Where the Heart Is
by
Janice Sagraves

ONE

Soft white flakes drifted languidly to the ground and the temperature hovered well below freezing, but the men continued to work. Hammers and saws and the occasional curse when a thumb got smashed filled the crisp air. The Boss had become an obsessed slave driver in his efforts to get the new house ready to receive his family. But he drove himself just as hard – maybe even harder – so they groused to themselves and each other and made sure it was out of the Boss’ earshot. Besides, they weren’t eager to invite a good tongue lashing or to be made to feel like a slacker in front of the others, as careless talk had done early on. So they worked alongside the man who paid their wages, the man that any one of them would willingly lay down his life for.

*******

The indigo blue silk rustled as Angelica Cartwright tripped lightly down the winding staircase. This day marked the beginning of her and her family’s second month living in the Banning mansion at the end of town. And – as much as she appreciated their kindness and hospitality – she chafed to get into her own home once again. Her shoes clacked against the marble floor in the grand entryway as she darted down the dark paneled hallway toward the back of the house.

Mason Giles, head houseman and jack-of-all-trades, especially where the running of the household was concerned, was rolling out a piecrust when she entered the kitchen. “Good morning, Miss Angelica. You’re looking bright and chipper this day.”

She ran her slim fingers over the top of a cabinet as a child would, and her deep violet eyes glittered like wet amethysts. “Well, I have you to thank for that.”

“How so?” he asked, as he worked the large wooden pin over the dough.

“A good breakfast has a way of putting a spring in my step, and yours was excellent, as always.”

“Why, thank you, Miss Angelica.” He rubbed the back of a floury hand over his forehead, and it left a soft beige streak. “But I can’t take all the credit for it. I had help.”

“I know,” Angelica said, as she peered over the shoulder of Patsy Mead, “and fine help it is, too.”

Pasty and the other two of the kitchen staff thanked her but continued with their cooking duties.

“Maybe I can help with something,” Angelica said, and went back to Giles. “And before you say ‘no’, I need to do something before my skull pops. I’m not used to being so idle.”

A smile brightened his angular face and the rolling continued. “All right. I always like to get my mixings together when I cook, but this time it dawns on me that I forgot the loaf sugar. It’s in the pantry, if you wouldn’t mind gettin’ it for me.”

“I would be delighted to.” Then she gathered her skirt and petticoats and dashed off.

Angelica had been gone no more than a couple minutes when the back door banged open and heads came around. Siddon Banning looked for the world like a big bear encrusted in white. “Giles.” He gave the door a slam and began slapping snow from his coat. What was in his full black beard quickly melted and glistened in the lamp light.

Giles turned from the table, his chore put aside for the moment. “Mr. Banning. You have that bothered look. Is something wrong?”

“There’s been an accident out at the building site.”

A gasp followed by a dull thump drew everyone’s attention toward the pantry.

Angelica stood with her hands pressed to her mouth. The loaf of sugar lay in the floor before her, and had burst open from the impact.

“Adam’s all right,” Siddon said, as he removed his gloves. “Linc Wilson slipped and fell off a ladder. It’s getting slick as a wet bottle out there.”

“Is he badly hurt?”

“It doesn’t seem to be more than a dislocated shoulder and maybe a cracked collarbone, but those can hurt as bad as a break.”

“Worse,” Giles said, under his breath.

“I just came to get some bandages and Giles. He’s a good man with breaks and sprains and the like.”

Giles’ mouth puckered. “I can’t say much for the timing.”

Angelica’s wits put themselves back together. She went to him and the spilled sugar crunched under her feet. “I’ll take care of this. You just go along and see that that young man is properly cared for.”

Giles untied his apron strings. “I can take care of this when I get back.”

Angelica snatched the apron away from him. “I have baked a few pies in my day. And they aren’t so hard to eat. Now get yourself together and go on.”

He thanked her then went off to his quarters to get cleaned up and gather what they would need.

Angelica could sense more in what Siddon didn’t say than what he did. “Is it really that dangerous out there?” she asked, as she tied the strings around her waist.”

Siddon blew on his hands as he stood next to her. “Like I said, it’s getting slick. And with the working conditions in this kind of weather, I’m surprised somebody hasn’t been hurt before now. This should convince Adam that they need to stop before it happens again. Only this time somebody could be seriously hurt or even killed, and I know he doesn’t want that.”

Angelica felt a chill shiver down her spine. Or Adam could be killed, she thought.

“But don’t you worry your lovely head over it,” he went on. “I can be pretty forceful when I set my mind to it. Carolyn says sometimes it can be like reasoning with a bedpost.” He laughed heartily. “Tells you what she thinks of me.”

“I’m ready, Mr. Banning,” Giles said, as he returned. He pulled up the collar of his coat and a bulging carpet bag dangled from one hand.

“All right then, let’s get to it. The sooner we get out there,” he sniffed, “the sooner we can get back to all this wonderful smelling food.” Then Siddon’s dense black brows set into a slight frown, and he placed a comforting hand on Angelica’s shoulder and lowered his voice. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to him.”

“I know you won’t. And you tell Mr. Wilson that I hope he mends quickly.”

“I know that he’ll appreciate that, especially coming from the boss’ missus. Okay, Giles.”

Angelica watched as the two men left, and a swirl of snow laden wind accompanied their exit. After a second or so, she turned with a heavy sigh, and her gaze went to the sugar-covered floor. “Would someone please tell me where the broom is?”

“I’ll get it for you, Mrs. Cartwright,” Patsy said, then ran to get it.

*******

Adam Cartwright and Chris McCutcheon gingerly helped Linc Wilson into the back of the large wagon – crude runners fastened to its locked wheels – careful of his bound shoulder. He lay back on a bed of straw-stuffed sacks, and Siddon covered him with a couple blankets and an old quilt.

“Are you okay, Linc?” Adam asked, and gave the young man’s foot a pat.

“I’m all right. But really, Boss, I don’t need all this fussin’. You all go on back to work.”

Siddon’s dark brown eyes shot to Adam’s face to where he thought a shade of guilt lurked.

“None of us are going back to work. If we do, it’ll just be another accident looking to happen.”

Siddon released the breath he had been holding.

Adam’s dark hazel eyes trailed up to the slate gray sky and batted against the increasingly heavy downfall of snow. “In fact, at this rate, we may not be back to work for some time,” his head lowered, and he looked about him, “but it can’t be helped.”

“We don’t mind,” Chris said, as he came forward.

“No,” Adam said, and held up a hand. “I’ll not be responsible for another injury – it’s just not worth it. If I had listened to some good advice in the first place,” his eyes ran to Siddon, and the side of his finely sculpted mouth turned, “this one could have been avoided. Now let’s get in out of this as quickly as we can before we find ourselves buried.”

Chris hunkered inside his coat and tugged his hat down, leaving only his teal eyes visible. “Well, at least we got the cook shack and the bunkhouse put back together.”

“Yes, and I want you men to go straight inside and don’t venture out any more than you have to. I’ve been a relentless taskmaster these past three weeks, and I’ll not put any more lives in peril just to get the house built.” He snorted. “I temporarily forgot the lesson I learned the last time.”

“And I’m glad Amelia is staying in town while I’m out here.” Chris shook his head. “Her being all alone for so long and in the mother way, what with all this goin’ on gives me a turn.”

Adam climbed up onto the seat next to Siddon. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with us, Chris?”

“I think I ought to stay here while you’re gone. Amelia’ll understand.”

Adam’s mouth crooked. “I doubt that.”

Gibby stepped out onto the porch of the cook shack. “Hot coffee and hot food for anybody who wants it!”

“You men go on, and as soon as this lets up, we’ll have back at it. And thanks, all of you. I never would’ve gotten this far this soon without you.”

The men stepped back as Siddon gave the reins a slap against the large teams’ backs, and they started out past the skeleton of the barn.

“You comin’ or am I gonna havta to give all this food to Buddy?” Gibby shouted.

The men turned practically as one and stampeded for the cook shack.

“Come on, Buddy!”

A large brown, wiry-haired dog sprang to his feet and took off after them. And the wagon clattered on along the frozen, white ground headed for town. No road existed here, but that would be taken care of later. For now, food was the main agenda.

TWO

Angelica sat in the floor of the main parlor before the hearth with baby Hiram in her lap. His brothers were playing with some wooden blocks, with the occasional giggle. They rolled nicely, though a bit awkwardly, and worked perfectly to occupy two boys.

One of the double doors opened, and Adam stepped just inside, one hand resting on the crystal knob. He stood for a second watching his family, and his heart swelled with pride and love. He had seen beautiful women before, but, as far as he was concerned, none could hold a candle to his Angelica. He did know a few who came close, but only a few. Intelligent, sparkling and compassionate, she made the perfect helpmate and mother. She had never given up on him – though there were times when she would have been justified – and he knew she never would.

And then there were his sons. They were the very picture of each other, and their father up-and-down with their heavy black hair and dark complexions. Their eyes had turned a hazel reminiscent of his and would darken with age, as his had. Addy, the oldest of the three, had a more sensitive, inquisitive nature than his brothers. And since he had been abducted the previous summer by a Shoshone warrior for his wife, the boy had settled. Both Adam and Angelica believed that it had been his exposure to the world that had brought it about, and sparked his insatiable curiosity.

Adam nestled the package under his arm then pushed the door quietly closed. The carpet deadened the sound of his boots as he joined them, but nothing could deaden the beating of his heart.

Angelica hadn’t really heard him come in, but she couldn’t miss the attractively wrapped box with the fluffy pink ribbon bow held down in front of her. Hiram made a grab for it, but she kept him from it. Her eyes rose to the dark face that beamed back at her. “You look like the fox that has gotten into the chicken house.” Her delicate brow lowered. “And while we’re about it, I didn’t even know you were back. Did the snow get too heavy for you?”

“I decided I didn’t want to take any more chances with somebody else getting hurt. No sense being foolish about this thing.”

Her mouth drew in. “And you stopped in town on the way just to buy me something?”

He grinned like a Cheshire cat and shook his head. “This has been stashed away in Siddon’s study for three days now. I was just waiting for the right time to give it to you.”

“Did he know about it?”

Adam’s grin broadened. “Who do you think helped me find the proper hiding place?”

“I vow the two of you are the worst conspirators.” She looked back to the box. “What is it?”

“You’ll havta open it to find out. I’ll take the boy.” He took the baby then placed the box in her lap.

By this time Addy’s and Benjy’s attention had been drawn away from the blocks. They started crawling to their mother, their bright eyes right on that bow, until they were scooped up by their father and encircled – along with their brother – by his arms.

“It is so pretty that I almost hate to open it.”

“I can always take it back.”

She pulled the box closer to her and mischievousness glittered in her eyes. “I don’t hate to that much.”

Eagerly, her fingers worked at untying the ribbon that held it closed. And each breath came quicker than the previous one. It wasn’t so much the present itself that excited her, as the fact that it had come from Adam. She eased the lid off and put it aside then tenderly pushed back the tissue paper. She gasped and her eyes filled, and she lightly brushed her fingertips over it. “Where did you find such a thing?”

“I went to Miss Grace two weeks back. She knows the right size, and you and Carolyn always say she’s the best seamstress in Bantree. And right away I knew which material I wanted it made out of when she showed it to me…..It matches your eyes.”

As if lifting a precious objet d’art, Angelica held the hooded cloak up from the box. “Oh, Adam, it’s exquisite.” She hugged it to her and tears broke to run down her cheeks. “You know, you really shouldn’t have. There are more important things we need.”

“Well, yours burned up, and Carolyn can’t keep loaning hers.”

“Oh, I don’t care. This is the most beautiful cloak I have ever seen.” She rubbed her hand over its soft, woolen surface.” And I know it has to be so warm.”

“Then why don’t we go for a walk, and you can try it out. This is the perfect weather for it, and we can take the boys along.”

“We can’t do that. They will freeze in this cold.”

“No, they won’t. There are three bran new buntings upstairs on the bed. And I think they would enjoy the snow.”

Angelica watched him then her attention went to the boys and from there to the garment. She blinked away the tears then looked to him and nodded behind a warm smile.

*******

Angelica, in her dark purplish-blue cloak, and Adam walked along the garden path that led away from the house. He had Addy and Benjy, and she carried Hiram, and each boy wore a new, green bunting. The hoods were tied about their heads, and only their faces were exposed. Three sets of young eyes tried to follow the descent of each flake as they sat motionless in their parents’ arms.

“Such a splendid day. I am so glad I let you talk me into this. It is a perfect time for a walk.”

“Well, I don’t think I had to do much arm twisting. And I knew the boys would enjoy being out in their first snow.” He looked to each of the babies. “When have you seen them this still?”

Angelica laughed lightly. “Only when they are sleeping, or thinking about some mischief. They’re such rounders, and I have no doubt their father was the same way.”

“I beg your pardon.”

“Don’t be offended.” She reached out and took hold of his arm and pulled herself closer to him. “I love you just the way you are, and I wouldn’t change a thing, even if I could.”

“That’s better.” The mock offence died from his expression, and an unmistakable ardor replaced it. “I love you so much, and I never get tired of saying it.” A hint of disappointment crept in. “I only wish I could get back to work on your house. At this rate, I won’t be able to do anything on it until the spring thaw.”

“I’m in no rush. We are in a warm, loving household with warm, loving friends, and I don’t feel as much like an interloper as I did at first. Carolyn can be very persuasive, you know.”

He chortled. “So does Sid. But I would think you would be eager to get into your own house.”

“I am, but it’s not worth someone getting hurt.” She squeezed his arm, and leaned her head on his shoulder. “I know we will in good time, but for now I am simply going to enjoy this time together and not worry about anything. This is too precious to waste fretting over something I can’t control.”

They continued on beyond the path and headed toward the stand of pines that edged this side of the garden.

Carolyn Banning passed the wide doorway that led into the ballroom on her way toward the back of the house. But she stopped when something caught the corner of her eye. She eased into the expansive room and squinted to see through the gloom that pervaded every corner. “Juliet. Marjorie.” Her voice raised an octave. “Amelia. What are you three doing there?”

Amelia Banning McCutcheon – now entering her fourth month of pregnancy – turned her golden head and motioned her mother closer.

Carolyn, so obviously the one that her oldest daughter favored, joined her girls as they watched out one of the pairs of French doors. Her fine brows arched when she realized what they watched so intently. “You’re spying. I certainly never raised you to do that. Come away from there this instant.”

“We aren’t spying,” sixteen-year-old Marjorie Banning protested mildly. “And we don’t mean any harm.”

“Nonetheless, you are intruding on their privacy. Now, I said to come away.”

Amelia’s clear blue eyes set on what was beyond the pane. “But it is so romantic. And it makes me miss Chris even more.”

“You know why he stayed behind,” Carolyn said.

“Yes, but I miss him just the same.”

Carolyn slipped an arm around the oldest girl’s shoulders, and she couldn’t help losing herself in the moment. It reminded her of the first years of her marriage to Siddon. “Yes, dear, it is romantic, and I have no doubt that you will be with Chris before too long…. Now let’s go and leave them to their time alone.”

They reluctantly agreed and allowed their mother to steer them away from the doors. But as they started out, Carolyn sneaked a furtive glance back. Very romantic indeed, and they deserve every moment, she thought. Then she turned back to the girls, and they left with the promise of cake and some of Giles’ fresh snow cream.

THREE

“Adam, would you please come to bed,” cut through the darkness. “Stalking around like a caged animal for the past three days isn’t going to make the snow stop.”

“I know, but I just feel so restless and helpless.”

“Then come away from the window so you won’t see it and come lay down by your sons.” Angelica’s voice turned sugary. “I’ll tell you a bedtime story.”

A snigger came from his side of the room then the bed springs squeaked as he climbed in beside the boys.

He felt her fingers lace in his heavy black hair, and her nails dig into his scalp. The sudden need to kiss her lips welled within him to the point of busting, but he had to settle for the palm of her hand then the inside of her wrist. “Tomorrow night the boys sleep in their own beds.”

“We’ll see…. We’ll see.”

*******

Someone began to shake her, and for a brief second she thought she would like to slap them.

“Angel! Angel!”

Sleep didn’t want to go peacefully as she blinked. It was still dark. “Adam…? Is something wrong…? What time is it?”

“Almost three o’clock. But the snow has stopped. If it holds I can start work on the house again.”

She groaned, and her head sunk deeper into the pillow. “You woke me up to… Oh, Adam, go back to your side of the bed.”

“Don’t you understand that I can go back to work?”

“I understand that in two minutes I am going to shoot you if you don’t get back into bed.”

Tiny grunts filled the quiet, then – in the faint light that entered from the window – a small head bobbed up.

Angelica groaned again. “Now look what you have accomplished.”

“It’s all right. I’ll take him before he wakes his brothers.” Adam leaned over her and gathered the baby up. “Now you go on back to sleep.” He kissed her on the forehead and about half expected a hand across his face. He escaped it this time.

Adam’s bare feet brushed quietly over the carpet as he returned to the window with his son. He couldn’t see which one he had, but he guessed it to be Addy. He pushed the small head down against his shoulder, and it stayed there, then he began rubbing circles on the warm back. Soft breath tickled his neck as the baby yawned, and he felt the little muscles relax. A petite hand grasped the fabric of his nightshirt, and the child’s breathing grew heavier.

Adam’s attention refocused beyond the glass. The world was blanketed in pale blue. It conjured up images of Sweden, as Inger had described it to him, and it warmed him. The baby moved slightly, and he hugged the little fella closer. Today I can get our life started again, he thought.

*******

All those assembled at the table had temporarily lost interest in their own breakfast as they watched Adam wolf his. If one didn’t know better, they would think he hadn’t seen a decent meal in a month. He grabbed his cup – sloshing some of its contents onto the table cloth, though he didn’t notice – and took a swig of the near boiling coffee.

“Storing up for the rest of the winter?” Siddon said, offhandedly.

But Adam kept right on going as if nothing had been said. He cut off a piece of ham that the most knowledgeable would know could choke a horse and stuffed it into his mouth.

Angelica’s eyes darted to each face, then to her husband. “Adam, slow down before you get strangled.”

“No time,” came out muffled by food. “I need to get out to the building site.”

“It’s not going anywhere,” Siddon said, and hid his grin behind his cup.

“I know.” Adam gobbled down half a fried egg. “But I’ve been idle for close to four days, and I need to get back to it. It won’t build itself.”

“I have to agree with that,” Siddon said, with a lopsided frown. “But there’s no great hurry. After all…”

“Sorry, Sid,” Adam said, as he pushed himself away from the table and came to his feet. “I just don’t have time.” He gave his wife a hasty peck on the cheek then swabbed his remaining morsel of biscuit in the golden yolk on the plate and popped into his mouth.

Every eye followed after him as he practically leapt from the room.

“Excuse me,” Angelica said, as she laid her napkin on the table. She stood and rushed out after him.

“Siddon, why don’t you go with him?” Carolyn said, as she cut a dainty piece from her ham.

“I will, after I finish my breakfast. Though I can’t be sure just rightly when.” He sopped a biscuit in his gravy and bit into it.

Carolyn’s blue eyes turned cold as river ice. “I don’t think not eating so much is going to hurt you.”

“That may be so, dear,” Siddon said, with a crooked smile, “but Adam is a big boy now, and he doesn’t need me to hold his hand for him.”

Carolyn’s fork made a hard clink against the dish as she put it down. Amelia’s and her sisters’ eyes ran between their parents. They had been around them long enough to know when their mother was displeased, and their father didn’t really care. It usually led to cutting words, mainly on her part, and they knew not to get in the way.

“Must you always be so obstinate?”

“Yes, dear,” Siddon said, sweetly, and took a sip.

“If you think, Mr. Banning, that you are going to destroy my appetite over this, you are sadly mistaken.”

Mr. Banning! That did it. This was serious.

“Mother,” Amelia spoke up, “I’m not very hungry this morning. It must be the baby.” She put her hand on her belly for emphasis. “May I be excused?”

“Us, too?” Marjorie and Juliet piped up in, in unison.

Carolyn turned her attention to her oldest, and her face softened. “Are you all right, sweetheart?” Frosty eyes flicked back to Siddon.

“I’m just fine, Mother, but I’m not really hungry for some reason.”

“Nonsense, you’re eating for two now. Why don’t you take your breakfast up to your room? Your sisters can take theirs and eat with you.”

“All right, if you think it is for the best.”

“I do. Now the three of you toddle off. Your father and I…,” her keen eyes went to her husband eating contentedly, “have some things to discuss.”

Trying not to seem too hasty, Amelia gathered her setting. Marjorie and Juliet made no such effort, and went out right ahead of their sister.

They expected to hear sharp words behind them, but instead the dining room grew silent as a mausoleum.

“Ah oh, you know Mother’s mad as a spitting tomcat when she goes all quiet.”

Amelia’s mouth fell agape. “Juliet Victoria Banning! If Mother heard you talking like a common lumberjack, she would wash your mouth out with lye soap.”

Juliet went sheepish, and her dark brown eyes peered past her ebony ringlets. “May be, but it’s the truth, isn’t it?”

Amelia went from being aghast to being amused. “Yes, it is.” She tittered sneakily, and her eyes flitted behind her. “Now, let’s go upstairs before the war starts.”

With a round of girlish giggles they hurried up the stairs with their plates.

Angelica pulled her cloak tighter around her as she watched Adam hitching the big team to the wagon. It was as cold inside the stable as outside, but in here the wind didn’t bite.

“Can’t you at least wait for Siddon to finish his breakfast so he can go with you? I don’t like the idea of you driving all that way in all this snow alone.”

“I won’t be alone. The horses will be with me.”

“Please, Adam, don’t patronize me. It isn’t becoming.”

He stopped, and his apologetic dark eyes went to her, his fingers seized on a harness buckle. “All right. It won’t happen again.” His attention returned to his chore as he continued. “I’ll be all right. I have done this sorta thing more than a couples times. I don’t need a nursemaid.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust in your ability, but accidents can happen to even the most seasoned of us.”

He came to where she stood and bent over to fasten the traces to the wagon. “And you thought that Siddon could carry me home if it did.”

“Now you’re just being flippant.” She reached out, and touched the side of his face, and he stopped.

The urge to kiss her until he bruised her mouth hit him again, and this time there was nothing to stop him. They were alone, and the horses wouldn’t mind. With a sudden jerk, he rose and crushed her to him. He pushed the hood back from her head, and his fingers gnarled in the silken, dark brown tresses. Angelica was, without doubt, the most kissable, most tantalizing and most seductive woman he had ever seen. Sometimes she agitated his ardor into frenzy that was hard to resist, and this was one of those times. And then there were those deep eyes that could swallow a man whole. His head lowered, and he could feel her trembling in his hold. “The house can wait a little bit longer.”

Angelica gulped a breath, and her eyelids fell as his lips smothered hers. Her hands pressed against his broad chest, and she could feel his fierce heart beating as if in answer to her own. What had she ever done to have such a gift bestowed upon her? And how could she have ever thought she loved the likes of Hazleton Greenwood? It tickled her mind, but she didn’t want Adam to think she was laughing at him, so she kept it to herself. Then the thought that that odious man had thought to do harm to her beloved Adam and it made the intensity of her trembling increase. No one will ever hurt you if I can possibly help it, she thought.

“Ooops.”

Adam broke off the kiss, and her head fell forward against him. Maybe if she kept her face hidden she wouldn’t give herself away.”

“Sorry about that, old man,” Siddon said, as he came on in, buttoning his heavy coat. “I thought you were by yourself.”

“Obviously not,” Adam said, gruffly. “I thought you were gonna come out later today.”

“I had thought to, but Carolyn had other plans for me.” He resettled the black bowler over his even blacker hair and grinned with a touch of irony. “She has definite ideas about things. I don’t think she wanted you going out there alone.”

Adam’s gaze darted down to Angelica. “She wasn’t the only one.”

“Women do have there ways.” He snorted as he started to slip on his gloves. “I put up a good fight, but, as usual, I could only resist for so long.” He surveyed the horses and wagon. “It looks like you’re ready to go. Do you want me to drive or would you rather?”

“I will, but I just have one more thing to take care of.”

Siddon’s thick brows arched shrewdly. “Oh. Well, I’ll just climb aboard and wait until you’re finished.”

While Siddon got up onto the wagon seat, Adam walked Angelica to the door. They stepped outside, and he turned her to him as they stopped.

“What with the new snow and distance put together, I think it’ll be best if I stay out there.”

Her face blanched. “For how long?”

“I don’t know, but it’ll make things go quicker, and we can hopefully get into our house that much sooner.”

“I don’t care if it is Christmas when we do. I don’t like the idea of being parted from you for goodness knows how long.” She reached up and began to trace one of his fine cheekbones with her thumb. “It will be as bad as if you were in a completely different state, and all for the sake of a house.”

He shook his head. “No…, it’s all for the sake of you, and the boys. My family needs their own home, and it’s a man’s duty to provide.”

Like Siddon, Angelica knew when it was best to throw in the towel. “All right, but don’t ask me to like it. And this had better be the most fabulous house in the world.”

“I don’t know about that, but I’ll do my best.” His eyes clandestinely roved around them then he cupped her chin in his hand, tilted her head up and kissed her lips. “Have I said recently that I love you?”

“Yes, but you can never say it too much.” She sighed. “You will be careful, won’t you?”

“Of course I will. Now you go on back into the house before you catch your death of cold.” He gave her a peck on the cheek and a nudge toward the path. Then he went back into the stable. “All right, Sid, let’s get going. And I want to stop in town first and check on Linc.”

Angelica batted back the tears and headed toward the house. Maybe she should stay and watch him drive away, but she just couldn’t make herself.

FOUR

The motion of the swan-armed rocking chair in the corner increased second by second. A needle pulled pale green embroidery floss through the fine linen and a delicate leaf quickly took shape. Ornate, keen-pointed scissors snipped the taut strand and it flipped back, and the color was changed to pastel pink. And all this accomplished in complete silence, but the significance in the manner in which it was done was lost on no one. When Carolyn Banning fumed, she did so with grace and deportment. And what she didn’t say spoke far more clearly than what she did.

Angelica had brought the boys down to the main parlor after their feeding to let them play before the fire. The blocks – which had belonged to Juliet – were once more bringing about baby laughs. “Mother’s mad at Daddy, you know,” Juliet whispered, as she rolled a block to Addy.

“Mother doesn’t get mad,” Marjorie admonished. “She’s just working out her frustration.”

Amelia crooked a sly grin as she glanced over to the corner from which the frantic rocking emanated. “Call it what you want to, but I know for a fact that she’s…”

“Mad as a wet hen,” Juliet threw in.

“Really, Juliet,” Marjorie said, with a reproving scowl. “Must you be so immature?

“Oh, don’t be so snippety. She is, and you know it. Don’t you agree, Angelica?”

Angelica did not want to get involved in this conversation. She thought very highly of Carolyn, and she didn’t want to run the risk of anything she might say hurting her. “I’m afraid that I’m not a good judge of what your mother is feeling right at this moment, or any moment, for that matter.”

“Well, anybody can see that she’s furious, and we all know who with,” Juliet said, and she caught the block with a flourish. “Poor Daddy, he didn’t really do anything. He just wanted to stay home for a little while longer before he went out into the cold.” She sighed. “It’ll be for the best if he doesn’t come home tonight.”

“I’m sure that your mother and father will work things out. They love each other way too much to let something like this come between them.”

“Of course, they do. But Mother has her own way of doing things, and when something doesn’t go exactly.” Amelia gasped, and cast her eyes to the ceiling.

Suddenly, the rocking ceased. “Marjorie, Juliet, do you have chores that need attending?”

“Yes, a few,” Marjorie said, meekly.

“Then I suggest that you finish them.”

“Can’t we play with the boys for a little while longer?” Juliet pleaded.

“Don’t argue with me, young lady. I did not raise my daughters to question their elders. Now go do as I say.”

“Yes, Mother,” came blandly from both of them.

The girls got to their feet and shook the wrinkles from their dress tails then headed from the room. As one of the double doors closed, Amelia turned her attention to Addy and leaned closer to Angelica. “Expect fireworks when Daddy gets home.” She kissed the top of the baby’s head. “And Juliet is wrong. The longer he stays away the more Mother will simmer, and the bigger this will get.”

Angelica looked over to where the frantic rocking had resumed. This was a side of Carolyn that she wasn’t that familiar with. She knew that the woman could be a bit unbending at times – she had heard this from Adam, who had known the Bannings for a longer time – but she couldn’t understand all this over such a small, insignificant thing. Nonetheless, Carolyn was still her friend, and it wasn’t her place to pass judgment.

*******

The subdued sun was straight overhead when the big wagon rumbled into the clearing. It had taken longer than Adam and Siddon had expected it to due to the new snowfall, and they were hungry as wolves. Giles had packed some ham and biscuits, but that had long since been devoured, and what little coffee remained was cold as a frog.

“Chris!” Adam called, as he jumped down.

“They took you at your word,” Siddon said, as he came down on the other side. “If they’ve done any work since we left with Linc the other day, I’m hard pressed to see it.”

“I did tell them not to do any more than they had to.”

Siddon chortled. “Well, it looks like they didn’t have to.” He raised his head with a sniff and groaned as his eyes rolled closed. “Bacon.” He sniffed again, but more deeply. “And coffee and fried potatoes.”

“I don’t care if it’s boiled shoe laces and baked horseshoe nails. I’m hungry as a bitch wolf. Chris!”

The door to the cook shack opened, and Chris McCutcheon came out onto the porch, his coat gathered around him. “Boss?” He came down the steps and made his way over to them. “We didn’t hear you come in. Gibby was telling one of his stories again.”

Adam cocked an eyebrow. “Which one this time?”

“The one about where the skunk got into the cook shack in the dead of winter when he was workin’ for the Circle H outfit up in Colorado.” Chris’ nose wrinkled, and his tongue hung to his chin as he made a gagging sound. “I don’t think I could eat one bite of skunk stew.”

Adam chuckled and turned to Siddon. “Have you ever been privy to any of Gibby’s yarns?”

“A couple.” The big man shook his head. “He reminds me of Halley that works at the lumber camp. I guess line cooks, no matter where they ply their trade, are all their own breed.”

“You and Mr. Banning gonna eat with us, Boss?”

“If you’ve got enough,” Adam said, about half joking.

“Ah, you know Gibby. He always fixes enough to feed Coxey’s Army. And I bet you’re both froze plumb nigh solid.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice. “And Juva’s got four bottles stashed this time.”

Siddon laughed robustly. “Juva’s infamous liquid moon!”

“We gonna start work after we eat?” Chris asked, as he snuggled down inside the coat.

Adam’s eyes trailed briefly to the overcast above. “It’s late, and we wouldn’t accomplish much so we’ll just wait until tomorrow. You two go on in while I put the wagon and team in the barn then I’ll be right in.”

“You need some help?”

“No, I can handle it. You just go on with Chris. This won’t take long.”

Siddon and Chris started off for the weathered shack while Adam led the horses into the barn. It still wasn’t completed but would afford enough shelter for the big horses, and the wagon and its cargo.

*******

The night had settled cold and still. Darkness had fallen right about suppertime, as it always did this time of year. After eating, Adam and Siddon had gone out to the barn to take care of the horses then joined the rest of the men in the bunkhouse.

Every chair in the place was gathered around the little stove – its orangey glow the only light in the room – and Adam, Siddon and Chris got their choice. There weren’t enough to go around, so Juva and Wyatt sat in the floor, their legs crossed, Indian-style. Two of the previously mentioned bottles had been brought out and were being passed around.

“Here ya go, Boss.”

“Thanks, Juva,” Adam said, as he accepted the bottle offered him. He took a good, hard slug, then spluttered as he gave his head a jerk. “Whew! I still say that stuff’d peel the hide off a buffalo.”

Siddon gave pretty much the same reaction. “I bet you could sharpen an axe with it.” His watery eyes floated warily over to the man next to him. “Fonse doesn’t see to mind.”

“Ol’ Fonse here,” Noah slapped an arm over his shoulders, “is older ‘n the rest of us, and I got no doubt this ain’t nothin’ new.”

Fonse took a good swallow, and made no outward sign that it bothered him. “I figger my innards was stripped bare a long time ago, and they ain’t nothin’ left to be offended.”

“Gibby shoulda joined us. He don’t know what he’s missin’,” Juva said, and took a healthy jolt.

“I think maybe he does,” Adam said, and eyed the bottle dubiously before he handed it to over to Noah.

A high pitched squeal circulated around them, and Wyatt’s whole body tensed, as his hand clamped on the bottle.

“I told you about that stuff, boy,” Adam said, as a single eyebrow rose. “Maybe next time you’ll listen.”

“Ahh,” Juva snorted, and whacked the boy hard on the back. “It’ll be good for ‘im. Put some hair on his chest.”

“Most likely burn it off from the inside out,” Noah muttered, and took a swig.

“If we’d had this when the house caught fire, we coulda used it to blow a fire break.” Noah said, with a titter.

“Are you kiddin’?” Chris said, with a huff. “It woulda put the whole shebang on the moon, and us along with it.”

It got perfectly quiet for several seconds then a small, teenaged voice spoke up. “I wonder if they got good looking women on the moon.”

Then another voice said, “If they do, they probably got six of everything.”

“Why six?” was the youthful question.

“Because it’s a nice rooouund figure,” said the slightly slurred baritone.

It got quiet again then was immediately shattered by robust male laughter accompanied by plenty of foot stamping and knee slapping.

The liquor was taking effect.

FIVE

It hadn’t snowed any more, so the only thing that made work more laborious was the night before. And at this rate, it would take longer to get the snow shoveled than it had taken it to cover the ground. The men moved as if they were bogged down in thick, cold molasses, and faces were long as any bloodhound.

“I told you not to tote out them other two bottles,” Noah griped, as he raised a shovelful, but couldn’t quite get it over his head.

“You did not,” Juva snapped, and winced at his own voice. “In fact, it was your idea in the first place.”

“Well, if I didn’t think of it somebody else woulda.”

“Yeah, but somebody else didn’t,” Fonse said, as he came out of the barn with an armload of boards. If ever a man looked like a warmed over corpse, it was him. In fact, he felt like one, too. Everything seemed to swim in a sea of red from his side of his eyes, and his head pounded as if someone had just hit him with a branding iron.

“Are you sayin’ this is my fault?” Noah groused, as he shot Fonse his nastiest look.

“That about sums it,” Fonse said, and dropped his load in a clattering heap.

Noah moaned, dropped his shovel, and grabbed his head with both hands. “Don’t do that!”

Wyatt staggered as he came out behind Fonse, and a sicker looking boy never lived. “I feel like I’ve been kicked in the head by a mule…. Will this kill me?”

“Only if you’re lucky,” Fonse said, and slid down the partial wall until his butt rested on a snow bank. The resultant jar made him wish someone would shoot him. “Juva, do us all a favor, and next time only buy one bottle at a time.”

“That’s what I did.” He began to count on his fingers. “One in October, one in November, one in December, and one last month. I was savin’ ‘em for somethin’ special.”

“Does murder count?” Wyatt asked, as he sat next to Fonse.

“Who you gonna do in?” Juva asked, as he rested on his shovel handle.

“Me,” Wyatt said, and leaned over against Fonse, who lightly patted the top of his head.

Just then Chris stomped into the doorway, and he looked more like a flustered red chicken than anything else. “Look, the next man that raises his voice…, I’m gonna personally kill!”

“Chris, shut up,” boomed from inside the barn, “before I make my daughter a widow!”

“And you’re next,” threatened a low, seething baritone.

Chris turned too quickly and reeled into the doorjamb then disappeared back inside.

“I guess we best get back to work,” Noah said, and gingerly picked up his shovel. “The Boss is in a cranky mood this morning, and he’s just liable to come out here and mash us if we don’t.”

“I suppose so,” Juva said, with lackluster zeal. “And Fonse and Wyatt can both get a shovel and help us.”

“I’m too old, and he’s too young,” Fonse said, and patted the boy tenderly on the side of the face.

“You both give me a pain,” Noah said, and went about his chore a little too abruptly. As he bent over he felt like his head would split all the way down to his ankles. No sense fighting it, he thought. He let his knees fold under him, and he fell, face down, in the snow. And he didn’t care if he froze to death.

*******

Angelica brought her empty plate and glass – only a small amount of milk coated its bottom – into the kitchen and sat them on the work table. “Giles makes the best molasses drops I have ever eaten.”

“Mr. Giles didn’t make these,” Patsy said, as she slid a pan from the oven. “I did.”

“Well, I must say, that they’re excellent. But all I’ve ever eaten were made with sweet milk. You used buttermilk, didn’t you?”

“My Mother always made hers that way. Would you like a hot one?”

“Maybe some other time. Right now I’m afraid that I simply don’t have room. I have already gorged myself.”

Angelica watched her as the young woman put the cookies on the table to cool.

“You haven’t been working for the Banning’s very long.”

“Just since December, ma’am. They had an opening when one of their girls quit to get married and I did so need the job.”

“Well, you won’t be sorry you took it. The Bannings are good people.”

“Yes, ma’am, they certainly are. I haven’t had it this good since my mother died in August, then the mortgage came due, and I couldn’t meet it.” The girl stopped and the metal spatula with its sweet load hovered over the table. “The bank took the house.” Then a cheery smile brightened her face, and she carried on with her task. “But now I have my own room, plenty to eat, good treatment and an income. I can’t complain.”

Someone knocked at the back door.

“Patsy, see who that is,” said the plump, gray-haired woman peeling potatoes in the corner.

Patsy excused herself politely then did as she had been told. Cold vied with the heat put out by the two big cast iron stoves as the door opened. Angelica recognized Joel Stiverson, who worked at the freight depot at the other end of town.

“Mrs. Mapes, this man wants to see Mr. Banning. I told him that he isn’t here, but he says that it is important, and is very insistent.”

“Do I have to tell you everything, girl?” the woman said, tersely, as her knife pierced the skin of another potato. “You know what to do when Mr. Banning isn’t here. So, for Heaven’s sake, invite him in, and close that door before we all freeze.”

“Yes, Mrs. Mapes,” Patsy said, timidly, then did as she had pretty much been ordered. Then the girl trotted from the kitchen.

Angelica didn’t care for the way that Mapes woman treated Patsy, and if it were her household, it would definitely be corrected.

“Shew, boy, it’s cold as whiz bang out there,” young Stiverson said, as he moved closer to one of the stoves. He stuffed his hat under his arm then removed his gloves, and held his hands over a pot of boiling water. “I wanted to ride my horse, but Mr. Botts said it wasn’t that far, and the walk wouldn’t kill me.” He shivered, and his curly red hair danced over his forehead. “But it sure nigh froze me to death.”

“Joel!” Giles said, merrily, as he briskly strode into the kitchen, Patsy right behind him. “What brings you out on such a mercilessly cold day as this?”

“Mr. Botts got in some heavy freight for Mr. Cartwright last night.”

Angelica had decided that one more cookie simply couldn’t hurt anything, but now it lost her attention. She gulped down her mouthful, and stood motionless, her ears finely tuned.

“Three large crates, it is,” Joel continued. “They got in too late to bother anybody, and my being the youngest one there, I got stuck with doin’ it today. But Mr. Botts hadta practically peel me away from the stove.” He snickered.

“Do you know what it is?” Giles asked, as he rested his hands on his hips.

“No, sir, I wasn’t told. But Mr. Botts said to get over here lickety split or he’d hang my hide on a rail fence.” This wasn’t so funny.

“Thank you, Joel,” Giles said, and gave the young man a friendly swat on the arm. “Now why don’t you warm yourself with a cup of tea and some fresh molasses drops before you head back out into this? Patsy makes ‘em mighty good.”

“Thank you, Mr. Giles.” Joel’s eyes twinkled as they turned to Patsy. “I’d like that just fine.”

“I’ll make the tea,” Patsy chirped, and nearly tripped over her own feet in her haste.

Giles left the kitchen and went to the cloak room under the winding staircase in the front entry. He had just taken his coat from its brass hook when a forceful voice said, “I want to come with you.” He spun around, the garment clenched in his hand. “Miss Angelica.”

“I want to come with you.”

“Ma’am, I don’t think that’s such a good idea. It’s awfully cold outside.”

“I am from Maine. I grew up with the cold and snow. So unless you can come up with a better reason than that, I want to come with you.”

“Maybe Mr. Adam wouldn’t want you to.”

“Do you know what is at the depot?”

“I have an idea. And if it’s what I think, it’s supposed to be a surprise.”

“Please, let me come, or I’ll die of ravenous curiosity. The boys are being well watched after by Marjorie and Juliet, and I have a new cloak to keep me warm. So, there is no real reason for me to stay here.”

One could almost see the wheels turning behind Giles’ canny eyes. “Do you really want to spoil the surprise?”

She thought this over for a few seconds then held her right index finger and thumb barely apart. And purple lights glittered in her impish eyes. “Maybe just a little.”

Giles’ eyes ran over her face, then one corner of his mouth crooked into something that might be considered a smile, if one tried extra hard. “All right, ma’am. But you dress good and warm. Mr. Adam would have my scalp if I let you get sick.”

With a shriek of delight, she grabbed his face in her hands and kissed him on the cheek. Then she realized what she had done, and a blush of scarlet flooded her face. “Please, don’t tell anyone I did that.”

“Your secret’s safe with me, ma’am.”

She thanked him graciously then donned her cloak while he got into his coat. After she brought the hood over her head, he put his hat on, and allowed her to go first. He knew that if this got out, he would get a royal tongue thrashing for sure. But it wasn’t Mr. Siddon or Mr. Adam he worried about most. He had been dressed down by Miss Carolyn before, and – with her in the frame of mind she was – he knew this one would be an absolute beaut.

SIX

Ithicus Botts ran the only freight company in Bantree, and he did so with an iron hand. Eleven drivers and five others – including Joel Stiverson – worked for him and probably stayed on only because the pay was so good. The business thrived, so he could afford to be generous with his employees. And, as he always liked to say, “You get more work out of a well fed horse than a starved mule.” unquote.

The chair behind his battered desk squeaked as he turned as someone entered his place of business. The sides of his mouth curved into nothing remotely resembling a smile. “Mace.”

Giles’ and Angelica’s shoes thumped over the rough floorboards as they crossed to the desk.

Botts raised his broad frame from the tight fitting chair. “I figured somebody’d be down here after I sent young Stiverson to see Mr. Banning. But I figured it’d be Siddon himself.”

“Mr. Banning isn’t there,” Giles said, as he shook the man’s mitt-like hand. “But he trusts me with things that come up when he’s not.”

“I know that, Mace.” The man stroked his tawny, cookie duster mustache. Then his gaze flicked to the woman.

“I think you know Mrs. Cartwright.”

“We’ve never been formally introduced, but I have seen her about town. How do, ma’am.”

Angelica ducked her head politely. She had heard about Ithicus Botts’ gruff manner, and, since she found herself in foreign territory, she opted to say little, and let Giles handle things. To a point.

“Joel told me that you got in three large crates for Mr. Cartwright late last night,” Giles said, and his eyes darted briefly to Angelica.

“Yeah,” Botts said, and his round face bunched into a frown that seemed to completely take over his features, “and blasted lucky they got here at all. Sorry, ma’am. What with the weather and my drivers havin’ to go through Dead Man’s Pass heavily loaded at the height of a snowstorm, mighty lucky indeed.”

“We need to see them,” Giles said, and kept his attention focused on Botts.

Again, Angelica found herself the subject of the man’s hawk-like glare.

“I don’t let no women back in the store room. Could get hurt, you know. And I don’t want no irate husband comin’ after my head simply ‘cause I wasn’t mindful of his wife.”

“I don’t think you’d havta worry about that from Mr. Cartwright. He understands how accidents can happen. And Mrs. Cartwright has lived on a ranch for over a year, so I think she knows how to take care of herself.”

“Don’t make no difference. I got my rules, and she ain’t goin’ back there.”

“I’m sorry,” Giles said, as he turned to her. “I guess I’ll havta go back by myself.”

“Sorry, ma’am, but I got my rules, and it’s for your own safety. You understand.”

“Of course, I do, Mr. Botts. I’ll wait right here.”

Botts took a handkerchief from a back britches pocket and wiped his shiny forehead and back into his receding hairline. “All right, Mace, let’s do this. I got work to get at.”

Angelica watched as they went to the back of the long office and through a door that creaked on its hinges. The stove that sat near the corner of the desk put out a lot of heat and the room was warm. She eased the cloak from her shoulders and stepped to the window that looked out into the corral at the side of the building where the horses were kept. The glass was frosted over so she couldn’t really see anything.

After a couple or so minutes, the hinges complained again as Botts returned.

“Would you like some coffee, ma’am?”

She turned just as he lifted the banged up pot and a cup. “No thank you, I’m just fine.”

Her skirt dragged over the less than clean floor as she milled about the office. She could see that her presence had an unsettling effect on Mr. Botts, and she hoped that would work to her advantage.

She made two aimless circuits of the room, coming closer to the desk where he sat each time. As she started on her third round, a devious smirk flitted over her face, and she began fanning herself with her gloves. “My, it is warm in here, and a little stifling.” Her hip brushed the desk, and his flinch seemed almost painful. “I think I will step outside for a breath of air.”

“Do you need for me to come with you?”

“No, no, I’ll be perfectly all right. You just continue with what you are doing. And if Giles finishes before I come back in, you can tell him I will be right outside.”

She saw relief cross his reddened face as she started for the door. Adam had told her more than once about the man’s nervousness around women. Maybe that explained why – at fifty – he had never married.

She stepped out onto the badly weathered and roofless porch, and closed the door. A brisk gust caught her, and chilled the perspiration on her face. She pulled the cloak closer about her, and brought the hood over her head. The gloves were tugged on as her eyes scanned clandestinely to either side and before her. No one else was around.

She gathered her skirt and petticoats into her hands and clipped down the three steps then – with another reassuring glance – slipped around the corner of the building. She stayed close to the wall, ever on the alert for someone who could catch her. Careful to make as little sound as possible, her feet skimmed the ground as lightly as she could make them.

Her heart pounded in her ears, and adrenaline ran through her body in a wild torrent. Her palms had become sweaty in the soft leather gloves, and her mouth parched as the most arid desert. She felt like a spy behind Confederate lines in the recent war, ferreting out secret and vital information. And the possibility of being discovered only heightened her escalating exhilaration. Of course, if she were found out, she wouldn’t have to worry about being hung. All she had to worry about was Adam, and maybe that was worse.

The window that looked into the store room was frosted over just like the one in the office, only more heavily so. She couldn’t see in, and it didn’t want to scrape away. Careful as a mouse in a barn full of cats, she lightly tapped the glass. She waited. Nothing happened. She tapped again. Still nothing. She felt as if someone had stuffed her mouth full of cotton, and some of it had made its way down her throat. Again she tapped, and this time used all the fingers of one hand. Quickly, she looked about her. I hope Giles heard that and no one else, she thought.

After what felt like an eternity, the window finally raised. It scraped and squeaked, and she knew they had to hear it in Bangor. The angular and not completely handsome face of Mason Giles had never looked so good. “What took you so long?” she said, in a rough whisper. “I’ve tapped and tapped.”

“I guess I just didn’t hear you.” He looked toward the door that led into the office. “I feel like…”

“A Confederate spy.”

“How’d you know?”

“It doesn’t matter. Did you find them?”

“Sure did. Right over in the far back corner.”

“Have you looked inside yet?”

“No.” His brows lowered. “I still don’t think this is such a good idea. What if we’re caught?”

“It’s not like we’re going to be put in front a wall and shot by firing squad. And I only want to see a little bit so I can see what it is. That can’t really hurt anything.”

“Well, I can tell you exactly what it is. Botts showed me the bill of lading. It’s furniture, all the way from Boston.”

“Boston?”

“That’s right. There are some fine furniture makers up that way.”

“Maybe you could take something out and give me a peek.”

Giles obviously still didn’t like it. He held up a single finger. “One.”

With a jerky nod, he moved back into the room. She watched him – her fingers digging into the sill – as he found a pry bar on top of a barrel and went to one of the large crates. As carefully as he could, he pried the nails loose holding down the lid. They squeaked as they left the wood. His mouth spread into a wide, toothy grimace, and his eyes continually shot to the office door.

“I’m gonna get caught for sure,” he said, half under his breath, as he continued to work, “and Mr. Banning is gonna hang my hair in the main street.”

“Oh, don’t exaggerate. Now hurry. The longer you take, the better the chances are that we will both get caught.”

“I shouldn’t’ve let myself get talked into this in the first place,” he grumbled himself, then clamped his mouth together, and shook his head. “Um, um, a woman’s curiosity. Gets a man into trouble every time.”

“Would you stop complaining, and just do what we came here for.”

Finally, he laid the bar aside as he got the lid loose. With much effort and puffing, he pushed until he got it about half off and peered inside.

Her inquisitiveness was obviously eating her up. “Well?”

He knew she wouldn’t be satisfied if he merely described the contents to her. Women, at least, all that he had ever met, couldn’t settle for just being told. They had to see for themselves, and some wanted to touch. He hoped that Angelica Cartwright wasn’t a toucher. He leaned in as far as he could and came out with a piece. “It’s an oak dining chair.”

Angelica could hardly see it for the tears that misted her vision. She blotted her eyes with her knuckles, and blinked for a better look. It was the most beautiful golden color and had a scarlet velvet upholstered seat. “I have never seen a lovelier chair. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he had it made especially for our new house. Can you bring it over here so I can run my hands over it?”

Giles’ eyes snapped to her, and his chin dropped at least six or seven inches. Yep, a toucher.

“Giles.” She waggled her fingers as if waving at herself.

Giles knew he didn’t want to do this. But he had promised, though he could kick himself for it. With a skewed frown, he started toward her with the chair.

The door opened, and Giles’ feet glued themselves to the floor. His hands went into death grip mode on the smooth wood. Angelica vanished, as if she had never even been there.

“Mace, what’re you doing?” Botts asked, and his hand clamped on the doorknob. Then a rush of cold air snagged his attention. “Why did you open the window?”

Think fast, Mace, he thought. “I got a little hot working on the crate, and the light is better by the window.”

“Hot? It’s cold as a dead fish in here.” Botts’ looked toward the open box then raised his eyes. “And that window’s closer.”

Giles looked behind him and gawped stupidly. “So it is. I guess I just wasn’t paying attention.” He feigned intense scrutiny of the chair. “Well, this is just fine. I’ve done what I came for, so I can go now.” With post haste, he returned the piece of furniture to the crate, and put the lid haphazardly back into place while Botts closed the window.

Angelica had just come into the office as the men left the back room. She knew she read total relief on Giles’ face at seeing her. And, to tell the truth, she felt a certain amount of relief herself. “Is everything satisfactory?”

“It couldn’t be better. Mr. Adam will be very pleased.” He turned to Botts and grabbed the man’s hand and pumped it. “Thank you, Ith, you’ve been a lot of help, but we really need to go now.” He rushed to Angelica and took hold of her elbow. He tipped his hat to Botts then opened the door and helped Angelica out.

“Let’s get out of here,” Giles said, as he pulled the door together, “before he starts putting pieces together, and remembering just exactly what he saw.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

They went down the steps – his hand still on her elbow – and started toward the street. As they cleared the gate that led into the yard, Angelica couldn’t help the relieved little chuckle that escaped her. It was contagious. Giles just flat out laughed as their eyes met, and she did the same as they picked up their pace. Their covert activities had been successful, and she and her unwilling accomplice were making good their escape. Now all she had to do was make sure that her exuberance and new knowledge didn’t give her away.

SEVEN

It had been just over three days since Angelica’s excursion into espionage, and the thrill had waned, though the warmth engendered by Adam’s gift remained. She hadn’t told a soul what she and Giles had been up to, although the looks they had gotten from Carolyn plainly said she knew something was amiss. But, to her relief, the woman had seemed wholly disinterested.

Angelica sat in the chair by the bedroom window, the draperies open; Addy nestled to her breast, the last to be fed. It was dark in the room, and she knew that any errant eyes outside couldn’t see anything. Stars, pure white dots of light, shimmered and winked as if flirting with her. The night was clear, and as cold as any so far this year, but the nearness of the child in her arms, and thoughts of her Adam kept her from feeling so alone. A heavy breath, which failed to dislodge Addy, wracked her as she wondered what her beloved was doing at this moment in time. Was he looking upon the same stars as her, and did he miss her as terribly as she did him? A smile turned the sides of her mouth, and she hugged the baby closer.

Someone knocked lightly.

“Yes, who is it?”

“Carolyn. Is it all right if I come in?”

Angelica bade her enter.

Carolyn peeped in around the door, and a pale stream of light filtered in around her. “Am I disturbing you?”

“No, we’re just finishing up supper. Please, come in and sit with us. But if you want to light a lamp, you will have to close the draperies first.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Carolyn softly pushed the door together – engulfing the room in darkness again – and her dress rustled as she came in. The bed creaked mildly as she took a seat. “It’s a beautiful, peaceful night.”

“It is that. I only wish Adam were here to share it.”

Carolyn’s silence was deafening.

“I imagine that he and the others are turning in from a long, hard day,” Angelica went on. “I find myself wishing that I could be there, though I would probably blush at the talk around the bunkhouse stove.”

“I doubt they would want to be bothered with women. You know how men are when they get together that way.”

Angelica couldn’t see her friend’s expression, but she could hear plainly that something troubled her mind. And she had an idea what. “You mean Siddon wouldn’t?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because you did.”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Not in so many words, but the meaning was there. And I heard more in what you didn’t say.”

“Am I that obvious, even in the dark?”

“I’m afraid so. You have been dragging yourself around the house, snapping at people and working like a fiend ever since he left. And then there are all those trips into town you keep so quiet about.” Angelica snickered. “At this pace, your embroidery will soon be finished.”

“I don’t know, sometimes I think he deliberately likes to anger me.”

“He is, after all, a man. In many ways, they are all alike.”

“Does Adam do that?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t be annoying at times. I guess if there were only one thing I could change about him, it would be that he stop being so hard on himself. I could even continue to live with his stubbornness if he would only stop reproaching himself when things don’t go the way he thinks they should. Would you believe that he felt guilt over the house burning? He got the silly idea he had let us down because he wasn’t the one to discover the fire and alert us. He is a lovely, loving man that freely gives of himself to others, and I love him more than the breath of life. But sometimes he makes me want to pull out my own hair.”

“Do you ever regret marrying him?”

Angelica felt like she had been dropped in ice water. “Absolutely not. My life didn’t have any real meaning to it until I discovered the wonderful secret this wild country held, and knew we loved each other. Why? Do you feel that way about Siddon?”

“No, but sometimes he just infuriates me so. Did the girls tell you about what happened the day they left?”

“Amelia did.”

“Do you think I am overreacting?”

“That is for you to decide.” Angelica felt the baby disengage from her. “Well, someone has finally had his fill. Carolyn, would you mind holding him while I fasten myself up again.”

“I would love to. There is nothing like the feel of having a baby in your arms.”

“Before you know it, your Amelia will present you with one to pamper and spoil.” Angelica handed over her son then began rearranging her clothes. “And I hope to do the same for Adam someday not so far away.” She sat down next to Carolyn as she finished with the last of her buttons. “This will all iron itself out. I have seen how much you and Siddon love each other, and it would be ridiculous to let such a small thing come between you. And maybe this parting is a good thing. It will give him time to take a good look at what is important.”

Carolyn’s eyes began to sting as she thought of Siddon. Angelica was right that it was a small, trivial thing to be angry over, but she couldn’t help it. He had seemed to enjoy saying no to her, and behaving like an obstinate little boy. The tiny torch in her chest reignited and, she found herself not all that eager to see him.

*******

Chris came out onto the porch and flapped his hands about his arms at the instant transition from the stove’s heat to the night’s cold. “Boss, why don’t you come on back inside?” He stepped next to the tall dark form silhouetted against the starry sky. “It’s cold as three Decembers and four Januarys out here.”

“I will in a little bit.” Adam shifted his weight against the porch post. “I just got a little overheated in there and needed to cool off some.”

“You’re just missin’ your missus.”

Adam looked over at him. “I guess I am, at that. And I figure I’m not the only one.”

“That’s for durned sure. I miss Amelia somethin’ powerful…. And Mr. Siddon’s hardly stopped talkin’ about his missus since he got here…. But he does seem a might-down-in-the-mouth about somethin’, and it’s most noticeable when he talks about her. He ain’t said nothin’ to you about it, has he?”

“As-a-matter-of-fact, he has. It seems that he and Carolyn had a small tiff before he left. Not about much of anything really, but you know how these things can get blown all out of proportion.”

“A fight? About what?”

“You can ask him about that.”

“But I thought them two was plumb crazy in the head about each other.”

“They are, but even people who love each other madly have their disagreements now and again. And a lot of the time they’re about nothing important enough to get put out with each other over. You put two people with their own minds, their own thoughts, and their own ways of doing things together and there are bound to be times when they don’t see eye-to-eye. You can think that somebody is the finest, the most wonderful person in the world, and still get mad at them.”

“That don’t make sense.”

“Of course it doesn’t, but that’s the way things are, like it or not.”

“I s’pose it has a lot to do with the way women is strung together.”

“Not just women. We have our ways, too.”

“I guess that’s the truth, right enough.” He shivered and hugged his arms closer about him.

Adam slapped a hand on his back. “I think maybe it’s a good idea that we both go back in before we make ourselves sick.” He chuckled. “Wouldn’t our wives love us for that?”

“Hah! If the ague didn’t kill me, Amelia for sure would. She’s always jumpin’ me for goin’ out in the cold without coat or hat.”

“Well, we certainly don’t wantta bring that about.” He gave the boy another pat and they started across the porch.

Adam opened the door, and Chris went on in, but he lingered and looked back to the sparkling sky. He wondered what his Angelica and his sons were doing. He could imagine her caring for them, feeding them and tucking them into their cradles and the images wrapped him in their warmth. Then a thrill ran through him as he thought of the day when he would present their house to Angelica. It won’t be long now, he thought.

“Hey, Boss, would ya mind closin’ the door?”

EIGHT

It was two days shy of three weeks since Adam and Siddon had come out to the building sight. Fortunately, the snow that had fallen had been nothing more than a couple inches at a time, and easily cleared away. Men from the lumber camp continually came out to help, and it went a long way. And as the result the house was rapidly approaching completion.

This day, however, things had seemed to defy them at every turn. And as the result, tempers were short and easily provoked. And the isolation and being separated from loved ones for so long a period was the chief culprit.

“Now look what you’ve done!” Adam snapped, as he threw his hammer to the ground. “Now we’re gonna havta do the whole thing over again!”

“I didn’t do it,” Chris snapped back. His arm shot out toward the enemy. “It’s that danged board! It don’t wantta do what it s’posed to! I’ve tried, Juva’s tried, Noah’s tried!”

“Well, maybe the only reason it hasn’t worked is because I haven’t tried,” Siddon said, as he came forward. “Step aside, Adam, and let an old logger handle this.”

Adam’s mouth pinched, and his eyes grew steely. He wasn’t in the mood for Siddon’s banter. “And just what makes you think you’re better at this than the rest of us?”

“Twenty-odd years in the lumber business. What I don’t know about trees hasn’t been invented yet.” The big man bent down and picked up Adam’s hammer then parted his way through the men. “Now back up and watch an expert handle this.”

Siddon stepped onto the porch and approached the offending board. It was supposed to curve over the top of a log, and be nailed securely into place. It had been cut thinner and soaked in water so that it would bend rather than splinter, but now it stuck straight up. There were offers of help, but Siddon felt he could do it himself. He had always been strong in his arms and hands – more than most – so he felt perfectly capable. With a grunt, he pushed the offending board so that it conformed to the curvature of the log and held it in place. He couldn’t help notice that it was dryer than it should be, and suspected that was at the base of the problem. “Hand me a spike.” He reached out, and the asked for item was placed in his hand. He carefully positioned the long metal rod – pointed on one end – and began to hammer it home. He drove it through the hole the others had made so the wood wouldn’t split. The spike went in as it should but for some reason didn’t want to hold. As Siddon reached out for another spike the first one shot free with a vengeance and the board came loose. Because of its thinness, it came forward like an uncoiled spring, and struck Siddon in the face. The big man went down like he had been shot.

“Siddon!” Adam was immediately at his side. “Sid, are you all right?” He instantly knew that was a stupid question. After that, how could anyone be all right? And there was…

Siddon wasn’t really aware of his surroundings or those around him. To be sure, he didn’t really feel anything, especially his face. His thoughts were jumbled in his head, and the idea of opening his eyes never occurred to him.

“Oh, Lord,” Juva breathed, “he looks like somebody’s used a shotgun on him.”

“Sid,” Adam said, more softly. He gripped his friend’s hand and choked down the fear that rose in his throat. Juva was right. The lower part of Siddon’s face was covered in blood, and he was so deathly still. “Can you hear me?”

“I can… hear you just fine…. No need to shout”

A collective sigh of relief ran through the gathered men. But each one knew not to get there’s hopes up too much.

Siddon finally found the will to open his eyes. He blinked a few times to clear away the haze, and those that hovered over him came into a little sharper focus. “Adam…. Chris…. Where’s the horse… that kicked me?”

Adam let out a puff of breath, and his spine lost some of its stiffness.

Siddon’s mental processes had reformulated to some extent, and lucid thought began to reassert itself. “Not a horse…. That blasted board.”

“Boy, it really shot loose this time,” Chris said, as he kept his teal eyes locked on his father-in-law. “Can you feel your face?”

Siddon’s hand came up and touched something wet before someone pulled it away. “Just numb…. Like it isn’t there…. And headache.”

“How many Chris’ do you see?” Adam asked.

Siddon blinked again and looked at his son-in-law. One eye pinched shut. “One and a half.”

An assortment of nervous titters filled the void left by the previous question.

“Juva, go get the wagon,” Adam barked. “Noah, Fonse, go help him.”

“Right, Boss.”

Adam jerked his bandana from a coat pocket and wet it with some snow then began to wipe the blood from Siddon’s face.

Siddon’s eyes went wide. “That’s blasted cold.”

“You’re gonna have a doctor take a look at you,” Adam said, with a frown. “Your face has already started to turn black, and I’d say there’s a good chance that your nose is broken.”

“Don’t need a doctor,” Siddon said, and started to sit up. It didn’t work, and he slumped back against the ground.

“Now you know not to try that again,” Adam said, evenly. “So be content to just lay there until Juva gets here with the wagon.”

“I said I don’t need…,” Siddon started.

“I don’t care what you said,” Adam said, with pique. “You got hurt on my job, and I’m the boss here. So if I say you’re gonna see a doctor, don’t argue with me.”

Siddon managed to find enough energy to laugh, subdued though it was. “All right…, Boss.”

It seemed to take forever for Juva to return. But he finally made it. Even with four men working to help him up and into the wagon bed, Siddon Banning – still somewhat addled – was a handful.

“I can sit up front with Juva,” Siddon complained.

“And probably fall off and break your fool neck,” Adam said, as he helped his friend in. “I wonder what Carolyn would say to that?”

“After the way we parted company, I don’t think she would care too much,” Siddon said, dolefully.

Adam huffed. “Not if I know Carolyn. And once she gets a look at your busted mug, you’ll probably get your meals in bed for a month.”

“I’m sorry about this, Adam. I’m leaving you shorthanded.”

“As my mother-in-law is fond of saying, pish posh. You just worry about getting yourself on the mend. And be with your family for a while.” Adam slapped the side of the wagon. “All right, Juva, he’s in!”

Juva snapped the reins against the horses’ backs, and they began to move with a jerk. The wagon’s makeshift runners ran roughly over the bare ground, but were soon gliding over the snow.

“Boy-oh-boy,” Chris said, as he pushed his hat back, and a caramel hank fell free, “wait’ll the family gets a load of this. He’s already startin’ to look like an oversized raccoon.”

“In spite of what Sid says, Carolyn is gonna have a conniption fit.” Adam watched the wagon until it vanished into the trees. “There’s nothing we can do about it, though. All right, let’s get back to work!” He looked around to the board still sticking up. “We’ll figure out another way to fix that arch, before somebody else gets hurt.”

Adam looked back to where the wagon had entered the pines, and felt guilt nibbling at him. True, it had been only been an accident and no one was truly to blame. But this was his house, and Siddon his friend, and he wouldn’t be worth much if he didn’t feel something.

*******

The smells of cooking supper had begun to permeate the large house when Juliet came tearing down the stairs.

“Juliet!” Carolyn chastised, as she, and Angelica stepped from the ball room. “How many times have I warned you against running down the staircase like a wild boy?”

“Daddy’s home! I just saw the wagon come in from my bedroom window.”

Angelica couldn’t miss the scarlet that tinted Carolyn’s cheeks.

“Adam wasn’t with him. Somebody else was driving, but I couldn’t see who it was. Can I go meet him?”

“If you would like,” Carolyn said, coolly. “And you should tell your sisters.”

“Thank you, Mother. I will.” Juliet took off down the hall in a flurry of petticoats. “Daddy’s home!”

“Don’t shout, and don’t run!”

But either the girl didn’t hear or was far too excited to care and kept doing both.

“Carolyn, I can see that light in your eyes. You have stewed over this since he left and turned it into something bigger than it should be. He’s your husband. I know you still love him, and so do you.”

“Of course, I do,” sharp blue eyes came around to Angelica, “but I can’t just let him get away with what he did.”

“And what exactly did he do? He disagreed with you on a trifle. You wanted him to go with Adam right then, and he wanted to wait. I see nothing in that to warrant such displeasure with him.” She laid a hand lightly on Carolyn’s wrist. “And if I know Siddon, he has been miserable away from you and the girls. Only one other man do I know that is worse when he is separated from his family, and I can hardly wait to put my arms around him.”

“Well, Siddon will have to come to me.”

Angelica’s face collapsed. “Oh, Carolyn.”

Juliet’s shrill “Daddy!” ran along the hall then the kitchen was filled by a buzz of unintelligible voices followed by absolute silence. The women looked at each other in confusion and concern then Angelica parted from her and went to see what hubbub was about.

Carolyn’s gaze stayed on her back as she went to the kitchen. “Oh, my Lord!” Angelica almost cried. The fright and emotion in those words struck Carolyn harder than the words themselves, and she rushed down the corridor as if to keep up with her racing heart. She came in behind Angelica. A gasp shook her, and both hands went to her mouth as she caught sight of him standing just inside the closed back door. His arms were around his daughters as they clung to him like ivy. Then her eyes connected with his, and a jolt touched every nerve ending in her body. With tiny steps, she went to him and simply looked at what had happened to him. At Amelia’s urging, the girls backed away. Carolyn delicately touched his blackened face, and she had to stifle the cry in her throat.

Siddon smiled faintly, and it was obvious that it hurt. “It’s not as bad as it looks. My nose is broken but that’s all, except for the fact that I look like a raccoon.” He laughed feebly, but a wince cut it short.

Carolyn’s deft fingers continued to trace over the damage done to her husband’s face, and she didn’t seem to have heard a single word. She rested the side of her head against his huge chest and listened to his heart. Her eyes closed and tears escaped their confinement to run down her cheeks. How could she have ever been angry with him? How could she have ever been angry with the one true love of her life? How could she have ever been angry with her Siddon?

NINE

Angelica was just coming down the stairs when Carolyn started up with a supper tray, and she couldn’t help her grin. It was loaded with enough to feed two men twice over. “You certainly do intend for him to eat.”

Carolyn stopped, and her eyes briefly lowered to the tray’s contents. “Well, he does need to keep his strength up.”

“How is he doing?”

“Oh, he’s chafing at being put to bed and having his supper carried to him. I’m afraid I had to insist very sternly.”

“Do you think it was necessary?”

“Maybe not, but when I first saw him…” Carolyn’s breathing shuddered. “Angelica, I have been such a fool, and I think Siddon would be the first to say so.”

Angelica’s fine brows rose. “I don’t think he would. Siddon Banning loves you entirely too much to ever think that or ever to say so, even if he did.”

Carolyn’s hands tightened on the ornate handles of the silver tray until her knuckles turned white. “For a fleeting moment when I first laid eyes on that precious, injured face…, I thought…, what if he had been killed? It would have all ended with bitter feelings between us.” Her eyelids batted furiously to hold back the tears. “And the idea of never being held in those strong arms again or to hear that wonderful, rich voice… is death. And a carte de viste is cold comfort.”

Angelica reached out and put a comforting hand on her arm. “Well, I don’t think you have to worry about that right now. Granted, it looks terrible, and I am sure that it is painful, but Dr. Montgomery said that he is all right. All he needs is some rest and loving care.”

“Oh, he will get plenty of that.” Carolyn sighed. “I am going to love that man so hard that he will get tired of me. Now, I need to get this to him before it gets cold.”

“Then I won’t keep you. I am finally going to get something to eat. The boys were really testy tonight, and are more often these nights. I think they miss seeing their father for so long. And you tell Siddon for me, that I am glad he is home and hope he will be feeling better in the morning.”

“I will.”

Angelica watched her as she finished her assent and wafted into the bedroom. As she started on down, she found herself envious of Carolyn; her husband was home.

*******

Angelica wasn’t sure what time it was when the boys decided they had had enough sleep. It had been hard enough to drift off in that big, empty bed. It would soon be an entire month since she had seen Adam and – as Carolyn had put it – it was death. She would sooner go without sustenance and drink than to go so long without him.

She got up and padded through the darkness to the cradles and looked into the void where her sons were. They weren’t crying, but it always seemed that when they awoke, so did she, whether they made a sound or not.

“Can’t you sleep for missing Daddy, either? Well, I suppose we will just have to keep each other company until the sandman returns.”

She went to the bed table and – after she fumbled around in the blackness for several seconds – the lamp’s amber glow blossomed. She turned it low then went back to the boys and knelt at the foot of the cradles. Three sets of wide, dark eyes were set on her with rapt attention, and they were still as little rocks.

She sighed heavily. “If only you didn’t look so much like him.” One-by-one, she straightened their blankets over them. “Would you like for Mother to sing to you?” They still didn’t move. “All right, but we don’t want to be too loud about it. Just because we can’t sleep, doesn’t mean that anyone else is having a problem.”

Her voice rose softly into a gentle lilt as the words of the familiar lullaby filled the hush of the room. Her mother had sung it to her and her brothers and sisters when they were small. It was good enough for her sons. Once, then twice, her voice cracked, but she continued. She wanted to think about Adam, but it brought such grief and loneliness that she tried not to. It wasn’t working.

Carolyn turned over in bed and felt Siddon safe and comforting, next to her. But her eyes came open and she listened fixedly. Had a sound awakened her, or had it been something else? The house was still, and she only heard the ticking of the clock across the room. Yet she knew that something had definitely aroused her, and curiosity wouldn’t let her go back to sleep until she satiated it.

Mindful of Siddon, she eased out of bed. She slid her feet into her slippers and retrieved her robe from the bedpost at the foot, then went out putting her arms into the sleeves.

Pallid light filtered through the lace curtained windows at the end of the wide outer hall, so it wasn’t so difficult to see. She fastened her robe sash around her then stood and simply listened. Only tranquil silence greeted her. The big grandfather clock downstairs struck three then the last vibrations of its chimes quickly faded.

Yet Carolyn knew that something more than a dream had awakened her. Since Adam and Angelica and the babies had moved in, the old mother’s sense had been reawakened in her, so maybe that could be it.

Her feet scuffed along the carpeted floor as she made her way to Angelica’s room. She stood outside the door, cocked her head to one side and listened. She thought she picked up on a faint murmur coming from inside. Then she noticed the pale strip of light that came out onto the floor. She raised her hand to knock, but thought better of it. With great stealth, she eased it open to a hair’s breadth of a crack.

The soft lullaby drifted out to greet her on sweet notes. How many times had she done that when her girls had refused sleep? A smile turned her lips and rose to her eyes. But she could hear aloneness in the words of the simple song, and it touched her with tears. She knew that Angelica missed Adam so much; she had seen it building ever since his departure. She frowned at herself. She would have missed her Siddon if she hadn’t been behaving like a petulant child. But now she had him back, and Angelica was still feeling lost.

Careful not to make a sound, she pulled the door together then went back to her own room. The robe and slippers were returned to their usual spots, and she slid into bed next to Siddon. She turned to him and nestled close. With the touch of a feather, she drew her fingertips over his bruised face and could feel the pain travel along her arm and into her heart.

“I love you,” she whispered, and snuggled her face into the curvature of his neck.

“I love you, too.”

His arm went around her and pulled her tighter to him, and the forgiveness was complete.

*******

Adam was more forlorn than ever. He hadn’t seen Angelica and his sons for way too long, and now Siddon had gone home. Juva would be back the following day, and the rest of the men were still there, but Sid had become more like a brother than just a friend.

He lay in his bunk and listened to the snoring going on around him. He could see Buddy’s inert shape in the glow from the stove, and he grinned. If not for the dog, he and his family most likely would have been killed. The mongrel had followed Wyatt from town before it had turned off so cold, and just taken up there. Before he knew the animal was around, he had accidentally caught sight of Wyatt feeding the big, shaggy critter at the back of the cook shack. He chortled under his breath, and put one arm beneath his head. He would never – if he lived to be a hundred – forget the looks on the men’s faces when he announced that he knew about their little secret. Each one had claimed to be the guilty party in its being there, but he knew.

Someone coughed then flopped over and the bed squeaked.

Adam’s ruminations continued from their momentary interruption. The dog, which had taken an instant liking to him, had gone unnamed for almost a week. He had just started calling him buddy, and it had stuck.

This is useless, he thought.

His long legs swung over the side of the bunk, and his feet dully thudded the floor. No one had apparently heard, and the snoring kept up.

Buddy’s head raised, and his tail began to beat with rapid tempo on the wooden planks. Adam sat on the floor next to him, and scratched to top of the dog’s wiry head.

“Hello, Buddy. Do you mind the company?”

The large chocolate eyes stayed on Adam’s face as Buddy sidled closer and rested his chin on his master’s leg.

“Letting you stay is one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. If not for those sharp senses of yours, I probably wouldn’t be here…. And the worst part of it is that Angelica and the boys most likely wouldn’t be either.”

Buddy worked until he got his front legs in Adam’s lap.

“You’re just a big pup, you know that?” Adam’s eyes went to the stove. He could see the flicker of the flames through the vents in the door, and it stirred bad memories. But that was in the past, and had no place in the future. And while it would keep him wary and cautious, that was all the good it was worth.

*******

“Pssst. Hey fellas,” Fonse said, with low urgency.

“Whadaya want? I’m busy,” Noah said, a bit miffed.

“Shssssssss. You’ll wake ‘im,” Fonse said, sternly.

“Wake ‘im?” Chris’ fists went to his hips. “Wake who?”

“Come over here and take a look.” Fonse grew more irked. “And be quiet about it.”

The men exchanged puzzled looks then trooped over to where Fonse stood, obviously looking at something.

“Fonse, we ain’t got time to…” Chris started, but it immediately died, and his eyes grew to the size of wagon wheels. “Well, I’ll be durned. Would ya just look at that.”

The men edged closer to where the Boss lay with the dog, the two of them curled together in front of the stove. Adam’s arm rested over the animal’s side, and they were deep in slumber.

“You s’pose we oughtta just leave ‘em be?” Noah asked.

“Yeah. My’pinion the Boss was up most ‘o the night,” Chris said, and shook his head. “You now how he gets the longer he’s separated from his family.”

“But won’t he be sore if we don’t?” Wyatt asked.

“Oh, I don’t figger a short time is gonna hurt nothin’,” Fonse said, and put an arm around the young man’s shoulders.

“Just our heads,” Noah said, and rubbed the side of his.

“All right, let’s get to this,” Chris said, and smacked his hands together.

“Shsssssss!”

NINE

Even through the closed study door, Angelica couldn’t miss the irate timbre of Carolyn’s voice, though the words weren’t clear. She had thought things had been smoothed over when Siddon had presented his blackened visage. But it was none of her business, so she went on about her own affairs.

“It has only been two days since you got home! And the doctor said for you to rest!”

“I feel perfectly fine.” Siddon grimaced and gingerly touched his face.

“Oh, yes. Oh, yes,” Carolyn said, as she stalked back-and-forth from one side of the room to the other. “You almost kill yourself,” her erratic arms flailed the air, “and you’re just fine!”

“It’s a broken nose.”

She whirled on him, and her hands balled into irate wads. “It could have just as easily been your skull!”

“But it wasn’t, and Adam needs the help.”

“He can do just fine without you. He has Chris and the rest of his men, and sometimes the crews go out from the lumber mill.”

Siddon pushed his chair back, and went around the substantial desk. He took her shoulders in his large hands and smiled down at her. “Adam is my friend, the best one I’ve ever had. He needs all the help he can get to finish his house, and it won’t be long now.”

Some of the fury seemed to go out of her. “You know how much I adore him, but this is asking too much.”

“He didn’t ask. In fact, he told me to stay home for a while and be with my family.”

“And it is sound advice. I think you should take it.”

“Carolyn,” he said, as his immense hands swallowed hers as he clasped them to his chest, “I can’t just leave him high-and-dry. This is very important to him, which makes it important to me. You wouldn’t want me to shirk my friendship, would you?”

“No, of course not. But I don’t want you to push yourself too hard, either.” She pulled a hand free and tenderly touched one of his cheeks. “You got hurt, and Adam must have thought it serious enough for you not to go back.” Her eyes dropped for an instant. “I behaved odiously the day you left. I more-or-less shoved you out of the house and away from me. And now that I have come to my senses and have you back, I don’t want to let go…. When I first saw you standing there all bruised and blackened, it made me realize what a good thing I have. And nothing is worth throwing that away.”

“I’m as much at fault. I shouldn’t have gone off with cross words between us, and stayed away for so long. I should’ve marched right back into this house and done something about it.”

“Such as?”

“This.” With an abrupt yank, he pulled her to him. His dark head lowered, and he kissed her like he hadn’t in a while.

Carolyn let herself sink into the depths of his passion, and knew she never wanted to leave it. This large man, who could crack a walnut with one hand while he stroked a fragile kitten with the other, was hers. Before they were married, she had called him her dream man and he had remained so through all these years. It hadn’t all been wedded bliss, nor had it all been an up hill climb. With Siddon by her side, even the bad times had been more bearable. And if it all ended tomorrow, she would have wonderful memories to cushion the rest of her life. But for now, all she wanted to think about was those marvelous arms around her, and revel in their embrace.

*******

Adam looked around as the sleigh left the snow and came into the yard. “Siddon!” He slammed the hammer down onto the sawhorse where he had been working. “I told you to stay home for a while. What’re you doing back here so soon?”

“I’ve already incurred Carolyn’s wrath over this. I had hoped to avoid yours.” Siddon dropped the reins and alit just as Adam joined him, and they shook hands.

“Don’t tell me she’s still mad at you.”

“That’s all been smoothed over.” He took a bushel basket from the back seat. “I think I scared it out of her when she saw me.” His dark brown eyes shown slyly in the weak light. “That woman!” He growled like a big ol’ bear. “She always knows how to make a homecoming special.”

“What’ve you got there?”

“Some stuffs from our root cellar, including two bags of dried apples. I figured things might be getting a bit strapped, and I thought Gibby could make us some of his famous pies.” He nodded delicately toward the sleigh. “There’s another one in the back.”

“The men are gonna praise you highly for this.”

Siddon turned and took in the house while Adam retrieved the other basket. “You got a lot done while I was gone. The men still coming out from the camp?”

“We had ten yesterday and the day before.” He grunted under his new burden. “They went back this morning.”

“Well, at this rate, I won’t be surprised if you have your family in it by the first part of next month.”

“That’s my goal, although I wish I had more furniture. But with this weather, I’m lucky any has gotten through. Now let’s take this to Gibby. I’ve got a job just waiting for you.”

They started toward the cook shack.

“Mornin’, Mr. Banning.”

“Good morning, Wyatt.”

Siddon couldn’t miss the sick look on the boy’s face as he passed, and it amused him. He had taken a good look at himself in the vestibule mirror before he left, and he would grimace at the thought if it didn’t hurt so bad to do so.

“I’m glad to have you back, Sid,” Adam said, in a low tone.

“It’s good to be back.”

*******

Angelica loved to just sit and look out at the pristine landscape, especially with Adam away. And she had found that one of the best places was at the teak game table in the main parlor. It sat before a large window that looked out beyond the end of town to a dense stand of pines in the distance.

The boys had been put down for their nap, so she had gotten a book from Carolyn’s bookcase and taken this time to be by herself. But the small leather bound volume lay open on the onyx and marble inlaid tabletop. These days, she couldn’t help that her mind constantly strayed to Adam and what he might be doing.

One of the main parlor doors opened, but it didn’t make enough of a sound to draw her attention away from her thoughts. “Angelica…. Angelica.” Her head came slowly around, and her eyes couldn’t help but go to the boxes Carolyn and her daughters held. Her dark head tilted to one side, and the corners of her mouth crimped. “What is this? Or should I even ask?”

Carolyn pulled out the chair across from her for Amelia to sit down.

“Just a little something we wanted to do,” Carolyn said, as she glanced at the girls. “We were going to give these to you and Adam when the house was ready. But with him gone so long, we thought you could use them now. And Juliet only finished hers last night.”

The girl dropped her head as if embarrassed.

“Juliet, why don’t you give yours first?”

“Yes, Mother.” The raven-haired girl handed her gift to Angelica. “I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will,” Angelica said, as she took it.

Juliet pranced in place with eager anticipation as her gift was opened.

“Oh, Juliet,” Angelica gushed, as she took the dark red crocheted afghan from its box. “Did you make this?”

Juliet nodded.

“The handwork is excellent.” Angelica ran her fingers over its bumpy surface. “It’s lovely and big enough to cover two Adams. I have no doubt that this will be one of his favorite things at the end of a hard day.”

Marjorie gave hers next. Her box was the smallest. Her brunette eyes glittered as she watched it being opened.

A breath rushed into Angelica as she took the framed sampler from its tissue paper.

“It’s hair work. When you would cut the boys’ hair I would sneak and save it.” Marjorie’s cheeks flushed crimson. “But I didn’t have enough to finish it so I used some of my own. It’s the same color so you can’t really tell.”

“That makes it even more special. I have seen this kind of craft before, but I believe you have the finest hand.” She couldn’t keep from touching it. “God Bless This House,” Angelica read over. “This will have a prominent place near the hearth where everyone can see it.”

“I’m afraid mine isn’t as grand as my sisters’,” Amelia said, as she gave Angelica her gift.

“I know I’ll love it no matter what it is.” Angelica had become like a little girl on Christmas morning, and she couldn’t get the lid off fast enough. Then she froze, her eyes riveted to its contents. Gently, she took out an airy white table scarf. “Bobbin lace…. I adore bobbin lace. I was never been very good at it, but this is exquisite. And it is every bit as grand.”

“Now it’s Mother’s turn,” Juliet said exuberantly.

Carolyn put the large box before Angelica and their eyes met over it. “This is from me and the ladies in town. After what happened, we knew you and Adam could use this.”

“Then this explains the trips into town?”

“It does.”

Angelica’s insides fluttered with anticipation as she tore into it. She pushed the filmy white paper aside then her hands went to her mouth.

“With Nevada nights being so cold, even in the summer, we knew exactly what you needed.”

Angelica raised the sides of the lovely quilt appliquéd with red flowers, green leaves and blue birds. She ran an index finger along the pattern of fine quilting stitches. Tears filmed her eyes and clouded her vision. “This is so beautiful.” She looked around at those gathered about her. “These are the most wonderful treasures I could ever ask for. And every time I look at them I will remember this day and the closeness of special friends.” She daubed at her eyes then her attention went back the quilt. “Wait until Adam sees all this.” For several seconds she sat in silence then she hunched forward, hid her face in her hands and wept.

Carolyn stepped to stand beside her and put an arm around her shoulders and held her close. Angelica put her head against her friend’s stomach and her weeping gained in momentum. In these two months Angelica had come to be more like a sister, and Carolyn couldn’t help but to dread the day when she would move out.

This day had turned out to be more special than Angelica could have ever dreamed. It held the promise of a bright future, and she would lock it away in her memories for as long as she lived.

TEN

“Adam Cartwright, will you please slow down. We may not get there as quickly, but we at least we will get there.” He didn’t seem to hear her. “Do you want to kill the poor animal?”

He looked at her, and one corner of his finely sculpted mouth pinched. The horse slowed. It hadn’t been going all that fast through the heavy snow, but it had been trying, at its driver’s urging.

It had been slightly over two months since that tragic night when Adam and Angelica had lost most everything they owned, and very nearly their lives. But now she was being taken to see her new home, and she could hardly control her excitement. And the closer they got, the more it grew.

She looked around her at the majestic, snow-covered pines that towered to the sky like age-old sentries that stood guard over them. This part of the vast spread that Adam had christened ‘Angel’ for her, she believed to be prettier than where the house had been originally. The stillness – disturbed only by the shushing of the sleigh and the crunch of the horse’s feet – beckoned to her like a long lost friend welcoming her home. A rush of icy air entered her lungs, and her grip tightened on his arm as she sidled closer to him.

“It is so breathtakingly beautiful here. Why didn’t you build here before?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I thought that spot was better for that style of house.”

Her deep violet eyes went perfectly round. “That style? Adam, what have you built?”

Amber lights danced in his mischievous eyes. “You’ll see. Now why don’t you put your head on my shoulder and let’s just enjoy the ride without anymore talk?”

“But I…”

“Aht.”

Her mouth set into a bow then quickly became an endearing smile. There were so many questions that she wanted to ask, but she knew he wouldn’t answer them. So she settled against him and rested her head on his shoulder as he had asked her to. Her eyelids fell, and she let herself be enrobed in him. It had been so long – too long – since she had known such utter bliss, and she wouldn’t mar it with a lot of questions that would soon be answered anyway.

*******

“Now what?” she asked. “Why are we stopping?”

“The house is on the other side of these trees, but this has to be done just right.”

She watched him as he took his long, woolen scarf from his coat pocket. He put it around her head to cover her eyes, and her fingers went straight to it.

“There,” he said, as he knotted it. “Not too tight, is it?”

“No, but I can’t see a thing.”

“Good.”

She shivered and enclosed herself in her arms. “I feel like I’m going to bust.”

“All right, but wait until you see our new home before you do.”

He was milking this for all he could, and she loved him for it.

With a click of his teeth, the horse started on. Her heart thumped like a wild drum as she held onto him. Though she couldn’t see, she could tell when they entered the stand of Ponderosas. It was like being inside a cathedral: hushed and uplifting. The strong sent of pine in the clear air was like a heady perfume, and she inhaled it deeply. Then she could tell when they left them. The sound changed and the air stirred more around her.

She guessed that only twenty or so minutes had passed when they finally stopped again, though it had felt like an eternity. The desire to jerk the scarf from her head to release her sight nearly overpowered, but she knew it would spoil his little game, so she didn’t.

All she could hear was the horse’s labored breathing, and the breeze twisting lightly in the tops of the trees. If anyone else was there they made not one peep.

Then Adam finally broke the stillness. “Are you ready or do you want to wait?”

Her fingers dug into his arm. “Stop teasing.”

She heard him snicker as he got out of the sleigh. She simply sat there, her ears trying to catch every sound then he took her arm and helped her down. With gentle hands, he turned her around.

“All right. Try not to be too disappointed.”

“Adam, would you stop playing with me.”

She could feel him undoing the knot then the scarf came away from her eyes. A mixture of a groan and a gasp left her as her hands flew to her throat. She blinked to clear her fuzzy vision to be sure she wasn’t dreaming. “Oh, Adam, it is.”

“Is what?”

“Fabulous! I have never seen such a house, let alone had the fancy of living in one…. Please, just let me take it in before I say anything else.”

She took several steps closer as her eyes roved over every inch of the grand structure. It had never – in her entire life – occurred to her that she would some day live in a rustic log house. In ambiance, it made her think of the one on the Ponderosa, but this one was so much more. There were nine windows across the front, including the four of the second story. The porch, if walled in, would be the size of the main parlor in the house that had burned. It consisted of three wide arches at the entry and one on each side, and she could make out two immense coach lamps that hung from heavy chains. It was also flat to the ground with no need for steps. On either end of the dwelling and past the porch, were extensions that were probably rooms unto themselves, and were single level.

“Do you like it?”

“Like it? “How could you ask such a thing…? This is more wonderful than all the palaces in all the fairy tales I have ever read.” She glanced around at him, and her eyes sparkled with awe. “How many rooms?”

“Twelve. Downstairs is the kitchen, Maggie’s room, dining room, parlor, a study, and our bed chamber, like before.”

“And upstairs?”

“Six more bed chambers.” The lone eyebrow rose. “I still want a lot of children.” He stepped next to her and took her arm. “Are you ready to go inside?”

“I thought you would never get around to that.”

“All right, but first there’s something I want to show you.”

As he led her to a good-sized out building, she caught sight of the men watching from the bunkhouse porch. And Buddy was with them. They seemed to be enjoying this almost as much as she was.

“This wasn’t here before. What is it?”

“Open the doors. This is here because of you and the boys, so go ahead.”

The tips of her fingers tingled as she undid the latch and threw the doors wide. Her mouth flew open, and she thought she would cry. “Our very own fire pumper! But where…?”

“All the way from New York…. Where my family is concerned, I won’t be caught unprepared again.”

She wanted to run her hands over the beautiful shiny red piece of equipment with its gold trim. But all this had come so fast, she found she couldn’t move.

He pushed the doors shut and refastened the latch. “Now let’s go see your house.”

Crossing the yard caused no problem, but when they got to the porch she stopped.

“Angelica, what’s wrong?”

“This will be the finest place for parties. It won’t get so hot with every one packed inside, and it certainly is big enough.”

The sound of their feet against the wooden floor almost seemed to echo as they went to the heavy pine front door. With an ornery glance at him she took hold of the hammered iron handle and opened it back.

“Adam!” she squealed, as he scooped her into his arms in a froth of taffeta and lace.

“A man must always carry his bride over the threshold.”

With a giggle, she rested her head against him and they crossed inside.

Her mouth fell agape. She didn’t think she had ever been in such a huge room. The walls were the same roughhewn, chinked logs as outside. The golden dining room set was to the right with the addition of a matching buffet, and a door led to what she knew had to be the kitchen. To the left, another door led to what she guessed would be the study. At the back were two more large windows that looked out onto a magnificent vista and in the center, a massive stone fireplace. And to the right of the hearth was a staircase much like the one in the house on the Ponderosa. The furnishings were sparse, but that didn’t concern her.

“Please, put me down.” Her shoes clomped against the floor, and she moved into the room. Tears welled in her eyes as they came to the tall-backed blue chair at the corner of the fireplace.

“I’m afraid there isn’t too much furniture yet, and only the first floor has any so far.”

“I don’t care. There’s plenty of time to buy more.”

“Would you like for me to give you a tour?”

She floated to him and threw her arms around him. “After while, when my mind adjusts to all this.”

His arms stole around her and hugged her to him. “Are you happy?”

“Happy doesn’t even begin to describe what I’m feeling.” She reached up and twined her fingers in the hair, and brought his head down to her.

An ardent light blazed in his eyes, and the touch of his lips to hers sent her spinning. She kissed him back with all she had and let her heart run freely. She had the world, and the world wore black.

She pulled her head back and looked into the countenance of love undying. “Adam, I need to do something before this house can truly become our home.”

He frowned in puzzlement. “What? Have I missed something?”

“Just wait.”

He watched her as she went to the front door, her dark purple cloak floating behind her. With one thumb, he pushed his hat back and the single eyebrow rose.

She opened the door, and her warm gaze flicked back to him. “Buddy!”

The dog still stood on the bunkhouse porch with the men. Its ears perked at the sound of its name.

“Come on, Buddy! Come here!”

The dog needed no further prodding and broke and shot down the steps. It romped across the yard and its tongue hung out as the rush of the air pushed its fur away from its face.

Angelica stepped aside as the animal shot in past her, then she closed the door.

Adam crossed his arms over his broad chest as she went to where the dog sat before the crackling fire.

She got down onto her knees and stroked Buddy’s shaggy head. She didn’t try to dodge it as the sloppy tongue lashed her face. Then she flung her arms around his neck and let her tears mingle with his bristly fur. “Thank you, Buddy,” she said, so that Adam couldn’t hear.

Adam knelt beside her and took her face in his hands. He rubbed the glistening moisture from her cheeks and looked into the bottomless violet of her eyes. He didn’t need anyone to tell him what had brought this all about. If not for the dog, none of this would be happening. His mouth spread into a tender smile, and he kissed her on the forehead. The time for words would come later, but for now only love and the silent language of the heart was required. He put one arm across the dog’s back, and with the other, held his wife close. Tonight, they would have the house to themselves then tomorrow they would go get Maggie and the boys. Tomorrow would be a fresh start, a new beginning.

THE END

Author’s Note: A carte de viste was a small card with a person or persons on it.

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