holding the photo. “Stewart warned me not to marry Bernice but I thought I knew better.”

“Why did he warn you against her?”

“I suppose he saw things I refused to see.” Hugh’s gaze slammed into Annie so that she gripped the door to keep from falling back. “She had a reputation for wildness. I put it down to her youth. I discovered it was more than that. She couldn’t seem to get enough of...” He hesitated, as if searching for the right word. “Life, I suppose. She lived in a permanent state of excitement and when I could no longer offer that, she sought it elsewhere.”

“She left you for more excitement?” It was so much like Dawson’s first wife, Violet, that she could barely keep the shock and anger from her voice. She’d watched Dawson and Mattie suffer when Violet sought what she wanted elsewhere. At least Dawson had his family to help him.

Hugh stared at the picture. “She left and she took Evan.” The agony in his voice echoed inside Annie. The little boy had paid a heavy price for his mother’s foolishness.

She took the three steps to Hugh’s side and rested a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tension beneath her palm. “It’s an answer to prayer that you found him. My whole family prayed daily that you would and now you have. Evan has you and me and Grandfather and my whole family to teach him what life should be like.” She stood there, quietly waiting and silently praying for healing for both father and son.

The tension eased from Hugh’s shoulder and she removed her hand lest he think her too forward.

He slipped the picture into the right-hand top drawer and closed the drawer firmly. “I have to trust God that Evan can be helped.”

“I’m positive he can be. He sees everything. I believe Evan understands what is being said around him and even more important, he is aware of other people’s feelings.” She told him how she had seen concern in Evan’s eyes when she cried while chopping onions. “It’s a very good sign.”

He pushed to his feet and stood facing her, barely eighteen inches between them. She was overwhelmed by his nearness, felt his strength and his powerful personality just as she had from the first time she saw him.

“I hope you are right and I admit I’m willing to believe anything that offers me hope about my son.”

She smiled what she hoped was an encouraging smile though inside, she trembled just a little at all the longings rushing through her. She did not want to care about this man any more deeply than as a partner sharing concern about Evan. “How can he fail to get better with so many people on his side?” Her words were meant to make her remember she was here only to do a job of caring for Evan and his father.

He caught the door and pulled it wider, waiting for her to go ahead of him. They walked side by side to the kitchen. And Annie told herself it meant nothing but common courtesy. Perhaps also mutual concern over a little boy. But nothing beyond that. It was something they were both agreed on.

After they ate soup and thick slices of bread, followed by the remains of a cake discovered in the pantry, Hugh announced he was going to visit Mr. Barret.

Grandfather, who had spent the morning reading or snoozing in his chair, said, “Would you like me to go with you?”

Hugh looked about to say yes, then shook his head. “It’s bitter cold out there. You’re better off staying inside and keeping warm. Thanks for offering.”

Grandfather looked so relieved that Annie’s estimation of Hugh rose several notches. She followed him to the door as he donned a heavy woolen coat. “Thank you for realizing it’s best for Grandfather to stay home.” Home stuck momentarily on her tongue. She gave a decisive nod of her head. She would soon get used to this house being home rather than the ranch house.

Hugh seemed surprised at her words. “I’m not about to take advantage of an old man.” He studied her a moment. “Or of a young woman.”

Before she could challenge his assumption that he was taking advantage of her, he stepped outside and closed the door, a cold blast sweeping across the floor. She reached for the knob, about to call out a protest but pulled her hand back and turned away.

She’d given up on love and meant to keep her heart safe from emotional involvement but she had not given up on this arrangement. She had four weeks to prove to him that it should be made permanent. Surely four weeks would be long enough.

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