Big Sky Daddy

Lilly gave her a hard look. “That would be everything.”

Rose opened her mouth as if to argue and instead burst out laughing. “You almost had me that time. One of these days you are going to convince me with that deadpan way of yours.” Her expression grew thoughtful. “Maybe our first pa was a gambler. You might have learned that from him.”

Lilly shook her head. “You’ve had him be everything from a wild horse wrangler to a traveling preacher. And now a gambler.”

“I’m just curious, you know?”

“No, I don’t. Seems to me what’s in the past is best left in the past.” They had loving parents in the way of Ma and Pa Bell. That was enough for Lilly.

But it had never been enough for Rose. She constantly tried to discover something about their birth parents.

Lilly dismissed the direction of the discussion.

“I’ll bring in the cows,” she said. Rose left the barn to do her own chores.

“Can I go with you?” Teddy asked. Then he sagged. “I guess I should stay with Blossom.”

The dog was sleeping peacefully. “There’s not much to do for her right now but let her rest. You’re welcome to accompany me,” Lilly said. “Both of you.”

Teddy scrambled to get his crutches and hurried to her side. Caleb followed after.

Lilly didn’t know whether to be grateful for his company or annoyed he probably didn’t trust her alone with his son. Then again, she had invited him. And it really didn’t matter either way—her only interest was in seeing Blossom get better and helping Teddy if that was possible.

Lilly led the way past the house. Out of habit, she scanned the pasture and fields. The cows waited patiently. Beyond them, the white sheep dotted the faded green pasture. The yellow and gold leaves on the fruit trees and bushes flapped in the wind. The garden lay peaceful.

Everything seemed in order. She allowed her breath to ease out even though it was only a matter of time until the Caldwells would do something.

“Is anything wrong?”

She startled at Caleb’s question. “Just checking.”

“For what? Are you expecting some sort of trouble?”

She snorted. “You might say that.”

“Like what?” He squinted at her and edged closer to Teddy as if to protect him.

“Nothing to concern you. At least not directly.” She shouldn’t have said anything, but now that she had, perhaps it was best she told him the truth. Perhaps he had been unaware of how dangerous the Caldwells could be. “You should understand who you work for. The Caldwells are always up to mischief.” Aware Teddy could hear every word, though he seemed more interested in watching the cows press toward the fence, she kept her words low and benign while frustration raged through her. Why couldn’t they leave the Bells alone?

He nodded. “You’re right. It’s nothing to do with me. I need the job and who they choose to feud with is not my concern.”

She wanted to argue. But what could she say? That a man of honor would not work for people like the Caldwells? But why did it matter one way or the other if he was honorable or otherwise? Yet somehow it did. For Teddy’s sake, she reasoned, it mattered.

They reached the gate and she opened it. “Come on, girls. Milking time.” Two dough-faced Jerseys cows lifted their heads. “Come, Bossy. Come, Maude,” she called.

“Look, Papa, they come when she calls them.”

She led the animals to the barn with Teddy and Caleb at her side. She scooped oats into the manger for each.

“Are you going to milk them now?” Teddy asked.

“I like to get it done before supper.”

“Papa, Mama used to milk a cow, didn’t she?”

“She sure did. She insisted you have milk so I got her a decent milk cow.”

“She used to take me with her.” Teddy’s sad voice scraped Lilly’s nerves raw. She’d lost her birth parents when she was three—one to death and one to abandonment—and had only a fleeting recollection of them. Or were they memories the girls had created over the years? She didn’t know. Perhaps it would have been better to not have any memories of her birth parents at all—they only made her sad.

Teddy brightened. “I used to give the cow oats just like Miss Lilly did.”

Lilly pulled a three-legged stool close to the first cow. “This is Maude. She’s gentle as a lamb.”

“Can I pet her?”

“Best wait until I’m done milking.” Squirt, squirt. The milk drummed into the bucket.

Meowing cats exploded from everywhere. A couple, seeing strangers, hissed.

“Mind your manners,” Lilly scolded, shooting streams of milk at each cat in turn.

Teddy’s eyes were round. His mouth gaped open.

Caleb laughed. “Guess you never saw so many cats at one time.”

“I want to pet them.” Teddy dropped his crutches and sat down amid the melee.

Seeing the concern in Caleb’s face, Lilly reassured him. “It’s okay. None of them will hurt him.” She smiled at the pleasure in Teddy’s face as the cats rubbed against him.

She might only have one day, but she’d do all she could to see he enjoyed every minute spent on the farm.

* * *

Caleb felt as if he had stepped back in time to a gentler, sweeter place where life followed familiar routines and his son enjoyed normal pursuits.

Two cats crawled into Teddy’s lap, purring loudly. Teddy laughed. The purest laugh Caleb had heard from him in many months.

Caleb’s eyes misted, no doubt irritated by the dust the cats were kicking up and nothing more.

Now satisfied with their drink, several cats hissed at Blossom. She opened one eye and closed it again but otherwise paid them no heed.

Grub cocked his head and watched the scene with a puzzled expression.

“Why do you have so many cats?” Teddy asked.

“Mostly because we had three batches of kittens this year.”

“And you get to keep ’em all?”

“For a while. Usually once cold weather sets in and mice move indoors, people come and ask for a cat to keep the mice population down.”

“Guess you don’t have any mice around here.”

“Not many.”

“Would have to be an awfully brave mouse to come here.” Teddy laughed so hard at his joke that tears trickled from his eyes.

Caleb watched in pure and natural pleasure.

Lilly chuckled as she finished with Maude. Then she stood at Caleb’s side, a foamy pail of milk in one hand, and watched Teddy. “If that isn’t the sweetest sound in the world, I don’t what is.”

He looked at her. She looked at him. And for a moment they shared something. Something he had not shared with anyone since Amanda died. A common delight in his son. It was temporary, he warned himself. But for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the moment. “His laughter is better than Sunday music.”

She laughed. “Tons better than Sunday music if you happen to sit next to Harry Simmons, who sings like a hoarse bullfrog.” She croaked out a few words of a song, then broke off and covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I should not be mocking anyone.” Pink flared up her cheeks.

He’d laughed at her imitation of the poor Harry Simmons, whoever he was, but his laughter stalled in the back of his throat when he looked at her. The woman could go from straight-faced teasing, to lighthearted imitations, to apologies so fast it left him dizzy.

And more than a little intrigued.

Her eyes widened and then she ducked her head.

Oh glory, he’d been staring long enough to make her uncomfortable.

He bent over Teddy and stroked one of the cats. Lilly hurried over to the other cow and started milking.

“What’s her name?” Teddy asked.

“This is Bossy.”

Did Caleb detect a note of relief in her voice, as if she were happy to be talking about cows again?

Teddy seemed to consider the name for a moment. “Is that ’cause she’s mean?”

“No, she just likes to do things the same way and if I try to change anything, she insists otherwise.”

Teddy brightened. “That’s like Papa.”

Caleb stared at his son. “Me? Why would you say that?”

“You always put your boots in the exact spot every night. Once I moved them ’cause I wanted something and you made me put them back. You always make me sleep on the same side of you even when I want to sleep on the other side. And every morning, you stare at the fire until the coffee is ready. And you tell me not to talk until you have your coffee.”

It was all true. “That doesn’t mean I’m like Bossy. I can change if I want.” He stole a glance at Lilly. She had her head pressed to the cow’s flank, but—he narrowed his eyes—her shoulders were shaking. “You find this funny?”

She nodded without lifting her head.

He crossed his arms and considered the two of them. Teddy innocently petting a lap full of cats. Lilly trying to hide her amusement.

So his son considered him inflexible. Stuck in a routine. As for the coffee, he simply had to get his first cup before his brain started to perk. It didn’t mean he was bossy or stuck in a rut.

Lilly gasped, tipped her head back and laughed aloud. She held up a hand to indicate she wanted to say something as soon as she could speak.

He waited, none too patiently. Did the woman intend to spend the rest of the day laughing?

She swiped her hand across her eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh, but if you could see your expression...” She chuckled some more and then tried to press back her amusement, but it showed clearly in her eyes.

From a deep well within, one that felt rusty with disuse, a trickle of laughter escaped. It grew in volume and intensity. He laughed. And laughed. And continued to laugh until his insides felt washed with freshwater. Until his stomach hurt. Until he realized Lilly and Teddy were watching him with wide smiles.

He sobered and drew in a deep breath. “I guess it is funny to realize a five-year-old has been taking note of my habits.”

She grinned. “It’s kind of sweet if you think about it.”

He couldn’t seem to break from her warm gaze. It was as if she approved of him. No. That wasn’t it at all. Really, it was as if she approved of the way he and Teddy were together.

Bossy tossed her head.

“Okay. Okay.” Lilly turned her attention to the cow. “I’m done. I’ll let you go.”

If Caleb had a lick of good sense left, he’d be done, too. He’d be on his way before his brain got any more affected by this woman.

Only he couldn’t break the promise he’d made to Teddy. He’d stay the night, enjoy one day of being part of a normal family. Then he’d return to the Caldwells and his job with his resolve renewed and his face set to reach his goal.

He’d dare not linger overlong at the Bell place and risk losing his job with the Caldwells.

Not that he was tempted. Not at all.

Chapter Five

Lilly turned the cows out. “I’ll take the milk to the house and let Ma know you’re staying overnight. She’ll expect you to join us for supper.”

“That’s not necessary,” Caleb said. “We have supplies in our wagon. But could I turn the horse in to the pasture?”

“By all means.” She wanted to kick herself for not suggesting it the moment Caleb had said he’d stay.

She would have accepted his refusal to join them for supper, but Ma would have had a fit if she didn’t bring them.

“Ma’s a very good cook.”

Teddy got a look on his face that could only be described as hungry. “Papa, she’s a good cook.”

Caleb chuckled. “Are you saying I’m not?”

“I like your food.” He sounded so uncertain that Lilly smiled.

Teddy brightened. “But it might be nice to try someone else’s for a change.”

Caleb gave his son such a loving, amused look that tears stung Lilly’s eyes. She almost envied the boy such devotion, which was plumb foolish. Ma and Pa loved her every bit as much as Caleb loved his son. But oh, to see such a look meant especially for her. She shook her head hard, trying to clear her brain of such confusing thoughts.

Caleb and Teddy had followed Lilly as she put the cows in the pen for the night. He turned his horse in to the pasture, and then they returned to the barn.

“Look, Papa,” Teddy chirped. “Blossom wagged her tail. Isn’t that good? Means she’s getting stronger.” Teddy eased himself down beside the dog and petted her, murmuring encouragement. “You’re safe here. Don’t be afraid. No one will hurt you now.”

Caleb pressed a fist to his chest as if, inside, his heart were hurting.

Lilly touched his arm. “He’s safe, too.”

Caleb nodded, but his eyes did not show relief. “I wish—” He shook his head.

She patted him twice. “I’ll ask Ma to look at his leg after supper.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll leave you two with Blossom.” She hurried to the house to strain the milk. As she passed through the kitchen, she stopped to speak to Ma.

“How’s the pup?” Ma asked.

“She’s a fighter. I think she’ll be okay. Ma, I asked them to stay overnight so they could be with the dog.”

Ma nodded. “Sounds sensible. Did you ask them to come for supper?”

“Yes. Ma, the little boy has something wrong with his leg.” She repeated what Caleb had said. “I said we’d do what we could to help. Can you look at the leg after supper?”

“Certainly.” She stirred a pot on the stove.

“Caleb was afraid we might torture his son.” She told Ma the things Caleb had said.

Ma dried her hands on a towel and looked out the window toward the barn. “That poor little boy and that poor father. I hope you assured him we’d be very gentle with the lad.”

“I did, but I warn you, he’s very protective of his son.”

“As well he should be.” Ma returned to the stove and her meal preparation, her lips tight.

Lilly stared. Was she thinking of her three daughters? She had never said much about the circumstances of their adoption. She had only assured the girls over and over that they were loved, that they were a blessing from God to a childless couple. But no doubt she wondered what had happened to the girls’ birth parents. Or more accurately, their father. Cora could remember their mother had died. Lilly figured it must have been something horrible that caused their father to abandon three little girls in the middle of the prairie. She went to Ma’s side and brushed her hair off her forehead. “You’re the best ma,” she said. When had Ma’s hair gotten so gray? Both her parents were in their seventies, but she didn’t like the thought that they were getting old.

“I’m glad you think so. Now you get on with your chores so you’ll be done in time for supper,” Ma said. “It will be ready soon.”

“Yes, Ma.” Lilly went to the workroom, strained the milk and set it to cool. Pa would take the cans to the river after supper and hang them in the water, where the cold would keep the milk fresh and sweet for days. Soon that wouldn’t be necessary. The workroom would be cold enough once winter set in. Many days it was so cold the milk froze. Lilly smiled. She loved spooning the crystalline milk from her cup. It was almost as good as ice cream, a rare treat they only enjoyed at community gatherings.

Although done, Lilly lingered. She didn’t want to rush back to the barn and give anyone reason to think she was being overly curious or concerned about Caleb and his son. Though, of course, she had Blossom to check on, and she had said she and Ma would do what they could to help Teddy. It would be nice to have more than one day on which to help. But she’d tell them Ma would look at Teddy’s leg after supper.

She turned, her reasons for returning firmly established. But still she hesitated. There was something about Caleb that upset her equilibrium. She might have said it was concern and sympathy over Teddy’s plight, but it was more than that.

She might have said it was compassion because Caleb’s wife had been murdered. Or she might have said it was because they had shared a good old-fashioned belly laugh at Teddy’s description of his father’s routine.

It was all of those things. But still more. Something about the man touched a tender, expectant spot deep inside that she hadn’t been aware of before this day.

And that frightened her. She didn’t like surprises, and this unexpected feeling left her off balance.

But why let it bother her? He’d soon be gone. He’d made that very clear.

Rose stepped into the room. “I can’t believe you asked him to stay.”

There was no mistaking the challenge in her sister’s voice. “Only for one night, so Blossom has time to rest.”

Rose made a dismissive sound. “Never thought I’d see the day you’d hang about a Caldwell cowboy.” She didn’t give Lilly a chance to answer before she grinned and spoke again. “Though he is rather handsome, and seems a decent sort of man.” She grew glum again. “For a Caldwell cowboy.”

Lilly shrugged. “Hard to judge a man after only a few hours, but I’m glad he’s staying long enough for Ma and me to look at Teddy’s leg and see why he doesn’t use it.” She explained yet again what had happened to the boy.

“Oh, that’s terrible. I wouldn’t wish that kind of disaster even on a man who works for the Caldwells.”

Lilly chuckled. “Nice to know.”

Rose studied Lilly long enough to make her squirm inside, but outwardly she returned the look, hoping she was managing to keep hidden every hint of her confusion about her feelings for Caleb and Teddy.

Rose’s expression softened as if satisfied with what she saw.

Lilly might demand to know what exactly Rose thought that was, but she didn’t care to encourage Rose’s curiosity about the Caldwell cowboy and Lilly’s choice to open their home to him.

“I came to tell you supper is ready,” Rose said. “Will you let the others know?”

“Certainly.” Lilly left the house and stopped at Pa’s shop to tell him, and then made her way to the barn. She paused outside the door. Why hadn’t Rose informed everyone of supper herself? Lilly narrowed her eyes. Was she purposely avoiding contact with Caleb and Teddy simply because Caleb worked for the Caldwells? His reasons were noble—to earn enough money to take Teddy to a special doctor. She’d have to tell Rose that and set the record straight.

Caleb was sitting near Teddy and Blossom, his back against a post, his legs stretched out halfway across the alley. He’d perched his hat on a nearby nail. He was watching his son, an affectionate smile curling his mouth. She drew in a breath at the depth of his devotion. Many men would simply accept the fact their son would only walk with crutches and get on with their lives. But not Caleb. It seemed he meant to move Heaven and earth to help his son. It was truly admirable and brought a sting of emotion to the back of her eyes.

Teddy fussed with the dog, petting her head and talking to her, urging her to eat more.

Neither of them had noticed Lilly in the doorway until Grub padded toward her.

She stepped inside. “Supper is ready.”

Caleb tugged on the lobe of his ear. “We don’t want to be a bother.”

“It’s no bother.”

Slowly he rose. “If you’re quite certain?”

“I most certainly am.” More than anything, she wanted them to join the family for a meal. She wanted more time to observe them.... She meant, observe Teddy.

“Then we will come.” He signaled for Teddy to join him and the pair fell in step with Lilly as she crossed the yard.

Teddy grinned up at his father. “I was afraid you would say no.”

“Why would you think that?”

“’Cause sometimes you are so stubborn.”

Lilly choked back laughter. Young Teddy must have really kept Caleb on his toes.

“Son, must you point out all my flaws and perceived failings in front of Miss Bell?” His voice deepened.

She couldn’t say if it was from amusement or annoyance or perhaps a combination of both. “Please, call me Lilly.” He’d used her Christian name several times already—perhaps not aware he was doing so. She certainly didn’t want to revert to a more formal way of address.

“Lilly and Caleb it is, then.”

She realized she, too, had easily used his Christian name even without permission. Maybe working together over an injured pup erased some of the normal polite restraints.

“Papa, I only say what I see.”

Lilly could not contain her amusement at Teddy’s directness and burst out laughing.

Caleb rocked his head back and forth in dismay, but she understood it was only pretend because his eyes brimmed with mirth, and in a moment he chuckled.

Teddy grinned, pleased with himself for making them both laugh.

Ma and Pa would enjoy a young boy’s presence at supper. Even Rose would see Caleb was a nice man.

She realized her smile might have appeared too bright as she entered the house, so she forced a bit of seriousness into her expression.

* * *

Still chuckling, Caleb followed Lilly to the house. Teddy had not once complained about the simple food they ate, but perhaps the meals, although adequate, were lacking in imagination.

He was willing to give his son a good meal tonight. Then it was back to their regular fare after tomorrow.

Lilly led him into the house.

The scent of roast pork, turnips and apples brought a flood of saliva to his mouth. The meals he’d had over the past few months certainly didn’t carry such tantalizing aromas.

“Papa, it smells awfully good,” Teddy whispered.

“It does indeed.” Caleb glanced about. It was a usual-looking kitchen—cupboards to one side, a big stove belting out heat, a wooden table. But there were touches that revealed the family, too. A rocking chair with a basket of mending. A spinning wheel and a basket of carded wool. A stack of papers teetering on a side table. And on the cupboard, four golden brown loaves of bread were cooling beside jars of applesauce and jars of dark blue-purple jam. He could almost taste the jam on the bread.

He and Teddy seldom had bread. A man on his own didn’t have time to make bread, even if he knew how. They ate biscuits unless they found bread to purchase in one of the many towns he’d visited in his search for a doctor who could help Teddy.

The woman by the stove turned at their entrance.

Lilly pulled them forward. “Ma, this is Caleb Craig and his son, Teddy.” Lilly and her mother’s love for each other was evident in the way they each smiled. “Caleb, my mother.”

Both Teddy and Caleb offered their hands and Ma shook them. “Pleased to meet you.”

Mrs. Bell indicated two chairs at the table and he and Teddy sat down.

The others took their places. Rose and Lilly sat across from him and Mr. Bell sat at the end, facing his wife.

Caleb glanced around the table, but his gaze stalled when it landed on Lilly. She smiled as if to assure him they were welcome.

“Papa.” Teddy tugged at his sleeve to get his attention. “This is like we used to have.”

Caleb nodded. “Yes, son.” They’d once known family. Though Amanda admitted she didn’t love him and had married him only to get away from her overly strict upbringing. He’d tried to love her as a man should love his wife, but she had rebuffed every attempt, so they had lived together in peaceful coexistence, both committed to providing their son with a pleasant home.

But that home had never felt as warm and welcoming as this one did already.

Mr. Bell cleared his throat. “Welcome to our guests. I’ll give thanks.” He reached for Rose’s hand on one side and Caleb’s on the other. Seeing what Mr. Bell meant for them to do, Teddy reached for Ma’s and Caleb’s hands.

Caleb hesitated. Regret, refusal, confusion and pain all flashed through his brain. Being invited so intimately into this family circle had set his nerves to jangling. He had vowed to distance himself from people after Amanda’s murder. Or maybe it had begun long before that, during the years when Amanda had remained cold to his love. Slowly, over time, he had closed his heart in order to protect it. Now he was grateful he had done that. It kept him from overreacting to this current family situation. He’d only be here one day. He sucked in air and allowed Mr. Bell to take his hand.