Emily Jane crept cautiously toward the washtub sitting on the back porch of William’s house. The cries grew louder as she approached. She peered behind the tub, and twin blue-black eyes stared back at her. Emily Jane recognized the little pups as baby foxes. They huddled behind the tub shivering. “Oh, you precious babies.” Matted tearstains marred their beautiful dark faces. Their fur had splotches of red within the facial mask and along their bodies. How long had they been crying? And where was their mother? “Where’s your mommy?” She cooed and rubbed the tops of their heads. They tried to lick her hands, their tails wagging up a frenzy, feet scratching the sides of the bucket as they tried to climb out.
She searched about for their mother, not seeing her. She looked down upon them and realized they were too young to be on their own. Their fur still had the markings of a five-or six-week-old puppy, but soon everyone would recognize they were fox pups. Her father, and probably most of the men in town, would say to drown them, but that wasn’t Emily Jane’s way. She gently picked them up and set them inside the tub.
The fox pups whimpered as Emily Jane dragged the washtub across the street. She continued on around to the back of the house, where the well stood. Thankfully, it was sheltered under a large elm tree. Summer was quickly coming upon them, if the heat from the sun today was any indication.
Emily Jane wiped a few beads of sweat from her brow. She reached in and stroked the little foxes’ soft heads. A light breeze blew, cooling her brow and reminding her that she had work to do. She stood. The fox pups and the girls shouldn’t be too hot while she scrubbed the bedclothes.
The tub wasn’t as heavy as hers, but, still, tugging it about had winded her. Emily Jane placed her hands on her hips as she stared down at the babies. What was she going to do with the fox pups while she did the wash? Her gaze moved about the yard. Then to the small lean-to that housed William’s horse.
A soft snicker greeted her as she entered the shed. “Hello, little lady.” Emily Jane reached out her hand, palm forward, toward the mare.
The horse bumped Emily Jane’s hand with her velvety nose. She blew gently on Emily Jane’s palm.
Emily Jane rubbed her nose and laughed. “You sure are a friendly girl. Are you lonesome out here by yourself?”
Head bobbing was Emily Jane’s answer. “I’ll try to come out more often, then,” she promised, looking about the lean-to.
Her gaze landed on a small wooden crate against the far wall. “That might work.” Emily Jane walked the short distance and picked it up. She turned it over to make sure the bottom was secure. “Yes, this will do nicely.” As she got ready to leave, Emily Jane stopped long enough to pat the horse once more before returning to the well.
Mrs. Matthews stood on the back porch. “What do you have there?” she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.
“A crate to put pups in.”
“Pups? What kind of pups?” Mrs. Matthews stepped off the porch.
“The kind that need care. They are too young to be on their own,” Emily Jane answered, scooping the first fox cub from the washtub and placing it into the wooden crate.
Mrs. Matthews gasped. “Emily Jane, that is not a puppy! That’s a fox cub.” She placed her hand over her heart as if she’d just had the shock of her life.
Emily Jane would have laughed, but knew instinctively she was about to fight her first battle to keep the baby foxes. “I know, but they are still babies and have no mama to take care of them.”
“You mean to keep them?” the older woman asked as Emily Jane picked up the second fox pup and put it with the first. She hurriedly used her apron to wipe out the bottom of the washtub.
Emily Jane noted that both fox pups were girls. “Yes.” Feeling mischievous, she added, “Unless you want them.”
“Oh, no. Once the men find out you’re keeping fox cubs, there’s going to be a town meeting. Take my word for it.”
“Town meeting? You’re kidding, right?”
Mrs. Matthews shook her head, her eyes saddened as she looked down on the little fox pups. “No, the farmers around here don’t take kindly to foxes.” She made a tsking noise with her tongue and teeth before turning to reenter the house. “I’ll go check on the girls.”
Emily Jane hurried after her. “I don’t see what the big deal is over a couple of fox pups.” She understood the men feared the foxes would get into their henhouses, but they were in town, not out on the farm.
Rose and Ruby stood, holding the side of their washtub. They squealed with joy as the women entered the kitchen. “Up!” the little girls chorused.
“In a minute,” Emily Jane answered. She hurried to the clothes that were by the front door and carried them to the back door. Then she returned to pick up Ruby.
“What are you doing now?” Mrs. Matthews asked.
Seeing the perplexed look on the older woman’s face, Emily Jane answered, “I’m going to put the girls in the lighter washtub and do the wash in ours. That way when I’m all done, I’ll be able to get the girls back into the house without having to disturb you.” She smiled so that Mrs. Matthews wouldn’t think she was ungrateful for her aid.
“Here, let me help.” She scooped up Rose and the toys.
Emily Jane grabbed the quilt that cushioned the bottom of the metal tub. She followed Mrs. Matthews back outside. The older woman stopped beside the tub and waited for her. Rose looked like a kitten trying to crawl over Mrs. Matthews’s shoulder.
As fast as she could, Emily Jane spread the blanket over the bottom of William’s washtub and set Ruby inside. “There you go. You girls have a new place to play.”
Mrs. Matthews set Rose down beside her sister. “Are these two ever still?” she asked, placing both hands on her hips and watching as the girls tried to pull up to the side of the tub.
“They must be when they sleep.” She laughed.
“Come on. I’ll help you carry that other tub out here and then I think I’m going to go get a bite to eat and take a nap.” She didn’t give Emily Jane time to react, simply headed back to the house.
“You two be good. We’ll be right back.” Emily Jane hurried up the back porch and followed her friend inside.
Together they managed to get the tub outside and in the shade of the tree. The sound of fox pups whining could be heard on the soft breeze. Rose and Ruby stood on tiptoe, trying to see over the edge of the tub. They had curious looks on their tiny faces, eager to learn what made the noise. Mrs. Matthews frowned in the direction of the wooden box.
Emily Jane sighed. “I’m not going to keep them forever, Mrs. Matthews, just until they are old enough to fend for themselves.” The fur babies were hungry. She didn’t want to take time out of her afternoon to feed them, but what else could she do?
“That’s good to know, dear.” She looked at the girls. “I suppose I’ll head home now, unless there is something else I can do for you, Emily Jane?” The expression on her face said she was tired and hopeful that Emily Jane was finished with her.
Emily Jane smiled at her friend. “No, you have been more than a help to me today. Thank you.”
Mrs. Matthews nodded. “If you need me, I’m just down the road.”
Emily Jane waved goodbye and then turned to her wards. How had she, a woman who didn’t want to keep children, ended up with four? Two real children and two furry ones? She guessed she should count her blessings. Only one pair had to be diapered. She chuckled out loud. What would William think of the fox cubs? Would he too expect her to get rid of them?
William liked Levi Westland. The man was fair in his prices and seemed to have a big heart for the local business. Thankfully, he still had a wagon for sale, which William was more than happy to buy. He dug deep in his pocket and paid for the wagon and two high chairs.
“If Amos comes by, I’ll have him take the chairs over to your place,” Levi said, pocketing the money.
“Don’t go to any trouble. I’ll go by the house and hitch up the wagon.” William looked about the store. If he was going to hitch up the wagon anyway, he might as well see if there was anything else he needed.
The store held lots of rocking chairs, kitchen chairs, tables of all shapes and sizes and several chests. His gaze moved to the wall where several wooden pictures hung. They resembled puzzles, only stained and framed.
“If it’s all the same to you, I’d like to offer Amos the job.” Levi began to sweep at the clean floor.
William remembered that the young boy also helped out at the store, running errands. Wilson Moore had explained that what money the boy made he gave to his mama to buy supplies and food. Amos had brothers and sisters, and the family needed his money. To William’s way of thinking, that spoke highly of the boy. He nodded. “Sounds just fine to me.”
“Thank you. I’m sure his ma will appreciate the extra money.”
He couldn’t pull his gaze from one of the pictures. It drew him back time and again. It was a big elk with different shades of colored wood accenting the muscles along its neck and legs. “What’s the story behind the pictures?” William walked closer to the wall and reached up to touch the smooth wood. “Do you special-order them?”
“No, they are created right here in Granite.” Pride filled Levi’s voice. “My wife is the artist behind each one. I simply take her drawings and cut the wood into the pieces she’s drawn. Once they are glued into place, she puts the finishing touches to them.”
William moved from one to the other. There was a cat, dog, raccoon, hummingbird and mountain lion. The mountain lion’s eyes seemed to bore into William’s. “They seem so real.”
“Yeah.” Levi walked up beside him and looked at the mountain lion. “That one is a little too real for my taste, but it is one of our bestsellers.” Levi returned to his sweeping.
The dark mountain eyes pulled at William. He had to agree with Levi; it was a little too real for his taste, also. “Well, I guess I should be going. I’m sure Miss Emily Jane has had enough of the girls to last her for a while.”
Levi nodded. “I heard she was taking care of your kids while you worked.” He leaned the broom back against the wall.
William laughed. “Well, you heard it partially right.”
Levi raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest. “How so?”
“They aren’t my girls. I’m their uncle.” William walked toward the door. He was sure Levi had further questions but was too polite to ask.
Just as he started to leave, Levi asked, “Has anyone invited you to Sunday services?”
William shook his head. It would be nice to attend. He hadn’t heard a good preaching since his sister’s death. Taking the girls alone had been too big of a job. As soon as one settled down, the other would raise a ruckus. Since he spent more time outside the service than inside, he’d just stayed at home. But he missed the fellowship. Would Emily Jane be willing to attend with him?
“We meet at nine on Sunday mornings. This Sunday we’re having a picnic to welcome summer. You’re welcome to sit with my wife, Millie, and me.” Levi uncrossed his arms and picked up a dust rag.
“I just might take you up on the offer. Thank you.”
He reached for the doorknob.
“Good.”
William opened the door, picturing himself, Emily Jane and the girls walking up to the church on the hill. It felt good to consider going to services again. But he didn’t even know if Emily Jane attended church, and if she did, would she want to spend the day with him?
Levi called after him, “Tell Emily Jane Millie and I said hello.”
William nodded and then closed the door behind him. How long would it be before Millie decided to visit Emily Jane? How long before the whole town wanted to know his story? Would Emily Jane tell them? Or steer them in his direction?
He realized she didn’t have a lot that she could tell. All Emily Jane knew was that his sister had died and his brother-in-law would be coming for the girls. At least, he hoped Josiah would be coming for them.
For the first time since his arrival, William focused on his future plans. If Josiah didn’t return for the girls—and the only way his brother-in-law would abandon Ruby and Rose was if he were killed—then they were his responsibility for life.
Did he want to stay here in Granite? His gaze moved about the town. Levi’s furniture store was on a side street; if he looked to his right, he could see Beckett’s hardware store, the stables and, a little farther up the hill, the school. When he turned to the right, he could see several open lots.
William walked toward Main Street. He passed the bank on his left and a doctor’s office on his right. To the left of the bank stood the saloon and once again open town lots. Granite, Texas, had the potential to grow into a much larger town.
He crossed the street and passed the eatery before coming to the general store. William had a few minutes before he had to be at work, so he decided to continue looking over the town. The sweet scent of feed and fertilizer drifted from the feed store as he passed it.
Circling to his right, William looked up the hill and saw the whitewashed church with a tall steeple and bell on the top. What would it be like to attend that church every Sunday? If he stayed, he’d soon find out. A small house sat next to it; he assumed it was the preacher’s home. Half a mile from the church sat the sawmill.
He continued on, admiring the other businesses as he went. His thoughts went back to Levi Westland. According to Wilson, Levi owned three of the businesses in town, including the furniture store, Beth’s Boardinghouse and The Bakery, where Emily Jane worked.
Levi had made sure to give jobs to the widows in town so they would be taken care of. Didn’t the Bible plainly say that we should take care of them? William silently said the prayer. Lord, if it be Your will for me to remain an unmarried man and help others, I’m willing to follow where You lead.
He circled back to Main Street once more. As he passed the blacksmith shop, the livery, the jail and finally the eatery, William felt a peace overcome him. God hadn’t confirmed that he’d remain unmarried, but He hadn’t tossed a scripture back at him that man was not meant to be alone.
William heard the sound of laughter when he arrived at Emily Jane’s house. It was coming from the backyard, so he circled around to see what was going on. Emily Jane, the girls and two puppies were playing under the big elm tree beside the well. The pups leaped about the girls, and Emily Jane laughed as the girls squealed their joy.
“Can I join in? This looks like fun.”
Emily Jane turned to him with a big smile on her face and dancing in her eyes. The girls stopped their playing and looked to him. Both little girls flashed big smiles at him, also, revealing two tiny teeth in each of their mouths.
The puppies continued to frolic about the little girls, which immediately took the girls’ focus off of him. Rose fell sideways with laughter. Ruby grabbed at the nearest puppy’s tail.
“The more the merrier,” Emily Jane said, turning her attention back to the playing children.
William continued toward them. Where had the puppies come from? He started to ask and then realized that these were no ordinary pups but fox pups. “Emily Jane, where did you get these fox pups?”
She grinned at him. “At the fox-pup store?” she teased.
Didn’t she realize the seriousness of the situation? What if their mother showed up? “I’m serious.”
Emily Jane squared her shoulders. “I found them behind your house. They were alone, frightened and hungry. So I brought them back here.”
Something in her eyes put him on the defensive. “What about their mother? Did you consider her when you brought the pups over here to play with my girls?” He didn’t wait for her answer. William scooped up Rose and then Ruby. He carried them like a sack of potatoes into the house.
The smell of beef stew teased his hungry stomach. Rose and Ruby wiggled and began to cry. It was obvious that they were not happy at having to leave their new furry friends. William set them down on the floor and ran his fingers through his hair. The little girls immediately took off crawling toward the back door.
Once more he scooped them up and then sat down at the kitchen table. His heart pounded in his chest at the thought that the mother fox could have returned at any time and attacked Rose, Ruby or even Emily Jane. What had she been thinking?
Emily Jane followed a few minutes later, tugging on the washtub that she’d used for the girls’ pen. Her eyes dared him to say something. She took Rose from him and put the girl into the tub. Then she did the same with Ruby.
Planting both hands on her hips, Emily Jane turned to him and answered his earlier question. Fire flashed from her eyes. “Yes, I did think about the fox pups’ mother. I don’t think she is alive, or she would have been with her pups. They were hungry and ate as if they hadn’t eaten in a day. They were also very thirsty. I’ve kept an eye out for their mother all day, and she never came.” She took a deep breath and then continued. “If you think for one minute that I would put these girls in harm’s way, you have another think coming, William Barns.”