“We have no doctor.” Linette gave a brave smile. “This is my first, so I’m not sure what to expect.”
Clara’s gaze went to Grady. “Your first?”
“We adopted Grady. I met his mother on the ship over. She died before we reached shore.” Her eyes lit lovingly on her son before she turned back to Clara. “What’s it like?”
Clara knew she meant delivering a baby. As they sat across from each other at the table, she told Linette what to expect. “And then they put the baby in your arms, and you fall instantly in love, amazed that you are responsible for creating this perfect little life.” Warmth filled her heart as she watched Eleanor and Libby playing. Nothing mattered but these two children. Not her own wishes, not her desire for a real family. Nothing but keeping them safe and with her.
Eddie returned a few minutes later, and Clara called the girls to help set the table.
After the meal, she insisted Linette sit while she cleaned the kitchen. “Is there anything else?”
“Oh, you’ve done plenty already, and I appreciate it.”
Clara laughed. “I recognize an evasive answer when I hear it. What else do you need done?”
“I always prepare a big meal for Sunday dinner. If the vegetables were prepared and something for dessert...” She trailed off. “It’s unfair of me to even suggest it to a guest.”
Clara waved away her protests. “Then think of me as a friend.”
“I’d love to.”
Clara, with direction from Linette, prepared vegetables and a baked pudding.
The girls and Grady played happily enough, but Clara caught a whining tone in Libby’s voice. “The girls are getting tired.” As was Linette. “They won’t go to bed in an unfamiliar place unless I’m with them.”
“I’ll show you to your room.” Linette led her down the hall.
Eddie was in the library working at a big desk. He glanced up as Linette paused at the door. “Going to bed? I’ll be up in a bit. Good night.”
They climbed the wide staircase, and Linette showed Clara to a nice room with a bed wide enough for the three of them to sleep together.
As soon as the door closed, Eleanor turned to Clara. “A bed just like we used to have.”
Libby’s bottom lip came out. “I’d sleep on the floor forever if it meant we could stay with Blue.”
Clara helped them prepare for bed. “Libby, we’ve talked about this many times. We can’t stay.”
“Why not?” Libby clearly did not like Clara’s decision.
Clara was tired of this oft-repeated argument. “Because I said so.”
She heard the girls’ prayers and tucked them into bed. She crawled in the far side and turned out the lamp.
The women here were strong and independent to a degree that made her ache. If only she could find the same. Could she if she stayed here? Maybe not on the ranch but in the area where the women seemed to have what she wanted. And maybe with someone who saw her strengths.
Like Blue.
Her heart twisted with regret that it wasn’t possible.
Chapter Fourteen
Blue rose early Sunday morning. He put on his best duds, which in truth were nothing special. Only a white shirt with blue stripes, a newish pair of black pants and a black string tie.
The other cowboys watched out of the corner of their eyes. The youngest, Buster, was openly curious. “You courtin’ that woman?”
Blue took his time about brushing his hair into place before he answered. “What makes you think that?”
Buster shrugged. “Ain’t never seen you fuss so much about getting ready.”
“You just weren’t paying attention.”
Buster nodded, understanding the conversation was closed, and grabbed his hat and left the bunkhouse.
Blue watched him depart, hoping he hadn’t offended the young man. But he was glad to see him go because with Buster gone Blue could head over to the cookhouse without looking too eager. The morning had seemed awfully long so far.
He grabbed his hat, placed it carefully on his head and left.
No one came down the hill. Either they hadn’t left the big house or they were already inside. He picked up his pace in case it was the latter.
He hadn’t seen Clara since shortly after he’d kissed her, and all night he’d thought of that kiss. He’d tried to convince himself it was only a gesture of comfort. But he’d failed entirely. Something between them had shifted. He didn’t know what it meant nor how to proceed from here.