Love Inspired Historical October 2013 Bundle: A Family for Christmas\The Secret Princess\Taming the Texas Rancher\An Unlikely Union (15 page)

“He’s a smart kid—it won’t take him long to catch up.”

“I hope so. But it would be better for him if he received some extra help at home.”

“You want to teach him yourself?”

“Actually, I’ve noticed how good you are at giving instruction and I thought perhaps you’d agree to do it. I just want to make certain he has the best help possible.”

Chance’s face went blank for a moment. What was wrong—didn’t he
want
to help Leo? Had she crossed some sort of boundary without realizing it?

Then he seemed to recover. “I have an even better idea. Did you know that Dotty used to be the town’s schoolteacher?”

“She was?”

Chance nodded. “She’s only been retired about six years now. If you want to give Leo the best help possible, Dotty’s the person you need.”

“I’ll ask her as soon as she returns.”

Before Eve could say more, Abigail arrived to pick up her pumpkinseed brittle. “Hi there,” she said by way of greeting. “If I’m too early just send me on my way and I’ll come back later.”

“Not at all. Give me just a moment to fetch it for you.”

* * *

As Eve disappeared into the kitchen, Chance did his best to pay attention to Abigail’s bubbly chatter. But his mind was on the earlier interchange with Eve. Should he have told her the truth, that he could never teach Leo to read because he didn’t know how himself? But the memory of how she told Leo that people who can read are more respected and knowledgeable had held him back. Did that make him a coward? He was afraid he knew the answer to that question, and it didn’t paint him in a very flattering light.

He was almost relieved when Eve returned so he could gracefully take his leave of Abigail and head out to his work shed behind the building.

He definitely needed some time alone to think.

Chapter Seventeen

A
n hour later Eve went out behind The Blue Bottle, looking for Chance. She found him in the work shed, laboring over a piece of equipment that looked very much like a washing machine with something attached to it by a series of belts.

“Hello,” she said, holding out a cup of coffee.

He glanced up, surprised by the gesture. “Thanks.”

She smiled. “I hope you don’t mind the interruption, but I thought you might be ready for a break.”

“I don’t mind at all. And you’re right. A short break with a hot cup of coffee sounds very good right now.”

She studied the equipment up close. “Pardon my curiosity, but do you mind if I ask what it is you’re working on?”

He smiled. “Not at all. I’m attempting to motorize a washing machine.”

“Motorize? You mean like your motor carriage?”

He laughed. “It’s the same principle, yes. I’m hoping that, by connecting this steam engine to this washing machine in just the right fashion, I can take a lot of the hard work out of this chore.”

Eve was impressed. “You’ll have the gratitude of many a homemaker when you have this ready. Doing laundry has always been my least favorite chore.”

“It’s my hope that this will make laundry no more of a chore than any other housecleaning task.”

“How did you come up with this idea?”

“It came from a casual conversation I had with Selma Winters, the lady who takes in laundry for some of the folks around here, including me. She was telling me how most men don’t realize what hard, backbreaking work it is. And that there’s no end to it. I watched her at work and realized she was right. And I also realized that there had to be a better way.”

“So just like that you decided to find that better way.”

He shrugged. “I like solving puzzles. And that’s what this is to me, one big, tantalizing puzzle.”

“And do you feel as if you’re close to solving it?”

“It’s hard to tell. I have to fashion a series of interconnected gears that can be turned by a belt from the motor to power the washing machine paddles and the wringer device separately. It’s proving more difficult than I had imagined.”

She smiled. “I have faith that you’ll work it out.” Could she get away with another personal question? She decided to try. “I notice you sometimes do some whittling at your worktable. Did you by any chance make those nutcrackers I saw stuck on a shelf on the back wall?”

He nodded. “Whittling and carving are hobbies of mine. Working with wood helps me to think. So I often spend time doing that when I’m trying to work out a problem with something like this.”

The man continued to amaze her with his talents. She’d been so wrong to think of him as lackadaisical. “But those nutcrackers are beautiful. You should have them displayed in a place of honor, not stuck in a dark corner.”

He shrugged again. “There’s not many folk who’d come by to see them anyway.”

She crossed the room to pick one of them up. “Do you mind if I find a better place for them, so
I
can see them?”

“Help yourself.”

“What else do you make besides nutcrackers?”

“Nothing special—just whatnots and trinkets, really.”

He didn’t seem to want to talk about it, but she was still curious. “Like what?”

“Oh, tops, toy soldiers, animals, that sort of thing.”

* * *

Chance wasn’t certain what to make of Eve anymore. Bringing him that cup of coffee had been unexpected. And her interest in his work seemed genuine enough. Was she just trying to be pleasant, to repay him for the use of his building, or could there perhaps be something more there?

And just how ready was he for that something more?

Instead of answering that question he remembered he had something to tell her, which would give him an excuse to change the subject. Taking another sip of coffee to fortify himself, he glanced up at her. “Now that you’ve decided to stay, there’s something I need to let you know.”

Her expression immediately turned wary. What was she afraid of? “My father is planning a visit here for Christmas.”

Her face lit up. “Oh, how wonderful for you.” Then her face puckered in dismay. “But we’ve taken up all of your spare rooms. Perhaps Leo and I can double up while he’s here.” How would Leo feel about that?

Chance, however, had other ideas. “That won’t be necessary. My father can take a room at the hotel.”

“I wouldn’t dream of letting you do that. If he’s traveling all this way to see you—”

Was she picturing a joyful father-son reunion? She’d learn different soon enough. “Believe me, he’ll be more comfortable staying at the hotel than he would here. And
I’ll
be more comfortable with that arrangement, as well.”

This time her brows drew down in question.

He ignored it. “I’m only telling you this because I didn’t want his visit to take you by surprise. I also wanted to prepare you—my father is very outspoken and not always the most tactful. I want to apologize in advance if he should do or say anything to make you uncomfortable.”

“I see.”

There was a long pause and he wondered what she was thinking.

Finally she asked, “When do you expect him?”

“In about two weeks. He’s planning to stay through Christmas.”

“Then we’ll plan our Christmas celebration accordingly. Are there some particular family traditions you’d like us to include? Special meal items perhaps.”

“There’s no need to go to any particular trouble. Father will be equally happy with whatever is provided.” Or, rather, equally
un
happy.

* * *

Eve wondered at the strange tone in Chance’s voice when he spoke of his father. Did the two have a falling out of some sort? Is that why Chance had moved so far away?

No matter what the situation between the two men, it didn’t seem right to not find room for Chance’s father to spend his visit in his son’s home. Especially since he was traveling so far to be with him at this special time of year.

She’d have to come up with a plan to take care of that in the next two weeks. With or without Chance’s help.

She held out her hand for his now-empty coffee cup. “I’ll let you get back to your project. Dotty and I have some more work to do ourselves toward getting the candy shop ready.”

* * *

Sunday morning the four of them strolled to church together. Chance had offered to transport them in Tizzie since the church building was on the other side of town. There was a nip in the air for this first day of December, but Eve and Dotty both declared they were up for a walk.

After the service, Eve made a point of having Chance introduce her to the schoolteacher.

Once the introductions were complete she got right to the point. “I understand you teach those students younger than eleven.”

“That’s right. And Mr. Parker works with the older children.”

“I’d like to enroll Leo. He’s ten years old so he would fall into your class.”

“Leo’s a good boy,” Chance added. “You won’t have any trouble with him.”

Eve hid a smile. He sounded just like a proud father.

“Of course,” Miss Whitman replied. “He’ll be more than welcome to join us.” She gave Eve a warm smile. “May I take this to mean you and Leo are planning to extend your stay here in Turnabout?”

“Yes, we are. Though I’m not exactly certain for how long yet.”

“I’m so glad. You’re going to like it here. I moved here five years ago to take this teaching position and I have never regretted it.”

“I can understand why. The folks are all so friendly.” It seemed as though there were as many transplants as people born and raised in Turnabout. “I also wanted to let you know that Leo hasn’t attended school or had any kind of teaching for more than two years now.”

Miss Whitman’s expression sobered. “I see. That means he’ll be behind the other children his age.” Then she smiled reassuringly. “But don’t worry, that’s not an insurmountable problem. He’ll just need a little individual attention to catch up. I’ll be glad to work with him after school if you like.”

“Thank you. And Dotty has started working with him at home already and should be able to continue to do so, at least for the next few weeks.”

“Excellent.” She smiled. “With Dotty’s help, Leo will be caught up in no time. Tell Leo I look forward to seeing him in class tomorrow.”

With a wave she left them, and was almost immediately replaced by Sheriff Gleason.

Eve tensed. Had he found a family willing to take Leo? Why hadn’t she thought to tell him about the change in plans yesterday?

“Just wanted to let you know I haven’t had any luck in finding a permanent home for Leo yet, though a few folks have offered to take him in for the holidays if that’s needed.”

Eve felt guilty about the immediate rush of relief his words brought. She quickly shook her head. “Thank you but that won’t be necessary. Mr. Dawson and I have decided to keep to the current arrangement, at least until after Christmas.”

He nodded. “I heard about your plans for a candy store and thought that might be the case. Do you want me to continue making inquiries, or do you plan to make
this
a more permanent arrangement?”

Eve wasn’t ready to commit to anything at this point. “My situation continues to be uncertain, so I’m not prepared to say I can care for Leo permanently.”

The sheriff seemed surprised by her answer. “I see.”

“On the other hand,” Chance said quickly, “since Christmas is coming up, and Miss Pickering plans to give this business a try until then, perhaps we can just leave things as they are and reassess at the New Year.”

Sheriff Gleason nodded. “In the meantime, if I happen to hear of any family who would be willing to adopt him, I’ll let you know.”

“Thank you, Sheriff. I appreciate all you’re doing on Leo’s behalf.”

Eve glanced across the churchyard to where Leo and Jack were deep in conversation. More and more she was thinking of Leo, if not as her son, at least as her personal responsibility. She’d grown to love him dearly. Could she give him up to another if a willing couple were found?

“He looks on you as a mom you know.”

Chance’s words, softly spoken from right beside her, took her by surprise. She turned and saw him watching her with sympathetic, knowing eyes. Was she so transparent to every one? Or just to him? Her mind still churning over the questions tumbling around in her mind, she sent up a silent prayer.

Dear Father above, please give me the strength to do what is best for Leo when the time comes. And the wisdom and discernment to know what that is.

Feeling somewhat steadier, she allowed Chance to escort her toward where Dotty stood talking to friends.

From there they would be going to the Sunday gathering with all of Chance’s friends.

She hoped she didn’t do anything to embarrass him.

Chapter Eighteen

W
hen they arrived at the Fultons’ Leo was excited to discover Daisy had a very unusual dog. With a shaggy black-and-white coat and several jagged, faded scars, he should have looked fierce. But in actuality, the wagging tail and different-colored eyes made him look endearing.

“His name’s Kip,” Daisy told Leo. “You and Jack can go out in the back lot with him until lunch is on the table if you like.”

The two boys didn’t need any further encouragement.

Then Daisy turned to the others. “I’m so glad you and Dotty agreed to join us,” she told Eve. “It’s a real blessing to see how our circle is continuing to grow.”

Eve moved with her toward the kitchen. “I appreciate the invitation. Now tell me what I can do to help.”

“Don’t be silly. You all are my guests.” She swept a hand to include Reggie and Dotty. “If you ladies want to have a seat over there in Abigail’s reading corner while the men push the tables together, I’ll get everything ready to serve.”

“Don’t be silly,” Reggie echoed. She handed Patricia over to Abigail. “We can help you in the kitchen.”

Daisy grimaced. “Now you sound like Everett. I’m still quite capable of preparing a meal, even if I
am
starting to waddle when I walk.”

Dotty laughed. “I can’t think of a better reason to pamper a woman, can you?”

Eve found the atmosphere in Daisy’s kitchen to be far different from the one in which she’d grown up. Daisy was urged to get off her feet while Mrs. Peavy took over her post at the stove. There was actually very little to be done—apparently Daisy had prepared most of the meal ahead of time. These women shared laughter, stories, compliments and worked with an attitude of joy. They took an obvious pleasure in each other’s company, a camaraderie that Eve had never experienced before. And all the while they were getting the job done.

Food and dishes were carried out of the kitchen and into the dining area. Here too the camaraderie was evident. And none of the men seemed averse to helping get the table set or the food on the table.

Once everything was ready, the boys were called in and Ira supervised their washing up before they took their seats at the table.

Daisy’s husband, Everett, said the blessing and then the bowls and platters were passed around. The meal was informal with conversation, teasing and laughter flowing freely. Eve answered when someone spoke to her, but did not try to interject herself into the mix.

Then, during a lull in the conversation, Abigail turned to her. “Did you decide about the candy store yet?”

Eve suddenly felt herself to be the center of attention. She gave a self-conscious nod. “Yes. I’ve decided to give it a go.”

There was an immediate chorus of congratulations and pleased comments from those who knew of her plans, and a clamor for explanations from those who didn’t. Uncomfortable, Eve was relieved when Chance and Dotty shared in explaining the news.

The meal was wonderful and the fellowship was even better. When it was over, everyone pitched in to set the restaurant and kitchen back to rights.

Eve took a moment to talk to Daisy before they made their departure. “Thank you so much for inviting me.”

“It was my pleasure. And I’m so glad you’ve decided to stay in Turnabout. I hope you’ll continue to join us here on Sundays.”

Her husband appeared at her side and wrapped an arm possessively around her shoulder, while focusing on Eve. “Best wishes for the success of your new venture. Please allow me to print a free advertisement in Tuesday’s paper.”

“Oh, that’s most kind, but I could never—”

Daisy held up a hand. “It costs him practically nothing to do this and makes him feel all magnanimous.” She glanced fondly at her husband. “Did I get that word right?”

He grinned. “You know quite well you did.”

“But I like to hear you say it.”

Eve enjoyed their playful banter and hoped wistfully that she might one day experience something similar herself.

She went outside to fetch Leo. As they were walking around to join the others on the sidewalk, he glanced up at her with an earnest expression. “I’m glad you decided to stay. And not just because you’re going to open a candy store.”

Eve smiled, charmed by the way his mind worked. “Me, too.”

He jammed his hands in his pockets. “It almost feels like we’re a real family, you know—with a ma, and a pa, and even a grandmother.”

Luckily, he didn’t wait for a response, because she wasn’t certain what she would have said. Without warning, he sprinted ahead to join Chance and Dotty.

She made her way more slowly as she digested his words. A real family. It was a wonderful dream. Too bad it wasn’t true.

And what would she do come the new year when it was time for this little “family” to disband? She pushed that thought aside. She would take Dotty’s advice and enjoy this moment and not dwell on things that couldn’t be changed.

Or at least she would try very hard to do that.

* * *

Eve glanced up as Leo stepped into the kitchen the next morning. “Are you all ready for your first day of school?” She resisted the urge to adjust the collar of his shirt.

“I suppose.”

The words were uttered in an indifferent tone but Eve could sense the boy’s nervousness. Her arms itched with the urge to hug him, but she refrained.

“Don’t worry,” Chance assured him, “you’ll do great.”

“Yes, you will.” Eve began dishing up the eggs. “And to get you started off right, I picked up some strawberry jam at the mercantile to go on your biscuits for breakfast.”

That seemed to cheer Leo up more than their assurances had.

Eve made quick work of serving their plates. Later, just as they were finishing, Jack Barr and two other children stopped in to see if Leo wanted to walk to school with them.

Leo turned to Eve expectantly. “Can I?”

Eve was pleased that Leo had sought her permission, but she had planned to walk him to school herself. However, he seemed so eager to join his friends that she swallowed her disappointment and simply nodded.

After the children had gone, she turned to find Chance watching her, an understanding look in his eye. “You handled that well. You’re going to make him a fine mother.”

She smiled, trying not to let him see how jarred she was by his words. Is that what everyone was thinking, that her becoming Leo’s mother was the ultimate outcome of this arrangement? More and more it was what she hoped, but it was by no means certain in her mind. Because she was also plagued by the thought that she might fail him.

Not knowing exactly how to respond to Chance, she held her peace.

If he noticed he didn’t say anything. Instead, he asked, “So what are your plans for today?”

“I wrote a letter to Mrs. O’Connell last night informing her of my decision, so I’ll need to post it first thing. Then I’ll get to work making candy. I have several orders to fill already today.”

“I can take care of posting that letter for you. I have to check on something at the depot anyway.”

“Thank you, that would be very helpful.”

“As for your candy business, do you mind if I make a suggestion?”

She eyed him suspiciously. “Such as?”

“Before you fill the orders you already have, make a batch or two of something to set out on the counter to sell. Since this is your first day, you’ll probably have a few folks come in just out of curiosity. It would be good to have something available for them to purchase should the impulse hit them.”

That made sense. “I suppose I could make something simple, like chocolate drops.”

Chance gave her an approving nod. “And maybe a batch of something else as well, to show you plan to stock a variety.”

“I don’t want to make too many unordered items—what if it doesn’t sell?”

“Have faith in yourself. And if you insist on worrying about such things, make something that keeps well. Because it
will
sell, if not today, then tomorrow or the next day. Word of mouth will be your biggest selling tool.”

She rubbed her cheek. “And I suppose, when I make the additional batches of pumpkinseed brittle Abigail ordered I can make a little extra to put in the counter display.”

He nodded approvingly. “Now you’re thinking like a businesswoman.”

That compliment cheered her immensely. She made shooing motions. “Now leave me to my work.”

When she entered the kitchen she found Dotty waiting for her. “I’m ready.”

“Ready for what?”

“I want to help you with your candy business. I figure I can make myself useful doing some of the simpler tasks if you just give me directions.”

Eve eyed her friend with a dismayed frown. “Please don’t feel obligated.”

“I don’t. In fact, I’m hoping to learn a few of your tricks while I’m helping.”

Eve started to protest again, then remembered how she had felt the first time Miss Trosclair allowed her to make candy with her. Could Dotty actually
want
to help? “All right. I normally go from memory and the way things look when I’m making candy. But I’d like to get some of these recipes down on paper, especially the ones I don’t fix too often, or new ones I’m trying out. So you can start by helping me write some of these recipes down as I go. That way, we’ll both have a guide later on.”

By the time the first batch had cooled enough to set out and the second batch was cooling on the table, Eve’s first customer had arrived.

“Hello,” the woman said. “We met at the Thanksgiving Festival. I’m Maryann Pratt.”

Eve placed her immediately—the doctor’s wife.

“I heard so many good things about your candies, but they were all gone before I could get a taste at the Thanksgiving Festival. I had to come by and see for myself if everyone was right.”

Eve smiled. “Of course. Try one of these chocolate drops. And I’ve got some pumpkinseed brittle in the kitchen that’s just about ready to set out. I’ll let you taste a piece of that, as well.”

The woman shook her head. “Oh, I couldn’t accept all of that without paying you.”

“Of course you can. I wouldn’t want you to purchase something you’re not going to like.”

That earned Eve another smile from the doctor’s wife. “What a wonderful philosophy.”

Eve waved toward the trays on the counter. “You just go ahead and try a piece of fudge while I fetch the brittle.”

When Eve came back, Mrs. Pratt was beaming. “This is delicious, my dear. My quilting circle is meeting at my home tomorrow and I’d love to have a dozen pieces of each if that’s not too big an order for you.”

Her first in-store order. It was suddenly beginning to feel real. “Not at all. I have a couple of orders ahead of you, but I can have it ready for you by three o’clock this afternoon if that is acceptable.”

Several other people stopped in after that, all of them placing orders of various sizes. Then, just before lunchtime, Everett Fulton stopped by.

“How’s the candy business going?” he asked.

“It’s going fine.”

“Don’t let her fool you.” Chance had stood up from his workbench and was crossing the room toward them. “She’s had a number of orders from folks passing in the street since word got out.”

Mr. Fulton glanced at the candies displayed on the counter. “I can see why. These look mighty tempting.”

“Help yourself to a piece,” she offered. “I’m giving out free samples today.”

“Trying to get folks hooked, are you? Good strategy.”

Chance eyed his friend. “So did you just come by to check out the candies, or did you have something else in mind?”

“A little of both. I need to get some information for that advertisement I promised you for tomorrow’s newspaper.”

So he was really going to run an advertisement. But it seemed as if everyone already knew.

“And if you don’t mind, I’d actually like to turn it into an interview so local folks can get to know a little more about you.”

“An interview! But there’s really nothing to tell.” Eve felt panicked. What if questions came up about her parents? She couldn’t let herself lie. But the truth could destroy her newfound friendships.

Chance gave her an understanding look. “Don’t worry, Everett won’t ask you anything you’re not comfortable sharing.”

“Of course not. I promise to make this very quick and painless. A few questions about where you’re from, what you enjoy doing, why you came here and we’ll be all done.”

Eve gathered up her courage and nodded. “Of course. But rather than you asking me questions, can I just give you that information?”

Everett smiled. “Of course.”

So for the next five minutes, Eve talked about how she got interested in candy making, her work as backup piano player in her church, the way she looked forward to the first dogwood blooms in spring and how her favorite chore on her grandmother’s small farm was feeding the chickens. She told him about traveling to Tyler to begin work as a milliner’s apprentice but then ending up in Turnabout instead when she had to get off the train to help a friend, and how happy she was that that had happened. When she finally stopped talking, Everett gave her another smile.