Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
Josie sat in the Blythe pew, clutching Nathan against her chest while her hands trembled violently.
Here she was, holding a three-week-old baby who was healthy in size and far from early.
He was full-term, weighing nearly eleven pounds by now.
Nathan was no premature infant; his plump cheeks, tiny fingernails, and healthy complexion made that clear.
Josie’s thoughts drifted back to the gossip circles of her childhood, where stories of early babies and perfect health were whispered with suspicion.
If she was still part of that circle, she’d be the subject of every conversation, sticking out like a sore thumb, being the topic of gossip for years to come.
She shamed this family, no doubt of that.
If it wasn’t for Travis’s gentlemanly heart, she would gladly step up and take the blame.
Travis wanted Nathan to grow up with the same love and belonging as if he shared their blood.
Telling town members Josie was from Bozeman was a lie, but it was his way of protecting her.
Reverend Levingston closed his Bible after delivering the message.
The building fell into a hushed silence until he called upon a man in the front row to lead the closing prayer.
Josie bowed her head, her eyes fluttering shut as she held Nathan close.
Her heart raced with every growing second, awaiting the subtle “amen.” Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, echoed in Josie’s mind.
The familiar scripture wrapped around her, and the peace within those words slowly soothed her restless spirit.
At last, the prayer ended, and the congregation rose to their feet.
Josie carefully adjusted the sleeping Nathan as she moved closer to Travis.
The warmth of his forearms against her eased the tremors still coursing through her.
Travis balanced Gideon on his shoulders, the little boy happily waving at everyone around.
Josie had rarely seen Travis hold Gideon, so it comforted her to watch him keep the squirmy boy in his lap throughout the service.
Before Josie could leave the pew, she was stopped by Mrs. Scott. Forcing a soft smile, Josie greeted her, steadying her breath to calm her hysteric heart.
“I heard the news last week, and I couldn’t help myself,” Mrs. Scott said with bright eyes, reaching forth to touch Nathan’s covered head.
The knitted hats had come in handy, despite him not being born in spring as Mrs. Scott and the ladies had predicted.
The woman gasped in admiration. “My, my he is a fine young lad.” Her gaze switched to Travis. “You two must be so proud.”
Travis smiled, wrapping his free arm around Josie’s shoulders. “We are.”
Mrs. Scott turned to Josie. “Mrs. Blythe, I was wanting to invite you to the ladies’ spring quilting circle at my home. The one hosted at your place was a wonderful blessing, so we are all eager for another.”
A flame soared up Josie’s cheeks. Kindness was the furthest thing she was expecting, and the look on the woman’s face and the other people around them seemed to knock the breath out of her. Smiles were all around, and men came to Travis, patting his shoulder.
“I’d love that.”
Mrs. Scott folded her hands together. “Well, goody. I will get back to them, and we shall discuss a date.”
Before walking away, Mrs. Scott reached out and gently pinched Nathan’s chubby cheek.
He didn’t stir, remaining fast asleep in Josie’s arms. He was a good sleeper, rarely fussing, and sometimes Josie felt like she was carrying a rock, so heavy and still he was.
Josie turned, noticing Caroline approaching.
Caroline gasped, covering her mouth. “Oh, Josie, he’s an angel.” Her arm came around Josie as Travis stepped away, greeting the men surrounding him to extend congratulations.
“He has Travis’s eyes,” Caroline cooed, her lips curving.
Josie’s heart thundered against her chest. If only she knew.
All babies supposedly had blue eyes according to Aunt Polly, and if Josie wasn’t mistaken, they would either turn brown or green.
She deeply hoped they’d turn brown like hers.
If they turned green—those eyes—she knew she’d have to bury those haunting memories deep within and focus on the precious gift in her arms. Nathan was here, and he needed her, no matter what color his eyes became.
“I take it Mrs. Scott invited you to her quilting circle,” Caroline said.
Josie nodded, rocking Nathan gently in her arms as he began to stir. “Yes, she did just now.”
“I’m looking forward to having fellowship amongst us ladies again.”
Fellowship. Josie never thought she’d see the days she’d appreciate one word so dearly. That day had been overwhelming, but seeing how much everyone cared, despite what they could assume, made her heart sing. A new beginning was just over the horizon, just like she hoped. Thank you, Lord.
“I can’t wait,” Josie said, smiling.
Nathan’s face pinched. He let out a soft cry, and Caroline frowned. Josie bounced Nathan, making shushing noises. Heat crawled up her neck. How many people were watching now?
“Oh no,” Caroline cooed. “Someone isn’t happy.”
“He’s not used to strange places yet. This is his first time away from the homestead.”
Travis looked back at her, pointing out the door, his brows raising. Josie nodded, giggling softly. She looked back at her friend. “I think Nathan wants to go home.”
Caroline sighed. “Oh well. We’ll have to stop by and see him so he won’t think us strangers.”
“Come by anytime,” Josie said, pressing Nathan’s face against her shoulder, hoping a new position would calm him.
She made her way toward Travis, who stood by the door, struggling to keep hold of a squealing Gideon.
The little boy wriggled in his arms, eager to break free and join his siblings playing outside.
“That was very nice of the ladies,” Travis said, setting Gideon down and holding his hand. “I hope you don’t mind, but I overheard your conversation with Mrs. Scott before I was pulled away.”
“Being invited to something was the last thing I expected.”
“I told you there was nothing to worry about. We like to see the good in people in this town. Everyone wants you to feel welcome.”
The Lord had been good to her even though she felt unworthy. Being loved by the church was nothing she expected. She was welcomed, and for the first time since the war, she experienced unity and love—no lines between North and South, all united in the West.
Rose supervised the children up ahead under the church’s willow tree, her arms folded over her body. She turned, noticed Josie, and immediately trudged through the thick snow to greet her.
Rose covered her mouth and gasped just like Caroline did inside the church building.
“Josie, he’s a gift from God!”
Josie grinned, still bouncing the now-quieted Nathan as he pressed against her shoulder. “That’s why I named him Nathan. It means ‘gift of God,’ and that is what he is to me.”
Rose placed her hand on Nathan’s back and studied his face. “Children are a heritage from the Lord. You have been exceedingly blessed.”
“I’ll be honest, the children are more of a handful now. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“How about their schooling?” Rose asked. “I know you mentioned you started teaching them at home.”
Josie sighed, pulling Nathan’s bear-fur quilt over his face. “I’m afraid their studies have been neglected these past weeks. I’m still trying to adjust to caring for Nathan and Gideon, but I hope to start again soon. I don’t care if there isn’t a school—they need to learn.”
Rose nodded. “I agree with you. I understood how hard it would be to come here with two boys and teach them from home, but it isn’t the same.
” Rose took a pause and observed the children playing.
There had to be at least twenty-five children under the age of sixteen.
“I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while about something that has been on my heart, but I’ve been pulling back until the baby was born.
Your children have said in my Sunday School class that you’re a good teacher.
It’s not official yet, but I want to start the school again.
I was hoping . . . that is when Nathan is a little older . . . if you’d like to teach.”
Josie’s eyes widened, her pulse drumming.
Her? Teach? She had dreamed for years of becoming a schoolteacher, imagining the joy of shaping young minds.
But now, as a wife and mother, that dream seemed distant, almost like it belonged to another version of herself.
The thought of pursuing it as a career hadn’t crossed her mind—until now.
What would Travis think? On one hand, she could make a difference in children’s lives, fulfilling the passion she once held so dearly.
Yet on the other, it would mean neglecting her duties at home—the harvest, chores, the children.
“I . . . I don’t know. I’d have to speak with Travis first.”
“I knew you’d say that,” Rose said. “You two should discuss it and pray over this decision. If it isn’t the Lord’s will, we’ll work something else out.”
“Josie!” Josie looked down to see Jonas tugging on the hem of her wool skirt. “Come on! Come on! Pa’s leavin’!”
Josie let out a soft sigh, followed by a light giggle while Rose’s lips curled into a grin. “I don’t want to be left behind.”
Rose reached out and embraced Josie. “Congratulations, Josie. He’s a wonderful boy.”
Josie pulled away and trailed after Jonas. Her heart soared with delight, unable to wipe away her grin. The Lord had been so good the past two weeks, but what laid on her heart was which path He’d allow her to take.
It seemed as though new chapters were unfolding at every corner. Would she remain at home, or would she help make a difference in the community—the community that accepted her and welcomed her despite everything they could hold against her?
The children were quiet, bundled in the back of the wagon.
Josie couldn’t tell if the rattles from the rocky road drowned out their whispers or if they were simply worn out from playing after the service.
Travis drove slower than usual, mindful of Josie, the newborn in her arms, and the thick ice beneath them.
So many changes were happening, but the one that Rose placed on her heart was another.
“You’ve been quiet,” Travis said, his focus ahead.
“I have a lot on my mind.”
“And what is that?”
A knot of nerves tightened in her stomach.
Josie couldn’t quite pinpoint the source of her apprehension—whether it was fear of rejection or doubt about the idea of teaching itself.
But she knew she needed to inform Travis about this decision.
It wasn’t just about her; it concerned the town’s future and the children who needed an education.
Education would be the key to the children’s future success.
Every child needed to know history, science, arithmetic, and literature.
“I spoke to Rose after service.”
Travis chuckled. “I noticed. We were already loaded up by the time you finished.”
“Rose brought to my attention how many children lack proper schooling at home.”
Travis sighed, rubbing his forehead. “It’s hard finding someone willing to come out here, especially when you expect them to adjust to a whole new way of life without offering a decent wage. We kept the same teacher my whole life, but she passed away six years ago. She was a sweet lady.”
Josie looked down at Nathan, who stirred in her arms. He drifted off to sleep after she changed him. “I wanted to ask . . . Would you let me fill in until a teacher can be found?”
Travis cocked his head sharply and faced her. “You? Teach?”
“Only when Nathan and Gideon are older,” Josie added. “Our children are blessed with my skills, but I think about the others in the town. Do they have the same privilege at home? I think I can make a difference. I’ve always felt like my purpose was to be a teacher one day. That was until . . .”
“Until you married Marcus.”
Josie nodded. “Yes.”
Travis rubbed his pinkened face. “The council won’t be able to pay a decent salary. There’s no one here who has the money to invest.”
“I’m fine with that,” Josie answered. “I don’t care if I don’t get paid a cent. Helping these children in the valley have access to an education is all I need. If I can make a difference in even one child’s life, then it will be worth it.”
Travis’s eyes sparkled. “I’m very proud of you, Jo. That’s a very humble thing to say. Most people wouldn’t dare work without pay.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Well, you have my blessing. These children are counting on you, Josie.”
Josie’s eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn’t believe Travis was willing to agree. Without pay? With the cost of abandoning her duties at home? He was too good to her, far too good.
“Are—Are you serious? You’ll let me?”
Travis chuckled. “Why wouldn’t I? My wife is going to be a teacher!”
Her heart nearly skipped a beat. She loved him saying those two words together. My wife.