Chapter 9

9

B ruce stepped into the house and put Blossom on her feet. He straightened and glanced toward Stella. Why did she look so…so…? He couldn't think how to describe it though his first thought was she seemed full of longing. He glanced to Aunt Mary. Her brown eyes glowed with warmth.

He'd seen that look many times in the past when she approved of something he'd achieved. Aunt Mary was always encouraging and supportive. Always telling him he could do whatever task he had set a course for and then cheering when he did it. He couldn't think what she approved of this time. Perhaps the way he enjoyed the children? Or was it his decision to marry Stella and give all of them a home? He grinned at her. Her joy was his joy.

"I'm going now to get the livestock."

Stella blinked as if returning from a distant place in her thoughts.

He wondered where she had gone and if it involved him. This learning to know and trust each other was like walking on unstable ground. He wasn't sure what he'd find with his next step. It would simply take time to work things out. "I need directions. Walk me out?"

She nodded, and they crossed the yard together to where he'd tied Smokey.

"You go west to a fork in the road. Take the left one. You'll find them on the left over the next rise."

He stood by Smokey's side. "Back in the house." He wanted to ask her about that moment, but now couldn't find the words. He tried again. "You seemed distracted. Distant. Were you thinking of how you and Frank had raised the cows?"

"What? No. Not at all. I'll be glad to get them back and see how the calves are doing. See if the hens have survived. Maybe even discover there are some half-grown kittens. Wouldn't the children be pleased if there was? The grass is lush for the milk cow. I'll get the chicken coop cleaned and ready for the chickens … I'm rattling on, aren't I?"

He smiled, gently, kindly. "A bit. I have to wonder why."

She looked past him.

"You and I agreed we would share information as we needed to. I think this might be one of those times." He waited, patient but determined. Secrets would not help them form a solid partnership. And if he hoped there could be more, that was his problem.

She slowly pulled her gaze to his. "It's something your Aunt Mary keeps saying. Two weeks, remember?"

"I wondered what she meant by it."

Stella pursed her lips. "I know what she means, and it's bothering me, especially when she says it over and over."

"Maybe you could explain."

She looked at the ground between them. "I told her how Kade and Flora fell in love in two weeks."

He strained to hear her words. "How can that be?"

She explained how they'd spent time together when Flora was stranded in a storm, how the preacher had insisted they must marry, but Kade asked for two weeks to win her heart. "Now Aunt Mary thinks we can do better than that." Stella lifted her face, her eyes unnaturally wide as if she forced herself to meet his gaze.

"I take it you explained that wasn't part of our agreement."

"Oh, I did. But I don't think it matters to her. She says she has prayer on her side."

He laughed outright. "Aunt Mary's secret weapon. Though not so secret, seeing as she tells people she is praying." He sobered. "I've seen some startling answers to her prayers though."

Her eyes lost their surprised look. "Like what?"

"There was the time she lost her purse. It had the money she'd saved to buy us both a new outfit for Easter. I was only about nine. I hadn't been with her that long, and I was used to wearing less-than-new clothes, if you know what I mean. Not that I objected to something new from the store. I found the idea exciting even. But Aunt Mary was very upset. Then she said, ‘It's silly for me to be so upset. God can see my purse. I'll simply ask Him to show me where it is.' She knelt by the sofa and signaled me to kneel beside her. She spoke to God like He was right in the room and her best friend."

Bruce heard how awed he sounded but didn't care.

"I got used to the way she prayed, but at the time I wished God was my friend too. I told her that when she finished, and she said He could be, and He wanted to be. What an amazing thought."

He smiled at Stella, seeing his awe reflected in her eyes.

"That's when I turned my life over to God, accepted the forgiveness offered through Jesus, and I've never looked back."

"What happened to the purse? Did she find it?"

"Aunt Mary got up and went about her business. I stood in the middle of the room half expecting the purse to suddenly appear before my eyes. Aunt Mary laughed and said we had to let God answer in His time and His way. She sang the rest of the day and at bedtime assured me it was all in God's hands, so she wasn't worried." He leaned back on his heels, smiling at the memory.

"And?" Stella nudged him.

Teasing curved his lips. "And what?"

"The purse. Did she ever find it?"

Bruce enjoyed her eagerness to know. Knew joy that he could gain her interest this keenly. "A few days later she pulled potatoes out of the bin and there it was. She'd never say if she remembered dropping it there. She only said God had answered her prayer."

Stella's gaze went to the house. "There were other times her prayers were answered?"

"Dozens, hundreds, lots and lots."

Her gaze flooded with challenge and caution as she brought it back to his. "Always?"

He shrugged, enjoying this conversation and her wariness. "I can't say always, though I can't recall any instances when one of her prayers wasn't answered." Though truthfully, he wasn't trying. Far more fun to watch the play of emotions on Stella's face. Surprise, awe, maybe even amusement, and then taut lines pulled at her mouth.

"Are you suggesting we don't have a choice in the matter? That her prayers will overrule our plans?" Her stare burned toward the house.

He touched her shoulder, wanting to ease the strain in her expression. Was he mistaken in thinking she leaned into his hand? Were Aunt Mary's prayers already being answered?

He dropped his hand like he'd been stung. "No one can force either of us to do something against our will."

She smiled, though the tension didn't disappear. "I guess that's true." She stepped back. "And here I am delaying you."

He took Smokey's reins. "I can't say when I'll be back." Before she could respond, he added, "But I will be back." He swung into his saddle, touched the brim of his hat, and said, "Goodbye." He turned at the end of the lane.

She stood where he'd left her, her hand shading her eyes.

He waved.

She waved back.

"I'll be back," he yelled, though he guessed she couldn't hear him.

He could think of no reason why he'd ever leave.

Following Stella's directions, he rode toward the Thomas place. At the fork in the road, he stopped when he encountered cows and an ox being driven down the dusty way. He guessed they were Stella's animals even before he saw Kade and Flora, each carrying a squirming sack. Kade led a pack horse with several sacks on it. The squawks from that direction informed Bruce there were chickens being brought home.

He waved at the pair of riders and helped drive the animals homeward. They went easily, the ox and the lead cow seeming to know they were headed to familiar surroundings. He eased over to talk to Kade and Flora.

"Stella is eager to see her animals."

"I think Donny will be too." Flora waved her hat at a cow who thought the grass looked inviting.

"It's good that she is finally at home," Kade said. "You've made that possible. For that I am grateful."

"Me too," Flora added. "But don't think I've forgotten my warning."

Bruce chuckled. "I wouldn't likely make that mistake." It was good to know others were concerned about Stella, but they needn't worry. He had something here that he'd always wanted.

Home, of course. But something far more important. He couldn't quite put a name on the feeling. Was it belonging? Or as Aunt Mary had said, acceptance?

Seems it was early to be jumping to that conclusion.

Still. It was nice to think it possible.

Stella meant to have the chicken coop cleaned out by the time Bruce returned. Besides, she needed a loathsome task to get her thoughts straightened out. She'd been so drawn to Bruce's touch back at the barn when they were discussing Aunt Mary's prayers that it had startled her. It was more than the touch of a man to a woman. It was as if he had reached into her heart and started it beating again. She could put it down to his humor, his amusement, or the way he told the story about an answer to one of Aunt Mary's prayer.

Not that she didn't believe in the power of prayer. But like Bruce said, she—they—had a say in this matter. They weren't simply pawns.

Bruce had fashioned a crutch for Aunt Mary, and Stella helped her into her room to rest.

"How is your leg feeling?" The healing burns and bone would not be without pain.

"I'm fine, my dear, and so grateful to be in your home. I couldn't have asked for a better place. I've known so much love in my life, and I'm looking forward to basking in love between you and Bruce."

"Aunt Mary, you can't decide what we want to do."

"Oh my dear, I would never do that. I simply know what I see."

Stella adjusted the thin cover over her. "And what do you think you see?"

"I see a man and woman who are utterly and completely suitable for each other."

Curiosity overcame Stella's good sense that warned her not to pursue this conversation. "How are we suited for each other?"

"You're both committed to home and family. You are both willing to make sacrifices to reach those goals. You enjoy each other's company. I already see that you are open and honest with each other. Besides, what God has joined together in holy matrimony will become His place of love and joy. Now leave me have a rest."

Stella left the room. She tucked Blossom in for a nap then headed for the chicken house, Donny on her heels. They stopped at the barn to get a wheelbarrow and two shovels.

"Donny, you scrape out the corners of the pen while I tackle inside." Mostly the little yard was overgrown with weeds, but there were piles of dropping he could clean up.

She pulled a bandana over her nose and went into the dusty coop. She took out shovelful after shovelful. It was one task she wished Flora had seen fit to do, but why should she? The chickens weren't her responsibility. At least she and Kade had taken care of them.

Stella paused in the fresh air, lowering the bandana so she could breathe easier.

Donny carried a bit of manure to the wheelbarrow and dropped it in. "Uncle Bruce says he'll help me learn how to farm. He's going to break the piece that Pa started. He says he likes being a farmer."

"That's nice." It did her heart good to have her son back home enjoying farm life as he always had.

"Did you see me riding his horse?"

Stella nodded. "I was proud of you, son."

Donny beamed. "Uncle Bruce said I was a fine rider. Said it wouldn't be long until I could have my own horse." Donny leaned on his shovel, talking animatedly about the things Bruce had said.

Much as he had once repeated everything Frank said. Was it that easy to replace one man with another? Was she guilty of the same? Frank would understand she was doing what she thought best in order to provide for the children. And herself?

Of course.

"We better get back to work."

"Yeah. Before Uncle Bruce gets back." Donny looked down the road.

Stella looked too but saw no sign of him. Or the animals, she added, to prove to herself she hadn't forgotten what she really watched for. She pulled the bandana over her nose again and returned to cleaning the chicken coop.

A bit later, the task finished, she left the little shed to draw fresh air into her lungs. Donny leaned on the wheelbarrow, singing a tuneless song

The words caught her attention. Cows and trees and birds and flowers. Wheat and oats and hay. Our farm is a lovely place. I'm glad we can stay .

She smiled and kept her chuckle to herself. She was glad she could stay too. This was home. With a start she realized in her thoughts she had included not only herself and the children but Bruce and Aunt Mary.

And why not? It made a very nice family.

"Here they come." Donny shrieked the news.

Stella smoothed her hair and dusted her skirts. Finished just in time.

"Mama," Blossom called.

"Coming, baby." She trotted to the house where she helped Aunt Mary up.

Aunt Mary hesitated halfway across the floor to her chair. "Your animals are returning, aren't they?"

"Coming down the road as we speak."

"I'd like to watch. Is it possible I could sit on a kitchen chair outside?"

Stella considered the request. "I don't see any reason why not as long as you are comfortable." She left Aunt Mary leaning against the doorframe and carried a chair outside and then the stool. She paused to watch the animals approaching. A cloud of dust billowed around them. Brute bellowed. Glad to be home. Just as Stella was and hopefully, all her animals.

She could see three riders herding them and rushed inside to help Aunt Mary out to the chair where she made sure the woman was comfortable before she took Blossom's hand and went to the hitching post to watch. Blossom giggled with excitement, and Donny bounced up and down. Stella grinned, as excited as the children to have the animals returning. Now it would really feel like home.

Bruce had left the pasture gate open, and Brute marched right in, the cows kicking their heels as they realized they were back to a familiar pasture. Stella tried to count them. If her tally was correct all thirty head were there. Counting the calves was more difficult, but she thought there were twenty-five, which would be correct.

Bruce swung from his saddle and closed the gate.

"Can I go now, Ma?" Donny was poised to race away, and as soon as she gave permission, he was off like a shot.

Holding Blossom's hand Stella went to join the others. She called out a greeting to Kade and Flora then directed her gaze to Bruce. She didn't say anything. And as far as she knew, didn't do anything to indicate her pleasure—at having the animals home, not in seeing him. But his wide grin seemed to?—

"Blossom," Flora called. "Come see what I have."

Stella jerked away, her heart thudding a protest. She was only letting Aunt Mary's talk and perhaps her prayers make her see things that didn't exist, feel things that weren't there.

Flora waited until Blossom was at her side then opened the sack she carried. She lifted out a kitten no bigger than a pint jar.

"I brought this for you."

A mother cat that Stella recognized crawled from the sack and meowed for her kitten.

Blossom sat beside Flora, who put the kitten in her lap. Stella realized her gaze had returned to Bruce. He was watching Blossom with a gentle smile on his lips. He looked up, met Stella's eyes, and his smile deepened.

Stella, her face warm, her lungs tight, sank to the ground beside Blossom. "Do you remember Slinky?" The mother cat rumbled a greeting and Stella petted her.

Blossom shook her head. "I can keep kitty?"

Flora chuckled. "If your mama says it's okay."

"It's okay."

Blossom buried her face in the kitten's fur.

Kade stepped forward. "I have something for Donny." He opened his sack and drew out a pup of uncertain breeding. He put it in Donny's arms.

Donny's eyes were round as moons and for once, he was speechless.

Bruce moved to Stella's side and murmured, "That look of joy is one to cherish." His breath brushed her cheek.

"It surely is." She smiled, knowing the whole scenario was one she would cherish for years to come—Blossom's enjoyment of the kitten, the purring of the mother cat, Donny and the squirming puppy who licked his face, her cattle grazing in the pasture, and a husband by her side who reveled in sharing the joys of others.

A husband. Brought to her by God.

Aunt Mary's words again. Like a constant dripping in her head.

Time to bring some normalcy to her world. "Did you bring my chickens?" Though the cackling coming from the packhorse was answer enough.

"I'll get them." Flora led the horse to the chicken yard, and Stella helped her let the chickens free. She'd put out some grain, and after they'd strutted about and ruffled their feathers to inform everybody of their indignation at how they'd been handled, they pecked at their food.

Stella closed the gate as Flora led the horse away. She called after her, "Thanks to you and Kade for taking care of my livestock."

"Our pleasure," Flora said.

Donny had put the pup down, and they chased each other across the yard, the boy laughing and the dog barking.

Bruce knelt beside Blossom. "Do you want to help me make a place for the cat and her kitten to sleep?"

"In my bed?" Her eyes were bright with the possibility.

"Maybe in the barn so mama cat can hunt." Bruce glanced at Stella, his face awash in humor. "Besides, your mama might not want them in her room."

His smile was so wide and honest. His eyes brimming with gentleness that seemed to include Stella as well as Blossom.

Stella fought to get her brain to work. To find a word or two to say in reply.

"They best be in the barn." Was that croaky voice really hers?

Bruce pushed to his feet and held out his hand to Blossom. Together they crossed to the barn and went inside, the mother cat following.

Kade had been tending the horses, but Flora took in everything. Stella could only hope she didn't see more than existed. But of course, she did.

She chuckled. "This business arrangement of yours isn't going to stay business very long."

Stella shrugged. "I don't know what you mean. You'll stay for supper, won't you?"

And perhaps drop this particular subject.

"Of course, we'll stay. And I think you know what I mean. You and him." She pointed to the barn, shook her head. "Of course, that is how it should be when you're married."

"How what should be?" Was it too much to expect Flora to hear the warning in her voice?

Of course, it was. "There should be some sparks flying up the chimney."

Stella laughed and pretended to misunderstand. "I prefer not to set the roof on fire."

Flora took Stella's arm. "Oh, it won't be your roof on fire. It will be your heart. Burning with love." She sighed. "It's the best feeling in the world."

Definitely time for a change in subject. "Come with me to get vegetables from the garden."

Flora sighed dramatically. "Very well, we won't talk about it." They made their way to the garden plot. Flora pulled the gate open. "But don't think I've forgotten it."

"Oh, I would surely not make that mistake. You are like an elephant. You never forget."

"Yup. That's me." Flora planted her hands on her hips and studied the garden. "I wonder who planted this."

"I have no idea." Stella scanned her surroundings, wondering if someone lingered nearby. She saw nothing to indicate the presence of others. "You never saw anyone when you checked on the place?"

Flora shook her head. "Nothing caught my eye."

Stella snorted. "Only one thing catches your eye." Sure enough, Flora was watching Kade as he and Bruce leaned against the fence, probably discussing the animals. Kade was taller than Bruce, but Bruce had a bearing that spoke of strength and self-assurance. Characteristics that Stella realized she admired. That and his pleasure in bringing joy into others' lives.

"Ha, caught you watching him, and I don't mean Kade." Flora grinned at Stella.

Stella shrugged. "Studying the cows."

Flora snorted. "Sure, you were. Of course, that's all you saw. I believe that."

Rather than respond, Stella pulled out a potato plant and dug out the potatoes. "They're a good size already. It looks like I'll have some to put in the root cellar." It wouldn't be enough to see them through the winter. Hopefully, Norm White would have some for sale in the fall.

She squatted down, filled her apron with the potatoes, then sat back on her heels. Fall. Followed by winter. Time spent indoors. Close quarters. Would Bruce be content to do the chores then read or help with the children?

Flora squatted next to her. "I think Bruce might be the best thing that has happened to you in a long time."

"How can you say that? You hardly know him."

"How long does it take? I knew in two days that Kade was the man for me though I wasn't willing to admit it so quickly."

Stella studied Flora. "Two days? How is that possible?"

"It isn't." Flora grinned. "But love isn't possible either."

"What?"

"Truly. How can two people be willing to give up everything and live for the other person? How is it possible that doing so makes each person more complete, more real, more—" She ducked her head but not before Stella saw the flare of color in her cheeks.

She chuckled. But before she could think of an answer, screams rent the air.

"Blossom." She leapt to her feet, dropping the potatoes from her apron as she raced toward the sound.