Chapter 7

Mia

When Mia woke the next morning, the events of the previous day came rushing back to her and she realized that she had spent her wedding night alone. "This isn't a marriage. It's a circus," she mumbled to herself. But Caleb had set the rules of their marriage being platonic, and she was going to abide by them. Mia dressed for the day, thankful for the few moments that she had alone.

When she was ready, she checked her trunk to make sure her belongings were packed and threw her coat over her arm. Outside their door, she heard that Shane and Caleb were awake. She was tempted to just go downstairs and order some coffee and wait for them to come down, but she knew Caleb would need help with the children. So, she steeled herself and knocked on the door. Caleb opened the door slightly.

"Good morning. Would you like some help with the children, or would you like me to go down to the restaurant and wait?"

Caleb opened the door, and he was buttoning his white shirt, but not before she caught a glimpse of his tight, bare muscled chest.

"Come on in." Caleb stepped back. "The children are nearly ready. Would you mind taking them downstairs? I'll be right there. And could you order me some coffee?"

Mia smiled, glad to see that a good night's sleep had improved his temper. "I'd be glad to." But when she looked over at Hailey, her hair was a mess and sticking out in every direction. "Here. I'll be right back with a hairbrush."

Mia went next door and got her hairbrush, two rubber bands, and some ribbon. She was going to just walk right in, but thought better of it, opting to knock lightly.

"Come on in, Mia."

When she walked inside, Caleb was sitting on the edge of the bed, slipping on his boots. Mia's heart fluttered, noticing how Caleb's white shirt flattered his naturally tanned skin. But she pushed the thought aside and headed over to the vanity. "Hailey, would you like me to do your hair?"

"She doesn't need you," Shane muttered under his breath.

"Shane," Caleb warned. "Let's not get that started again."

Mia ignored the jab. "Shane, after I'm finished with Hailey, I'll brush your hair, too."

"No, thank you."

"Oh yes, you'll let her," Caleb intervened. "Your hair's a mess and I don't have a hairbrush, since we weren't planning on staying here in Laramie. So, let her do your hair, too, when she's ready."

Shane huffed and folded his arms across his chest, glaring at Mia.

She sighed, making a mental note to try and find a way to reach him. But for now, she turned her attention back to Hailey. "Come on, little girl." She picked her up and set her on the dainty bench seat at the white, wooden vanity. She brushed her beautiful curls, careful not to hurt her, and then braided first one side and then the other. Then she tied the pigtails off with rubber bands and added shiny blue ribbons to the ends. When she was finished, Mia placed her hands on Hailey's shoulders and looked at her in the mirror. "Well, what do you think?"

A broad grin spread across the little girl's face. "Pretty!"

Without a second thought, Mia bent down and gave her shoulders a squeeze, placing her cheek against the little girl's as they both looked in the mirror. "Beautiful."

Hailey jumped down off the bench and scampered off to her father. "Look!" She turned her head proudly from side to side.

Caleb scooped her into his arms. "You look like a princess." Then he kissed her cheek.

Mia patted the stool, looking at Shane. "Okay! Your turn."

"No! You're not touching me!" he shouted, folding his arms across his chest.

Mia was sure the neighbors heard.

"What was that, young man?" A crease formed between Caleb's eyes.

"Hmph!" Shane hopped down, his footsteps heavy against the wooden floor. Then he plopped down hard on the seat and folded his arms across his chest again, glaring at Mia in the mirror, as if daring her to make him look presentable.

"Let's see here." Mia smiled, trying to lighten the mood as she picked up her hair brush and ran it through his light blond hair. A moment later, every hair was in place. "Now, isn't that better?"

He glared at her and then jumped down off the bench.

A crease formed between Caleb's eyes, obviously not pleased with his son's behavior. Then he turned his attention back to Mia. "Why don't you take the children downstairs to the restaurant while I carry your trunk down?"

"We'll wait for you downstairs," Mia replied as she took Hailey's hand. "Ready?"

Hailey nodded vigorously, her eyes wide.

"Shane?"

He let out a deep breath and then stormed out of the room.

Caleb shook his head. "I'm so sorry. He never behaves this way. It's just been so hard—"

"He'll come around," Mia cut him off, looking into his eyes. At that moment, she vowed to try and make life easier for them, if not anything else.

Caleb shook his head, glaring at his son. "Well, I hope he comes around a bit sooner than later."

Mia gave him a reassuring smile. "He will." When she headed out the door holding Hailey's hand, Shane was sitting in the hallway, stooped down on the floor.

"Ready?" Mia asked.

Shane rose from the floor without a word and headed down the hallway.

"Stay with me, Shane." Mia led Hailey down the hallway, holding her hand. "Shane come back here right now!" She didn't want to take a chance of being asked to leave the hotel. But then again, would it have made a difference? They were getting ready to check out, anyway. But after their performance in the restaurant the night before, she was sure the management would be more than happy to see them go.

After a moment, Mia gave up, scooped Hailey up into her arms, and ran as quickly as the long skirt of her dress would allow to catch up with him. At the top of the stairs, she stopped short. Shane was standing at the bottom, smirking at her.

"Oh, no you don't, buster," Mia called down to the bottom of the stairs, attracting the attention of everyone in the room.

The desk clerk's shoulder's slumped, but he looked up at her and plastered on a smile.

"Stop right there and don't you move!" Mia lifted her skirts and marched down the stairs headed toward him.

A sly smile lit Shane's lips, but when he turned, he ran into someone. When he looked up, he had run smack dab into Colton Hill.

"And where do you think you're going, little mister?" Colton looked down at him, grinning.

"I… I was just…."

Colton laughed. "There's nothing to worry about." Colton swung him up and onto his right shoulder as Shane laughed.

"Thank you so much for catching him for me." Mia was a bit breathless from having to practically run down the stairs, afraid that Shane might run out the door.

Colton looked up at him. "You were running away from Mia?"

Shane nodded, hanging his head.

"Don't do that. Mia is a good person who cares about you very much." He set him down on his feet and then knelt down at his level. "Can I tell you something, man to man?"

Mia bit her lower lip, suppressing a smile. Shane nodded vigorously, his eyes wide.

Colton propped his elbows on his knees. "Gentlemen always treat a lady like a lady. Gentlemen protect ladies and keep them safe, too. So, now that Mia has joined your family and since you are a man in the house, it's your job to protect her and your sister, and to always treat them like ladies. That means you say ‘yes, ma'am' and ‘no, ma'am,' too. Okay?"

Shane let out a deep breath as he smiled, obviously liked having been referred to as a man.

"Can you do that?" Colton's eyebrows rose, awaiting an answer.

"Yes, sir," Shane replied, hanging his head.

But Colton placed a finger under his chin and lifted it up until his eyes met his. "Also, a man is always strong. And if he always tries to do what's right, he has nothing to be ashamed of. Okay?"

Shane nodded.

"Thanks, Colton." Mia tried to adjust Hailey on her hip, but the little girl was reaching for Colton.

He scooped Hailey into his arms and nuzzled her neck. "It's my pleasure."

"So, how's Ella doing?" Mia smiled, relieved that Colton happened to be there. She just wished that Caleb had been the one to give his son that speech.

A broad grin spread across Colton's face. "She's fine. Just hungry as all get out. That's why I'm here."

"And the babies?" Mia asked.

Colton grinned. "The same. Poor Ella's exhausted and the babies are hungry every few hours."

Mia chuckled. "I don't think either of you will be getting a lot of rest any time soon."

"I'm counting on it." Then he handed Hailey back to her. "Well, if you'll excuse me. I have to take Ella some breakfast before she threatens to eat the bed and everything in the hospital."

Mia chuckled. "Would you like to join us for breakfast? Then we can walk back together. We were going to come right over to check on Ella and the babies right after we ate."

Colton shook his head. "No, thank you. But maybe I'll join you for a cup of coffee while I wait?"

"Of course!" Mia grinned just as Caleb walked down the stairs carrying her trunk.

"Here. Let me help you with that." Colton rushed over and took one side.

"Thanks, Colton! It's good to see you here this morning." Caleb adjusted his grip.

Mia felt a bit ashamed for having brought so much with her. After all, she had been a dancehall girl and had lots of clothes. She had to. Her job depended on it.

Caleb glanced over at her as they passed. "Go ahead and get us a table. We'll be right back." They walked over to the front of the lobby and set the trunk down by the wall. Caleb said something to the front desk clerk and then he and Colton walked out.

Mia let out a deep breath, knowing she was going to have to have a long talk with him. She wasn't used to being told what to do. She hadn't been in a long time, and she wasn't about to start now.

Mia stepped into the restaurant and a gentleman approached, carrying menus. "Joining us for breakfast?" He looked at her with interest, even though she had two children with her.

"Yes, for my husband, my children and me, and a friend. Five in all," Mia replied flatly.

"Yes, of course." The man's smile disappeared as he cleared his throat. "Right this way, madam."

It seemed strange to be referred to as madam and to have an instant family. But even though it had been less than twenty-four hours, she truly felt that this family was hers now, too.

The waiter laid the menus on a large round table. "Here you go, ma'am."

"Thank you." The gentleman held the chair as she sat with Hailey on her lap. Shane slid onto another seat without incident. At that moment, Mia was grateful to Colton for having had the man-to-man talk with him about women, much to her surprise. But it was refreshing to see a man wanting to teach a boy how to become a man, even at Shane's age.

"Could I start you off with some coffee?" the waiter asked.

"Yes. Three cups, please, and two lemonades." Mia gave him a courteous smile and then turned her attention back to the menu.

"Right away, ma'am." The waiter hurried away to do their bidding.

Shane straightened his back and picked up a menu. It was upside down, but he looked so cute trying to read it.

"So, what are you going to have?" she asked Shane, enjoying him trying to act like a man.

"Umm… I'm not sure, but the pancakes look good."

Mia covered her laugh with a cough. "I make really good pancakes… and French toast, too."

Shane ignored her and went back to pretending to look at the menu. But at least he wasn't running around the restaurant this time.

Caleb and Colton walked into the restaurant and Mia waved them over.

"We took care of the trunk and the rig," Caleb said as he sat down beside Mia. Colton took the other seat. "It's parked right out front." Then he turned to Colton. "Thanks for helping me with the trunk. That thing's heavy."

Colton's eyes danced as he glanced over at Mia. "It sure was."

Mia straightened her back. "Well, a lady needs her things."

Colton laughed. "Yes, that's what Ella tells me, too."

"How are Ella and the babies?" Caleb asked.

Colton grinned. "They're doing just fine. I have to be getting back soon. Don't want to leave her with two screaming babies alone for too long."

"Isn't the doctor there?" Mia asked.

Colton nodded. "Yes, but he might be called away at any moment."

Just then, the waiter returned with three cups of coffee and two glasses of lemonade.

"If you don't mind," Colton interjected, "I need two orders of pancakes to go. My wife just had twins and I need to get back to her."

The man's eyes brightened. "Well, congratulations! Right away, sir." Then he turned to Mia and Caleb. "And for you?"

"I'll have the same." Caleb closed his menu.

Shane repeated his father's actions, laying his menu down. "Me, too."

One corner of Caleb's lips curled into a smile. "Bring one for my daughter, too."

"I'll have the same," Mia quickly interjected before Caleb could order for her. "If you could please make his order first, though, it would be a big help." She nodded toward Colton.

The waiter nodded. "Right away, ma'am." Then he hurried away.

"Thanks for that." Colton took a sip of his coffee and swallowed. "I don't want to leave Ella alone for too long."

Caleb took a sip of his coffee and swallowed. "If you like, we can help you bring Ella and the babies back." Steam rose from his coffee cup as he wrapped his hand around it.

"I would appreciate that, reverend." Colton smiled. "I'm not sure how we would manage with two newborn babies alone in a buckboard in this snow."

"Is she well enough to travel?" A crease formed between Mia's eyes. "We can always come back to help when she's ready." The scent of fresh coffee wafted toward her as she lifted it to her lips. The delicious hot liquid rushed down her throat, instantly warming her.

Colton shook his head. "No, we'll have to go back today. I have some cash with me, but I wasn't planning on staying here for long."

Caleb nodded. "Well then, breakfast is on me."

Colton's head snapped up, his eyes wide. "Now, preacher. I can't let you do that."

"No, it's the least we could do after all you've done for us." A broad grin spread across his lips. "Besides, we're celebrating the birth of your children!"

"Yes, we are." Colton lifted his coffee up and Caleb touched his cup against his, the clinking sound resonating in the small space.

Just then, the waiter approached with a small box. "Here you go, mister. That'll be—"

"Put it on our tab," Caleb cut him off.

"As you wish." The waiter nodded to Caleb. "Your meals will be ready in just a minute." Then he hurried to the front of the restaurant where a lady was waiting alone.

Colton shifted the box to one arm and offered his hand to Caleb. "Thanks, preacher. You didn't have to do that."

"Yes, Colton, I did." Caleb stood and shook his hand. "We'll be over just as soon as we finish eating."

"See you then." Colton tipped his hat to Mia. "Ma'am."

Mia nodded. "Give Ella my best and tell her I can't wait to see her and the babies."

Deep down, she wondered if she would ever have a baby, too. But with the arrangement that she and Caleb had, it was unlikely. She would have to be content with mothering Shane and Hailey, and being a surrogate aunt to Ella and Colton's children.

A broad grin spread across Colton's lips. "I will." Then with one last nod, he headed out the door. He had so much pep in his step it was clear that he was over the moon about the births of his children.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Mia asked innocently, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Tolerably." Caleb wrapped his hands around his coffee cup. He lifted an eyebrow as he looked into her eyes, causing her heart to flutter at just the simple gesture. By the way her body was reacting to this man, she was going to have a hard time trying to abide by Caleb's wishes to keep their relationship platonic. "And you?"

"Tolerably." She took a sip of her coffee to hide what she was feeling. Despite being completely exhausted, she had tossed and turned the whole night, thinking of Caleb.

"Here you go." The waiter placed their plates on the table before them. "Can I get you anything else? More coffee, perhaps?"

Caleb nodded. "Yes, please."

"Right away, sir." The waiter hurried away, checking on the pretty woman sitting alone a few tables down from theirs.

"So, tell me about Whiskey River," Mia coaxed in an effort to lighten the moment as she cut up Shane's pancakes and then Hailey's. "How are the people?"

Caleb's face brightened. "Well, Wyatt Nash is the new saloon owner, and his wife is Madison…." He continued talking between bites as he dug into his pancakes.

After the children were squared away, Mia listened as he went on about the townsfolk of Whiskey River, telling her all about them, sparing no detail. From the way he was talking about them, it was clear that he loved the town and the people in it.

"And then there's the princess…."

Mia nearly spit out her coffee. She dabbed at her lips. "A princess? I thought that Ella was just kidding."

"Nope!" Shane bounced in his seat. "Her name is Gabriella, and she really is a princess!"

Caleb smiled. "That's Mrs. Price to you."

"Is this true?" Mia arched an eyebrow.

Caleb chuckled. "Every word."

"So, how did she come to be in Whiskey River?" Mia was intrigued, catching herself leaning in a bit closer to listen.

Caleb told her the story of how Gabriella was kidnapped and literally fell onto Dirk Price's doorstep. When he finished the exciting tale, Mia was so intrigued that she almost forgot to eat as she fed Hailey.

Caleb dabbed at his lips with his napkin. "Well, I think we'd better go before it starts snowing again."

When Mia looked out the window, the sun was shining outside. It was clear that it had stopped snowing for the moment. "Do you think it's safe?" Mia finished her meal and the last of her coffee. Then sat back, fully sated. It was the first meal she was able to enjoy since stepping off the train.

Caleb finished the last bite of his pancakes and swallowed. "The snow stuck last night, but not enough to keep us from going home. So, we have to git while the gittin's good." He smiled as he finished the last of his coffee and stood. "I'll be right back." He walked over to the front register to settle their bill.

Mia wished she could contribute, but she had brought little money with her. She only had a few dollars to her name—the last of what Trent Jericho had given her. She reconciled herself to taking in sewing to make money when they get to Whiskey River, if they need it. But for the moment, she would have enough to do stepping into her new life caring for the children and the household. Of course, making their clothes herself would save them a lot of money, too.

"Come here, little girl." Mia picked up a cloth napkin and wiped the syrup off Hailey's sticky hands and face. "There you go. Much better." Then she turned to her new son. "Shane?"

But he quickly picked up a napkin and sloppily wiped his face and his hands. "I can do it myself."

"So you can." Mia smiled as she took Hailey's hand and pushed in her chair. Shane was about to run off toward his father, but Mia stopped him. "Push in your chair first and stay with me."

Shane narrowed his eyes at her but did as she said. When she reached for his hand, he pulled away. But one thing to his credit was that he walked by her side instead of running away this time.

After paying the bill, Caleb slid his wallet into his back pocket and turned to Mia. "Ready?"

She nodded and he took Hailey from her, holding her with one arm. "Ready, baby girl?"

Caleb held the door open for Mia. Much to her surprise, Shane waited for them instead of running ahead and jumping into the back of the buckboard. She guessed that he had taken Colton's little talk to heart. Even though she wished it had been Caleb to give him the talk instead, Mia knew she had to be patient with him.

Outside, snow covered the ground in a soft white blanket, but the sun shone brightly overhead. As Caleb had said, they didn't appear to be in danger of getting caught in another snowstorm on the way home. Home. She hadn't even laid eyes on it yet, but she was already coming to think of Whiskey River as her home.

Caleb offered her his hand and helped her into his buckboard and then handed Hailey up to her. The little girl went to her with ease and sat on the bench seat between them, but Mia kept her arm around her to keep her from falling.

Shane climbed up into the back of the buckboard and sat with his back against the bench seat, while Caleb climbed in the front beside Mia. Within minutes, they pulled in front of the little white house that served as the doctor's office and makeshift hospital at the edge of town.

"Whoa!" Caleb pulled the team to a stop, pulled the brake, and then stepped down and walked around to Mia. "Shall we?" He reached for Hailey and then took Mia's hand. Just his simple words caused her face to flush. As she stepped down from the buckboard, she knew she was going to have to get her emotions under control before she made a fool of herself.

If he saw her reaction, he didn't acknowledge it, but he offered her his arm and she took it, letting him help her through the snow and up the wooden steps leading to the doctor's office.

Caleb knocked and a moment later, it swung open.

"Welcome!" Doctor Allaway said, another cigar between his teeth. "Come on in! I suppose you're here to see your friends."

"Yes, please." Caleb stepped back and let Mia walk in first. "So, how's your patient doing?"

The doctor chuckled. "You mean patients. Mother and babies are all doing just fine." The doctor closed the door behind them and then walked back into his makeshift hospital, expecting them to follow.

"Mia!" Ella was sitting on the edge of the bed, fully dressed and holding one of the babies. She motioned for her to come to her and then pulled her in for a hug. Colton was standing off to the side, holding the other baby.

"How are you feeling?" Mia's eyebrows lifted in concern.

"Sore, but good." Ella held the baby up to her. "Would you mind taking Hannah for me for a minute?"

"I'd be glad to." Mia smiled as she carefully took the baby.

"Caleb, would you take Blake for me?" Colton's eyebrows pulled together in concern.

"Yes, of course." Caleb took the baby boy and Colton rushed to Ella's side to help her up.

"Can you walk, or would you like me to carry you?" Colton asked.

Ella smiled. "Don't be silly. Just give me your arm." He helped her up and she walked slowly.

"Oh, the hell with this." Colton carefully swept her up into his arms.

Ella cringed a bit but wrapped her arms around her husband's neck. "Colton! Your language! The preacher!"

Everyone laughed, standing back to clear the way for Colton as he carried her purposefully out the door. "Oh, I'm sure it's not anything Caleb hasn't heard before."

"Colton!" Ella chuckled.

"Oh, it's all right." Caleb laughed as he and Mia carried the babies, following them out. "He's right. It's nothing I haven't heard before."

Outside, Colton had placed some blankets in the back of his buckboard so she and the babies could ride in comfort, with the promise of returning them back to the doctor. He placed Ella in the back and then climbed up to help her get comfortable. She didn't lay down, but sat up, leaning against the back of the front bench seat. Then he took the baby from Caleb, swaddled him, and handed him to Ella.

"Mia, would you mind riding in the back with Ella?" Colton asked, taking the baby from her.

Mia smiled. "I'd be glad to." Then she turned to Caleb. "Would you mind? Hailey can ride in the back with us."

"No, not at all." Then Caleb turned to his son. "Shane, would you like to ride with the women or with me?"

Shane scrunched up his nose. "No, I'll ride with you." He squared his shoulders. "I'm a man now." He looked over at Colton and smiled.

Colton gave him a wink.

Caleb laughed. "I have a feeling that I'm missing something."

Mia chuckled. "I'll tell you about it when we get home." She was about to give him a hug, but it felt too awkward.

Caleb gave her a small smile as he helped her into the back with Ella. "I'm looking forward to it." Then he handed Hailey up to her.

Once she was settled, Colton handed her the other baby. Mia looked into the baby girl's eyes, and she was just as beautiful as her mother. It was obvious that both babies had inherited their parent's good looks.

"She's beautiful." Mia's eyes were filled with wonder. "You did good, Ella."

"She's just as beautiful as her mother," Colton proudly interjected.

"Well, it's obvious that both babies have inherited their parents' good looks," Mia agreed.

Caleb reached over the back and gave Mia's hand a gentle squeeze. "Will you be all right?"

Mia smiled, touched by the gesture. "Yes, of course. Besides, Ella and I haven't had a chance to get caught up on our gossip yet."

Caleb laughed. "Well, in that case, I'm out of here." Then he turned to Colton. "You take the lead and I'll follow closely behind."

Colton nodded. "Much obliged. We'll see you in Whiskey River."

"If you need anything, just pull over." With that, Caleb turned to Shane. "Let's go, son."

Shane puffed up his chest and climbed up into the buckboard on the bench seat beside his father.

When everyone was settled, they started the slow journey home. On the way, Mia wondered what she would be going home to.

"So, how's everything going?" Ella asked, bringing her from her reverie when they were alone and could talk without anyone listening.

"What?"

"Between you and Caleb," Ella replied as if Mia should have known what she was talking about. "How's it going?"

"So far, so good." Mia chuckled. "Although I owe Colton."

A crease formed between Ella's eyes. "Uh-oh! What did he do?"

"Colton gave Shane a man-to-man talk this morning about how to treat women." She chuckled at the memory. "It was priceless."

Ella gasped. "He didn't!"

Mia laughed. "Yes, he did."

"Colton needs to learn how to keep his nose out of other people's business."

Colton looked over his shoulder. "What was that?"

"Nothing," Mia interjected. "Nothing at all." Then she turned her attention back to Ella. "No, he did just the right kind of interfering. Shane was running away from me when Colton stopped him. In fact, he might have run right out into the street if Colton hadn't intervened. Then he gave him a talk about the fine points of how a gentleman treats a lady." Mia chuckled. "I loved it. I just wish Caleb had been the one to tell him."

Ella nodded, turning her attention back to the baby boy in her arms.

"So, you're a mother now." Mia smiled. "Do you have enough baby clothes?"

Ella shrugged. "I have plenty. My friend Madison, Wyatt's new wife, has been helping me make baby clothes, along with the other ladies of the church. But she's been quite busy between teaching school and settling into married life."

Guilt filled Mia's chest. "I'm so sorry. I should have been helping you to prepare. I'm afraid that I haven't been the best friend in the world lately."

"Oh, hush." A crease formed between Ella's eyes. "You've had your hands full trying to make ends meet after I left. I'm so sorry I left you high and dry."

"Well, I think you've had enough to think about without having to worry about me." She looked down at the baby in her arms as she spoke to Mia. "But let's make a deal. Let's not feel guilty about the past. After all, life just took us in different directions."

"But you're here now." Ella smiled as a devilish look appeared in her eyes.

Mia could just imagine what was going through Ella's mind as she remembered the times they shared in the tenement in New York. "Yes, I am. And that means that if you need anything, let me know. I'm here to help."

Ella smiled. "As much as I like hearing that, I'm afraid you'll have enough to think about with settling into your new life besides worrying about me."

Mia sighed. "I just hope that Caleb comes to accept me into his family."

Ella's eyebrows pulled together as one corner of her lips curled into a smile. "What do you mean? He married you, didn't he? If that isn't acceptance, then I don't know what is."

Mia shrugged. "I hope you're right."

Mia and Ella spent the rest of the long ride to Whiskey River talking and getting caught up on things after not having seen each other for so long. But before long, they came to a farmhouse with a long drive, blanketed in snow.

"Well, this is it!" Ella announced. "Home sweet home."

Mia took in the wraparound front porch, and the big house with the barn in the back. "Oh, Ella! It's lovely! It suits you both perfectly."

"Thank you." Ella cringed when the wagon jolted to a stop.

"Are you okay?" Mia asked.

Ella held a finger to her lips. "I'm fine, but please don't tell Colton anything. He worries too much."

Mia smiled, nodding in agreement. After all that she and Ella had been through together, it was good to see her so happy. A lot had changed in such a short period of time. They had both gone from being single dancehall girls to married women in less than a year. The good Lord sure did work in strange ways.

"Well, this is it!" Colton announced, walking around from the front of the buckboard. "Here. I'll take him." Colton took the baby boy from Ella's hands as if he were precious cargo. And he really was.

"Here. I'll help." Caleb reached for the baby and Colton handed him to him.

Then Colton climbed up into the back of the buckboard and helped Ella to the end. Once she was ready, he jumped off and scooped her up into his arms with ease.

"Land's sake!" Ella announced, trying to brush him off. "I can walk. I'm not an invalid."

Colton shook his head and smiled, obviously enjoying the feel of his wife in his arms a bit too much. "Not while I'm around. You just had the babies yesterday and you need me to take care of you."

Ella just shook her head as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "If you say so, dear."

A triumphant smile spread across his lips. "Now, that's more like it!"

"Oh, stop it!" Ella hit him playfully on the chest.

Colton started to walk away, but said to Caleb over his shoulder, "Wait here. I'll be right back."

Caleb laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "We'll be right here." After he was gone, he glanced over at Mia and smiled. "What did he think? That we were going to take off with his children?" Then he helped her down out of the wagon, both of them holding the babies, and then they helped Hailey down, too.

Mia laughed, adjusting the baby in her arms. "No, he's just being a good husband and a good father."

Caleb's smile faded, nodding in agreement.

A moment later, Colton bounded down the stairs and took his daughter from Mia's arms. "Come on in, preacher. Stay a while."

Caleb shook his head. "No, thank you. We'll help you get settled in, but we have to be getting home. I'd bet ol' Bessy is about to bust right now." When he saw Mia's eyebrows pull together in concern, he added, "Bessy's our milk cow."

"Well, while you men talk, I'm going inside to say goodbye to Ella." Mia hurried down the walk, up the stairs, and then opened the door. "Ella?"

"In here!" Ella's voice came from another room.

Mia walked in her direction and stepped into her bedroom. Ella was in bed, lying on her side. "Feeling okay?"

Ella nodded. "I just need to rest."

Mia crossed the room and gave her friend a kiss on the forehead. "Take care of yourself and get some rest. I'll see you soon."

A smile spread across Ella's lips as her eyes began to close. "See you Sunday."

With that, Mia walked out and met Colton and Caleb in the living room. Hailey was holding onto her father's coattail, yawning. Mia scooped her up into her arms and Hailey laid her head on Mia's shoulder. "Ella's nearly asleep." Then she glanced down at Hailey. "And it looks as if someone else is ready for a nap, too."

Colton nodded. "I'll be right back." He headed into the bedroom and was back within seconds and took the other baby from Caleb. Smiling, he looked into Caleb's eyes. "Thanks for everything."

Caleb gave his shoulder a manly squeeze. "No, thank you. What you did for us… well—"

"No need to say anything more." Colton stopped him. "What are friends for, right?"

Caleb and Mia said their last goodbyes and then closed the door behind them. Shane was playing outside in the snow.

Mia looked over at her new son. "Shane, why don't you hop up into the seat and let's go?"

He folded his arms across his chest. "You're not my mother, so don't tell me what to do!"

Caleb gave him a swat on the bottom and Shane's eyes welled up with tears. "Shane, I told you that we treat each other with respect… and that includes Mia. You don't have to call her Ma if you don't want to, but you will treat her with respect. And if she asks you to do something, you will do it. Understand?"

Shane nodded, saying nothing as he glared at his father.

"What was that?" Caleb asked, his eyebrows raised.

Shane swallowed. "Yes, sir."

"Now…." Caleb looked into his son's bright blue eyes. "Would you like to climb up into the front seat of your own accord, or would you like me to put you there?"

Without another word, Shane climbed up onto the front seat.

Once everyone was settled in, Caleb took the reins, and clicked his tongue. Immediately, the horses launched into an easy trot. On the way home, Caleb didn't look over at Mia at all, nor did he speak. Now that they were alone, it appeared that he was going to talk to her only when necessary.

On the way home, she reached for Shane's hand, but he pulled away and folded his arms across his chest, silent tears flowing down his cheeks. She had hoped that Colton's talk would have sunk in, and it wouldn't have come down to this. But she guessed that a confrontation was inevitable. After all, the boy was being forced to tolerate another woman in the place of his mother. Her heart went out to him. She knew that he would never think of her as his mother, but she hoped that, one day, he would at least come to accept her as a member of the family.

Mia was lost in thought as they rode home. The rhythm of the horses' slow trot lulled Hailey to sleep in no time, and before long, Shane leaned his head against Mia's arm and drifted off to sleep. Then he caught himself and sat up abruptly, gave her a dirty look, and turned his eyes to the road.

Mia's heart sank. She hadn't quite known what to expect when she came here, but this wasn't it. She knew that Caleb and the children were hurting, but she hadn't expected Caleb to treat her like an outsider invading their territory, speaking to her only when necessary. She knew it would take time for them to accept her into the family, and she just had to have patience. At that moment, she vowed to do what she could to lessen their pain and win them over.

Mia just hoped that she could get past the shadow of his late wife. She could see her everywhere. In Caleb's eyes every time he looked at her, and in the eyes of the children. She felt her presence in Shane's loyalty, in Hailey's need for a mother, and in Caleb's loyalty by only speaking to her when necessary.

This was Mia's first real relationship, and definitely not what she had expected. As a child, her dreams were the same as every girl her age: to be swept off her feet by her knight in shining armor and carried away on his white steed.

But dreams were overrated.

Before they were married, Caleb had made no pretenses about their relationship and what he had expected from it. He needed someone to care for his children and his home. Nothing more. And that was what she had agreed to in exchange for a good home, food in her stomach, and to be treated with civility. And Caleb had done just that so far. What was there to complain about? Giving up her dream of romance was a small price to pay.

Then her thoughts went to Ella and the babies. She let out a deep breath, knowing that she would never have a baby. But she had already come to think of his children as her own. And right now, they were more than enough.

Mia adjusted the quilt once more over herself and the children to keep them warm. Shane pulled away from her every time she tried to tuck the blanket in around him. But when he started shivering violently, he relented. She felt bad for the children to be out in the cold like this, but she knew they would soon be home.

Twilight began to fall over the earth, casting golden and orange hues and long shadows across the snow. Just then, Caleb pulled the team onto a sprawling farm where a white, wooden house with a huge front porch stood in the middle of a field blanketed in snow. It looked cozy, even if it didn't quite feel like home yet.

Caleb pulled the team to a stop in front of the house, and Shane jumped over the seat into the back and then jumped down out of the buckboard and ran inside.

"Well, this is it," Caleb announced a bit too cheerfully. He pulled the brake and wrapped the reins around the front bar. "What do you think?"

Mia jumped slightly, surprised that Caleb had finally spoken to her and was asking her opinion. "I like it," she answered, smiling. "It's beautiful." It sure beat the tenement she had rented in New York with Ella. But at that moment, she missed it profoundly.

Caleb smiled. "It's not much, but it's home."

"It's wonderful," she replied, smiling as he took Hailey from her and helped her from the buckboard.

"I'm glad you like it." He offered her his arm to help her up the stairs. "I'll put some more salt on the steps so it won't be slippery for you and the children."

She smiled. "It's fine."

He held the door open for her, but her breath caught when she walked in. Everything was in order, probably thanks to the ladies of the church. It appeared that he had tried to clean up before she came, but it could definitely use a woman's touch. It was clear that he and the children had been on their own for a while, even if it had been for just a few short months.

A lump formed in her throat as she looked around the house, although she wasn't exactly sure why. Mia guessed that it was because she felt as if she were invading another woman's home. When she looked around, Jessica was everywhere.

Hailey woke up and struggled to get down, so Mia set her on her feet and watched as she scampered off. Even though Hailey was little, Mia's arms felt as if they were about to fall off from carrying her. She had never been around children for any length of time before and wasn't used to carrying a little one around so much.

"Come with me and I'll show you around," Caleb offered happily. He opened the door to what she assumed was the spare room, and everything in there was fairly neat. There were some toys on the bed, but the room showed promise. "This is your room. I'm in the process of moving the children's things over to the master bedroom." He closed the door, and then walked over to what she had assumed was the master bedroom. It was a bit larger and there was a curtain hanging in the center across the length of the room, dividing it into separate spaces.

The children were already sitting on the floor, playing. Shane's eyes narrowed when he saw Mia, and then he went back to playing with his soldiers.

"I'll share this room with the children," Caleb announced, claiming her attention, "and you'll have the spare room to yourself."

Mia made a mental note to make cleaning this room a priority when she had the chance.

Caleb rubbed his hands together, causing his arm muscles to flex under his crisp white shirt and gray vest. "Okay, then. I'll leave you to settle in. I'll be right back with your things."

"Would you like any help?" she offered, her eyebrows lifting.

He shook his head as he hurried out of the bedroom. "No, I've got it. I'll be right back."

She nodded her thanks, glad that he was talking to her again, at least.

Mia looked around, not quite knowing where to begin as the muted sounds of the children playing filled the house. Well, first thing's first, she thought to herself. If she was going to make the house a home, then she'd better get started.

She walked into the kitchen and dainty, frilly doilies lay across the countertops and on the table. She carefully folded the doilies on the countertop and opened the drawers until she found where they belonged, not to rid the house of Jessica's memory, but to open up some workable counter space.

Next, she filled two steel buckets that she found in the utility room off from the kitchen with water and put them on the stove to boil. The kitchen and the house reminded her of her childhood. Making bread and baking with her mother had created fond memories that had sustained her through many hard times. This kitchen was very much like her mother's kitchen from her childhood.

Mia unbuttoned and pushed up the sleeves of her dress and prepared to wash the few dishes that were in the sink. She knew she should have changed her clothes first, but she was eager to get started in her new home. Also, they hadn't eaten anything since breakfast and, although they hadn't said anything yet, she knew they must have been starving.

"Where are Jessica's doilies that were on the counters?" Caleb froze as he entered the kitchen.

Mia let out a deep breath. "I folded them up and put them in a drawer." She looked at him kindly. "Caleb, I'm not trying to get rid of her. I just need the counter space."

Caleb raised an eyebrow as if he were about to say something, but then he nodded in understanding. "I want you to make yourself at home here."

She nodded. "And in order to do that, I'll have to move some things around."

"Yes. Do what you must." Then he turned on his heel and left the room abruptly.

As she prepared their dinner, she wondered if he would ever come to accept her. Not as his wife, but as a part of the family.