How much longer would the posse be gone? It would be time for supper soon.
Callie sat between Jasper and Ruby on a bench at the edge of the playground and did her best to focus on the story he was telling, but her thoughts were in Clarksville with a kind, caring and very courageous carpenter. Although she’d lifted up more prayers that day than she had in the past month, she added another. Please, Lord, protect Chip and the others.
“Miss Callie?” Jasper tapped her on the shoulder. “You weren’t listening, were you?”
“I’m sorry. What did I miss?”
“The end, and that’s the best part. Cowboy Bob caught the cattle rustlers, and everyone was safe.”
“That’s good.” Surely Chip and those with him had been as successful. Since Jasper and Ruby would no longer be in danger, she and Chip wouldn’t need to protect the children from a trio of ruthless killers. They could focus on the furniture they had yet to finish. That certainly seemed to be Chip’s focus. Ever since that delightful kiss they’d shared, he’d been distant, preoccupied.
Of course he had. He was a man of action, and yet he’d been forced to watch and wait. But not anymore. Now that Mr. Tate’s murderers were caught, Chip would be able to complete his job at the Double T, return to his place and tackle the next tasks in that precious plan of his—a plan that didn’t allow for someone like her.
The sound of hooves on hard-packed earth made Callie shoot to her feet. “They’re back! Let’s go.” She scooped Ruby into her arms and took off after Jasper, who sprinted toward the barnyard.
“Be careful around the horses, Jasper.”
He raced toward the men busy dismounting but slowed when he neared them, much to Callie’s relief. The brave boy had been as eager for Chip’s return as she had. The only thing that had kept Jasper from asking her repeatedly when Chip would return was a gentle reminder that the questions could upset Ruby. Ever the protective older brother, he’d exercised remarkable restraint, but, like Callie, he’d scanned the area every few minutes for signs of the posse.
At long last they were here, and the killers were in jail where they belonged. She couldn’t wait to congratulate the men on their part in capturing the trio.
“Mr. Chip!” Jasper wove his way to Chip’s side, with Callie right behind.
Chip turned and smiled at them, but the smile was forced. Had something gone wrong? Had someone been hurt? He didn’t appear to be, but perhaps one of the other men was.
A quick scan revealed a group of men as fit as ever but moving slowly and methodically, each wearing the unmistakable cloak of defeat. She took a step back, swallowed and managed to summon a pleasant tone. “We’re glad to see you. Ruby and Jasper have missed you. So have I.”
Perhaps she shouldn’t have added that, but it was true. She’d spent the past several hours thinking of little else but him, his safety and how devastated she would have been if something had happened to him. Ever since she’d met Chip, she’d found him a delightful companion, but he’d become so much more than that over the past weeks. Working alongside him had revealed one endearing trait after another.
Chip’s eyebrows rose at her admission, but he quickly turned away, focused on removing the saddle from his tired and dusty mount. All the horses looked equally spent, and the men appeared just as weary and disheveled. Their discouragement was palpable. If she wasn’t careful, she could fall prey to its pull.
He hefted the saddle into his arms and spoke softly. “They got away.”
She kept her voice low, too. “I surmised as much, but you’ll get them next time.”
Jasper shoved his way between them. “Can I help you brush your horse?”
“Sure thing, pardner.”
Chip’s consideration warmed Callie’s heart. Even though he was battling fatigue and frustration, he’d set aside his needs for Jasper’s sake.
Ruby watched them as they headed to the barn. “Mr. Chip is nice.”
“That he is, sweetheart. While he and Jasper tend to the horse, you and I could have a make-believe tea party. Would you like that?” If she kept busy, she wouldn’t have time to dwell on the posse’s failed attempt to capture the killers and could keep up a cheery front. She mustn’t give Ruby any reason to suspect what had taken place that afternoon—and what hadn’t. If she knew the bad people had returned to the Double T and were still on the loose, she might retreat again.
The dinner bell rang once, calling everyone in for supper, and yet Chip and Jasper hadn’t returned. Callie coaxed Ruby to leave her acorn teacups behind with a promise of another tea party the next day. Hand in hand, they made their way to Miss Muffet House and entered the dining hall.
Chip and Jasper were already seated. Callie and Ruby took their places. As much as Callie longed to know what had transpired down in Clarksville, her questions would have to wait.
At long last, dinner and the post-meal playtime were over and they could take the children up to bed. A good half hour passed before Ruby succumbed to sleep’s call and Callie was free to join Chip downstairs.
She reached the bottom floor of Jack and Jill House, but there was no sign of Chip. No doubt he was having a hard time getting Jasper settled. The inquisitive boy was sure to have plenty of questions. She’d answered all those she could after the men set out, but he’d want to know everything that had happened after the posse rode off. So did she.
Before Callie could talk herself out of it, she climbed the two flights of stairs and marched down the hall, past the room that had been vandalized, to the room Chip and Jasper now shared. She stood outside the door with a fisted hand raised but dropped it to her side.
No sound came from within, which was odd. She would have expected to hear voices. If Jasper was already asleep and she rapped on the door, she might wake him. Chip wouldn’t thank her for that. She’d just have to wait until he showed up downstairs.
She returned to the large playroom. Empty, as before. Could Chip be waiting for her outside?
The sound of male voices drifted through the open window, close enough to distinguish who they belonged to but not near enough to make out the words. Chip was talking with Spencer.
Apparently, Chip hadn’t waited for her. The realization stung.
The need to know what had taken place sent her outdoors. The men stood under a large oak tree that shaded a corner of the corral by day. With the sun setting, they were in shadow, making it impossible for her to make out Chip’s expression. His sagging posture and flat voice spoke for him. He felt like he’d failed. Well, she could do something about that.
She ambled over to the men. Spencer saw her first and inclined his head toward her. Chip’s shoulders rose and fell, as though he’d heaved a sigh. He said something to Spencer, turned and trudged toward her.
They met halfway. A shaft of light made his dark brown hair gleam, but there was no light in his eyes.
She kept her voice bright. “It’s a lovely evening, isn’t it? Not too warm. And look at the colors in the sky tonight.”
He glanced at the wispy clouds streaked with pinks, oranges and purples but quickly lowered his gaze, focusing on a spot somewhere behind her. “It won’t work, Callie.”
“What do you mean?”
“You can’t ignore the truth. The killers are still on the loose, thanks to me.”
Chip was taking full responsibility for something out of his control. “They’re out there somewhere, but that’s not your fault.”
He scoffed. “It’s my job to protect you and the children. I take that responsibility seriously.”
“I know you do. That’s why it hurts me to see you blaming yourself.” She closed the distance between them, rested her hands on his broad chest and peered up at him. “You’ve done a wonderful job, and you’ll keep right on doing it until those horrid people are caught. I know that, and so do Jasper and Ruby. We trust you.”
He stared at her for several seconds. And then, without warning, he pulled her into arms, pressing her cheek against the broad expanse of his chest. “I won’t let you down again. You have my word.”
The intensity of his vow sent a surge of warmth through her. Chip cared about her. He might not say it, but his actions proved it. Although Mr. Tate’s killers were still at large, she and the children had a fierce protector. The thought evoked a sense of peace in the midst of the uncertainty.
Emboldened by Chip’s embrace, she slid her hands down his sides and wrapped them around his waist. He tensed. She lifted her face to him, searching for reassurance. Instead, he placed his hands on her shoulders and took a step back. Her arms fell to her sides, feeling as heavy as her heart. He didn’t care for her after all.
No! That wasn’t true. A gentleman like Chip didn’t dally with a lady’s emotions. His kiss proved he cared. Something was keeping him from giving way to his feelings, and she knew just what that was. The Plan. She’d come along too soon. If she bided her time, perhaps he would alter that plan and—
“They left before we got there.”
His statement brought her musing to an abrupt end. She said nothing, waiting for him to continue, which he did, speaking in a dull, lifeless tone.
“I don’t know what tipped them off. Perhaps one of them was watching for us. They hadn’t wasted any time, though. Mrs. Tong’s barn had been turned upside down. We gave chase, but they went through several fields filled with goats. There were so many tracks that we couldn’t make theirs out and lost the trail. We returned to the Railroad House and put things to right for Mrs. Tong. She fed us lunch in the hotel’s dining hall, and we came back here.”
“Since they didn’t find the jewels, what will they do now?”
“The deputy thinks they figured out it was a trap, hightailed it and—” He clamped his mouth shut.
“And realized we don’t have them, either, and will leave us alone, right?” The possibility, albeit unlikely, gave her hope.
“That’s not likely.” His voice had an edge to it. “They’ll think we found them and come looking for them. Again.”
Her brow furrowed. “But they’ve already searched our rooms.”
“Our rooms, yes, but not the woodshop. If they’ve been watching us, as Spencer and I suspect, they know that’s where we spend most of our time, so it makes sense they’ll search it. He’s going to have a ranch hand sleep there, too.”
Her hope faded. “So nothing’s changed? The children are still in danger?”
“Yes, but so are you and I. If they think we’ve found the jewels, everyone at the Double T is at risk. And I brought this on them.” He removed his hat and speared a hand through his hair, leaving it rumpled.
“Not you. We. I agreed that bringing Jasper and Ruby here was a good idea. We got into this together, and we’ll see things through together. We’re a team, Chip.” At least that’s how she saw it. If only he did, too.
He blew out a breath. “I’m sorry for speaking so sharply. Today was…frustrating. I wanted to return with good news, but I couldn’t. And now we’re back to waiting and worrying. We don’t even know what will happen next or when it will take place. It’s impossible to plan for something like that.”
“I’m sure everything will be fine. Now that the sheriff has a description, he can send out wanted posters. The killers will be caught, and we can have fun completing the furniture.” She didn’t want to think about what would happen after that. Things could change. They would change.
“We’ll finish the job, but we’ll need to be more vigilant than ever. I can’t abide the thought of those money-grubbing murderers harming you, the children or anyone else.” Footfalls on hard-packed earth announced the arrival of the ranch hands on night duty. “Since they’re here, I’m going up. It’s been a long day, and I’m exhausted. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He strode toward Jack and Jill House, leaving her alone and confused. If he cared about her, as she suspected, why was he forgoing their nightly ritual? He’d been tired before, but he’d still passed a pleasant half hour with her. She needed him and his reassuring presence, but apparently he didn’t need her.
Unable to think of sleeping yet, Callie wandered over to the swings. She clutched the chains on the nearest one, walked back as far as she could, jumped on the seat and enjoyed the gentle breeze as she glided to and fro. With all the children in their rooms, she had the playground to herself. Her petticoats flapped about her ankles, but since she faced away from the buildings and the sun had set, propriety wasn’t a concern.
The swish of skirts caused her to turn. Tess joined Callie and took a seat on the swing beside hers. “Lila saw someone from her bedroom window, and I came to investigate. We can’t be too careful these days, what with Mr. Tate’s killers still out there somewhere.”
Callie dragged her feet to bring herself to a stop. “I’m sorry to trouble you. I’m usually inside by now, but Chip headed upstairs right away, so I came out here to think.”
“It’s no trouble. In fact, I’m glad it’s you. I noticed things between you and Chip seemed strained at dinner. Is everything all right?”
“I don’t know. We’ve always spent the evening together, but he headed up early tonight. He said he was tired, but I figure there’s more to it.”
The wooden support beam creaked as Tess rocked gently forward and back. “He’s probably disappointed that they didn’t catch the killers. Spencer is.”
“Chip blames himself. I’ve never seen him like this. He’s usually so easygoing, but he was quite upset.”
“That’s understandable. A man doesn’t like to feel inadequate. He set out to capture the killers, but his plans didn’t work out. Those he cares about are still in danger, and he can do nothing but wait until the murderers make their next move.”
Chip had said much the same thing. “Isn’t it possible they’ll give up and move on?”
“It’s possible but doubtful. They’re probably planning their next move. We’re likely to have a reprieve, which is why I think it would be a good time for you and Chip to head to Placerville and place the final lumber order. Spencer agrees, so we’ll watch the children for you while you make the trip up the hill.”
“Why both of us? Chip doesn’t need my help.”
“No, but you two could use some time alone to mend your relationship.”
Callie sighed. “There is no relationship. We’re just friends.”
“You might believe that, but the looks that pass between you tell a different story. You obviously care about him, and I believe he cares about you, too. Spending the day together could serve to move things along.”
“I doubt that. He doesn’t want me.”
Tess stopped swinging and turned to Callie. “What makes you say that?”
She hadn’t meant to voice her thoughts, but now that she had, Tess deserved an explanation. As quickly as possible, Callie summarized the accident and the doctor’s diagnosis, along with Chip’s desire to have children of his own.
Tess pushed her toes against the ground, setting her swing to moving again. “Sitting here reminds me of the day Luke taught me how to swing.”
“Don’t you mean you taught him?”
“No. I came when he was four and Lila was just a baby.”
Tess wasn’t the children’s mother? The shock rendered Callie speechless.
“The orphanage where I grew up was in a large city. We didn’t have a nice playground like this, so I’d never been on a swing. I didn’t catch on as quickly as Luke would have liked, and he got quite frustrated with me.” Tess chuckled at the memory.
“I had no idea you weren’t their mother.”
Tess’s response was emphatic. “Oh, but I am. I love Luke and Lila every bit as much as I love the children I birthed, and they love me in return.” Her voice grew soft, her tone reflective. “It wasn’t always that way, though. Luke was quite angry when I arrived. He spent months refusing to call me by name. When he finally did, I was beside myself with joy. A few weeks later, Spencer married me and Luke called me ‘Mama’ for the first time. My heart was filled to overflowing because the Lord had given me the family of my dreams.”
If only Chip saw things the same way. “I’m happy for you. Not everyone is willing to take another person’s child as their own, although I think it’s a wonderful alternative. Mom and Pop Marshall, who took me in when my parents were killed, treated me like a treasured gift. I’d never known love like that before.”
“I can see why you would embrace the idea of adopting a child then. It might be forward of me to ask, but does Chip share your views?”
Callie pressed her lips together and blinked to clear the sudden moisture in her eyes. Thankfully, the darkness prevented Tess from seeing her moment of weakness. “His experience was different than mine. He adored his family and longs to carry on their legacy.”
“I see.”
Since Callie couldn’t come up with a reply, she leaned her head against the rope and listened to the sounds of children being put to bed in the dormitories behind them. Girlish giggles were followed by the muted voices of group leaders attempting to quiet their charges. Each of those children longed for one thing—a family. If only the Lord could make a way for her to provide a home for some of them.
Tess stood, and Callie did the same. “Have you considered visiting a doctor out here and seeing if there’s anything that can be done?”
“I think I will.” That was the only way to get the answers she sought. She would send Dr. Wright a telegram tomorrow and make an appointment to see him when she and Chip went up to Placerville. If the doctor knew of some way to reverse the damage that had been done when that horse kicked her, she’d be free to follow her heart. If not, she could accept the news, pour herself into her new job and make a difference in children’s lives right there at the Double T. All would be fine—provided she didn’t let herself dwell on what she’d lost.
* * *
The warm spring day, the jangle of his team’s harnesses and the scent of Callie’s perfume combined to create a pleasant atmosphere. The tension in Chip’s shoulders eased more with each passing mile. He’d have to thank Tess for suggesting he and Callie get away from the Double T, just the two of them.
Out here on the main road he was enjoying a sense of freedom that he hadn’t experienced since they’d discovered Jasper and Ruby huddled together that memorable morning. Callie’s company added to the peaceful feeling. She, too, had shed the wariness of the past weeks and was her cheerful self. They’d spent the past nine miles talking, the conversation flowing as freely as the runoff in the Sierras.
“Your house sounds wonderful. I’m sure it will be a work of art when you’re done.”
“Would you like to see it? I could use a woman’s input on where to put the shelves in the kitchen—and how many are needed.”
She laughed, a light, airy sound he found quite appealing—as he did her. She looked particularly fetching in her pretty purple dress. “I doubt I could tell you anything you don’t already know.”
“Since the wife I plan to have someday is likely to be a good deal shorter than I am, having you there would help me visualize things. What do you say?”
“I’d be delighted to help.”
He’d be delighted to have her help. She’d proven to be knowledgeable about woodworking, and she possessed a wealth of good ideas. Best of all, she had a way of chasing away the worries that had been his ever-present companions of late.
Chip pulled off the main road just west of town minutes later, parked in front of his two-story house and hopped from the wagon.
Callie gazed at his home with her mouth parted and her eyes wide. “It’s magnificent! I like the Italian-influenced style you chose. It’s quite popular now. The rich berry-red on the clapboards and creamy white for the trim are a switch from the light-colored siding and darker trim I’m used to seeing, but the bolder colors suit you. They’re a nice reflection of your vibrant personality.”
She saw him as bold and vibrant, did she? Interesting. His mother had used the same words to describe him when he was a boy, but he hadn’t thought of himself that way in years. Callie had helped him rediscover that side of himself.
“The L shape is different, too, but I like the way you’ve staggered three sections of the house, with the second and third portions jutting out to the right beyond the ones before them. I presume the single-story section at the back that forms the long leg of the L is your woodshop?”
“It is.” Although he completed his construction work at the job sites, he built furniture in his shop.
She climbed from the wagon and continued her perusal and running dialogue. No one had ever critiqued his work this way, and he liked it, especially since she seemed to appreciate the unique elements he’d added.
“With the plentiful windows, the interior must be basked in light. Those on the front with the bracketed crowns and moveable shutters are quite attractive. The decorative truss in the gable above the small attic window draws the eye upward nicely.” She lifted her head higher yet, moved it back and forth and nodded. “The combination of the four gabled rooflines creates an appealing whole.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Who wouldn’t? It’s quite attractive…and expansive. I didn’t expect a bachelor to have such a large home.”
He surveyed the house with a touch of pride. It was large, but that was intentional. “I made it big enough for the family I’ll have one day. If you’re ready, we could go inside.”
“By all means.” She crossed the yard, climbed the three steps to the small porch and faced the double front doors. “These windows with their round arches are a nice touch.”
She moved to the side, giving him access to the door.
“Why don’t you open it? Here’s the key.”
Her lips lifted in a playful smile. “If you insist.” She held out a hand and focused her attention on it.
He placed one hand beneath hers and placed the key on her upturned palm, allowing his rough fingertips to graze her soft skin. She folded her fingers over the key and slowly lifted her head until their gazes locked. He leaned toward her and paused, gauging her response. Attraction flickered in the depths of her clear blue eyes, but she blinked, and it was gone.
She gave a decisive nod, turned away and slipped the key in the lock. The clunk of the tumblers caused his heart to sink. Although she’d opened the door to his house, it appeared she had shut him out. But why? She’d welcomed his kiss at her friend’s orchard. Why not now?
The Plan didn’t call for him to court a woman for another three years, but the more time he spent with Callie, the more the idea of pursuing a relationship with her appealed to him. She was bright and beautiful, and she had a way with children. Not only that, but she also admired his work and enjoyed participating in it. What more could a man ask for? He’d be a fool not to consider her as a possible partner in life. Their children would be beautiful, like her.
Now to figure out how to convince Callie to be a part of his plan and hope she’d be willing to wait until he was in a position to take a wife.