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  “It’s good you put in a cellar.” Hans settled himself in a chair and nodded his thanks at the sandwich Mae placed in front of him. “You need storage, and a basement makes a house stronger.”

  “That’s what I thought,” Davis said between bites. “I’m danged lucky to have the Campbell brothers working for me. They work hard and have good ideas.”

  After finishing his meal, Davis pushed his plate back, then reached to pull Emma onto his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder.

  A soft tinkle sounded from the bell over the front door. Hans pushed his chair back then headed to the curtain, but returned in a matter of minutes. “Emma, there’s a gentleman out here asking for you.”

  Brows furrowed, Davis threw her a look when he rose to join her as she hurried away.

  * * *

  “Jeb!” Emma cried as she ran to the preacher she had such a fondness for. He gave her a hug and stuck his hand out to Davis. “Good to see you, Davis, I didn’t expect to find you here, too.” His smile didn’t quite make it to his eyes, though, and Emma was immediately concerned.

  “Jeb, how is Elizabeth? And Abigail? Is everything okay?”

  The preacher took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “That’s why I came to see you today, Emma. I heard you were helping the Bergers out while your house is being built. I’m afraid I need your help.” He looked anxiously at them.

  “So, Pastor.” Mae had come out to join them. “Come into the kitchen, and have some coffee. Things are quiet; it’s not a good day for shopping anyway. Emma, put another pot of coffee on. My, you’re so wet. You’ll catch your death.” She hustled Preston out of his long coat and pushed him toward the kitchen.

  “Hans, get more wood from the pile by the back door and build up the fire in the kitchen. Come, Mr. Preston, you need to get warm.” Having another person to fuss over, Mae Berger appeared to be in her glory.

  After Jeb had a steaming cup of coffee in front of him, along with a roast beef sandwich, they all looked expectantly in his direction.

  He took Emma’s hand in his. “The reason I came to you, is my mother has suffered an apoplexy.” At her indrawn breath, the preacher squeezed her hand.

  “She’s recovering,” he said softly, “but needs someone to feed her and wash and dress her.” He pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and finger. “Elizabeth’s been doing it all herself, and now she’s been ordered to bed by her doctor because of the baby. I’m building my church, and even though I can give Mother her meals, I can’t wash and dress her.” He stopped at this, and took a deep breath. “I didn’t know where else to turn.”

  “Jeb, please, you should have come to me sooner. It’s not good for Elizabeth to be wearing herself out,” Emma scolded. “Of course I can help.”

  “Yes, you must help.” Mae gave her a curt nod. “I don’t need so much help in the store. I’ve been spoiled with you here, but Jeb’s mama needs your help, and you can’t be doing for her, and helping me too.”

  Crossing her arms over her ample bosom, and assuming the demeanor of a general commanding her troops, she went on. “So it’s all settled. Emma, you go to Jeb’s to help poor Elizabeth take care of his lovely mama. But,” she added, with the stern look she usually gave Hans when she was adamant about something, “I won’t have you wearing yourself out either. So I will go to Jeb’s mama also, and Hans will take care of the store more.” Happy with her solution, she sat back with a smile.

  “Mae.” Jeb’s voice hitched. “That’s wonderful of you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I was worried sick about Elizabeth having done so much that she had to take to her bed. And now she’s fretting because she can’t take care of my mother. You are all such good friends. I don’t know what to say.” His voice hitched.

  “Where are you staying while the church is being built?” Davis asked.

  “We were lucky enough to get the small house the last preacher resided in. And he’d managed to get the church partially completed before he left to go back east. Right now I’m working with some members of the community to get it finished. I hope to have it ready in time for Christmas services.”

  “It will be so nice to have a real church to worship in. Especially for Christmas.” Emma stifled a yawn behind her hand.

  “Darlin’ I think it’s time we found our bed.” Davis stood and pulled her up. “Please excuse us folks, and have a pleasant evening.”

  As they climbed the stairs to the second level, Davis leaned close to Emma’s ear. “I hope you’re not too tired, sweetheart.”

  She giggled and elbowed him in the side. “Is that the only reason you came?”

  Davis scooped her up and strode toward her bedroom. “No. But a very important one, nevertheless.”

  * * *

  The next morning began Emma’s new schedule of going to Jeb’s house to help wash and dress Abigail. It was so sad to see the lively older woman Emma had become so fond of now helpless, and unable to do things for herself.

  The doctor had stopped in one day as Emma brushed Abigail’s silver hair.

  “It’s good to see you helping out here. I was worried for Elizabeth. She’s so frail, and tried to do so much. But, young lady,” he added, “I don’t want you wearing yourself out either.”

  “No, Dr. Quigley.” She turned to face the town’s only doctor since Dr. Bennett had moved on further north after leaving the wagon train. “Mae Berger comes each day to relieve me, so among all of us, we can take care of Abigail.”

  “That’s good to hear. It’s nice when people help each other.”

  “I’ll walk you to the door.” Emma pulled the blanket up around Abigail and patted her arm reassuringly.

  * * *

  The small house Jeb had inherited for his family was bright and cheerful, with obvious touches provided by the two Preston women. Colorful throws rested over the stuffed sofa and chairs, and bright rag rugs cover parts of the well-waxed wooden floors. The snug kitchen showed evidence of scrubbing and painting. Through the sparkling windows covered by bright curtains, she spotted several men busy working on the completion of the church.

  Emma stopped, with her hand on the doorknob. “What are the chances that Abigail will recover from this?”

  “It’s hard to say.” The doctor shifted his medical bag from one hand to the other. “A lot of times it depends on the care the patient receives, and how much they want to return to a normal life.” He placed the bag on the table next to the door and dragged his hand down his face. “Abigail strikes me as a real fighter, and with another grandchild expected in a few months, I think she certainly has the incentive to get better.

  “I’ve suggested to Elizabeth and Jeb they should get Mrs. Preston up and moving each day. See how much she can do on her own. Her speech is difficult to understand right now, but that could improve if someone will work with her.” He patted her on the shoulder as he reclaimed the bag. “You just be sure to get enough rest yourself, missy. I don’t want to see that little one coming too soon.” He smiled as he put his hat on and covered the few steps to his waiting buggy.

  * * *

  Emma fished out the last of the spools of thread from the bowl, then blew dust off the small spindle. Once Hans finished the inventory he would take over in the front, and she could go to Jeb’s house to fix Abigail’s dinner. Humming softly to herself, the ringing of the bell barely registered before she heard footsteps behind her.

  “Hello, Emma.” Nate stood a few feet in from the store’s entrance, rolling the brim of his hat. He walked forward. “You’re looking good. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, but I’ve been busy.” He apologized as if she’d been pining for him.

  “It’s nice to see you too, Nate.” Emma forced a smile, and stayed on her side of the counter. “How have you been?”

  “I’ve been busy, as I said. I saw a lawyer last week.” He looked at her expectantly.

  Emma sighed, and rubbed her forehead. “I told you before, I don’t w
ant to talk about this.” She put her hand on her stomach. “I have a baby due in a couple of months. I’m helping Mae and Hans in the store, and lending a hand to the Prestons with Abigail’s illness. I have so much on my mind right now.” Her voice rose with frustration. “Why can’t you understand, as far as I’m concerned, I’m married, and that’s it.”

  “But, Emma, the lawyer said marriage under duress can be annulled. And you certainly were under duress when you and Davis married. Won’t you at least talk to him?”

  “Absolutely not. Please, forget about this.” She softened toward her old playmate. “We’ve been friends a long, long time. I don’t want this foolishness to come between us.”

  He shook his head, his jaw tightened in stubbornness. “You’re not thinking clearly because of the baby. Once the baby comes, please consider what I’ve said. I would take you back to Indiana. We could have a house near your parents.” He stopped as the bell over the door rang.

  “So, Mr. Hale, it’s nice to see you.” Mae bustled into the store, rosy cheeked from the cold. “I see you’ve been visiting with our little mama.”

  “Yes, I was, Mrs. Berger, but I’m about to leave now. It was nice seeing you. Emma,” his eyes burrowed into hers, “please think about it.” He spun on his heels, then left the store.

  “Mr. Hale seems a nice young man, but something about him bothers me.” Mae stared at the door Nate had just closed as she took off her coat and scarf. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

  She took Emma’s cold hands in her warm ones. “Your hands are cold like ice, missy. And you look upset. What did that man say to you?”

  Emma wrapped her arms around her middle. “It was nothing. I’m not upset, just maybe a little tired. I think I’ll go over to Abigail’s now.” She stared at Mae’s concerned face, and her shoulders slumped. “Nate and I have been friends for a long time. He’s gotten it into his head that I should leave Davis and go back to Indiana with him.”

  At Mae’s quick intake of breath, Emma hurried on. “Please don’t think badly of him. He’s been the nicest person for as long as I’ve known him−which has been my whole life. I have the feeling he’s simply lonely and has latched onto me for that reason.”

  Mae shook he head and tsked. “All right, sweetie, you be sure to bundle up now, it’s getting cold out there. And before you leave, come into the kitchen, I have some chicken soup I made before I left this morning for you to bring to that lovely Abigail. And there’s enough for you and Elizabeth to have a good bowl, too. You all have to keep up your strength. That poor Elizabeth looks like a good wind would knock her over. Not good for the little one she’s carrying.” Her voice dimmed as she walked into the kitchen.

  Deep in thought, Emma wandered over to fetch her cloak, scarf and wool bonnet. As she fastened her cloak, she dwelled on the problem with Nate. She really didn’t want to get Davis involved because of the animosity between them, but Nate’s obsession with getting her an annulment concerned her.

  “Here’s the soup.” Mae handed her a large bowl. “I will come over in a couple of hours to sit with Abigail so you can rest.”

  21

  Emma flipped the pages of the calendar. Mid-December. She sat on her bed, and thought about Christmas. Davis had promised he would have the house finished in time for the holiday. She hadn’t seen him in over two weeks, but knew he was working hard to have it ready.

  As happy as she’d been working in the store and walking to the Preston’s to help Abigail and Elizabeth, she was more than ready to have her own house again. Although she’d never admit it to anyone, especially Davis, she was getting a little tired. The end of each day couldn’t come soon enough.

  She had washed up, braided her hair and had just put her nightgown on when she heard Mae calling her from downstairs. Putting on a robe and pushing her feet into house slippers, she went downstairs.

  She heard his voice before she saw him. She turned the corner into the kitchen and there he stood, hands on his hips, legs spread, and his head thrown back with laughter at something Mae was telling him. His unruly hair hung long over his collar, and fell on his forehead. Her heart warmed at the sight.

  He turned as Emma padded into the room. He just stood there for a moment, his eyes drinking her in. “Hello, darlin’” He sauntered toward her. “I’ve come to spend the night with you.”

  Emma ducked her head to hide her tears, and blushed at the grin on Mae’s face as she watched the two of them. He put his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close. “And then in the morning, Mrs. Cooper, you and I are going to take a buggy ride to see our new house.”

  She covered her mouth with a shaky hand and burst into tears.

  * * *

  Bright early sunlight greeted Emma the morning she would see her completed house. A scant snowfall had teased the dried up grass and bare trees. Rays bouncing off the snow-covered branches caused the area to sparkle like so many diamonds. She and Davis busied themselves readying the wagon for the trip.

  Davis had removed the canvas covering on the wagon that now bulged with furniture, rugs, and trunks. Emma had purchased items from the Bergers that over time emigrants had traded for food and other supplies.

  Mae kept bringing odds and ends to the wagon, insisting this and that was totally unneeded in her house, and they should take it with them. Quilts, blankets, sheets, and other household items added to the ever-growing pile. Finally Davis called a halt to the additions, and chased both women back into the store while he and Hans attempted to secure the mound with rope.

  After tightening everything, Davis and Hans joined Emma and Mae in the kitchen behind the store for breakfast. Excitement filled the air as they all chattered about the house, the coming holidays, and soon-to-be filled nursery.

  Soon after they finished, Mae shooed them out, telling them she would clean up and they should be on their way. Tearful goodbyes began while both men shuffled their feet and tried to look everywhere except at the crying, hugging women.

  “And you be sure to take time to rest, missy,” Mae admonished. She waved her finger in Davis’s face. “You watch her and make sure she doesn’t wear herself out. I never saw anyone work so hard, this wife of yours. And be sure to come visit as soon as you get settled. And Hans can watch the store if you need me to help at your house. Just send word and I’ll come right away.” Mae blinked rapidly at the well of tears that threatened to spill over.

  Finally Hans put his arms around her shoulders, and pulling her from the wagon, urged her back into the store as the Emma and Davis began the final leg of the long journey that had begun in Independence.

  So much had happened since she and Peter had said goodbye to her parents. Here she was with a different husband, and a baby on the way. She rested her hand on her slight bump. If only her mama was here to enjoy her grandchild. Of course, if she went back to Indiana her child would know its grandparents.

  She slanted a look at Davis, his strong profile outlined by the sunlight. But if she did that, the baby wouldn’t know its father. She wasn’t foolish enough to pretend a child’s grandparents were more important than its father.

  The excitement of seeing her new house pushed the uncomfortable thoughts to the back of her mind. She could barely stay seated on the wagon. Davis grinned as he regarded at her enthusiasm.

  “I can’t believe we’ll be spending Christmas in our new home.” Emma shifted anxiously on the seat.

  “Darlin’ if you don’t sit still, you’re gonna bounce right off that seat and spend Christmas laid up in bed.”

  “It’s just been so long since I’ve had a home of my own. In fact because our house in Indiana had belonged to Peter’s grandmother, this is truly my first very own house.”

  She gave a huge contented sigh and took in her surroundings. It had been a long while since she’d been out here, and had forgotten how pretty the scenery was. Large magnificent birds swooped overhead in search of small prey, their eagle eyes constantly moving. She could see squi
rrels scurrying around, loading up for winter, and further back in the woods, deer stood like stone statues as they watched their loaded wagon with fearful curiosity.

  About two hours after leaving Oregon City, the wagon climbed over a rise, and below them sat the land they had picked out when they’d first arrived. Emma focused solely on the tidy farmhouse sitting up on a small hill.

  “Oh, Davis, there it is. Hurry.” She put her hand protectively over her ever-expanding stomach and in her mind told their child they were finally home. Just the thought of four walls and a roof for her baby brought tears to her eyes. She turned to Davis with a brilliant smile.

  He had done this for her. He had worked all day and into the night to have it ready for Christmas because that’s what she’d asked. Warm feelings flooded through her, not like when he looked at her with that lazy grin, but different warm feelings. Could she actually have fallen in love with this man? This man she’d been forced to marry?

  “Well, here we are darlin’.” Davis dug into his pocket to hand her a handkerchief after pulling up on the horses.

  “I’m sorry,” Emma sniffed, wiping her nose, “but I’m just so happy.”

  He patted her hand. “I know.” He jumped down, secured the horses, and rounding the wagon held his arms up. Even with her bulky waist, he still managed to get his hands around her middle and carefully lift her down. Giving her his arm, she latched onto him and they proceeded up the stairs.

  The outside of the house shone brilliantly with the recent coat of white paint. Shutters on either side of all the widows sported a pale green. The porch was wide enough to accommodate rocking chairs and baskets of flowers, which is what Emma had envisioned. Davis turned the doorknob, and pushed the door open. Before she could take a step, he lifted her and carried her into the house.