Chapter 14

Caleb

When dusk settled over the land, Caleb placed his hand on the small of Mia's back as he looked over her shoulder. "Let's go home."

"I like the sound of that."

She turned to him and smiled.

His heart fluttered at just the simple act of touching her shoulders as he helped her on with her coat. Everything was put away and the last person gone. Pride filled Caleb's chest as he offered her his arm and closed the door quietly behind them. He escorted her and the children out to his buckboard and helped her in, and then slid in beside her. By the time they pulled onto the main road, both of the children were fast asleep.

He made a clicking sound with his mouth and the horses immediately started walking. "I'm proud of you, Mia."

Her head snapped up. "What for?"

"You did a great job today organizing everything and taking care of the children." A smile lit his lips, and this time, he didn't feel guilty for saying it.

"It was my pleasure." A smile lit her lips as she looked out over the horizon. "It felt nice to be a part of a community… and a family… again. It's something I haven't had in a very long time."

He nodded, his thoughts going to when he first saw her on the platform at the train station, and how he had treated her at the church. "Mia, I haven't been a good husband to you—"

"You've been the best." Concern filled her eyes as she gently touched his arm.

He had the sudden urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her properly, but now wasn't the time. Caleb looked out over the horizon as streaks of orange, red, and yellow raced across the darkening blue sky. "Mia, I'm glad you came."

A lovely smile lit her lips. "I wouldn't have missed hearing you preach for anything."

"No, that's not what I meant." He glanced over at her, his eyes filled with concern. "I'm glad you came to Whiskey River."

She nodded, emotion filling her eyes. "Me, too."

As the horses plodded on through the snow, he knew that he needed to talk to her, to tell her what he hadn't, what he couldn't before now.

"Mia, I'm sorry for going to bed so abruptly last night," he said as he let out a deep breath.

She gave his leg a gentle pat. "It's okay, Caleb. I understand."

He shook his head. "No, you're a good woman, Mia, and you deserve more than what I've given you."

She looked at him, confused.

Caleb let out a deep breath. "Mia, I need to tell you… what happened… to Jessica."

Mia shook her head. "Caleb, you don't have to—"

"Yes, I do," he said as he turned his attention to the road. "She had a cough for some time, and when I asked her about it, she brushed it off, saying that it was nothing. I should have known better. It got to the point that she was coughing up blood."

Mia gasped.

Caleb paused for a moment as memories washed over him. "I tried to get her to see Doc Morgan, but she wouldn't go. Anyway, one Sunday morning, she wasn't feeling well. I tried to get her to stay at home, but she wanted to go to church. She was fine during the service, but she collapsed afterward. I rushed her to the house and Doc Morgan came, but it was too late. She died later that night. Colton and Madison were with me, and Ella had kept the children at their farm." He let out a deep breath. Somehow, it felt better to talk about it now. To get it out.

Mia gingerly touched his arm, bringing him back to the present. "Caleb, it wasn't your fault—"

"Mia, I should have forced her to see Doc Morgan—"

"Caleb," she interrupted. "There is no cure for influenza besides bedrest. There was nothing you could have done."

He nodded. Although he knew she was right, it was still hard to hear.

"Caleb, I know it isn't easy."

"It's been hard," he admitted, letting out a deep breath.

She covered his hand with hers. "I know, but you have to find a way to let go of the past and move on."

He smirked as he looked into her eyes. "So, you want me to forget?"

Mia shook her head. "No, never forget. But you have to find a way to go on."

Caleb nodded. "It's easier said than done."

She let her hand drop. "Yes, it is." Mia let out a deep breath. "Take all the time you need, Caleb. I'm not going anywhere."

"Thank you." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. They pulled to a stop in front of the house, his house, their house together now. It was so confusing. "Mia, just give me time." He looked into her eyes. "I want to be a good husband to you, but I need time."

She gave him a small smile as she nodded. "Take all the time you need. As I said, I'm not going anywhere."

Deep down, he just hoped it was true.

As the week wore on, Mia was true to her word. Caleb noticed that she became better with running the house and soon got into a rhythm. To his surprise, she started getting up even earlier—before sunrise—to collect the eggs before the children woke, or to get something out of the root cellar. She also visited Ella and helped with the babies a few times during the week. It appeared that Mia, Ms. Jenkins, and Madison were all taking turns helping out. Caleb went over to check on them at night, as well.

He couldn't help but admire Mia's independence. In one way, she reminded him so much of Jessica, and then in other ways, she was nothing like her at all. It was time that he stopped comparing her to Jessica and to start seeing her for who she was inside.

One morning, Caleb walked out of the bedroom, and she was sitting on the rocking chair, sewing by the firelight, and didn't see him come in.

"You're going to hurt your eyes, sewing in this light."

"Oh!" She jumped as she quickly hid what she had been working on inside her sewing basket, and then tucked it into the writing desk and closed the doors.

It spiked his attention, but then again, women had their secrets. "When do you sleep?"

Mia laughed. "Oh, I sleep. Don't worry."

He took a step forward. "Make sure to take care of yourself."

"I'm fine."

Somehow, the words tugged at his heart. That was exactly what Jessica used to say before….

"So, what would you like for breakfast?" she asked, interrupting his thoughts. "I already made coffee."

Before he could object, she jumped to her feet, beat him to the kitchen, and poured him a cup of coffee and handed it to him. He took a sip, and it was just how he liked it: black, with one sugar. She paid attention.

Then, she poured one for herself and sat kitty corner from him at the table. "So, what's on the agenda for today?" she asked, a bit too cheerful.

He smiled at her enthusiasm. "Since it's early, I thought I'd show you how to milk a cow. That is, if you're up for it?"

A broad smile spread across her face. "Sounds great!" Then, her face fell. "What if the children wake up while we're out?"

He shrugged. "If we go now, we'll be back in before they wake."

The grin returned. "Let's go, then."

Caleb hurried to slip into his coat, and then helped her on with hers. They walked outside in to the brisk morning air as streaks of purple and orange swiped across the sky, reflecting on the pristine snow. He headed into the barn and stopped in front of a stall as Mia followed. "This here is Ol' Bessie. She's our prize milk giver here on the Henley Farm."

Mia nodded as a smile lit her lips. "Well, we don't want to change that."

Caleb showed her how to hook the lead strap to her halter and then led her out into the hallway. "First, we tie her to the milking post." He smiled at Mia. "We don't want to have to spend the morning chasing her down."

"I thought that cows usually grazed in the field," Mia said.

"Look around." He gestured to the field that was covered in snow. "It's still too cold for the snow to melt off yet."

"When will that happen?"

Caleb shrugged. "Probably not until closer to March or April. In the Winter months, we keep the cows in the barn along with the horses. It's the only way they would survive." Then, he walked over to a wooden cabinet. "We keep the milking pails in here." He lifted out two clean buckets and carried them over. "And we keep the milking stool over here." He picked up a stool on the side of the cabinet, and then carried it over to Ol' Bessy. He placed the milking stool beside the cow's utters, bulging with milk.

"Does it hurt her when she's not milked?" Mia asked.

Caleb nodded. "Yes, that's why she has to be milked every day. We get enough milk from her to supply a lot of our milk, as well as cheese and cream." Then, he rubbed his hands together. "First, you need to warm your hands. She'll kick you when your hands are cold."

Mia giggled. "That explains it."

"What?" Caleb asked.

Mia shook her head. "My first morning here, I tried to milk one of the cows, but had no luck."

Caleb chuckled, wishing he could have seen it. "After your hands are warm, you take an utter in each hand…." He proceeded to show her the fine points of milking a cow. Once milk was streaming steadily from her utters, he stepped back. "Here. You try."

She sat on the stool, warmed her hands, and pulled. The cow jumped. "Oh my!"

Caleb laughed. "That's okay. Just pull and twist at the same time, but gently."

She tried again, and milk shot directly in her face.

Caleb burst out laughing, and then handed her a rag. "Don't worry. It's happened to all of us."

"Oh yeah?" she asked as a devilish smile spread across her face. Then, she pointed an utter at Caleb and pulled, causing milk to spray all over him.

"Oh yeah?" he asked.

She laughed as she took off running, and he chased her around the yard. He caught her and then swung her around as she giggled. Their faces drew near, and they suddenly became serious, but he set her on her feet and ran his hand through his dark brown hair, turning away.

"I… uh… I think the children might be awake now." He pointed nervously at the cow. "I'll… uh… I'll finish up here." Then, he walked away, when a snowball hit the back of his head. When he turned around, Mia was laughing as she hurried inside. "You'd better run! I'll get even with you later!"

Then, she closed the door quickly behind her.

Caleb laughed as he went back to milking the cow. He was surprised that he almost kissed her. They had been married for a couple weeks now, but he still wasn't ready. But maybe he was closer. He laughed to himself as he thought of Mia. And, for once, he didn't feel guilty.

When he finished, he took two buckets of milk inside and carried them to the sink, where he would pour it into clean bottles.

The children were sitting at the table while Mia was fixing something on the stove.

"What's that?" he asked as he pulled some clean glass bottles out from a nearby cabinet and started filling them with the milk.

"French toast!" Mia said happily. "You're just in time. I need some milk."

"French toast! French toast!" Shane and Hailey chanted in unison, bouncing on their seats.

"Have you ever had it before?" she asked as she cracked two eggs into a bowl, added milk, and then dipped a slice of bread into it and laid it in a hot skillet.

Caleb raised his eyebrows. "No, I can't say as I have."

Mia smiled happily. "Well, then! You're in for a treat!"

"How do you fix it?" Caleb looked over her shoulder, watching as she demonstrated.

She flipped over a piece in the skillet, and it was golden brown. "After you fry it, then you put it on a plate and add syrup, like pancakes." Mia took a slice out and laid it gently on a plate. Then, she repeated the process, dipping the bread into the egg and milk mixture and laying it in the hot oil.

"You really are full of surprises, aren't you?" Caleb asked as he went back to pouring the milk.

"You just wait," Mia teased as she plopped another slice onto a plate, drizzled them with syrup, and set them in front of the two children. Then, she cut them up into little squares for them so it would be easier for them to eat.

Caleb watched her, touched. "Let's wait for the verdict."

"Yummy!" Shane shouted happily, quickly swallowing another piece.

"Hey now! Make sure to chew it first!" Mia laid another piece of egg-soaked bread into the hot oil and looked over her shoulder at Caleb, holding the spatula. "See? I told you so!"

"Yummy!" Hailey opened her mouth wide and shoved in another piece.

Something stirred inside of him as he watched Mia with his children. She was loving, caring, and beautiful… everything he could ever want. This shouldn't be so difficult.

"Okay, now it's your turn!" Mia set a plate with two pieces of French toast in front of him.

All eyes were suddenly on him. "Oh-kay," he said, dragging out the word, making a big show of sitting down to try it. The children were waiting with wide eyes as Mia smiled, waiting with spatula in hand. He slathered some syrup over it and then took a bite. His expression changed from skepticism to delight as he chewed. "This is delicious!"

"Yeah!" the children clapped excitedly.

He had no idea how breakfast became such an event, but he loved it. "Mia, you need to sit down and eat, too."

"I will in a minute—"

"Come on…." He rose from his seat and guided her to her chair at the table. "Now, here." He set a plate with two slices of French toast in front of her and slid the syrup over to her. Then, he looked at the stove. "What have I done?"

Mia laughed and got up from her seat. "I'll get it."

"No, no," he said, pointing the spatula at her. "We have enough. That is, unless someone wants more?"

"Me!" Shane yelled.

"I do! I do!" Hailey yelled, bouncing on her seat.

Mia arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure you don't need any help?"

Caleb's eyes widened. "No, no," he said as he turned toward the stove. He dipped the bread in the egg and milk mixture like he watched Mia do, and then placed it in the hot, oiled pan as she had taught him. A few minutes later, he had the hang of it and made more for everyone.

Mia took a bite, moaning in pleasure. "So, Caleb, tell me honestly. Would you rather cook breakfast or milk a cow?"

He chuckled. "I can't lie?"

She laughed, shaking her head.

"I'm not going to answer that." Caleb sat down and drizzled syrup over two more slices of French toast and took a bite. "This is delicious!"

"That's what I thought," she said as she rose from her seat and put the buckets of water on the stove to boil.

After he finished the last bite, he got up and carried his plate to the sink. Then, he casually kissed the top of her head as he finished chewing. "Well, I'll be out on the farm… doing chores… if you need me…." he teased, backing out the door.

Mia stood frozen, watching him go with a stunned look on her face.

He spent most of the afternoon thinking of the family time they had together at breakfast and vowed that they should do it more often. Yes, every morning should be family time before they went on with their day. Then his thoughts traveled to the kiss. But, then again, it was just a friendly kiss on the top of her head, which he did out of reflex. There was no doubt about it. Mia was now a part of the family, whether he realized it or not. For a moment, he wondered what it would be like without her… and it was unimaginable. Since her arrival, she had brought much needed sunshine back into their lives.

Nothing more was said about the kiss, but the rest of the week was wonderful. They had family time at breakfast every morning, and then Mia stayed up late at night. He worried that she wasn't resting enough, but she seemed to be fine. In fact, lately she appeared to be excited about something, although he had no idea what it could be.

On Sunday morning, Caleb woke early. He slipped on his usual jeans and a white button-down shirt but didn't bother to slip on shoes. He loved Sunday mornings, the quiet before the hustle and bustle of preparing for church. Caleb rubbed his hands together, and then placed some more wood on the fire. But when he turned around, Mia was sitting in the rocking chair, asleep with a wad of fabric curled up on her lap.

He loved watching her sleep. She was so beautiful, and it was reflected in her features as she slept. He sat watching her for a few minutes, and, this time, he didn't feel guilty. After a time, he went into the kitchen and made some coffee. When it was finished, he made a cup for them both, and then headed back into the living room.

"Mia," he whispered in a sing-song voice, not wanting to scare her. "Mia, wake up." He held the coffee in front of her, letting the scent waft toward her. "Mia, wake up."

She opened her eyes and looked straight at Caleb and smiled. Then, her eyes flew open wide. "Oh, my goodness! How long have I been asleep?" She jumped and almost spilled the coffee, but Caleb leaned back just in time.

"It's okay. The kids are still asleep," Caleb whispered. "Here. I made you some coffee."

She smiled as she took a sip. "Umm… it's just how I like it, two sugars with cream."

Caleb grinned, pushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. "What are you working on?"

"Oh, nothing," she said, putting it aside. "Let's go out to the kitchen. Are you hungry?" Mia got up, and Caleb followed her to the table.

One corner of his lips curled into a smile. He thought she was hiding something but decided to let it go. "I really don't think we have enough time. We'll have to start getting ready in a few minutes."

Ella sat at the table, but she was antsy. She took a sip of her coffee, and then said, "Well! I'm going to start getting ready. I'll be out in a bit."

A crease formed between Caleb's eyes, knowing that she was up to something, but had no idea what it was. Instead, he slipped on his boots and coat, and quickly gathered the eggs and milked the cow. When he came back in, his jaw dropped. She and the children were standing in the living room, all dressed in new clothes. Hailey and Mia had on matching medium blue dresses, and Hailey had a matching blue ribbon tied in her high ponytail. Shane wore the same color shirt, a dark gray vest with a silk back, and matching trousers.

"My goodness!" Caleb said as he walked in. "Where in the world… how did you…."

"I made them," Mia beamed, enjoying his reaction. "I wanted it to be a surprise."

Caleb's mouth dropped in disbelief. "When did you have the time?"

"This was what I've been working on when I was staying up late." Mia shrugged, smiling. "I made you an outfit that matches Shane's, too."

Caleb smiled. "Wow! You all look wonderful!" He walked over to Mia and gave her a big hug. "Thank you. The kids have been needing clothes, but I…." He was about to say that he was going to buy store-bought clothes but hadn't had the time. Also, Jessica was the one who had made their clothes in the past.

"You really like them?" Mia asked, beaming.

Caleb nodded. "You look beautiful… all of you." Then, he looked around the room for his clothes. "So, where are my clothes and I'll get dressed?"

Mia held them up.

"Mia! These are better than any store-bought clothes!"

"You like them?" she asked, excited.

"I love them!" Caleb looked over his new outfit, running a hand gingerly over the fabric. "I don't think I've ever had clothes that are so nice before. They're beautiful." He looked directly into her eyes. "Thank you, Mia."

He didn't tell her this, but she was so good that she could work for any dress shop she wanted… even in New York. With the talent she had, he wondered why she had worked as a dancehall girl. He guessed that it must have been hard to find good jobs in New York.

He walked into the bedroom to get dressed, and the clothes fit him perfectly. How she knew his measurements, he had no idea. These were better clothes than any tailor could make. He slipped on his polished black shoes, combed his hair, and walked into the living room.

"My, my!" Mia looked him up and down. "Turn around," she instructed, making a twirling motion with her finger. He did as she asked and turned slowly. When he faced her again, she beamed with satisfaction. "Yes."

"How did you know my size… or the children's?"

She let out a deep breath. "Well, the children, I measured. You? I had to guess at. But it looks as if I came pretty close."

He crossed the room to her and held her at arm's length, gazing into her eyes. "You couldn't have guessed any better if you tried." Without thinking about it, he pulled her close and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, again. You did a wonderful job."

She pulled him in for a hug. "I'm glad you like it."

Holding her in his arms felt a bit too good. He quickly dropped his arms and took a step back. "You're wonderful. Tell me, is there anything you can't do?"

She shrugged as a broad smile lit her lips. "Milk a cow?"

They both laughed.

"Well, we might be late if we don't hurry," Caleb said, slipping into his coat.

Mia helped the children on with their coats, and then slipped on her own. They were quickly getting in to a routine.

"And I'll be the best dressed preacher in four counties!" Caleb reached for Mia's hand and tucked it in his arm. "Thanks to you."

Mia laughed, sounding like bells.

As he escorted his family outside to the buckboard, he couldn't help but think of how perfect his life had become in such a short time, thanks to Mia.

Everything was wonderful, but he wondered how long it would last. He knew he couldn't keep her waiting, but she seemed to be patient with him. She was smart, funny, caring, and loving with his children. No one was perfect, but she was as close as they come.

But the question was: could he learn to let go of the past… and let love in?