Squeals of delight greeted Cassidy as she stepped into the sitting room a few moments later.
“Ma, look what Pa brung me,” shouted Jack. He was dressed in a war bonnet, long enough to drag on the floor. With a war whoop good enough to put any Indian to shame, he bounded out the front door. Seconds later, the sound of squawking and clucking confirmed he was wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting chickens scratching in the yard.
Dell stood from his place next to the front window and observed Cassidy, his brow creased in an anxious frown. “Here, come and sit,” he said, holding on to the back of the wooden chair. “You’re still peaked.”
Cassidy moved to the seat and lowered herself. “Thank you,” she murmured, flustered by his closeness.
“You smell of lilacs again,” he said softly.
“Yes, thanks; it was thoughtful of you to realize I was out of my favorite scent.”
“It’s my favorite scent, too.” His low voice brought a shiver up and down her spine. “I’ve missed it.”
Sam cleared his throat loudly. “Thanks for the new rifle, Pa,” he said. “Maybe you and me can go huntin’ Sunday.”
Dell shook his head. “We have plans for Sunday, son.”
Everyone stopped and stared at him curiously.
“What plans?” asked Tarah.
“We’re going on a picnic down by the creek.” He threw a wink at Ellen, who frowned and rocked harder in her chair. “Your granny here thinks we need a little family fun, and I’m inclined to agree.” He glanced around the room, eyeing each of the children sternly. “We’ve been a bunch of old sourpusses too long. We’re going to pack us a lunch and take a ball to play with and maybe even take a dip in the creek or go fishing.”
“Hey, I can try out the new rod you brought me!” said Luke. Then his face darkened. “Aw, we can’t go Sunday.”
“Why’s that?” Dell asked with a frown.
“The preacher’s going to be in town this Sunday,” Luke said with unconcealed disappointment. “Mr. Anderson came to the school today and told us to tell our folks.”
Cassidy’s heart skipped a beat. A real church service. She’d had no fellowship with believers since they left the wagon train. The thought thrilled her to the very core of her being.
“That’s right,” Tarah confirmed.
Dell’s face clouded over. “Well, thunder and lightning,” he muttered with a tentative glance at Ellen. “I suppose you’ll be wanting to go to the service?”
“Naturally.”
“We’ll make it another time, then.” Disappointment edged his voice. “I’m going to get cleaned up before supper.”
Silence descended upon the room as he made his way down the hall to the lean-to.
“Aw, Granny,” Sam spoke up, “couldn’t we just skip the service?”
“Certainly not, young man. Sunday is the Lord’s Day, and if He has seen fit to bless us with a preacher, we will not dishonor Him by going on a picnic instead. Now go do your chores.”
“Yes’m,” he replied meekly.
Cassidy’s heart went out to the group of disappointed children. After all, they hadn’t grown up with church services. A picnic sounded like just the thing to cheer them up.
Suddenly an idea came to her. “Maybe we could prepare everything Saturday night and have the picnic after church.”
All pairs of eyes turned to Ellen in question.
“Well, I suppose that would be all right,” she said grudgingly. “As long as we honor the Lord first.”
The children let out a cheer. If Granny said it was okay, then it was settled.
An unbidden quiver of resentment welled up inside Cassidy. She was their mother, after all. Granted, not in the natural sense, but she was in her heart. They shouldn’t have to ask their grandmother’s permission to do something she suggested. She squelched the irritation with a sigh of resignation. Maybe in time.
The rest of the week passed in a whirl of activity. The children left for school each day filled with excitement. Emily just “loved” her teacher and had found a kindred spirit in her little friend, Becky.
Tarah seemed to enjoy school, as well, and brought homework to complete each night. She didn’t mention their agreement about school, and Cassidy hoped the girl would forget all about quitting school and continue her education. Sam, from what Cassidy had gathered from Tarah’s teasing, was smitten with the new doctor’s older daughter, Camilla Simpson, Becky’s sister. And true to his mischievous self, Luke had placed a bent nail on Randall Scott’s chair and had been sent to the corner not once but twice during the week. He was severely scolded by his pa, who warned it would be a trip to the woodshed next time.
For Cassidy, the week was filled with the wonder of her pregnancy. More than once, she’d been tempted to reveal her secret to Dell, but he’d been withdrawn and sullen again after the news of the preacher coming through the area. So she enjoyed her secret in silence, hoping Ellen wouldn’t tell Dell before she found the right time to do it herself.
Saturday night, Ellen, Tarah, and Cassidy quickly cleared away the supper dishes and went about preparing their picnic lunch for the following afternoon. Dell had slaughtered two chickens earlier in the day, and Ellen cut them into pieces, then fried them to a golden brown. Cassidy carefully shucked and boiled a mound of corn, still on the cob, then mixed together a batch of corn muffins. Tarah completed the feast by baking a fluffy white cake, marbled with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Once the children were settled in bed, Cassidy stepped onto the porch to escape the heat of the kitchen. Catching a cool breeze, she lifted her head slightly and closed her eyes. A feeling of contentment swept over her as she thought of the family God had given her. True, it wasn’t what she’d always planned, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. “Lord,” she breathed, “thank You so much for the blessings You’ve brought to my life.”
A short laugh startled her, and her eyes flew open. Turning, she spied Dell strolling toward her from a shadowy corner of the porch.
“Honestly, Dell,” she said. “You scared me half to death.”
“You were completely oblivious. What if I’d been an Indian?”
“Would you stop bringing that up? No Indian is going to sneak up on me while I’m standing on my own front porch.”
“You never know.” Dell shrugged. He stared intently into her eyes. “You were thanking God for your blessings. Did you mean it?”
Cassidy’s mind flew to the child growing inside of her, and joy filled her.
“Oh Dell, I’m so happy—happier than I ever thought possible.”
A sense of glee washed over her at Dell’s stung look. Well, admittedly, she could be happier. But it was Dell’s decision that they live apart, and she was tired of moping around about it. She wouldn’t fight him anymore or be angry with him. For the children’s sakes, she would try to give them a natural happy home, even if things weren’t natural and happy between their father and herself.
“Will you come to the service with us in the morning?” she asked.
“No.” The answer was clipped, meant to end the subject, but Cassidy felt compelled to press.
“It would mean a lot to the children…and me.”
Dell’s expression softened. He reached out his hand and brushed lightly at her cheek.
Cassidy closed her eyes. He hadn’t touched her like that in so long, she’d almost forgotten how gentle his hands could be on her. A gentle sigh escaped her lips.
“Cass,” he said, his voice husky and low. He stepped forward, claiming her lips with his own.
Cassidy responded with a fervor to match his. Oh Lord, please! She loved her husband and wanted him back where he was supposed to be.
Dell groaned and tore his lips away. “Go inside,” he said softly. After a last tortured glance, he walked down the porch steps and headed for the barn.
With a sigh of resignation, Cassidy went back inside. She paused at the boys’ bedroom and glanced in. Three angelic sleeping faces greeted her. She paused for a moment, watching them, then closed the door lightly. Next she checked on the girls and found Emily sound asleep, while Tarah sat propped against the headboard, reading a book.
“Good night, Tarah,” she said softly.
The girl looked up, resentment in her eyes.
“I wouldn’t stay up too late,” Cassidy ventured. “We have a busy day tomorrow.”
“I’m fine.”
Cassidy shrugged. “Good night, then.”
She stepped inside her empty bedroom and wearily changed into her nightgown.
Reaching up, she removed the pins from her hair and shook her head, letting the tresses cascade down her back. She gave her hair one hundred strokes, then stood. Making her way to the inviting bed, she pulled back the covers. A gasp escaped her lips as a black snake, free of the confining quilt, slithered from her bed and onto the floor. An ear-piercing scream tore at her throat before blackness claimed her.
“Cassidy darling, wake up.”
From far away, Cassidy heard Dell’s voice breaking through her foggy mind, and slowly she opened her eyes. Dell sat on the floor, cradling her in his arms, while her head rested on his lap. The three older children stood around them, taking in the scene.
“What happened?” Dell asked.
“S–snake.” She gulped.
“Snake?”
“There was a snake in my bed.”
“How in the world would a snake have gotten into your bed?” Dell wore a perplexed expression on his face.
“I don’t know,” she said, her head beginning to clear. “Why don’t you ask the snake?”
How indeed? Cassidy sat up and glanced around at the faces of Sam, Luke, and Tarah. She was a little surprised to find Tarah’s eyes clouded in concern. The boys were red-faced and lowered their heads at her scrutiny.
Sam glanced up and caught Cassidy’s knowing gaze. He cleared his throat.
“Uh, Pa,” he said slowly.
Cassidy broke in quickly. “Dell, I’m sure it just came in and found its way to my bed accidentally. I’ve heard of things like that before.”
Now why had she defended those little hoodlums? They certainly deserved the whipping Dell surely would have given them.
The looks on the boys’ faces as they looked from her to each other registered surprise that matched her own.
“Well, I’ll take a look around and see if it’s still here,” said Dell, helping her to her feet. “Boys, get back to bed. You, too, Tarah. And snuff out that candle. It’s bedtime.”
“Yes, Pa. ‘Night.”
Cassidy sat quickly on the bed and pulled her legs off the floor. She was sure she heard laughter coming from the hallway as the boys made their way back to their room. She almost wished she hadn’t defended the ungrateful pair.
Dell scanned the room, then looked in every corner and drawer, as well as through the wardrobe.
To Cassidy’s relief, the snake appeared to have taken its leave.
“Well,” he said, scratching his head, “I still don’t know how it could’ve gotten in here, but I guess it left the way it came.”
He glanced at Cassidy, a concerned frown creasing his brow. “You okay?”
She nodded, still trembling from the ordeal.
Dell hesitated. “I could stay for a while.”
“That’s not necessary. I’ll be fine.”
He swiped a hand through his hair and headed toward the door. “If you’re sure…”
“I’m sure.”
“Good night, then.” With one last worried glance, he exited the room.
Exhausted emotionally and physically, Cassidy sank down in the bed and fell asleep.
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, promising a good day for the picnic. To Cassidy’s disappointment, Dell was nowhere to be seen when they loaded up in the wagon and headed for town. She had dressed in the white cotton dress she’d worn on her wedding day. Somehow, she’d hoped he would see her and remember the tenderness they’d shared.
The schoolhouse was full when they arrived, so they found seats in the back. The service began with hymns. The sound of voices lifted in praise to God brought a thrill to Cassidy’s soul. Although there were no instruments to accompany the voices, she had never heard a symphony that sounded more beautiful.
“Psst…psst…Cassidy!”
Several people turned around as Tarah gained her attention.
“What is it?” Cassidy whispered.
“I’m not feeling well. May I go to the wagon?”
Concerned, her gaze roved across the girl’s face. More than likely she was just sleepy from reading so late, but Cassidy didn’t want to take any chances. She nodded. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“Oh no,” the girl replied quickly. “I just need to lie down for a while.”
They were causing a stir among the congregation, and even the minister was glancing their way.
“Go ahead, then,” Cassidy whispered.
Conspicuously Tarah stood and tiptoed to the door, causing every eye to turn. Once she was out the door, the preacher cleared his throat loudly to regain everyone’s attention.
Cassidy sat through the rest of the sermon, soaking up the atmosphere. Although she was sorry to admit it, the message was somewhat lacking. The minister bounced from subject to subject—sin to sin. She supposed since he only came through the town once every few months, he wanted to hit on all of the human vices possible to get the little congregation through until his next visit.
Cassidy fought the urge to squirm when he broached the subject of deception. She knew she was deceiving Dell by not telling him about the baby; she would have to tell him soon. I’m just so afraid of his reaction, Lord, she prayed, knowing, even as the words lifted from her heart, that the excuse was not a good one. Part of honoring her husband required honesty. Repenting, she determined she would tell him that very day, no matter what the outcome.
Some of the older men were beginning to nod off, and even the most devout among the women were stirring uncomfortably on the hard wooden benches when the preacher finally dismissed the service.
Emily jumped from her seat and grabbed Cassidy’s hand. “Ma, come and meet Miss Nelson.”
She practically dragged Cassidy to the front of the building. “Miss Nelson, this is my ma,” she announced proudly.
The young woman was indeed as lovely as Emily had promised. Her chestnut hair was netted in a stylish chignon, and she looked out at Cassidy from clear blue eyes.
“Why, Mrs. St. John,” she said in a low, smooth drawl, “how lovely to meet you.”
“Likewise, Miss Nelson,” Cassidy replied, feeling herself drawn by the depth of feeling in the woman’s voice. “Emily has certainly been singing your praises all week.”
The teacher glanced down fondly at the little girl. “Emily and I get along just fine, but…” A frown furrowed her lovely brow. “May I speak candidly?”
“Certainly, Miss Nelson.”
“Please, call me Aimee,” she said with a smile.
Cassidy returned her smile, feeling at ease. “All right. What would you like to talk to me about, Aimee?”
Aimee chewed her bottom lip and glanced cautiously at Emily. Taking the hint, Cassidy turned to the little girl. “Emily, sweetheart, why don’t you go to the wagon and tell everyone I’ll be right there?”
“Aw, Ma,” Emily replied, but she did as she was told.
Cassidy turned expectantly to the teacher, who gestured toward a bench. “Let’s sit down,” she suggested.
Once they were seated, Aimee drew a deep breath. “It’s about Luke.”
Tension gnawed at Cassidy’s insides as she waited for the teacher to continue.
“He is quite a handful and most disruptive, even destructive, in class.”
Tension turned to alarm. “What sorts of things does he do?”
Aimee paused, then the words came spilling out. “He puts nails in the students’ chairs, dips ribbons in inkwells, pulls the girls’ hair, and just Friday he…” She shuddered. “He put a snake in my desk drawer! I almost fainted, Mrs. St. John. Can you imagine the chaos in my school if I had fainted in front of my class?”
Cassidy could well imagine.
“I might have lost my job.”
Well, Cassidy doubted that, since there were no other teachers interested in coming to the rustic town for a teaching position that paid only twenty-five dollars for the three-month term. Still, her heart went out to the young woman. Luke was difficult enough to deal with at home under his father’s stern hand. In the classroom with only this young woman who was barely older than Tarah, she could imagine how unruly he could be.
She reached forward and placed a hand over Aimee’s. “I’ll have a talk with him.”
Relief passed over the lovely features of the woman sitting beside her. “Thank you.” She glanced down at her hands. “This is my first teaching position, and I didn’t want the school board to feel I couldn’t handle it myself. But standing in the corner is simply another way for Luke to disrupt and gain attention. I—I have never believed in corporal punishment, but a whipping may be what he needs.”
Yes, a whipping might be exactly what he needs, unless… Cassidy held back the laughter bubbling up inside of her as an idea formed in her mind. She would teach the little monster a lesson. She stood and held out her hand to Aimee.
Aimee stood, as well, and accepted the proffered hand. “I don’t want to cause any trouble, Mrs. St. John.”
Mrs. St. John. Cassidy loved to be called that. Each time she heard the name, a thrill moved up and down her spine.
“I assure you, you’ve caused no trouble for anyone who doesn’t deserve it. I promise you, Luke will be dealt with, and if he isn’t better on Monday, send a note home with one of the other children.”
“All right,” Aimee agreed, relief evident in her voice.
“I must be going now. We have family plans. But it was very nice to meet you, and don’t worry,” she reassured the teacher. “You’re doing a fine job with the rest of the children. Luke is just a difficult case.”
Quick tears sprang to Aimee’s eyes. “Thank you.”
Cassidy smiled and squeezed her hand before saying her farewell. With a feeling of anticipation, she walked out of the church to the waiting wagon.
She frowned, looking around for Tarah.
“It’s about time,” Ellen huffed. “We’ve been sweltering out here.”
It didn’t seem that hot to Cassidy, but rather than comment, she asked, “Where is Tarah? I thought she came out here to lie down in the wagon.”
“We thought she went back inside.”
Oh, where was that girl? Cassidy’s eyes scanned the little town, looking for the gingham dress Tarah had worn to church that morning.
“Everyone stay here so no one else gets lost,” she commanded and left the wagon to begin her search. First she reentered the schoolhouse to be sure Tarah hadn’t gone back inside. There was no sign of her. Next she walked outside and checked the privy. Still no Tarah.
Fear and frustration combined inside Cassidy’s stomach, forming a large knot. She stopped and asked several of Tarah’s friends if they’d seen her, but no one had. Cassidy once again scanned the little town for any sight of the lost girl. Suddenly her eyes focused on a familiar horse tethered outside the general store. It belonged to Johnny, the ranch foreman. Cassidy shuddered, remembering their encounter in the barn.
Now why would Johnny’s horse be in town on Sunday? The general store wasn’t even open.
Suspicion built inside of her, and she decided to investigate. She walked through the pathway between the store and the building next to it, around to the back. A gasp escaped her lips as she spied the familiar gingham-clad girl in Johnny’s arms.
Anger welled up inside Cassidy, and she stormed toward the pair. Grabbing Tarah’s arm, she jerked her away. “Johnny Cooper, you get your hands off my daughter, and don’t ever let me catch you near her again. Do you hear me?”
“How dare you? You’re not my mother!” Tarah’s eyes sparked in fury.
“Be quiet and get to the wagon right now, young lady. We’ll talk about this later.”
Apparently too stunned to argue, Tarah emitted a strangled sob and ran down the alleyway toward the wagon.
Cassidy turned back to Johnny. “I mean it, Johnny. Don’t you ever come near that child again.”
Johnny stood in stunned silence as Cassidy whirled around and stormed to the wagon. Arms crossed, Tarah sat seething in the back of the wagon, tears of fury still pooling in her eyes. Without a word, Cassidy climbed into the seat and flapped the reins, leading the horses toward the ranch.
First Luke and now Tarah. Give me wisdom, Lord!