The train whistle blew, scattering the chickens pecking along the track. With pistons chugging, the engine rumbled into the station. Steam vapors hissed over Tilly’s feet.
Beside her, Nolan fidgeted. She clutched his sleeve. “Relax.”
“What if he doesn’t like us?”
“He’ll like us.”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“He’ll like us. Who wouldn’t like us?” Tilly said. She hadn’t seen Nolan this nervous since their wedding day. “You once said you’d give me anything my heart desires.”
“This wasn’t what I expected.”
Her heart lurched. “Are you very sorry?”
“I’m very happy. I’m simply nervous.” He straightened his tie. “Do I look all right?”
“You look fine.” She smoothed his collar. “He’s going to like you. Don’t worry. Do I look all right?”
“You look beautiful. Radiant. Show a little confidence.”
“You’re one to talk.”
They shared a knowing grin. They brought out the best in each other. The worst, too, sometimes, but they always managed to find their way through the difficulties.
She anxiously smoothed a hand down the growing swell of her stomach. Her father’s cousin, who served on the board of the New York Widows and Orphans Society, had written several months ago about a very special case.
Even though Tilly had foregone her trip to New York and her work with the widows and orphans, she’d still wanted to help. She and Nolan had discussed several possible ways they could assist those left homeless, and they’d chosen adoption.
A gray-haired woman wearing a severe black dress and a starched apron emerged through the steam and the crowd of departing passengers. A young boy with his shoulder wrapped in a sling stood meekly beside her.
Nolan and Tilly exchanged a glance and he squeezed her hand. After deciding to adopt a child, they had both come to the same conclusion: only the most unique child would do. They were two people who understood what it was like to be different, which meant they were looking for someone very special to join their family.
The gray-haired woman gave a brisk nod. “I’m Mrs. Blankenship. I believe you were expecting us.”
Tilly’s gaze skittered to the boy. “We were.”
When her father’s cousin had written about the child, they’d both known their prayers had finally been answered. With the support of Nolan’s father and their extended family, they’d made their decision.
He was too thin for an eight-year-old, with a mop of dark hair and a solemn expression far beyond his age.
Everyone was anxious to meet the new addition to Cimarron Springs, but they’d decided to wait for introductions to the rest of the town lest they overwhelm him. Eleanor and the girls were visiting the following week.
“He’s been a good little fellow,” the woman said. “Not so much as a peep out of him the whole way. I’ll leave you to get acquainted.”
Nolan bent at the waist and shook the boy’s free hand. “My name is Nolan, and this is Tilly. Your name is Kevin, right?”
“Yep. I’m Kevin.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kevin.”
The boy set his jaw at a defiant angle. “Did the orphanage tell you that I don’t have an arm?”
“They did.”
“Did they tell you why I don’t have an arm?”
“We didn’t ask.”
“I fell under a carriage and the wheel crushed my arm. The doc said it was too broken to ever heal right. My ma said she had too many mouths to feed to keep a child who couldn’t work.” Kevin’s gaze was skeptical. “The lady from the orphanage told you all that, right?”
“She told us you wanted a home,” Tilly said. “That’s all we needed to know.”
“I can’t always do the chores real quick, but I can work longer if you need.” The boy’s lips quivered and Tilly’s heart melted. “If you’re going to send me back, I understand. They didn’t tell the last family about my arm, and they were real mad.”
Tilly longed to reach out and hug the boy, but Nolan gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Watching the two, she held her breath.
“We adopted you because we want you to be a part of our family,” Nolan said. “Not for chores.”
The boy sniffled. “At the orphanage, they said I wouldn’t get a family because I’m not normal. Because of my arm, and all.”
Nolan rested his hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Who’s to say what’s normal? Around here, we think folks who are a little different are a lot special.”
The boy’s face softened. “No fooling?”
“No fooling,” Nolan said. “I’ll tell you something else.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m not perfect, either.”
“Then you’re not disappointed with me?”
“Nope,” Nolan replied, his voice husky with emotion. “We’re very happy with you. You answered our prayers.”
“Then you’re keeping me? Forever?”
“Forever.”
The boy’s chin lifted a notch. His gaze flicked toward the train and back again. “Then let’s go quick, before you change your mind.”
Tears pooled in Tilly’s eyes and she groped for Nolan’s hand. “Let’s go home.”
Kevin didn’t believe in them, but he would, in time. Love had a way of bringing out the best in people.
Nothing was ever perfect, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
* * * * *
Don’t miss these other PRAIRIE COURTSHIP stories from Sherri Shackelford:
THE ENGAGEMENT BARGAIN
THE RANCHER’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL
A FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com
Keep reading for an excerpt from HER MOTHERHOOD WISH by Keli Gwyn.
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