Chapter Five

Joey tugged on Addison’s sleeve. “Lady, we really have to go.”

Still chuckling, she held her good hand toward the brother and sister. “C’mon, I’ll show you.”

Joey scrunched his face into a concerned frown. “What’s so funny?”

She had no idea why the moment had struck her as humorous. “You know, I really don’t know.” She led the twins down the hall and pointed to the bathroom. “One at a time. Little boys need to respect a girl’s privacy even if they are brother and sister.”

“You go first, Joey. I want to ask the lady somethin’.” Julie waited until her brother had closed the door, then looked up at Addison. “Lady, are you mad at us?”

Blue eyes brimming with tears and deep concern on the freckled face tugged at Addison’s heart. “First of all, my name is Addison, and second, why would you think I’m mad at you?”

Julie’s face puckered, and Addison wasn’t sure what she should do to comfort the child. “Please don’t cry. It’s okay, you can tell me.” She knelt to be on eye level with the little girl.

“W-we didn’t mean for the dog to jump on you. P-please don’t let the grouchy lady send us away. Our Gram is in Heaven, and…and…and…” The emotional dam broke, and tears streaked down both cheeks.

Addison mustered a smile. Images of her six-year-old self flashed through her brain as she gathered the little girl into her arms and cooed, “I’m not mad, and neither is Aunt Nell. Things happen.”

Julie pulled back a little and snuffled. “But…she yelled…and really loud.”

“Yeah, and she looked real mad.” Joey added as he came to stand next to his sister.

“Aunt Nell isn’t mean, really and truly. She loves children, and you know how I know?” Addison was careful to keep her smile bright but sincere. The fact was that it hurt more than she expected that she had put pride and fame first in her life.

The twins watched as if not fully convinced they should believe whatever Addison was about to tell them. Joey blurted, “I bet she’s a witch.”

This time Addison frowned. “You mustn’t ever think such horrible thoughts about Aunt Nell. You see, when I was six years old, I and my best friend, Ruby Raye, came to live with Aunt Nell. She’s my foster mom, and the kindest and most loving person I know. Oh, she yells, and sometimes she huffs and puffs, but that’s only when little kids do something they shouldn’t.”

Two sets of blue eyes widened in dismay. “You didn’t have a home and nobody to love you either?”

“Hmm, just like you.” She pointed toward the bathroom. “Julie, go do what you have to do. Joey, get your jackets and caps. When I’ve changed into my clothes, we’ll go to the barn and collect the eggs. When I was a little girl, Aunt Nell always had barn cats to keep the mice away. Maybe we’ll see them, plus the horses and a milk cow.”

Nell yelled, “Sold ol’ Buttercup. With just me, didn’t have any use for a cow.”

The twins had already squealed with delight and scampered off in different directions.

“That was nice, Addy. Real nice.” Nell walked forward and placed her hand on Addison’s cheek.

“I’m sorry, Nell, for—ˮ

“There’s no need for explanations, Addy. You had your reasons for staying away. The thing is you’re home for however long you choose. And when you decide to leave, there’ll be no questions asked.”

Addison leaned forward and kissed Nell’s wrinkled cheek. “You are the best! Now, do you have a pair of boots I can borrow? Italian-made high heels aren’t for trudging through snow.”

With a chuckle, Nell said, “I believe I have an extra pair in the closet. I’ll come up and help you get them on.” Nell turned toward her own room. “Like I said before—welcome home!”

The twins skipped around the corner and stopped short when they saw Nell. Julie hid behind her brother. Joey swallowed hard. “Um, are you going to send us away?”

Nell smiled at the youngster. “’Course not. Whatever gave you that idea?”

The little boy shifted from one foot to the other. Although her knees ached, Nell squatted to his level, much as Addison had. She reached out and stroked his cheek. “I’m not a mind reader, Joey. I can’t fix whatever’s on your mind if you keep it to yourself.”

Joey looked at his sister as if summoning up courage. There was a slight quiver in his voice when he asked, “Um, can Boomer sleep in our room…”

Julie finished out the sentence: “So we won’t be scared?”

“You betcha.” Nell winked as she struggled to stand. “You know, I hadn’t planned on putting up a tree this Christmas, but come Saturday we’ll hitch up the horses, pack sandwiches and hot chocolate, and go find us a jim-dandy tree.”

Two pairs of blue eyes widened. The twins spoke in unison. “You mean we’re gonna cut it down all by ourselves?”

“You betcha. Now, I heard you were going to collect eggs. Dixie and Trixie are my barn cats. They’re friendly and so are the horses. Don’t let their size scare you.”

“Wow, c’mon, Julie. Let’s get our coats. We’ve never seen a real live horse before.”

Nell offered Addison a wink over the children’s heads. “Soon as I help you get the boots on, I’m off to bake a couple of quiches. The ladies auxiliary is coming over to work on plans for the Christmas bazaar. You remember the annual bazaar?”

“I certainly do.” Addison smiled at the twins. “It’s a fun time. You’ll love it.” With that, Addison made her way up the stairs and into the bedroom. She removed her arm from the sling and, though awkward, managed to dress herself. She sat on the edge of the bed and in an instant wondered about her life and how she’d gotten there. If she had made different choices, would she be happier than yesterday or even today?

Hearing Nell’s footsteps on the stairs, Addison shook away the doldrums. Now was not the time to indulge in a pity party.

“Knock…knock. Okay if I come in?”

“Door’s open.” Addison wrestled with the buttons on her shirt. She looked up as Nell entered the room. “You mentioned the horses’ names were Bud and Chipper. What happened to Cinnamon and Nutmeg?”

Nell drew in a deep sigh as she brushed Addison’s silken strands into a ponytail. “Oh, my, you have been away a long time. When you were here, both horses were nearing twenty years old.” She sighed again. “They crossed the rainbow bridge, one pretty close after the other, a long time ago. Emmett helped me bury them up on the ridge. We planted alder trees to commemorate them. Replaced ’em with two young Percheron geldings. Brothers and good boys, too.”

Addison replied in a congenial tone, “I’m sorry. Nutmeg and Cinnamon were gentle giants, even though I always was a little bit afraid of them. Probably because of their size.”

An awkward silence rolled between them.

Two exuberant voices chimed, “We’re ready.”

Nell secured the elastic band around Addison’s ponytail. “Good. The egg basket is on the kitchen counter. Addy, I’ll leave it up to you to teach these two how to get the eggs out from under the hens.”

Addison rolled her eyes in an Oh, brother expression. “Yes, ma’am.”

Nell fastened the arm sling over Addison’s shoulder. She lifted the coat from the bed and guided Addison’s good arm through the armhole. She pulled the front together and buttoned it. “It’s a might large, but it’ll keep you warm until we can go shopping, and here’s a sweater cap to keep your noggin warm.” She pulled the red cap over Addison’s ears.

The twins hopped down the stairs. Nell called after them, “Joey, go in the kitchen and get the egg basket.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He raced to the kitchen and returned in a flash with the wire basket clutched in his hand. “Ready!”

Outside, the twins squealed with delight as Boomer raced around and frolicked in the snow. Addison beckoned the twins to the barn. They entered through a side door that led to a small office and then to the barn’s wide aisle. Nickers greeted them, followed by clucking.

“Come, let’s meet Chipper and Bud.” Addison led the way down the barn’s wide aisle to the stalls where two dapple-gray Percheron geldings stood.

Julie screamed and clung to her brother, who took several steps backward. “I’m afraid, Joey.”

The little girl’s fright brought back memories for Addison. Just like Nell had done when Addison had refused to go near the horses, she kept her voice quiet, calm, and even. She clasped Julie’s hand. The size of the horses caused Addison’s own heart to thump. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been near a horse, much less ones that were the size of a two-story building.

“Joey, hold your sister’s other hand.” For the children’s sake, she put on an armor of bravado. “These are Percherons, otherwise known as gentle giants. You mustn’t be afraid. It will hurt their feelings, and we wouldn’t want that, would we?”

Addison walked to the feed barrel and with her free hand lifted the lid and set it aside. She reached in and scooped oats into a small pail. She held out her hand, palm up. “Joey, place about a cup full of oats in my hand. I’ll show you how to feed the horses.”

His eyes widened with skepticism. “His mouth is gi-normous. Won’t he bite your hand off?”

She hoped her smile didn’t wobble. “Not if you hold your hand out flat. Like this.” She approached the stall labeled “Bud” and held her hand forward. “Hello, Bud. I’m Addison, and this is Joey and Julie. Aunt Nell says you and your brother are good boys.”

She didn’t know who she was trying to convince, herself or the twins. The massive neck stretched forward, and almost as if he knew to be careful, Bud lipped the oats from Addison’s hand. Once he’d finished with the oats, she inched closer and reached to scratch his forehead and crooned, “You are a good boy.”

When she’d coddled the horse for several minutes, she brushed a few loose strands of hair from her own face and said, “I see that Sheriff Grey and Mr. Oxbow have already put hay and oats and water in the bins. It will be our jobs to help Aunt Nell feed the animals for as long as we’re here.”

Chipper stretched his neck and nickered. Addison laughed. “Joey, more oats, please.”

The youngster hastened to obey.

This time Addison didn’t hesitate. For the first time in a long time she felt awakened and confident as she stretched her hand forward, allowing the big horse to lip the oats. She patted the animal’s silken neck. “See how careful they both were?” She faced the twins. “Either of you want to try?”

At their hesitancy, she said, “It’s okay. There’s plenty of time.” She offered a reassuring smile. “The chickens are over here.”

Joey puffed out his chest. He took a hesitant step. “Um, wait. Can I try?”

His sister pleaded, “Don’t, Joey. Your hand is little, and they have big teeth. Please, Joey, don’t.”

“Stop being a ’fraidy cat, Julie. He didn’t bite Addison.”

“Her hand is bigger than yours.” Julie scrubbed the toe of her shoe against the barn floor. Her head lowered so that her chin almost touched her chest.

Addison patted the top of Julie’s head. “There’s plenty of time, Joey. Once Julie gets used to the horses, I’m certain she’ll be eager to feed them.”

Julie scrunched her face and stuck her tongue out at her brother.

Addison scooped oats into the little boy’s hand. When he stepped forward with his palm flat, she realized then just how small his hand was compared to the massive horse’s mouth. She held her breath, ready to pounce if necessary.

Joey giggled as the horse lipped the feed. “Look, Julie, I did it…I did it!” He stood on tiptoes and patted the black silken nose that stretched forward to sniff his hair, leaving Joey to squeal with delight.

The trio moved to the next stall. Chipper met them with a stretched neck and soft blowing snuffles. Addison placed a scoop of oats in Joey’s hand.

“Me…too.” Julie made a hesitant step toward the stall.

Addison offered a reassuring smile as she filled the girl’s tiny hand with feed.

Julie cast a doubtful look toward her brother, hesitated for a moment, took a step backward. Joey encouraged, “You can do it, Julie.”

Wearing a tenuous smile, she offered her tiny palm. Gentle, like his brother, Chipper lipped the meager offering with care. When he finished, he stretched his neck for more.

“See, Joey, I’m not a ’fraidy cat.” She pooched her lips into a pout. “Well, maybe a little bit.”

Addison laughed in spite of herself. “Before long you’ll both be experts at feeding the animals. If I remember correctly, the chickens are down here.”

The twins followed her to the nesting boxes. “We’re not tall enough,” Julie lamented.

Addison glanced around until she spotted a wooden box. “Joey, bring that crate over here so the two of you can stand on it.”

Four nests each held one egg. Addison cautioned the children to lift the eggs carefully and place them inside the basket. A hen with black-and-white feathers sat in the fifth box.

“Wow,” both twins exclaimed. “What kind of chicken is that?”

Addison prided herself on remembering the breed. She looked at the name plate above the nest. “Penny is a Dominique. She lays brown eggs.”

Addison spoke to the hen. “Be nice, Penny. All we want is to collect your eggs.” She scooted her hand beneath the hen to lift her. “Julie, reach under her and get the eggs.”

The little girl stepped up on the box. She gave Addison a skeptical look. Addison’s voice was firm when she said, “Quickly!”

Julie did as instructed and carefully withdrew two brown eggs. She giggled as she placed them in the basket. “I did it, Joey. Did you see?”

“Um-huh.” He shot Addison a curious look. “Gosh, Addison, how do the eggs get out of the chicken?”

The question stopped Addison. While she weighed the answer, Julie spouted, “I thought there were kittens. I want to see the kitties.”

A bit relieved that the little girl had saved her from having to answer Joey’s question, Addison turned in a circle. “It’s very cold. Don’t you think they might be nestled up some place warm? I’m sure we’ll see them another day.”

Julie snuggled close to Addison. “I’m cold.”

As the trio retraced their steps to leave the barn, an orange striped cat leapt from nowhere, followed by a calico cat, and hot on their heels Boomer gave chase. A large dark rat raced between Julie’s legs. To get away from the frenzy, Julie tripped over her own feet and fell.

The commotion was over as quickly as it had begun. The cats and the rat disappeared. Boomer gave up the chase and flopped at Addison’s feet.

Joey helped his sister from the floor. Addison didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. In retrospect, the surprised expressions on the children’s faces had been funny. Her voice was crisp when she said, “Well!”

Julie scrunched her face into a frown. “I don’t like living here. I don’t want to collect eggs, and I don’t want to have horse slobber on my hands either. Why can’t we buy our eggs from the grocery store the way Gram did…and…what if the rat gets in the house and in our bed?”

Addison understood the alarm in the little girl’s voice—saw the flash of panic in her eyes—like herself when she was six—and knew Julie’s feelings of displacement were genuine.

Addison searched for the right words. “Fresh eggs are healthier and make the best pancakes and puddings—ever!” She held up two fingers. “Scout’s promise. And no one will make you hand feed the horses. But…as Aunt Nell used to tell us kids when I lived here, if you want to eat, you have to earn your keep, and that means feeding the animals, helping in the kitchen, and making your bed. Besides, Aunt Nell can’t always get to the grocery store.”

“Aw, don’t be a baby, Julie. ’Sides, Boomer’s gonna sleep with us. Aunt Nell said so.”

Julie pooched her lower lip into another pout. “Okay, but if that old hen pecks me, I hope Aunt Nell turns her into fried chicken.”

Addison didn’t laugh out loud, but she didn’t bother to hide her grin either. Out of the mouths of babes.