Chapter 3 #2
“How much did it not help? Are the men refusing to obey your orders?” Her eyes narrowed. “Are they in cahoots with Sobel? How much do you trust Morgan?”
They studied each other over the table that had been the site of many family meetings. Pa had included Ma in all the decisions. “It’s as much her life as mine,” he’d said. “Besides, she has some good ideas. You should listen to her as well.”
He didn’t expect any wise words from Amelia.
After all, she was a newcomer. Nor did he expect an easy answer, but he sure didn’t mind sharing some of his worries, even if this woman waited for another man to write from the Dakotas and offer her marriage.
“I have wondered if one or two aren’t working for Sobel, but I haven’t found any evidence to prove it.
As to Morgan, I trust him completely, but he has his hands full dealing with Sobel’s men at the river.
It’s the only place for the cows to water. ”
“Zach—sorry, in my mind I have known you as Zach for several weeks.”
“Zach is fine.”
She continued. “I had no idea things were still so hard. But at least I am here to help with Kat and your pa.” She grinned. “And maybe Gil from time to time.”
“I don’t like to take advantage of your misfortune. Soon enough, this Dakota farmer will be courting you by mail.”
Amelia nodded, though her expression was tight, as if the skin on her face had shrunk. “In the meantime, I might as well keep busy.” She stepped back. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will retire to my bedroom.” She crossed the floor in even steps and climbed the stairs.
He watched until the door clicked closed behind her.
Why did he get the feeling he’d said something wrong?
Amelia checked on Poppy, who slept on the bed Amelia had prepared for her on the floor.
She smiled at the way the baby sprawled out, a corner of a blanket clutched in her fingers.
Thankfully, she was a happy, contented child.
Amazing to realize after the circumstances of her birth and the subsequent death of her mother.
Amelia’s smile faded as she acknowledged this sweet ray of sunshine was the only good thing to come of Callie’s life.
Nor did it return as she prepared for bed. What did Zach mean by "he didn’t have time for courting?” Did he not understand that she’d put aside any expectation of that when she came here to marry him?
Only it wasn’t him. She had to remind herself of that continually. Who would perpetrate such a cruel joke? Sobel? For what purpose other than to torment them both?
Or perhaps Sobel hoped to divert Zach from his ranching to courting and tending a wife.
Neither was going to happen. If Sobel had been the author of those letters, he’d be sorely disappointed by how things turned out.
She sat on the edge of the bed. Somehow, what she knew of Sobel, even with the few minutes of contact she’d had, she couldn’t see him writing the letters she’d received.
That man didn’t appear to have a kind, gentle bone in his body and would be incapable of penning such wooing words.
Besides, how would he know all those things about Zach and Zach’s family?
Was Gil being pumped for information in exchange for a bottle of whiskey?
It seemed possible but unlikely even so.
But someone had written to her. Someone had made her fall in love with a man who was unaware of her existence. Her heart twisted. What a cruel turn of events.
Tomorrow, she must ask Zach if he’d thought of anyone who would do such a thing.
The smell of coffee jerked Amelia from her sleep the next morning. She checked to make sure Poppy was safe. The baby sat in the middle of her tangled blankets and smiled at her.
“Mama. Mama.”
“Hi, sweetie.” She’d taught Poppy to call her mama since Callie died.
She’d overslept, thus putting to naught her noble plans of being the first up and having coffee and breakfast ready when Zach appeared. Now she’d have to hurry to make up for it.
She dressed herself and Poppy, then rushed down to the kitchen. She stared at the man before the stove. He looked better than when she’d last seen him.
“Morning, ma’am.”
“Gil, you look mighty fine this morning. And the food smells delicious.” No one else was in the room. “Are we the only ones up?”
“The men are out doing chores.”
So much for being an early riser.
“Ain’t seen hide nor hair of Kathy yet.” Gil’s chuckle rasped. “She don’t ’xactly like mornings.” He smiled at Poppy. “Don’t believe I’ve met this young lady.”
Amelia introduced them.
Gil patted Poppy on the head. “She’s gonna be a looker when she grows up. Like her mama.” The weatherworn cowboy shot Amelia a shy smile.
Had the letters informed her of the man’s age? Seems he must be older than Zach by a decade or so, but his way of life had marred his features.
Zach stepped into the room in time to hear Gil’s comment and chuckled. “Gil, don’t be embarrassing Amelia even though it’s true. How’s breakfast coming?”
“It’s ready, Boss.” Gil scurried back to the stove.
Did Zach object to Gil’s comment? His smile said otherwise, and self-conscious heat stung her cheeks.
Of course, Gil had no way of knowing Poppy wasn’t her daughter, but to have both of them suggest the baby would grow up to be beautiful—like her—left her speechless and befuddled.
She wasn’t used to that sort of comment.
Pa followed Zach into the house, diverting her from her thoughts. Joy shone from his eyes when he saw Poppy. “How’s the little gal this morning?”
“Down,” Poppy said.
Amelia put her on the floor.
The little girl went to Pa. “Gampa.”
“Hi.” Hand in hand, the pair walked to the table and sat, their hands folded on the tabletop as they waited for their breakfast.
Zach laughed. “Guess who’s hungry?”
Grinning, Amelia met his gaze. Something flickered in his eyes. A slow, sweet smile drew up the corners of his mouth.
Was he seeing her, really seeing her? Perhaps finding something he liked? Without Debra for comparison, did he see a desirable young woman?
She mocked her thoughts.
She’d settle for being seen as useful.
“Better call your sister,” Gil said.
Zach went to the stairs and hollered, “Kat, get down here.”
When he returned to stand next to her, Amelia told herself not to let it mean anything.
She happened to be in a spot that was convenient for him.
Pushing her errant thoughts into submission, she nudged him and pointed toward the pair at the table.
Both had big eyes, startled expressions, and hands clutched together. “I think you scared them.”
“Never meant to. I’ll have to be more careful in the future.”
He needed to realize and understand the impact of something. “Your pa and Poppy have already formed a special relationship.” She couldn’t keep the displeasure out of her voice. “It’s going to hurt her when we leave. She’s already lost so much.”
“It’s going to hurt Pa too, and he’s lost so much. Losing his mind is probably the hardest.”
At least he was sympathetic. Though if whoever wrote those letters portrayed him accurately, she could expect that. “I don’t see any way to protect them.”
He crossed his arms and studied the pair. “I don’t either.”
She shrugged. “Then we’ll make the best of it.”
“Right. And deal with the end when it comes.”
Frustrated and yet somehow comforted by his casual acceptance, Amelia helped Gil serve the meal despite his protests.
Kat clattered down the stairs, her hair unbrushed and her clothes wrinkled as if she’d slept in them. Like a cowboy would, no doubt, she plunked down across from her pa and Poppy.
They all sat down, Gil too at Zach’s insistence, Gil by Kat, and Amelia across from Zach. The table was square, so she didn’t feel she had taken over the position of a wife.
Amelia folded her hands on her lap. Grandmother always asked a blessing before meals, and before that, her pa. She’d prayed with Poppy when it was the two of them. She waited. From the letters she’d received, she understood Zach had reluctantly taken his pa’s place as head of the house.
It pains me to do so. I want the pa who was strong and sure of himself to come back. I understand it isn’t going to happen, but I still long for it.
Zach turned to his pa. “Would you like to say the grace?”
Pa’s face brightened. “Can I?”
“Of course.”
If Amelia wasn’t mistaken, emotion filled Zach’s eyes. Her thoughts did an about-turn. Watching his pa deteriorate must pain him deeply. She would do her best to share some of that load, at least until she heard from the Dakota farmer.
And if he would let her.
They all bowed their heads, and Pa prayed.
“God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.” He beamed at the others.
Tears tugged at Amelia’s eyes. Sometimes it took so little to give others pleasure.
Amelia reached over to cut Poppy’s food. The child ate neatly for someone so young, so at least she didn’t have to worry about Poppy offending anyone. She had told the pretend Zach all these things. She sat across the table from him… a stranger and yet not one.
They finished, and he pushed from the table. “I need to check on the cows.”
Pa pushed back, too. “I’ll go with you.” He sounded as if he had a moment of clarity.
Zach remained in his chair, his lips pursed. He obviously didn’t want to take his pa, but didn’t have the heart to refuse him.
She’d have to rescue Zach. “Pa, would you mind staying home and helping look after Poppy?”
Pa shifted his gaze from Zach to Amelia. “Poppy?” Total confusion in his eyes.
Amelia’s throat tightened. The poor man. And poor Zach looked like he’d been gutshot. Poor Kat. Her head down, she hid behind her mop of hair. Poor Gil, no doubt wishing to bury in a bottle the pain of seeing the man like this.
Amelia pushed back her shoulders. “Poppy, say hi to Gampa.”
Obediently, ever the cheerful child, she touched the elder man’s arm, and he bent to her eye level. “Hi, Gampa.”
“Hi, yourself.” Pa’s face crinkled in a smile. “Your mama says she needs help with you.”