Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
T he babe’s cry tugged at Grace, but her body clung desperately to sleep.
Another cry.
She had to get up. Ruby needed to eat. Grace cracked open her eyes, the lids so heavy she could hardly lift them. She’d never imagined how exhausting it would be taking care of a baby. Especially every night.
Ruby called out again, this wail more urgent.
Yes, little one. I know you're hungry.
Grace dragged herself upright, shoulders sagging under the weight of exhaustion. Her mind felt muddled, thoughts sluggish as she tried to remember...
Sampson.
Had he returned last night? She glanced around the small room. His bedroll still lay against the wall. Was it in the same position? Yes…maybe.
Worry stirred in her middle. Her father had sent him out of town on an errand. Had he run into trouble?
Ruby's insistent sobs drew her back to her primary concern.
With effort, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and leaned down to the basket, swaying a little as a wave of dizziness washed over her. Ruby fussed, her face scrunched and red.
"Shh, I'm here," Grace cooed, reaching in to lift the squirming bundle into her arms.
Ruby's cries quieted to whimpers as she nuzzled against Grace's neck, rooting for milk.
A soft knock at the door made Grace’s insides tighten. Her father? The thought made her heart pound.
But then a familiar deep voice called through the wood. "Grace? It's Sampson. Can I come in?"
Her pulse shifted to a different kind of racing. Not fear this time but…nerves. She let out a shaky breath. "Yes."
The door creaked open, revealing Sampson's broad frame. In his hands, he carried a steaming mug and a plate laden with food. “I thought you might be ready for some breakfast.” His voice came low, not loud enough to carry through the wall to her father’s room.
When his warm brown eyes met hers, they softened and roamed her face. Ruby made another fussing sound, and his gaze dropped to the babe. “Is she hungry?”
She nodded, turning her focus to her highest priority. She reached for the bottle she’d readied after the last time Ruby woke. “I’ll need to feed her before I can eat. Thank you for bringing the meal though. And coffee.” The rich aroma filled the room, giving her a tiny bit of clarity with only the scent of it.
Sampson stepped closer, moving around Ruby’s basket to set the food and drink on the small table beside the bed. This space felt so much smaller with his presence filling it. "I could... Would you like me to try to feed her? While you eat?"
Surprise flashed through her. Other than that first night in the trapper’s cabin when he’d knelt to talk to Ruby, Sampson had kept a respectful distance, letting Grace be the one to tend to the baby's needs. He’d never even held her.
But, if he was offering… He did look sincere, though a little nervous.
He always held such a confident air. Not arrogant or prideful, just…comfortable in his own skin. But the hesitation in his eyes, the way he held his upper body back a little, made her almost want to chuckle. If he could handle her father, then he was more than capable of feeding Ruby.
She gave a thankful smile. “If you don’t mind, that would be wonderful.”
She motioned for him to sit on the bed beside her, and he moved around to ease down where she’d pointed. He left nearly an arm’s length between them, which meant she had to stand to step closer to place Ruby into his arms.
As the babe’s weight settled on him, he seemed to go rigid. Not even breathing.
“Just relax with her.” She placed the bottle in the babe’s mouth, and Ruby latched on hungrily. “There’s a girl. That’s what you needed, isn’t it?”
Sampson hadn’t moved, still holding the babe with both arms so he didn’t have a free hand to take the bottle.
Grace glanced up to see his expression. She’d not realized how close she stood, their faces only a handsbreadth apart.
His eyes were locked on Ruby, though, wonder transforming his rugged features. The rough edges softened, and a smile curved his lips as he watched the tiny girl drink from the bottle Grace held.
"She's so small." His voice came out in a rough whisper, like speaking louder would break the spell. "I've never held a baby before."
Her heart squeezed as warmth melted her insides. This strong, capable man cradled Ruby with such gentleness. Such awe. "You're doing great. You can let her legs rest on yours so you have a free hand to hold the bottle.”
With an anxious grimace, he did as she said, easing his hand out from beneath the babe with painstaking care. Once he’d accomplished it, he let out an audible breath, and Grace bit back a smile. No need to worry about him being too rough with the child.
He took the bottle, their hands brushing in the transfer, and Grace fought her body’s reaction as she stepped back. She eased out her own breath. Being so near him had her insides befuddled. How could he affect her so much?
She let herself stand and watch them. The big man—so handsome that he made her breath catch every time she looked at him—holding Ruby like the treasure she was.
Tears stung her eyes. She needed sleep or else she’d turn into a sappy mess. Ruby had been fussy until about midnight, then finally settled. But too many restless nights in a row had taken their toll. Grace would need more than a few unbroken hours of sleep to ever feel rested again.
Sampson lifted his gaze then, taking her in. "You're exhausted. Sit. Eat. I've got her."
Heat slipped up her neck at being caught staring, and she sat on the bed against the headboard, tucking her feet up under her nightdress. She needed to dress for the day, but she couldn’t do that with Sampson here. Maybe she should be more concerned about him seeing her in sleeping attire, but she was too exhausted to waste energy on what she couldn’t help.
Besides, he was her husband.
That thought brought a fresh wave of heat, and she reached for the plate and mug. The scent of fried eggs and ham made her stomach rumble, but she needed coffee first. She took a sip, and the warm liquid eased through her. Her eyes drifted closed as she relished the feeling. Was anything ever so wonderful as hot coffee on a cold morning?
When she opened her eyes again, Sampson was watching her, an unreadable expression on his face. He glanced down quickly, returning his focus to Ruby. The babe had already almost finished the bottle, her little mouth working more slowly now as sleep tugged at her.
Grace set the mug aside and picked up a piece of bread, tearing off a small bit to pop into her mouth. The fresh yeasty flavor burst on her tongue, and her stomach growled again, reminding her how ravenous she truly was.
As she ate, her gaze kept drifting to Sampson and Ruby. He'd relaxed into the task, his easy confidence fully returned. Grace's chest squeezed, a painful hope swelling beneath her ribs. If Sampson fell in love with Ruby, maybe he’d want to stay with them.
Stop it , she chided herself. Wishing for impossible things would only lead to heartache. Sampson had married her out of obligation, to keep her safe. Not for love.
She shook the thoughts away and focused on her food, working through the eggs and ham.
Soon, Ruby sucked the last of the milk. Sampson eased the bottle out of her mouth and set it aside, then shifted the baby up to rest against his shoulder. He threw Grace a hesitant glance. "Is this right? She needs to be burped?"
"Yes, just pat her back gently." He’d been watching. Paying attention. "You're doing wonderfully with her."
Color tinged his cheeks, and he ducked his head, focusing on Ruby as he patted her back with so much tenderness. After a moment, a tiny burp escaped the baby, and Sampson's face split into a grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"There's a good girl." He changed his motion to rub circles on Ruby's back.
The babe gave a contented sigh, her eyes drifting closed as she snuggled against his broad shoulder.
You’re a lucky girl, Ruby. Grace swallowed past the lump in her throat. She needed to shore up her defenses against this man’s tenderness. "Did you find another place to sleep last night? I didn't hear you come in."
Sampson looked up, his brows lowered in confusion. "No, I slept here. On the floor." He nodded toward his bedroll, still tucked against the wall. "I got in late from your father's errand and didn't want to disturb you. Then I woke early to milk the goat." He gestured to the floor beside Ruby’s basket.
For the first time, Grace noticed the jars of fresh milk lined up beside the wicker. Her heart squeezed, gratitude and something warmer, more tender, welling up inside her. She blinked back another rush of tears. "Thank you, Sampson. Truly.”
It had been so long since she'd had anyone to rely on. Anyone who cared enough to lighten her burdens. And now Sampson, this man she barely knew, stepped in without hesitation.
He looked away, color deepening in his cheeks. "It's nothing. I'm happy to help how ever I can."
Ruby slept soundly against his chest, her petite lips parted and dark lashes fanning her round cheeks.
Sampson cleared his throat, drawing Grace’s attention back to his face. He sobered, his brow furrowing as he met her gaze. "I guess we should talk about what you want to do next. Have you given any thought to where you'd like to settle?"
Her chest tightened, and she looked down at her hands where she clenched the plate. In truth, she'd been so focused on finding her father and keeping Ruby safe and cared for that she hadn't let herself make decisions about where to go once she had the funds to. "I guess I need to find a house somewhere."
He was quiet a moment. "You know, my family has a ranch. About a day’s ride from here, nestled up on a mountain. It's a beautiful place. Really peaceful. And there's plenty of room. I have five brothers, and a few of them are married." He paused, as if gauging her reaction.
He’d mentioned the ranch before, but surely he didn’t want her to go there and burden them.
His eyes softened. "You and Ruby, you'd be welcome there. They’d love to have you."
Her heart stuttered. His expression was earnest, sincere. A tiny flicker of hope sparked to life in her chest.
A real home. A place to belong. She tried to picture it—a sprawling ranch, the mountains rising in the distance, wildflowers dotting the meadows.
But she was a stranger to them. A woman who was imposing on their brother. Why would they want her to barge in? Especially with a baby. "Your family…they wouldn't mind? Having a strange woman and baby they don't know living with them?"
Sampson's eyes crinkled at the corners, a hint of a smile playing about his mouth. "Mind? They’d be over the moon. My sisters-in-law would dote on Ruby something fierce. Dinah, my oldest brother’s wife, is a doctor, so she could help with anything the baby needs. And her sister has two little ones herself.” He nodded toward Ruby. “Mary Ellen is only a couple years old, so these two could have fun together in time.”
He shifted the baby, and she made a soft snuffling sound, nestling closer to his neck. The sight made Grace's heart clench with a fierce, protective longing. Sampson's family sounded wonderful. Warm and welcoming and everything she'd never had.
But so many people. So many eyes watching her, judging her. What if they found her lacking? What if they decided she wasn't good enough? Especially to be a mother. What if they decided Ruby would be better off without her? The thought made her throat close up and tears burn.
She swallowed hard, forcing the words past the tightness in her throat. "It sounds wonderful. Truly. But I think…maybe I'd rather settle with just Ruby and me for now. Until I find my feet." She tried for a smile, but it felt wobbly. "I don't want to impose on your family."
Concern etched in the lines of Sampson’s face. He opened his mouth as if to protest, then closed it again, giving a slow nod.
After a moment, he spoke, though his brow held a frown. "I understand wanting your independence. Missoula Mills is likely closest to where I’ll be, but it’s still a rough town. Nearly all the occupants are men—miners and trappers and such. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving you and Ruby here alone."
She bit her lip. "What about Canvas Creek? I haven’t been there since I was a girl, but I remember it being small.”
He still looked troubled, his jaw tight as his focus moved out the window. "I'll make some inquiries, see what I can find out about available houses." He let out a sigh. "In the meantime, I've made arrangements with the cafe and the mercantile. You can purchase whatever you and Ruby need, and they'll put it on my account."
Grace stared at him, her middle giving a funny little flip. He’d thought of everything. "Thank you.” But she wouldn’t spend any of his money if she didn’t have to. He was already doing so much.
As though he could hear her thoughts, he locked his gaze onto hers. Those deep brown eyes grew intense. "Grace, I mean it. If you or Ruby, or even the goat, have need of anything—clothes, food, a pretty bauble—please get it. If there's something you can't find in town, just let me know. I have a friend named Two Stones who's really good at locating hard-to-find goods in the area. He has connections all over the territory."
Warmth blossomed in her chest, spreading through her limbs like honey. The way he looked at her, the insistence in his voice, it made her feel…cared for. Cherished, even.
She managed a wobbly smile. "Thank you, Sampson. Truly. I don't know how I can ever repay your kindness."
He shook his head. "You don't need to repay me. I made a vow to care for you and Ruby, and I intend to keep it."
His words settled over her like a warm blanket, easing the tension from her shoulders. She needed to find a distraction before the tears broke through her defenses. She worked for a smile. “Two Stones? That’s an unusual name.”
A soft smile curved his mouth. “He’s Salish. And my family’s closest friend. When we first moved to the Montana Territory, I was seven. Us boys were helping Dat build the cabin, and Two Stones showed up one day to help. He was the same age as my oldest brother, Jericho. He came back the next day. Then the next, and every day after until the house and barn were both built.” Sampson’s mouth rose in a grin.
“After that, he taught us how to hunt and survive in the mountains. In return, Dat taught him about God. Two Stones and his parents all came to faith, and he’s been a good friend ever since. His village is about two hours’ ride from our place, but he spends a fair amount of time on the trail. He married last year, and Heidi often rides with him.”
Grace’s mind scrambled to keep up with all the details. She’d never met any natives. Just seen a few who rode through their valley, but only from a distance.
One other comment from the flurry of words stuck in her mind. Dat taught him about God . Mama had shared the beliefs that some people held about an Almighty Being who created the world and all people. Mama said she never saw reason to believe it was true.
Did Sampson believe? Would it anger him if she asked? He’d not shown a temper with anything else, so maybe he wouldn’t mind.
“You’re a…” She struggled to find the right words. “I mean…you believe in…God?”
He tipped his head as he studied her. “I do. Does that mean you…don’t?” He hesitated on that last word.
Would it be awful if she told him the truth? Would he not want to be married to her? Not want to help her and Ruby get settled in their own home?
She forced down the rising panic. She had no reason to think Sampson would do that. He didn’t look angry. Only curious.
She searched for the best way to answer. “I don’t know very much about Him.” Was God a Him , or an It ? Either way, this proved the truth of her statement. She pressed on. “My mother told me that some people believe in a God who made the world. That they believe they’ll be carried to live with Him after they die.” She hadn’t actually said she didn’t believe that, but her wording probably made it clear.
Sampson tipped his head a little, but then nodded. “I guess that’s the basics of it, but there’s a lot more. God did make us. He created the world and all the plants and animals thousands of years ago. But He didn’t just make everything and walk away. He wants friendship with us. He wants us to know Him. To talk with Him. To feel how much He loves us.”
She frowned as she let those ideas sink in. “How do you talk to God? Can you see Him?”
He shook his head. “Not like I see you. But you can talk out loud or just in your thoughts. He hears.” Sampson hesitated as if he was trying to find the words. “It’s hard to explain how you can tell, but…it’s like I feel a peace when I talk to Him. Like I know my thoughts or words were heard.”
He gave his head another little shake. “Anyway. I’m not the best one to explain it. Jericho or Jude would be better.”
Something like sadness tinged his eyes. Was he disappointed she’d said no to staying with his family? That she likely wouldn’t ever meet those two brothers?
Part of her wanted to take back that decision, if only to please Sampson. But she had to stick with her plans. She couldn’t get used to relying on a man.
Maybe better to change the subject. She dropped her focus to Ruby. "I should get her changed so she can take a proper nap." She reached for the baby, and Sampson eased her into Grace’s arms. His large hands brushed Grace’s skin, raising gooseflesh up her arm.
He stood, his broad frame once more filling the small room. He hesitated, his gaze lingering on the baby. "I should start work. Your father will be wondering where I am." His voice was low, tinged with reluctance.
Grace nodded. "Thank you again, for everything."
He reached out, his fingertips grazing Ruby's downy cheek with a tenderness that made Grace's heart ache. Then, with a last, unreadable look, he turned and strode from the room, his boots thumping on the wooden floorboards.
As she listened to his retreating footsteps, a sense of loss settled in her chest. She pushed it away, turning her attention to the task at hand. She had much to do to get ready for their new life.