The Baby Compromise

If he left her to deal with this on her own, would she get in over her head?

He clamped down on his teeth. He couldn’t babysit her. He had his hands full. Literally. But if harm came to her, he would live with it hanging around his neck.

Just as he did with his pa’s injuries.

* * *

Rebecca stared at the broad back of Colton Hayes. Technically, the child was not her responsibility. But she couldn’t let him go. Yes, she wanted to prove herself capable, but that was only part of her reason. She wanted to protect the child. Not from the big-booted cowboy. Colton also wanted to protect the baby. But she’d seen how crippled his parents were. Who would hold Gabriel and rock him? Who would kiss away his tears? Could they? Would they? Her heart squeezed out an answer. Even if they did, she shared something with the child—abandonment. She was grown-up, yet it hurt beyond words to be rejected. Her fiancé had eloped with some seamstress just days before their wedding. This baby had been abandoned by his mother. Neither was right, and she would do what she could to make it better for Gabriel. She’d give him the care and love he deserved.

“Wait.” The word rang with more pent-up emotion than she normally revealed.

He stopped, turned slowly and regarded her through the framework of the building. “I’m taking this baby home.”

“I accept your offer.”

He snorted. “I might have changed my mind.”

“A gentleman would not do that.”

“I’m no gentleman. I’m a cowboy.”

Although his words were softly spoken, she didn’t miss the harsh note. Did he intend to make her beg?

She considered her predicament. On one hand stood her father with his high expectations. Would he see it as a failure on her part if she let someone oversee the day-to-day construction work on the orphanage? On the other, there was this helpless baby. If the construction of the orphanage had been finished on time, there’d be a safe place for him to stay. It was her fault that there wasn’t—and that meant it was up to her to see to his care, whether the cowboy saw it that way or not.

Very well. She’d prove to everyone that she could handle any challenge. “I think it would benefit us both to work together. An infant would be a lot of work for your mother. I’ll help—” She practically choked on the word. “I’ll help with the baby and accept your help on this building.”

There. She’d spoken the words with as much apology and pleading as she could. And never before had it taken so much effort. “A business arrangement. But I insist on being involved in all decisions regarding the orphanage.” She saw his protest coming and hastened to add, “Just as I’m sure you wish to be involved with all the decisions regarding Gabriel.”

He continued to study her without any change in his expression. Then he nodded. “Very well. Come along, then. We’ll go to the mercantile first.”

“Finally,” Heidi murmured. “I was afraid you’d let him leave.”

Rebecca took Heidi’s hand as they picked their way across the rough ground. Was it possible that she’d just agreed to work with him? To live in his house?

“So how will this work?” she asked the cowboy. “How will we divide the responsibilities?” she clarified when he looked at her questioningly. “I expect to do my share.”

“I would expect nothing less. You can take care of the house while I get this building up. It benefits us both. I can be in town working here without worrying about my parents. And I can keep Gabriel safe.”

“You mean we can keep Gabriel safe.” She fell in step at his side as they returned to the street.

“Of course.” He struggled to hold the baby and the basket as he reached to untie the horse. The animal didn’t care for the arrangement and tugged back on the reins.

“Whoa,” Colton ordered. “Settle down. It’s just a baby and his bed.”

His words did nothing to calm the horse.

Rebecca let Colton struggle for a moment, enjoying his predicament. If this provided any indication of how well he’d manage on his own, he should be thanking her for agreeing to join forces with him.

He shot her a look.

She saw no gratitude in the way his eyes flashed, nor in the hard set of his mouth.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

She wiped all amusement from her face. “I’ll take the baby.” She reached out to do so.

He drew back.

“I thought we were going to work together,” she reminded him.

“That’s what we agreed.”

My, my, didn’t he sound gracious? But she took the infant without further comment, leaving him with the basket. He quickly untied the horse and they began the journey toward the store.

He walked so close at her side that it made her aware of his size, his rolling gait and something beyond the physical. A sense of strength and confidence. Her skin felt his nearness in a way that alarmed her and she moved aside.

“You aren’t planning to run away with the baby, are you?”

She sniffed, realized it sounded like Miss Ward and vowed never to do it again. “Oh, yes. It’s always been my dream to be chased down by a horse-riding, big-booted cowboy.”

He stopped, lifted one foot and examined it. “My feet aren’t that big.”

“If you say so.” She continued on her way. It took him only two steps to catch up.

“You’re just sore that you didn’t get your way.”

He made her sound like a spoiled child. “I am not.”

Heidi giggled. “You’re quarreling.”

Rebecca clamped her lips together and shot Colton a look that dared him to continue this.

He grinned. Did that glint in his eyes suggest a challenge?

They turned down Victory Street. A lone cowboy rode past, greeted Colton by name and tipped his hat at Rebecca.

Something burned at her thoughts and wouldn’t be quenched, despite her best intentions. Was he like her father, doubting her abilities? “Do you think I can’t manage on my own?” If so, she would prove him wrong.

He raised an eyebrow at her, but didn’t answer. His eyes were like hard bits of rock chiseled from a quarry. Only an accident of birth made them the unusual green color.

“Just because I’m a city girl doesn’t mean I’m incapable of caring for a baby.”

“Don’t recall saying you were.”

They reached the mercantile, forcing her to keep her retort to herself. Besides, as Heidi had pointed out, this was childish quarreling.

She shifted the baby to one arm and brought her thoughts to the task at hand—getting the building supplies delivered as promised. No workers would come unless there was material—though she suspected Miss Ward had been spreading her belief about God’s displeasure with the project among the townspeople. Perhaps some of them believed her.

Oh, and getting a regular supply of milk for the baby. See, she wasn’t a bit incompetent.

With Heidi clinging to her side, Rebecca stepped into the store. She breathed in the smell of coal oil and leather. From past experience, she knew that when she moved closer to the counter she’d catch the scent of licorice and cheese and hundreds of other things more pleasant to the senses.

Colton paused to tie the horse to the hitching rail and set the basket on the bench outside the door, but he reached her side before she made it to the counter. She stuffed back annoyance. Did he think she couldn’t handle things without him?

Without giving him a chance to take over, she spoke to Mr. Gavin. “Sir, I thought we had an agreement. You promised that the supplies would be delivered to the building site this morning.” He’d given his word several times, but something always prevented him from keeping it. “I was just there, and there are no supplies.”

Mr. Gavin raised his craggy eyebrows and gave little Gabriel a look rife with curiosity. She saw the flash of inquisitiveness in his eyes before he thought better of asking about the baby and turned his attention back to her.

“Miss Sterling, I’m doing my best. Unfortunately, I’m at the mercy of the suppliers in Newfield.”

Rebecca understood that. Newfield was the largest town to the east. A distance of approximately twelve miles, if she wasn’t mistaken. She could have walked that far and carried the boards back one by one in the time since she’d placed the order. “Is there not a regular train?” The question was rhetorical. Everyone knew there was. And although Evans Grove wasn’t a regular stop, whistle stops could be scheduled whenever deliveries needed to be made. Furthermore, she knew supplies regularly came from Newfield by wagon. “The work cannot proceed without lumber.”

Mr. Gavin made noncommittal noises. “I’m not responsible for the delay.”

Colton leaned on the counter, all relaxed-looking, as if he had no concern about this stalemate.

So much for working together.

He shifted slightly, turned his attention to the storekeeper. “Guess there’s not much you can do about it, then?”

Mr. Gavin shook his head. “Not a single thing.”

“Suppose I could take a wagon to Newfield and bring back supplies. Likely I’d have to make more’n one trip.” He spoke in a leisurely, unconcerned way. “Come to think of it, I could buy up supplies for the ranch at the same time.”

“I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” Mr. Gavin all but sputtered. “I’ll send a wire again today. Whatever the reason is, this delay is unacceptable.” He turned back to Rebecca. “Your supplies will be here tomorrow. I personally guarantee it.”

Colton banged a fist on the counter. “Good doing business with you.” He considered Rebecca, dropped his gaze to the baby. “We’ll be needing a few other things.”

Rebecca would not let him take over. “We need a regular supply of fresh milk for little Gabriel here.”

“You got another child?” Mr. Gavin asked. “How’d that happen?”

Rebecca silently sought Colton’s advice. They hadn’t discussed how to handle this situation.

Colton grinned.

She blinked. The man could charm the paper off the wall with a smile like that. Then her caution sprang to life. What was he trying to charm from her?

But he’d turned back to the storekeeper. “Found this baby on the doorstep of the orphanage. He’s only a few days old. You haven’t seen any woman around town who might have given birth, have you?”

Mr. Gavin’s mouth hung open. He managed to shake his head without bringing his lips together.

“I suspect the mother is ill or injured, unable to care for the baby.”

Rebecca hoped the explanation was that innocent. But she knew of many other possible reasons. A baby out of wedlock. A runaway young woman. But she understood Colton’s desire to protect Gabriel from gossip and speculation, especially if he truly believed the little one was related to him.

The storekeeper continued to shake his head.

Again, Colton dropped a fist to the counter. “Well, let us know if you see anyone like that. Now, about the things we need for the baby.”

The man scurried to get the milk that Rebecca asked for. “There’s daily delivery so it’s always fresh.”

“We won’t be needing more than this bottle,” Colton said. “I can provide milk at the ranch.”

The storekeeper looked disappointed at the loss of a daily sale.

Colton must have noticed. “The baby will need a few other things.” He glanced around, as if looking for baby supplies. He spotted a nursing bottle and grabbed it. “Put it all on my bill.”

“Excuse me.” Rebecca kept her attention focused on Mr. Gavin, afraid that if she looked at Colton her annoyance would boil over in a most unladylike way that would shock her father if he could hear. “I am the agent for the Orphan Salvation Society and as such am authorized to pay for expenses on behalf of children in my care. Therefore, you may add it to my account.” She pulled the bottle closer.

Colton straightened like someone had jammed a steel rod down his spine.

She would not pay any attention to his indignation, nor would she let his size intimidate her. Just because she’d agreed to their compromise did not mean he would always get his way. She’d stay at his house, as they’d decided, but she’d pay her own way...and Gabriel’s, as well. She turned and headed out the door, clutching the bottle of milk in her hand.

Heidi followed.

“Rebecca Sterling.” Colton’s voice carried a large dose of command.

Rebecca saw the uncertainty in Heidi’s face. She almost relented simply to ease Heidi’s worry. But neither that nor the echoing voice of her mother inside her head reminding her to always act like a lady was enough to induce her to respond to Colton’s call.

As she reached the wide step, she heard his boots clatter across the floor toward her.

On the nearby bench she sat beside the baby’s basket, pulled Heidi down on her other side and, with a rigid spine, waited.

Colton Hayes had to be the most annoying, most domineering man she’d ever met. But nothing he said would make her change her mind. She would not relinquish her measure of control in this situation to live on Colton’s charity. She’d pay her way when money was called for, and when it wasn’t, she’d figure out how to earn her keep. Everyone would sooner or later acknowledge that Rebecca Sterling was a capable young woman.

The door opened with a squawk of protesting hinges then slapped shut.

She did her best to pretend she wasn’t aware of Colton standing a few inches away, though the air pulsated with his annoyance. Instead, Rebecca kept her attention on the tiny baby in her arms. He was so sweet and innocent, filling her heart with a protectiveness like nothing she’d ever felt before.

She wouldn’t let him down. She wouldn’t.

* * *

Colton stared down at Rebecca’s bent head. Her shiny blond hair had been wound into some kind of roll around her face, allowing him plenty of chance to admire her slender neck. Though how he could so dispassionately do so while his insides boiled defied explanation. “Has anyone ever mentioned how annoying you are?”

“Never.” She didn’t even dignify her response by glancing his way.

“Well, someone should have.” Though he supposed rich girls were allowed to act any way they wanted without incurring correction. “Seeing as he’s a member of my family, I will pay for this baby’s needs.”

She lifted her head and fixed him with one of those hard blue looks.

He tried again. “We agreed to share the work.”

She lifted one shoulder in a dismissive gesture. “Yes, we did.”

He let his breath out in a long, exaggerated sigh, hoping she would understand how difficult she was being.

She ignored him.

Smiling, Heidi sat on the edge of the bench, glancing from one to the other as they talked. She’d forgotten to hide her face. The kid was enjoying the quarreling, as she called it.

He caught Rebecca’s eye and tipped his head to indicate Heidi.

Rebecca gave a slight nod to inform him that she saw, and for a moment Colton forgot his annoyance, lost in the pleasure of Heidi’s amusement—and something as fragile as butterfly wings that hovered between himself and Rebecca.

Then he noticed the baby bottle in the basket, and all he could think about was the discord between them.

He leaned against the hitching rail and studied the three people he’d invited into his life—Rebecca, who seemed bound and determined to challenge him at every opportunity; little Gabriel, who was tucked into her arm as content as anyone had a right to be; and Heidi, who suddenly ducked out of sight behind Rebecca’s shoulder. Fierce protectiveness clutched at his throat, and he was filled with the sense that none of the three had anyone but him to watch out for them.

Nonsense, of course. He’d heard tell that Heidi had a brother trying to track her down, and he imagined that Gabriel’s ma would come back for her son sooner or later. He also knew Rebecca had family back in New York. And she’d made it abundantly clear that she did not welcome anything from him. So why did he feel that it was his job to look after them all? Why would he want to, with all his responsibilities to the ranch and to his parents?

Even trying to see to their needs would be difficult. He already recognized that sharing the care of the baby at the ranch could prove to be more difficult then he’d initially thought. Would Rebecca resist every move he made, demand to be in control? His skin crawled at the thought.

“We’re in this together,” he said with as much patience as he could muster. “That’s what we agreed. Why don’t we cooperate and make it a pleasant arrangement?” She should find the idea appealing, but he knew when she looked at him that she had no intention of cooperating.

“If you mean I should give in to all your suggestions, the answer is no.”

“No? Just like that?”

“Mr. Hayes, I did not come west to sightsee. I came with a job to do. And I am determined to do that job. I will not turn my responsibilities over to a—” She paused as if to consider what to say and her gaze drifted toward his boots. “Anyone.”

“A dusty cowboy with big feet, you mean?”

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Admit it.” She lifted toward him one dainty foot, clad in a beautiful brown leather ladies’ boot. “Yours are pretty big.”

In comparison to hers, they were gigantic.

Heidi’s muffled giggle came from behind Rebecca.

Colton threw up his hands in mock defeat. “Okay, I have big feet. But that doesn’t mean we can’t cooperate.”

She nodded, amusement making her eyes flash a brighter blue. “I don’t mind cooperating, but I am not relinquishing my duties.”

It didn’t feel like cooperation to him. More like arguments about everything and nothing.

Baby Gabriel started to fuss.

Rebecca glanced at the bottle of milk from the store. “I’ll pay for the child’s needs. You’re already providing shelter for all of us, room and board for Heidi and me—so I can cover the rest of Gabriel’s expenses. That’s a fair division, don’t you think?” She didn’t wait for a reply. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll take him to Holly and Mason’s house.” She rose. “Heidi, can you carry the basket?” They headed away without so much as a by-your-leave, the basket bumping against Heidi’s legs.

He called after them, “I’ll get a buggy to take us home.”

She jolted to a stop and faced him. “Home?”

“The ranch.”

“Oh. Fine. You know where I’ll be.”

She continued on her way, Heidi at her side.

He stared after them. This was not turning out at all well, and he hadn’t even gotten her to the ranch yet. How would she react to living so far out of town? How would his parents respond to having her and the two children in their home? He lifted his hat and rubbed his head. If not for his concern for baby Gabriel, he’d be sorely tempted to change his mind about this arrangement. But no, he couldn’t shirk his responsibility. Particularly not his responsibility to family.

His gaze shifted to the orphanage.

And, he reluctantly admitted, one other thing stopped him from rescinding his offer—concern about Rebecca’s safety, since someone was clearly trying to destroy the place.

He slammed his hat back onto his head. His concern would always, first and foremost, be his family. That meant his parents and now Gabriel. Heidi and Rebecca would temporarily be part of his family, as well.

Sure, Rebecca was a rich girl with a father, but he was back East and Colton was right here. So he would give her the help and protection she needed. Even if she resisted.

Chapter Four

Rebecca resisted the temptation to glance back at the cowboy. She ignored the way the skin on the back of her neck twitched, as if aware of his stare. If she encouraged him in any way, he would run roughshod over anything she suggested. She couldn’t allow that to happen.

Heidi bounced along at her side. “Are we gonna keep the baby?”

“Until arrangements can be made.”

Gabriel’s fussing swelled into desperate wails.

“He’s hungry. We got to hurry.” Heidi broke into a jog, the basket dragging against one leg.

Rebecca lengthened her stride as her heart alternated between determination to prove she could take care of the baby and fear that she would fail.

Failure was not an option.

Her hurried steps bounced the baby and he stopped fussing.

When they reached the Wrights’ house, the teacherage that was spared in the fire that destroyed the school, they were greeted by Holly and Mason’s son, who was playing outside. Redheaded Liam was one of the boys Rebecca had brought from New York. As soon as he’d arrived, he’d quickly grown close with both the schoolteacher and the sheriff, who had officially adopted him just days after their recent wedding.

“Hello, Miss Sterling,” he called. “Hi, Heidi. Whatcha got?” He indicated the basket at Heidi’s side.

“A baby.” Heidi pointed to little Gabriel in Rebecca’s arms.

Liam ran to Rebecca’s side. “A baby? Where’d you get him?”

Holly came to the door. “Did I hear you have a baby?”

Rebecca nodded as Gabriel wailed. “His name is Gabriel and he’s hungry.”

“Bring him in.” Holly ushered them into her small living room. The whole tiny house was not even the size of the ballroom in Rebecca’s father’s home, and yet it comfortably housed three very happy people. Rebecca marveled again at how little it took to satisfy this sweet woman. There was no doubting her happiness. She seemed to glow from within.

Rebecca bounced to quiet the baby, but he wouldn’t be lulled.

“What do you need?” Holly asked.

“There’s milk and a bottle in the basket.”

“I’ll get it ready.”

Heidi handed Holly the items. “Can I go play with Liam?”

“Of course.” Rebecca knew the girl missed the other orphan children, who had all been placed.

She and Liam ran outside.

Rebecca watched Holly carefully as she washed the bottle and rinsed it with scalding water from the kettle simmering on the back of the stove. Then she filled the bottle with milk and set it in a bowl of hot water. “Why do you do that?”

“You’ve never cared for a baby?” Holly asked.

“No.”

“I’m warming the milk so he doesn’t get a tummyache.” She took the bottle from the water, wiped the outside dry and shook a few drops of milk onto her wrist. “I’m checking to make sure it’s the right temperature. Here, let me show you.”

Rebecca held out her arm and Holly dropped milk on her wrist.

“Does it feel comfortably warm?”

Rebecca nodded.

“Then here you go.” She handed Rebecca the bottle. “Make yourself at home.” They both sat on the couch.

Rebecca remembered everything that she’d seen Heidi do and rubbed Gabriel’s little cheek. He turned toward her finger and she offered him the bottle, grinning as the baby sucked eagerly.

“How do you know about caring for babies?” she asked her friend.

Holly chuckled. “Aren’t schoolteachers supposed to be experts on everything? Besides, I helped care for babies when I was younger. Now tell me about this little fellow.”

Rebecca repeated the story of Colton finding him at the orphanage site. “Gabriel was crying when I came and Colton begged me to make him stop.” Strange how they had gone from him asking for her help to him trying to take over. Apparently, she’d made a bad impression when she hadn’t realized the baby needed a new diaper. Now he didn’t seem to think she was capable of doing anything useful.

A quick knock sounded on the door and Charlotte Reed burst into the room. “What’s this about Rebecca finding a baby?” The woman’s strawberry blond hair was a bit windblown and her porcelain skin was flushed. Clearly, she’d rushed over as soon as she heard the news.

“How did you hear?” Rebecca jostled Gabriel, who had stopped eating after only a few ounces.

“Likely he needs burping,” Holly said.

Rebecca knew what to do from watching Heidi. She cradled the baby to her shoulder and patted his back. He rewarded her with a gentle burp. She could do this. She could care for this baby. She turned back to Charlotte and repeated her question.