CHAPTER TWO

 

 

 

 

 

Once he’d paid for his supplies, Jed left the mercantile with the box of smaller items that hadn’t already been loaded in the wagon by Mr. Howard. Jed put them in the wagon, then turned and saw Michael closing up his smithy.

“You on your way home now?” Jed called out to him.

Michael nodded and Jed motioned for him to climb up onto the wagon.

Once they’d reached the boarding house, Michael invited Jed to unharness the horse and allow it to move around a bit while they had dinner. Jed removed the yoke that attached the wagon to the horse, but left the harnesses on. He would need to be ready to get him hooked up quickly so they could travel the hour back to his place before it got dark.

Jed and Michael then walked up the stairs to the boarding house and when they entered the front parlor, Jed was surprised to see his two girls sitting on Miss Grace’s lap as she read a book to them. Michael went into the main part of the house, probably looking for Susan, leaving Jed to gather his girls.

Jed’s daughters both looked up and Jed could see the adoration in his girl’s eyes as they sat with Miss Grace.

Miss Grace smiled sweetly at him, but didn’t speak to him before returning her attention to the book and continuing the story. It sounded like one of the fables he had heard told before and his girls listened in rapt attention. When she finished the story, the girls clapped their hands together with pleasure.

“Read another one, please,” Missy said.

“I would love to,” Miss Grace said. “But I think maybe your father has been waiting a little too long for his warm welcome from you.”

The two girls looked up at her and she chuckled. “Go give him a hug.”

The girls giggled in delight and jumped off her lap and hurried over to him. He bent down and hugged them both close to him.

“We had a lovely time, Papa,” Missy said. “Can we make a swing at our house?”

“I don’t see why not,” Jed said. “Remind me to do it after we get the crops in.”

Missy nodded eagerly but before she could speak, Susan entered the room holding Savannah on one hip and Milo on the other hip. With his two girls hanging on his neck, he couldn’t get up quickly enough to go to her aide, but Miss Grace moved forward. She walked stiffly in the few steps it took to reach Susan and held her arms out for Milo.

“Let me help you there,” Grace said. Milo went to her without any fuss at all and Jed watched the way she interacted with him. Grace glanced at Jed, then to the child in her arms and her smile warmed her face. “What a precious boy you are. Your papa must be so proud of you.”

She looked at his girls too, pausing only a moment for a look at him. “And your girls are so well behaved and are learning so much already. It has been a wonderful day with you.”

“Do we have to go home right now, Papa?” Missy asked.

“We’ve been invited to join them for supper, but we’ll have to head home right after that. Tess will need milking.”

Susan motioned to Missy and Lottie. “I came to tell you all supper was ready. Come on in and have a seat.”

The girls ran ahead of Jed and he turned to Grace. “Should I take Milo off your hands?”

Grace shook her head. “I would love to hold him still. Helps me ease my sorrow as I miss my nephews.”

“You have family back east?” Jed asked.

“My brother just got re-married. I thought it was time to let them have their own lives instead of caring for me. But I must say I didn’t realize how much I would miss those children.”

“You seem to have a way with children.”

Grace shrugged. “I try. But with your children, it is easy to love them. I don’t know if I’ve ever met any child as well behaved as Missy.”

“She is an incredible little girl,” Jed agreed. “So much like her mother.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Grace said.

Jed nodded, knowing there really wasn’t a response he needed to give.

“Susan mentioned you might need help with your children. If you want, I’d be happy to watch them. Susan said she wouldn’t mind if I watched them here as I help her with the cooking and cleaning.”

“That’s nice of you to offer, but I live about an hour’s drive from here. I couldn’t bring them into town and still get all the farm work done every day. And I don’t want to send them away for days at a time.”

“Oh,” Grace said. “I didn’t realize you weren’t in this area. I totally understand.”

“Papa!” Missy’s voice called from the hallway that led to the kitchen. “You coming to supper?”

Jed turned and looked at his daughter. “On our way.”

Jed motioned for Grace to go ahead of him and she moved forward. Her limp was still there.

“Here, let me take Milo.” When Grace adjusted the boy in her arms, and tried to pass him over, Milo whined and snuggled closer against Grace’s shoulder.

“It’s okay, Mr. Owens. I don’t mind carrying him.”

“I hope this isn’t prying, but can I ask what happened to your leg?”

“I broke it at sixteen. Got knocked down by a horse and carriage in the streets, and the wheel went over the bone. Snapped it, and it didn’t heal right I suppose. Most times it’s just a minor irritant. But if I spend too long on it, it can pain me something fierce.”

“Sounds miserable,” Jed said.

“Better than some, worse than others. It is what it is and I try to do what I can anyway.”

Jed considered her words as they walked the rest of the way into supper in silence. As they ate the meal, he watched closely at how his children interacted with Grace. She even held Milo on her lap and fed him food from her own plate without being bothered at all. She was definitely the kind of woman who would care for children without any difficulty.

She probably wouldn’t be any help in the fields, but he wouldn’t need that. Her leg wouldn’t interfere with regular household chores or much with taking care of the house vegetable garden.

As the realization hit him that he was considering Michael’s suggestion to take Miss Grace as a wife in order to care for his children, he was surprised that he wasn’t anywhere near as defensive about it now.

Perhaps after dinner he could bring it up to her. And if she wasn’t interested, it wouldn’t make any difference to him on an emotional level. But if she did say yes, that would solve so many immediate problems as well as ease his mind on how to best care for his children. This wasn’t something he really had an idea on how to proceed. The first time he’d proposed marriage, he had imagined it would last forever and he had been hopelessly in love with the girl. Now, he faced a completely different woman and circumstance. He didn’t know Grace well enough to even hint at the words he was going to ask. Not in the way matrimony should be.

He just couldn’t raise his children alone. Being here with other adults to shoulder the responsibility had driven home how inadequate he had been. And he hadn’t seen his children this happy since before Lizzie got hurt.

He had to do something to keep this spark in their eyes, and if Miss Grace was the one that had helped his girls feel something again, then he would do what he could.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

Grace looked at Jed, who sat next to her, when he leaned over as if he had something to say.

“Miss Grace,” Jed said, “I wondered if you might be willing to have a word with me about my children after the meal is over, in private?”

“Of course,” Grace said. Maybe he had thought about the offer she’d made to watch his children. She wished there was something she could do to help ease his burden, but the distance of his farm would make things difficult in that regard.

As the meal drew to a close and Grace encouraged the girls to help Susan clean off the plates, she passed Milo over to Jed and stood to clean off some dishes as well. Jed stood and placed the boy on one hip and grabbed the board the bread had been sliced on to take it in to be washed.

After they put their things in the kitchen, Jed motioned for Grace to step onto the back porch. He still held Milo, which meant her hands were not occupied and she wished she had something to keep her from fidgeting. He seemed nervous and that in turn worried her. Had she done something he had disapproved of in regards to his children? She was used to taking charge of the young ones and her brother had always found it helpful.

She opened her mouth to apologize at the same time he spoke. “I know this sounds crazy, and I understand if you say no. But would you consider marrying me?”

“I’m sorry?” Grace said. “What?”

“It wouldn’t be a regular marriage. I wouldn’t expect anything from you, except for you to care for the children. And the house. I would provide for us and I have quite a good spread of land. It’s already cleared and there is a decent sized house on it. Lizzie and I worked so hard on that farm that I just can’t give it up, but I can’t do this on my own. My children need a mother. And though I’ve only known you for a short time, I can already see you are wonderful with them. They wouldn’t give you any trouble beyond what a child normally does.”

“I don’t imagine they would. You and Lizzie raised them very well.” Grace studied Jed in the light of the early evening.

“I wouldn’t suggest marriage just for the raising of the children, but since we would be out there on our own, I wouldn’t want any talk of your reputation being damaged. Though I give you my word, I won’t ask for anything in that regard.” Jed rubbed his jaw as if slightly embarrassed about needing to bring that up. “I’d imagine it would be a bit like what you probably did as you cared for your brother’s children.”

She hadn’t considered anything like this. But his proposal really wouldn’t be all that different from what she’d done helping her brother. “How many rooms does your house have?” Grace asked.

“Two,” Jed replied. “Then the main room where the kitchen and table are. We could either have the children move into the room with me, and you could have their room. Or we could build on another room for you.”

Grace nodded as she considered that. She’d only spent a few hours with the children, but she had grown fond of them in that time. It would be easy enough to get along with them, and Jed seemed to be kind and respectable. Susan had shared a little of what she knew about Jed and his late wife Lizzie. Theirs had been a union of love and devotion. If she were to marry Jed, it would be for convenience.

And this was something she was used to. He would be almost like a brother and they could work together to raise his children and make sure his farm could continue on.

“Would I be free to come and visit Birch Creek on occasion?”

Jed nodded. “We come at least once a month. Sometimes more. In the winter it might be longer between trips, depending on the snowfall.”

“How do you feel about education? Can I teach your girls to read and write and do arithmetic as well as Milo?”

“I would love for them to be educated. Lizzie was beginning to teach Missy her letters.”

Grace studied Jed for a moment, and the peaceful feeling in her middle helped her nod. “I will marry you and help care for your children.”

Jed’s body relaxed just a little and she realized he’d been nervous. It was understandable, given the permanency of marriage. She would be united with him from this point on until the end of their lives.

“There are still a few hours until dark. I know this is incredibly sudden, but would you be willing to marry me now? We could go to Reverend Morrison and have him perform the ceremony. That way I wouldn’t miss another day of planting the fields and garden.”

“If the reverend is willing. That would be fine by me.”

“Thank you, Miss Grace. Words can’t adequately express how much this means to me. I know a marriage of this type wouldn’t be first choice, but I believe we can help each other.”

Grace nodded. She’d watched him as he’d talked with her, and she knew there was no interest in her physically. She was aware she didn’t have all the feminine beauty men desired. She did have a gentle disposition that would serve her well as a mother or teacher to these children. And she knew she would feel incredible love for those three young ones. She could live a life with that kind of love. And though it wouldn’t be romantic love she would receive from Jed, she knew they would be kind and respectful to each other and develop a familial type love.

“Should we go tell your children?” Grace asked.

“Yes,” Jed said, turning around and opening the door. “Then I’ll head over to the church and see if the reverend can perform the wedding right away. We won’t be able to have anyone join us, apart from Susan and Michael here.”

“I’d like to invite Annabelle and Colten. If that’s all right. Annabelle was my good friend back in New York. She’s the reason I decided to move out here.”

“That would be fine. Do you need to pack up your belongings?” Jed asked. “I’d like to be on the road as soon as possible after the wedding.”

“It won’t take me long. I still have most of it in my trunk from my trip here.”

Jed walked into the house and called his girl’s names. “I have something to tell you.”

“Is it time to go already, Papa?” Missy asked.

“Soon. But I wanted to let you know I’ve spoken with Miss Grace about how much help I need at home to take care of you and the house and the farm. She’s agreed to come live with us, and take care of you all, just like a momma does.”

“She’s gonna be our new momma?” Missy asked.

“If you and Lottie are all right with that. From what I saw today, it seems as if you all like her well enough.”

“Oh yes, Papa,” Missy said and looked at Lottie. “Miss Grace could come be our momma and read us stories, and make us cookies and biscuits and bread.”

Lottie looked excited at the mention of cookies.

“Do you agree then?” Jed asked kneeling down to look at both his girls. “Will you mind Miss Grace just like you always did for your own momma?”

“Yes, Papa. I promise. Lottie promises too,” Missy said. “I’ll make her.”

Jed chuckled and Grace smiled at the girl. Then Missy looked past Grace and spoke. “Miss Susan, I’m getting a new momma.”

“Oh really?” Susan asked, making Grace turn around at the tone. She didn’t seem surprised at all. Though Grace didn’t think Susan could have really had anything to do with this.

Jed straightened up and nodded at Susan, then looked at Grace. “I’ll head over to see if Reverend Morrison is home.” He took a few steps then turned around. “Susan, could you and Michael be the witnesses?”

“Of course,” Susan said, not even looking at Jed, but keeping her eyes on Grace. As Jed left the room, Susan cocked her head to the side and placed one hand on her hip. “Mind explaining just a little more about what happened?”

Grace shrugged. “He needs help. I’m available. I said yes. Excuse me please, I need to go pack my things.”

Susan followed Grace up the staircase and walked with her to the room. “I recall you were very surprised when you found out how quickly Annabelle and I agreed to marry our husbands. And here you are, jumping in as if you’ve given up hope of finding a man you could love.”

Grace smiled. “I’ve already fallen in love with his children. And he is an honorable man. He won’t treat me poorly.”

“Can you live a life married to a man that only wanted you there for a helper?”

“At least I won’t be thought of as an old maid anymore. Or a spinster. What is the term out here?” Grace said, trying to make light of it.

“They’re the same thing. And I know that’s a worry you don’t have any longer. But Grace, be careful about your heart. Jed is hurting and mourning his wife. Don’t let him just ignore you or treat you as a farm hand. I’m not saying you have to try to make him forget Lizzie, but don’t be afraid to let him see you as a woman as well.”

Grace shook her head, feeling her cheeks heat at the thought of trying to make Jed think of her as a wife. No, things would be so much better if she just considered herself more of a nanny.

“I hate to ask this,” Grace said. “But while I’m packing, could you go invite Annabelle to come for the wedding. I don’t want her to miss this and I’d like to have a chance to speak with her about it.”

Susan laughed as if she’d just thought of something. “I’d better get Mrs. Howard on board too. She’ll throw together a wonderful celebration and we’ll invite the whole town. We can have this wedding tomorrow mid-day and get you two home by supper tomorrow.”

Grace turned from her packing. “There isn’t time for that. Jed wants to get home tonight. He has a cow to milk as well. He mentioned her before dinner. And I don’t think this type of arrangement is right for a celebration.”

“But it’s a wedding. That’s a good thing.”

Grace nodded. “I think it’s a good thing. And it will be good for Jed and his children to have some help. And it will even be good for me to feel useful and valuable again. But like you said, this isn’t a wedding based on love. I don’t want to tell anyone besides Annabelle and her husband. We should be on our way back to his farm as soon as possible.”

Susan agreed with reluctance. “I’ll go find Annabelle, and do my best to not let her mother-in-law know. But when Mrs. Howard finds out, I think she’ll be disappointed she didn’t get to celebrate with you. So don’t be surprised if you hear about it.”

“I’ll take full responsibility for the consequences that follow,” Grace said.

Susan left the room to run her errands and Grace packed quickly. The window to her room was open and she heard Susan speaking with Jed and another man. When Grace peeked out the window, she saw a man that looked to be the reverend and Grace felt a sense of relief that he was there. Then immediately afterward, her heart started pounding. This was a huge step and something that would affect her life forever.

She went down the stairs to meet the reverend, and as she heard the children and the reverend talking, and how they exclaimed their joy at having Grace join their family, the nerves that had begun to plague her disappeared. Her introduction and following conversation with the reverend and Jed and his children helped her even more.

“I’m happy for the two of you, then. Or I should say the five of you.” Reverend Morrison looked at the children with his addition. “The importance of family and children is great in the sight of God. I believe your union will be blessed for your efforts.”

He shook Jed’s hand then took Grace’s hand. “You, my dear, are an answer to prayers, I’m sure.” Reverend Morrison looked between her and Jed. “I understand you’d like the ceremony to take place immediately?”

“Yes,” Jed said. “I’ve got to get back to the farm.”

Reverend Morrison nodded. “I’ll need some witnesses. Where are the Clarks? Michael was just here a moment ago with those girls.”

“I don’t know,” Jed said standing up and looking out the window. He smiled, then turned back to the reverend. “He’s just outside. They’ll be back in a moment.”

“Susan went to bring my good friend Annabelle over. I hope they’ll return soon.” The words were barely settled when the door of the boarding house opened and Susan stepped inside with Annabelle and her husband, Colten, right behind.

Annabelle held a folded quilt over her middle and hurried over to Grace. She gave her a hug, bumping Grace’s middle with her round belly, heavy with child, and whispered, “I thought you might like a quilt of your own to start out your new life.”

“Oh goodness,” Grace said hugging her tightly. “That is too kind of you. You must have spent ages on this quilt.”

“Not that long,” Annabelle said. “Besides, you’re worth it. I’m happy for you. Jed is a good man, and his children are so sweet. I wish the best for you always. And I think you’ll come to find your decision to move out here to Birch Creek is the best thing to ever happen to you.”

Michael came into the room, herding the two young girls as he held the babies, one in each arm. The girls held flowers and they rushed over to Grace, presenting her with a bouquet for her wedding. She bent down careful of her leg and hugged them both. “Thank you for this. They are lovely.”

The girls smiled and stood to the side of her, holding onto her skirts as she held the flowers. She looked at Jed who turned to face her in front of Reverend Morrison.

“I believe we’re ready.” Jed nodded to his bunch and then the reverend.

“Then let us begin.”

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

Jed couldn’t help marking the difference between this wedding and the first one he’d had. With Lizzie, he had been beside himself with nerves and eager anticipation of starting a life with her. Now, he only felt relief and a sense of gratitude at what Miss Grace was doing for him and his children.

She answered that she would love honor and cherish him, and all that went with the vows, sealing the agreement she’d already given him.

When it was Jed’s turn, he listened to the words. Could he love, honor and cherish Grace? He would honor and respect her for sure. There would be a friendship type of love. But she already knew he couldn’t love her the same way he had loved Lizzie. But he would care for her and treat her well.

“Yes,” Jed replied, knowing he would do his best.

With their agreement done, the only thing left was for Reverend Morrison to pronounce them husband and wife. When he had done so, he looked at Jed. “You may now kiss your bride.”

Jed hadn’t really thought the reverend would include that in this ceremony. Especially given the fact that he knew it was a marriage of convenience to help him with his farm and children. But perhaps it was part of the tradition, or even a binding part of the ceremony. It wouldn’t do at all to just shake her hand.

Jed adjusted his footing and leaned down to place a simple kiss on her lips. As his lips touched hers, he wasn’t surprised that the passion and love he felt for Lizzie wasn’t there. Yet the softness and rightness of a kiss with Grace got him wondering. Was every kiss with a woman a pleasant thing? Lizzie was the only woman he’d ever kissed before, and he had never wanted to kiss anyone but her. But now Grace was his wife, and her lips were soft and warm and inviting.

And that worried him. He would have to keep his distance from Grace if he wanted to keep all memories of Lizzie fresh and strong. He would never forgive himself if he got over Lizzie in the arms of another woman.

The sound of clapping from his girls helped Jed to return to the moment and push the kiss with Grace out of his thoughts.

In less than thirty minutes, they’d signed the marriage papers and had Grace’s trunk loaded in the wagon bed with the rest of his things from the mercantile and they were on their way toward home.