15

Robert had never seen Grace like this in the short time he’d known her. She was angry, but other than the fact they’d camped on her land, he wasn’t sure why she was so riled up. Her eyes snapped with annoyance and her cheeks flushed a bright pink.

As far as an explanation, he only owed her the fact that he’d trespassed, which was true.

“If you’re finished railing at me, I’ll try to explain this to you.” He directed her toward the path in the woods. “Let’s walk and talk for a moment.”

She allowed him to lead her into the wooded stand of pines out of earshot of the children. It was cooler under the trees and the fresh scent of pine and evergreen enveloped them.

“I’m listening, Robert.”

“Truth is, I’d planned on getting rooms at the boardinghouse as soon as I could save enough money. I really had no idea this was part of Bidwell Farms or I might’ve asked you if we could pitch camp. We weren’t bothering anyone, and there didn’t seem to be anyone else nearby. Besides, it was close enough for the children to walk to school.”

Her eyes narrowed with concern in them. “I’m a bit surprised.”

“Unfortunately, yes, they are my children,” he admitted reluctantly.

As soon as he said the words, he saw his mistake. Grace stopped walking and looked at him as her mouth flew open, then she clamped it shut just as fast. “I’m sorry,” he said. “That was a bad choice of words.”

Her lips formed a tight line of disgust. “Indeed.”

They continued walking. “Look, Grace, I know now that I was trespassing, and I’m begging your forgiveness. I was really pinched for money after my wife died and I lost the farm. Since their aunt brought the children to me to raise, we’ve been on the road trying to find a place to settle.” He sighed, realizing he was telling her more than he intended.

“Why was their aunt bringing them to you? That makes no sense at all to me, Robert.”

Robert swallowed. His tongue felt thick and his mouth dry. “They’re not my children—what I mean to say is I never knew Ada had any children. It was hard for me to accept.” He couldn’t look at Grace but continued to slowly walk, head down, as he observed the crushed clover beneath his feet.

Grace’s voice softened. “I can only imagine.”

“Please, I don’t want to discuss this anymore. You needn’t worry about my affairs.”

“As long as you and the children will come back with me to the farm and stay,” Grace said matter-of-factly.

Robert paused in their walking to face her directly. Was she serious? “This is not your burden. We can’t do that—”

“I insist. You and Tom can sleep in the barn and the girls can sleep in the extra bedroom until you find an adequate place to live.”

“But—”

Grace squared her shoulders, then pulled her bonnet back upon her head. “It’s settled. I want to help as much as I can, Robert. I can’t have an employee of mine with children running loose and uncared for. It isn’t right. What would people say if they knew?”

She’s mighty smug, but pretty when she’s rattled. “I’ve done the best I could by them. They were dumped on me, and I can’t do the same to you, Grace.”

Her hand rested lightly on his forearm. “You won’t be. Trust me on this. I do want to help. Don’t you think it’d be good for the children?”

He scratched his chin, thinking. “I suppose we could give this arrangement a try, if the children agree.”

Her lips broke into a bright smile. “Then let’s go ask them now.”

The last thing Tom wanted was to share a small space in the loft of the barn with Robert at a place where he was working. Now, his every move would be watched by Robert or that lady, although she seemed nice enough. But could she be trusted?

He slipped on his overalls while Robert was still sleeping and hurried down the ladder. Outside, the sun was already up and Mrs. Bidwell was crossing the yard. When she saw him she paused.

“Good morning, Tom. Are you hungry? I’m getting breakfast ready and I’m about to wake your sisters.”

“I reckon.” She was awfully cheerful for this early in the morning, unlike his mama. But looking back now, Tom knew the reason for her lack of energy was because she was very sick. He wished he’d known then. Maybe he could’ve been more of a help and a better son to her. He knew he was hardheaded most of the time. Hadn’t Robert said as much? He blinked back the tears. He was nearly a man now, so he would try not to dwell on it, try to make his mama proud.

“Great! Follow me and we’ll see if I can fill you up.” She gave him a tender smile.

“Want me to go get Robert—I mean, Papa?”

“No need. I’m sure he’ll be along soon. Do you like hotcakes and bacon?”

Tom’s mouth watered. “Oh, yes, ma’am, I do.”

“Then you’re in for a treat, because I have blueberry syrup that I made myself for the topping.” She opened the back door and they stepped inside the kitchen.

Tom almost cried when he entered the homey kitchen that held the heavenly smell of frying bacon. He was sure he must be dreaming. A fat cat was curled up on a rug by the hearth that had a low-burning fire, and the table was set with real Blue Willow dishes just waiting for guests.

“I’m Owen. You must be Tom,” said a man who stood by the stove, frying thick slices of bacon. “Have a seat. I’ll be done with breakfast in a jiffy.”

“Yes, sir.” Tom pulled out a chair and his stomach growled loud enough for anyone to hear. The man walked slowly but not well. Strange, because he didn’t look very old to him.

The kitchen door opened and his sisters came in, smiles mirrored in their faces.

Sarah ran over to him and hugged his neck. “Oh Tom! We slept in a real bed last night.”

He extracted her arms. “I’m glad, Sarah.”

“Yes, it was heavenly,” Becky echoed. “Can I help you, Mrs. Bidwell? I’m used to cooking.”

“Thank you, but Pop and I have it almost ready. Why don’t you two have a seat?” Mrs. Bidwell said.

“Tom, where’s Papa?” Becky asked, pulling out chairs for her and Sarah.

“I see him coming now,” Mrs. Bidwell said as she looked out the window. She turned back to flip the pancakes onto a large platter and carried them to the table.

Robert tapped on the back door, and Mrs. Bidwell stepped over to the door to greet him. “Do come in and join us for breakfast.”

Tom thought she seemed excited to see him, and he wondered about that. It was curious to him. Did she actually like him?

Robert peered past her into the kitchen, and Tom nodded at him. “Grace, you didn’t have to do this. I . . . didn’t expect all this.” He waved his hand over the table laden with food.

Mrs. Bidwell waved the spatula. “What? Did you think I’d have my guests scrounge for their own food?” She chuckled. “Please, come on in or the children will be late for school.”

“Sit by me,” Sarah pleaded.

Robert pulled out a chair next to her and sat down, glancing at Tom and Becky. “I’m glad to see you all up and dressed before me for a change.” Then he turned to Mrs. Bidwell and said, “We can’t thank you enough for your generosity, but we didn’t expect you to wait on us.”

Owen shuffled over to the table with the bacon in hand and set it down. “Morning, Robert. I’m sure Grace is more than happy to cook for someone besides her complaining father,” he said with a smile. “Let me offer the blessing so we can eat.”

This way of living was foreign to Tom, but he could get used to a warm house and food on the table. Would their life ever be like this? He vowed right then that when he grew up, he would have a home with children, and they would never want for anything.