The Texan's Twin Blessings

“That will be fine.”

William nodded his agreement. He could tell by the stiffness in her voice that Emily Jane wasn’t pleased with him calling her by her given name but that she’d complied out of politeness.

“Now that that is settled, would you mind telling us what arrived from Austin today?” Anna Mae asked, setting her cup down.

Ruby had been left out of the conversation long enough. She squealed, letting them know she too wanted out of the tub.

William rose to get her.

Anna Mae waved him back into his seat. “I’ll get her. Please, continue eating and tell us all about your day.”

William did as Anna Mae requested. He found the schoolteacher to be a delight. She seemed truly interested in his everyday goings-on, and Ruby cuddled close to her as if they were meant to be together. Of the two ladies, Anna Mae might be a better choice for the girls as a new mother. Even so, he didn’t feel the same attraction toward her as he did with Emily Jane. That line of thinking was dangerous. William focused on his food.

He finished his meal as quickly as possible and then stood to leave. “Thank you for dinner and taking care of the girls today, Miss Emily Jane.” William picked up the girls’ bag. “Tomorrow Mr. Moore and I are going to put up a poster announcing that I need someone to watch the girls. Do you mind taking care of them one more day?” While he talked, William dug around the blankets in the tub.

Emily Jane handed Rose to Anna Mae and then picked up his dirty dishes. “That will be fine.” She stopped and watched him for a moment. “What are you looking for?”

He straightened and said, “The girls’ stuffed animals.”

She carried the plate, silverware and cup to the dish tub. “They are still in your bag.” Emily Jane poured more hot water over the dishes.

William turned with a frown on his face. “Then how did you get them to take their afternoon nap? They can’t sleep without their toys.”

Emily Jane turned with a sweet smile. “They didn’t take an afternoon nap.”

As if to confirm her words, Rose yawned. Ruby followed suit. The little girl snuggled closer to Anna Mae.

“No nap?” William couldn’t believe it. Over the past few weeks, he’d taken to putting the girls down for an hour or more every morning and again in the afternoon so that he could get some much-needed rest, too.

She shook her head. “No nap.”

“Why not?” William asked.

Anna Mae answered. “So that they will sleep tonight.” She stood and handed a very sleepy Ruby to William and Rose over to Emily Jane.

“And they didn’t fuss?” he asked as Ruby cuddled up against his shoulder.

Emily Jane wiped her free hand off on her apron. “No, they were too busy playing with Mrs. Matthews and sampling cookies. Tomorrow we’ll start with a short nap in the afternoon and then see how well they sleep. But for tonight you should have no trouble whatsoever getting them to sleep the night through.” She smiled at Rose, who stared back at her with big blue eyes.

Baffled at how easily Emily Jane seemed to have taken care of his nieces, William patted Ruby on the back. He did like the idea of them sleeping all night.

Anna Mae shook her head. “My head is beginning to ache again. Emily Jane will help you get home.”

“That isn’t necessary.” William walked to Emily Jane with the idea of taking Rose into his free arm.

Rose curled up against Emily Jane’s chest. “Nonsense. It won’t take me a minute to walk over and lay her down.” Emily Jane’s face softened as the little girl closed her eyes and stuck her thumb into her mouth.

He nodded. “All right.” William followed her as she led the way across the kitchen, through the sitting room and outside. Her light blue skirt swished against the wooden porch steps as she descended.

“It’s a lovely evening.” Her soft voice floated back to him much like the fireflies that buzzed about the yard.

A cool breeze brushed across his cheeks, bringing with it the ever-present scents of cinnamon and sugar. He inhaled. “It sure is.”

They walked side by side to his house. His house. Six months ago, William wouldn’t have thought he’d be in Granite, Texas. Sorrow hit him full in the chest. If he’d known six months ago that both his sister and his grandmother would be gone, he’d have spent more time with them and less time trying to build a business.

“So far, spring is my favorite season in Texas.” Emily Jane pulled him from his sad thoughts.

He slipped around her and opened the door. “I take it you aren’t from around here?” William stepped back so that she could slip past him.

“No, I grew up in Kansas.” She walked back to the bedroom and laid Rose down in one of the cradles.

William placed Ruby into the other. Both girls curled up and closed their eyes. He was amazed at how quickly they went down.

William asked, “When was the last time they were changed?” William hated asking such a delicate question, but the thought of them, their bedding and their toys being wet in the morning didn’t appeal to him. He’d rather change them now and not have to deal with the mess later.

A dimple in her right cheek winked up at him as she grinned. “Right before you arrived. They should stay dry for the rest of the night. I doubled their diapers just in case they fell asleep before you got them home.” She walked toward the bedroom door.

Why hadn’t he thought of doing that at night? Emily Jane truly was a woman who knew how to take care of children. He followed her from the room and then gently shut the door behind them.

Emily Jane continued toward the front door. She stepped out on the porch. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thank you again.” William leaned against the doorjamb and watched her hurry back to her house. She really was a pretty little thing, red hair, green eyes and that cute dimple that had made its appearance tonight. Given enough time, would Miss Emily Jane change her mind and be interested in taking on a more permanent position watching his nieces?

Chapter Five

The next morning as he entered The Bakery, William marveled at the fact that both girls had slept through the night. He carried them to the nearest table and sat down. Aware of several sets of eyes upon them, he sighed. People were forever staring at him and the twins. He wasn’t sure if it was because it was uncommon to see a man with two little girls alone or if it was because the girls were twins.

“Good morning. You must be William Barns.” William looked up into the face of a smiling woman. “My name is Violet Atwood. What can I get for you and these two darlings this morning?” Violet’s hazel eyes studied him with a curious intensity.

Had Emily Jane mentioned him and the girls? Was that how Violet Atwood knew of them? Or had others been talking about him? His thoughts went to the group of ladies who’d spoken to him the day before. Now there definitely was the possibility that they had mentioned them.

He realized that Miss Atwood was waiting to take his order. William cleared his throat before saying, “Good morning. I’d like a cup of coffee for myself and a slice of bread for the girls. Nothing too sweet.” William didn’t mention that the cookies he’d given them for breakfast already had them squirmier than two playful puppies. He looked down at his nieces.

Rose was attempting to grab Ruby. Ruby pulled against his arm to get at the salt and pepper shakers on the table. It was all he could do to hold on to the two wiggling girls. He sighed.

“Be right back with your order.”

He nodded and tightened his grip on the children. His gaze followed Violet Atwood about the room. Her graying brown hair had been piled up onto the top of her head. Miss Atwood wore a brown day dress with a white apron that covered her ample stomach. William wasn’t sure about her age but was impressed with the way she zipped about the tables, refilling coffee cups and then hurrying back to the front of the bakery, where he could see her laying out slices of bread on a plate and pouring his cup of coffee.

She seemed to be the only one working in the small establishment. Had Emily Jane already finished for the day? He’d hoped to see her this morning.

Ruby knocked the salt over, and Rose kicked her feet with joy at the sight. The two girls giggled, bringing more attention from the other diners. William righted the saltshaker and pushed a little farther away from the table.

“I imagine those two keep you pretty busy.” Violet set the plate of bread and coffee on the opposite side of the table out of Rose and Ruby’s reach. “I have just what you need to be able to eat and drink in comfort. Be right back.”

William didn’t have time to comment as she whirled around and headed through a small side door that he’d assumed earlier led to the kitchen. Both Rose and Ruby were pulling against his arm to get to the plate of bread. He wished he had some form of harness to put on the little girls. William both dreaded and welcomed the day they’d be able to walk and sit in a chair on their own.

The sound of wood bumping against wood drew his attention back to the side door. He could see Violet wrestling with something and then heard Emily Jane’s soft voice. “Here, let me help you with that, Violet.” Emily Jane came through the door and held it open for the older woman.

“Oh, thank you, Emily Jane. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Emily Jane’s teasing laughter and words floated to him. “Learn to prop the door open before trying to force a high chair through it?”

Violet giggled like a schoolgirl. “I suppose so. Now, get out of my way so that I can get this to our customers.”

Emily Jane turned around. Her big green eyes settled on William and the little girls. He wondered if she’d be upset that he’d brought them to her place of work; after all, she’d seen quite a bit of them since they’d arrived.

A smile brought the dimple in her cheek out of hiding as she followed Violet to their table. “Good morning, Mr. Barns.” Emily Jane reached for Rose, who at the moment was pulling on the tablecloth, inching the bread and coffee closer with each tug.

He handed his niece over. “Good morning to you, too.” William turned his attention to the high chair. It stood about thirty-five inches tall with a dark varnish over red with stenciled white flowers on the wide headrest. “I wish I had brought one of those from Mary’s house. It sure would have made things easier at home.”

Violet finished making sure it was secure and motioned for Emily Jane to place the little girl inside. “You can always stop by Levi Westland’s furniture store and see if he has any more available. He made this one special for the bakery.” She ran her hand over the pinewood.

“That’s a splendid idea.” William grinned up at her. Rose banged her small hands against the wooden tray in front of her. Ruby tried to do the same to the table but William moved her to his other side, farther away from her target.

“Emily Jane, are you going over to the general store on your way home today?” Violet asked as she placed a bit of bread into Rose’s hand. She handed the other half to Ruby.

Emily Jane nodded. “Want me to pick up something for you?”

While Ruby’s hands were full of bread, William reached for his coffee. Maybe now was the time to go to the general store, too. He needed to replenish his grandmother’s cupboards, and if Emily Jane was going and had any suggestions on what he’d need, he’d welcome them.

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble. We could use more coffee.” Violet patted Rose on the head.

“No trouble at all.” Emily Jane smiled at her boss.

William jumped into the conversation. “Well, speaking of trouble, I’m not sure what to pick up to replenish Grams’s cupboards. Would you mind if the girls and I tagged along with you?” He sipped his coffee and watched her over the rim of his cup.

For a brief moment, Emily Jane looked as if she were going to refuse his request. Her gaze moved from him to the girls. He suspected it was the way the girls were gobbling their bread, as if they’d not eaten all morning, that persuaded her to agree. “I’ll be happy to help you find what you need.” She turned toward the kitchen, untying her apron strings as she left the table. “Let me finish up in the kitchen. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“Take your time.” William smiled into his cup. So far the day was turning out quite nicely. The girls had slept in; he’d managed to have a cup of coffee, and now Miss Emily Jane was going with them to the general store. She’d know what he’d need for the house and the girls. His mood turned a bit somber as the familiar feelings of insecurity attacked him. There was so much he didn’t know about the care and future of little girls. Which, if he were truthful, was why he’d ended up at The Bakery today anyway. He’d forgotten to replenish the cupboards. Anyone else would have remembered that babies needed to be fed as soon as they arose in the mornings, but, no, he hadn’t even thought of it.

And their clothes. He continued the self-incriminating examination. Who would change a baby’s diaper without getting the needed items first? He’d changed Ruby this morning and forgotten the clean diaper. He shifted nervously in his seat, assailed by a terrible sense of helplessness. He ate a slice of the bread and finished his coffee.

“I’m sorry. That took a little longer than I’d anticipated.” Emily Jane breezed back in as swiftly as she had left. Her gaze moved to the girls. “Are we ready to go?” she asked, smiling at the girls.

“We’re ready.” William stood. The soft scent of cinnamon teased his nose as Emily Jane bent over and lifted Rose from the chair. “I thought you had escaped out the back door so you wouldn’t have to be troubled by us today,” he teased.

“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft and clear. “I couldn’t leave till I cleaned up the mess I made. Violet works the crowd alone when I’m gone, and the added work would not have been fair.”

Her face was full of strength, shining with a steadfast and serene peace. He realized that he felt hope when he was around her. Things didn’t look so bleak. She laughed softly at Rose’s gaze of happiness when she kissed her on the neck, eliciting soft giggles from the child. Suddenly the morning seemed to be going splendidly.

William turned toward the door without waiting for her to follow. He felt totally bewildered by his behavior. First he was sad at the loss of his family, then happy at having Emily Jane enter his life, then uncertain how to deal with the girls and his slight attraction to Emily Jane. What on earth had caused this tumble of confused thoughts and feelings?

Not since he was a kid had a woman caused so many conflicting emotions. And he’d just met this one. Maybe he was turning into a ninny. A setting hen. It had to be because he’d been taking care of babies. That had to be it. Everyone turned to mush around them. He clenched his jaw and imposed an iron control over his thoughts. Enough. He needed a little time away from Emily Jane to remind himself that she had no power to change him. She did not hold the key to his happiness, nor his thought process. And contrary to what the little old ladies in this town thought, he was not going to marry her only to have his heart broken when she decided that taking care of Rose and Ruby was too much work.

Chapter Six

Emily Jane enjoyed the walk to the store. Rose giggled as they strolled. The twin pointed at a little boy and his dog as they ran across the street. Ruby giggled along with her while William strode in silence. She couldn’t help but wonder if he regretted inviting her along. His brows were pulled into an affronted frown, and a muscle flicked in his jaw. She didn’t know him well enough, so she couldn’t decide if he was angry or contemplating some deep subject.

The bell jingled overhead as he held the door open for her. She stepped inside the store and waited for a few seconds to give her eyes a moment to adjust. The wonderful scents of spices and leather filled her senses.

Carolyn Moore stood behind the counter. “Emily Jane, how good to see you.” She walked over to where they stood. “Who is this cute little girl?” Carolyn asked, touching Rose’s arm.

Rose tucked her thumb in her mouth and laid her head on Emily Jane’s shoulder. She pressed her body as close to Emily Jane’s as she could. For a brief moment, protectiveness rose in Emily Jane. She realized how foolish that was, considering the store owner was a good friend and would never hurt the child.

“This is Miss Rose.” Emily Jane smiled at them both.

Carolyn laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Rose.” She turned her attention to William and the child he carried. “And who might this be?”

When William didn’t answer but stood with his mouth twisted in a wry smile at Carolyn’s teasing, Emily Jane answered. “That is Miss Ruby.” Carolyn knew who both girls were, of course, but knew the method of pretend surprise would make the girls feel more comfortable. She was an old hand at winning children over.

“Well, hello, Miss Ruby.” Carolyn laughed. “My, aren’t we all being so formal today?” She waved her hand in front of her face much like Emily Jane assumed a woman of wealth would wave a fan.

Carolyn’s laughter was contagious, and soon Emily Jane’s, Ruby’s and Rose’s giggles joined in. William stared at them all as if they’d lost their minds. Emily Jane couldn’t help but laugh harder, looking into his bemused face.

Mr. Carlson, Carolyn’s elderly father, called from the back of the store. “Women sure are a funny breed. William, come on back here and let the women get their cackling done.” He busily set up a checkerboard that was his constant companion.

“I’d love to, Phillip, but I need to get some shopping done before I return to work here in a bit,” William called back to him.

Emily Jane enjoyed the way his voice rose to answer the other man. It was loud enough to be heard but not booming like her father’s. So far there wasn’t much she’d found dislikable about the man. From his beautiful blue eyes to his full lips. He carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence, and yet there were times when he appeared so vulnerable.

Reining in her wayward thoughts, Emily Jane pulled her gaze from his handsome face and looked to Carolyn. Being caught staring at William caused heat to travel into Emily Jane’s cheeks. She quickly blurted out, “Violet asked me to pick up some coffee for her, too.”

The other woman grinned and nodded. “I’ll have Amos run it over. He’s been pestering us for a job this morning. We use him as needed to run deliveries for us, so he’ll be happy for the work. I told him to come back in a bit, so he should return soon.”

Emily Jane dug into her purse and pulled out a coin. “Would you make sure he gets this for helping me out?” She handed the money over with a smile and prayer that Carolyn would forget whatever thoughts she had about her and Mr. Barns. Amos and his mother could use the extra coinage, and Emily Jane was always happy to find a way to assist them. “Also, tell him to stop by the house when he gets done.”

Carolyn looked at her with a quizzical expression. “We’re paying him, Emily Jane.”

Relief washed over Emily Jane that Carolyn seemed to be distracted now. “I know, but I want to make sure he knows he’s appreciated.” And that was the truth. Amos worked hard to help his ma out, and he was growing into a fine young man. For that Emily Jane was grateful.

An understanding glance passed between them before Carolyn tucked the money into her apron pocket and turned her attention to William. “Now, do you need any help with your shopping, Mr. Barns? I know you know where everything is, but with these two sweeties, I’m not sure you will be able to gather up what you came for. If you’d like, I could take your list and gather your supplies for you.”

William shook his head. “No, thank you. I’m sure there are more things I’ll need that I forgot to put on the list. Luckily, Miss Emily Jane has agreed to help me with the girls, so I should be able to manage for now.”

Emily Jane nodded. “I’m going to pick up a few spices, too.” She noticed a small wagon sitting beside the door. It had tall railings on each side and the back. Emily Jane pointed at it. “Carolyn, may we use that wagon?”

“Oh, yes. Of course.”

She carried Rose to the wagon and set her inside. “Look, Rose. Want to ride?”

The little girl giggled and kicked her small legs. Emily Jane picked up the long handle and pulled Rose to William and Ruby.

“What a great idea.” He put Ruby down beside her sister. The two girls laughed and banged against the wagon’s sides. He dug inside the bag he had flung over his shoulder and gave both the girls their stuffed animals.

“Those should keep them busy while we get our shopping done.” William made his way to the sugar and flour barrels. He pulled a sack from the pile and began filling it with sugar.

She heard him humming as he scooped the white granules into the bag. Emily Jane looked back at the girls, who seemed content to slap at each other with their toys and giggle. Experience with her siblings told her the girls wouldn’t be content long. She hurried to help William complete his shopping so that she could get on with her own.

For the next thirty minutes, Emily Jane and William piled merchandise on the front counter while the children played in the wagon. She helped him pick out canned goods that the girls could eat, as well as breakfast foods such as eggs and salt pork.

Emily Jane looked at the mountain of supplies and decided that his basic shopping was complete. William had moved to the men’s department, which consisted of ready-made shirts, pants and boots.

Happy to have his shopping done, she turned her attention to the fabric and ribbons. Emily Jane chose yellow and green ribbons to replace the girls’ bows. Impulsively, she added matching yellow and green fabric. The girls needed new dresses, and since she was good friends with Susanna Marsh, the local dressmaker, Emily Jane decided to add those to William’s pile.

Next, Emily Jane walked to the wall of spices. She needed baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and ginger to resupply her baking cabinet at home. Thankfully, Levi Westland, the owner of The Bakery, had agreed to let her have a running tab at the general store so that she could practice making various sweet breads, tarts, pies, cakes and cookies for the eatery or she would not have been able to afford all the wonderful seasonings.

Someday she’d have her own bakery. It would be as big as The Bakery and would have round tables with blue-checkered tablecloths. She’d pay extra for a large glass window so that people passing by could see inside. And she’d also find a way for the smell of her freshly baked goods to vent outside and entice passersby to come inside.

The recipes she created each day and passed on to The Bakery were hers, and someday she’d be making them in her own store. She’d need to move from Granite, so that she wouldn’t be in competition with Mr. Westland and Violet. Moving was not something she looked forward to doing. Emily Jane frowned, as she wondered once again where she would go.

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