Chapter 23
Cody’s unease persisted into the next week.
On the surface, everything seemed fine, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that the lapse between the fire and the wire would tip off Ella’s father.
Or former fiancé. He couldn’t decide who was more likely behind Jacobson’s presence in Harmony Springs.
If he had to guess, he’d say Ella’s father since the man had come to town and threatened them, sending Blackwell to do the same.
But why? Why was the man so determined to have Ella back in Boston?
Was it wounded pride…or something more sinister?
He drummed his fingers against the parlor windowpane, watching rain pour from the sky. The dreary weather matched his mood.
Arms came around him from behind. Cody detected orange blossoms. He smiled, finding one of Ella’s hands where they rested on his stomach. “Hey, darlin’. Tired this morning?”
“Mmhmm.” She nestled closer and yawned. “I just couldn’t convince myself to get up on time.”
“Must be the weather. The kids are still asleep too.”
He turned, bringing them face to face, and enveloped her in his arms. Cody held on tight, his face buried in her hair as he tried to get as close to her as possible.
Ella’s fingers found their way into his hair. Her voice, raspy from sleep, murmured in his ear. “What’s wrong, Cody?”
“I hate that we don’t know what comes next. What your father might try. If anything.” He pulled back, cupping one of her cheeks. “I can’t protect you against the unknown.”
“Oh, my love.” Ella’s hands curled around his suspenders. “You’re not meant to protect me from everything. I won’t wilt away if things happen from time to time.”
“No, but…” He choked. His throat felt as though it was closing. Cody wheezed in some shallow breaths. “I can’t fail you. Not like I failed…” The words died on his lips, words he couldn’t seem to force from his battered heart.
Compassion radiated from Ella’s face. “Your mother?”
Tears stung his eyes. The dam holding back his words broke, words he’d never spoken in the past twenty years.
“It should’ve been me. Not her. I should’ve made sure Ma and Cassie were safe on the ground before I jumped out of that wagon.
” His voice cracked. Tears slipped down his cheeks.
A cry escaped. Once he got started, he couldn’t stop.
Ella held him as he sobbed. He clung to her, his tears falling onto her neck. She rubbed his back and murmured soft words of comfort.
When he regained a sense of control, he pulled back, ears burning. “Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize for feeling, Cody. Thank you for trusting me with your grief.” She ran a tender hand over his cheeks, drying his tears. “What happened to your mother wasn’t your fault.”
“But…”
She covered his lips with her fingers. “You were a child. It wasn’t your job to protect your mother—it was her job to protect her children.
She sacrificed her life to save Cassie because she loved her.
She loved you. I’d guess that if she had the choice to do it again, she would.
” She let her hand fall from his face to his shoulder.
“Is that why you’re so protective? Did it start that day? ”
The thought never occurred to him before. But as he mulled it over, the truth became clear. “I reckon it did.”
“That moment marked you for life. It helped turn you into the man you are now.” Ella’s eyes were soft as she smiled. “I love your protective side, Cody. But you have to remember it’s not all you have to offer.”
“Sometimes it feels like it is.”
She cupped his cheeks. “You’re strong and brave.
You provide for your family and love us.
You’re a good boss. People trust you. You took on three children even though you had no idea what to do.
You married a stranger to save her from her past. You have a strong faith. ” Her brows rose. “Should I go on?”
Cody shook his head, the right side of his mouth turning up. “You’ve made your point.”
“Good.”
She took his hand and led him to the sofa. Once they sat, she gripped both his hands. Cody held them like a lifeline.
He forced another admission from his tight throat. “With everything going on, I feel the same helplessness I did in that ravine. There was nothing I could do then, and there’s nothing I can do now.”
She brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “Do what you can, and trust God with the rest.”
Cody drew in a breath. “You’re right. That’s all we can do.”
Ella’s fingers trailed down his cheek. “That’s another thing I love about you. You’re humble enough to take suggestions.”
“Darlin’, that trait is mighty new.”
“I don’t think so. You might balk sometimes, but you’re quick to apologize and admit when you’re wrong.” She smiled. “That’s a good trait to pass down to your baby.”
“We’ll see. The boys are a bit stubborn, but maybe they’ll mellow as they get older. Addie’s too young to tell. As far as…” Wait a minute. His mouth dropped open. “Ella. What do you mean?”
Her smile grew. She pulled one hand from his and pressed it to her stomach. “It may be too early to know for sure, but…I think I’m pregnant.”
Air whooshed from his lungs. “Pregnant? Already? Is that even possible?”
She laughed. “Yes, Cody, it’s entirely possible. I missed my monthly cycle in April but thought it might be a fluke. Now I’m late for another.” Her eyes sparkled. “There’s usually only one reason for that.”
“A baby.” His gaze drifted down to her stomach. “Our baby.” He touched her abdomen, awe flooding him. “How soon can Doc confirm it?”
“I’m not sure.” Ella leaned back, snuggling into the cushions.
“Probably not for a few months. The Irish mothers I worked with in Boston said they usually felt a quickening inside before a doctor could hear the heartbeat with his stethoscope. Those same mothers were the ones who taught me how a woman’s cycle works and how it’s the best early sign of pregnancy. ”
“Your mother didn’t teach you?”
Ella snorted. “My mother would never let something so improper cross her lips.” She sighed, rubbing her belly. “I’m grateful our child will grow up in the open air and sunshine of Montana.”
Cody settled an arm over her shoulders. “Free and happy.”
She rested her head against him. “Exactly.”
Miss Hattie showed up half an hour after Cody left to check his cattle Thursday morning. She grinned at Ella, rubbing her hands together. “Ready to surprise that hubby of yours?”
Ella smiled back. “Oh yes. His birthday is on Saturday, and the caramel sauce for the cake tastes better if it sits for a day or two.” She reached for her shawl.
It might be the middle of May, but mornings in Harmony Springs had a chill to them.
“Thanks for watching the kids. Addie’s up, but the boys are sleeping. ”
Hattie cooed at Addie, who sat in a highchair eating pancakes. “Hi there, little lady.” She turned her gaze to Ella. “Would you like to wake the boys to say good mornin’? They might not like it if they come downstairs to find you gone.”
“Good point. I’ll go up.”
The boys’ room was dark and quiet. Ella went to the window and opened the curtains.
Jonah sat up first. He rubbed his eyes and gave her a sleepy grin. “Mama.”
“Good morning, sweet boy.” She sat on the bed.
He crawled into her lap, wrapping his arms around her neck in a hug. She held him close, breathing in his little-boy scent. Isaiah soon popped up with a big yawn. “Mornin’, Mama.”
Mama. Ella sucked in a breath in an effort to keep her composure. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Uh-huh.” He pushed the covers back and joined Jonah on her lap. “Is Papa already at work?”
If her heart raced any faster, it might burst from her chest. “Yes. He told me to give you both a hug for him.”
“‘Kay.” Isaiah hugged her, then slid from the bed. “Is today Miss Hattie’s day?”
“It is. She’s downstairs with your sister.”
“What about the baby?”
Ella’s mouth dropped. “How do you know about the baby?”
“I heard you and Papa talking. C’mon, let’s go see Miss Hattie.” He grabbed her hand.
“Isaiah, wait.”
The child paused. He looked up at her. Ella struggled for words. Jonah joined his brother on the floor. Both boys had heads tilted, eyes questioning. She cleared her throat. “You called us Mama and Papa.”
“Yeah.” Isaiah shrugged. “I don’t wanna be different anymore. ’Specially with the baby coming. It’s a sister, right? Addie needs someone to play with.”
Ella laughed. She scooped her sons into her arms. They shrieked and giggled. She planted a kiss on each little cheek. “I love you, boys.”
“Wuv you, Mama.” Jonah returned her cheek kiss.
Isaiah just grinned and hugged her again. Then he paused. “Are you leavin’ now too?”
“I am. That’s why Miss Hattie is here.”
“You’ll be back soon, right?”
“Of course, sweetie. I have some things to pick up in town, then I’m having lunch with Aunt Cassie. After that, I’ll be home.”
Isaiah sighed. Jonah stuck out his lower lip. “Stay home, Mama.”
She leaned toward them. “Can you keep a secret?”
They both lit up and nodded.
Ella put a finger over her lips. “I’m getting some things for Papa’s birthday on Saturday. It’s a surprise, so you can’t tell him, okay?”
“We won’t tell.” Isaiah’s eyes widened. “Can we make him something with Miss Hattie?”
“I’m sure you can. Shall we ask her?”
“Yeah!”
The boys raced downstairs. Ella followed at a more sedate pace. Her hand rested over her belly.
She paused at the bottom of the steps. Wonder filled her. To think that she carried a tiny child inside, part of her and part of Cody. Incredible. She rubbed her stomach gently. What will this little one be like?
With one more caress over her unborn baby, she headed for the kitchen to say goodbye to the kids.
At a corner table in Cassie’s café, Ella wiped her lips with a napkin as she finished her meal. “Lunch was delicious, Cassie. Thank you.”
Her sister-in-law smiled. “Glad you liked it. I’ve been recipe testing.”
“The roasted beets were perfect. Cold soup was never my favorite, but this one is tasty.”
“I should make you my cucumber soup sometime. It’s a customer favorite.” Cassie refilled their water glasses.
“I’d like that.”
They chatted a little longer before Ella stood. “I need to get going. Isaiah wanted me to come home sooner rather than later.”
“It’s wonderful that he’s calling you Mama now. I wonder what sparked that change?”
Ella and Cody had agreed to keep news of her pregnancy quiet until a doctor could confirm it. Though she knew deep down she was with child, Ella understood the need for caution. It wouldn’t do to spread the news only to have to announce a false alarm. So she chose the simple answer.
“He said he didn’t want to be different anymore.”
“Good for him.” Cassie smiled. “I’m happy for you all. It’s been wonderful watching your family come together.” Her smile turned mischievous. “Now all we need is a baby to complete it.”
Ella blushed. “Oh, you. We’ll be happy to welcome a baby when God blesses us with one.” Hopefully by the end of this year. She wasn’t sure how she’d feel if she wasn’t truly pregnant. “Until then, we’ll be happy to welcome your little one.”
Cassie put a hand on her small baby bump. A sappy smile tugged her lips. “I can’t wait.”
The women said their goodbyes. Ella loaded her things in the wagon and climbed into the driver seat. Before she could slap the reins, the postmaster exited his building across the street. “Mrs. Brooks! You have a letter.”
A letter? A surge of excitement slid through her.
Perhaps her sister had finally written. Mail traveled slowly across the country.
Tori might have sent a missive weeks ago and it would only now be finding Ella.
Mr. Johnston jogged over to the wagon. He handed her the letter, and she thanked him with a smile.
A glance at the direction told her it was indeed from Tori.
Eager to read what she had to say, Ella climbed back into the wagon and opened the envelope.
My dear Ella,
I wish this letter bore good tidings, but I’m afraid I write with a warning.
I hardly know what to say. Last night, Father and Howard argued terribly in our study.
Howard threatened Father with financial and social ruin.
I dare not put all the details here. But you need to know that you are in danger.
Both of them are determined to get you back.
I believe they have someone in Harmony Springs to sabotage your new family.
Be careful. I will come myself when I can to explain more.
Until then, stay safe and be on your guard.
Love,
Tori
Ella’s gaze flew to the date. Her sister posted it two weeks ago. She must have paid extra to have it mailed express.
A tingling sensation crept down Ella’s spine. What could Father and Howard have argued about? How did it relate to her? She glanced around, uneasy. They might have caught Jacobson, but did it end there?
A train whistle made her jump. Ella exhaled. She tossed the letter into a bag. Maybe there was nothing to worry about. After all, the remainder of the planned attacks had failed. From all appearances, Jacobson was working alone in Harmony Springs.
She guided the wagon around a large carriage sitting near the stables. The move took her close to the train station. The disembarking passengers reminded her of her first day in town, when she had no idea what she was doing. God had taken her fear and turned it to joy.
Breathing a prayer of thanks, Ella lifted the reins to urge her horse into a trot, then paused. A woman stepped off the train. Sunlight glinted on her red hair. She wore a tasteful blue hat that matched her dress—a traveling outfit Ella recognized.
Tori!
Ella squealed. She hopped down from the wagon and led Carter to a nearby hitching post. How delightful it would be to surprise her sister. Once the horse was secured, Ella turned to the train station.
As she passed the stables, she tripped. Someone grabbed her from behind, dragging her into the shadows. Her scream was silenced by a damp cloth clamped over her nose and mouth. Something sweet and pungent filled her senses. She struggled. The immovable person held firm.
Ella’s limbs grew heavy. Her eyes drooped. She fought for consciousness…and lost.