A Family for Christmas Read online

  She patted his hand. “Thank you, but I’m doing fine.”

  As she moved on to the counter, Chance returned to eavesdropping on the conductor. The man was energetically recounting a rather embellished version of how he’d expertly identified and dealt with the sly stowaway.

  His story, which painted the kid as some sort of treacherous thief, differed significantly from what Chance had observed earlier. Of course, at the time he’d been more focused on the determined young woman who was so very staunchly defending the boy than on the conductor and the kid himself.

  She had intrigued him, and it wasn’t just that she’d taken up for the boy—though he did admire her for that. It was more the contradictions he’d sensed in her.

  Her appearance—from her tightly coifed brown hair that not even a sudden gust of November wind could ruffle, to her high-collared, severe dress and stiff posture— proclaimed her to be a very prim and proper young lady, one who was a bit on the mousy side. She’d also seemed quite young. But when the petite defender had defiantly lifted her chin, he’d seen the flash of fire in her expressive brown eyes, a fire that made him think perhaps she wasn’t quite so prim and proper after all—and definitely not mousy. The maturity he’d seen there surprised him, as well. She was much more than the child she’d looked at first sight.

  Then she’d spotted him watching her. If she’d given him the least indication that she wanted his help with the conductor, he’d have immediately stepped forward. But instead she’d stiffened and very deliberately turned away. It wasn’t at all the kind of reaction he was used to getting from the ladies of his acquaintance, especially one who was so obviously in a tight spot. He hadn’t been sure what to make of it, so he’d shrugged it off and proceeded inside the depot.

  But ever since then he’d had the nagging feeling he might have made the wrong call.

  “I left him out there on the platform.” The conductor’s words to Lionel pulled Chance back to the present. “He’s a shifty one. If I were you I’d keep a close eye on things around here until he moves on.”

  Dotty placed her hand on her heart. “Do you consider this man dangerous then? Should Sheriff Gleason be informed?”

  Chance decided it was time to add his two cents. “This blackguard the conductor is describing happens to be a young boy, not a man.”

  Dotty wrinkled her nose. “Surely you don’t mean that child I saw waiting on the platform a moment ago?” She stared at the conductor as if he’d had the bad manners to relate an off-color story. “Why, he can’t be more than nine or ten years old and he certainly looked more forlorn than cunning.”

  Chance nodded. “Nevertheless, that’s the accused.”

  The conductor, whose face had gained a reddish hue, gave them both a haughty look. “Just because he’s young doesn’t mean he ain’t to be watched.”

  Chance raised a brow. “The young lady who stuck up for him earlier didn’t seem to think he was a threat to anyone.” In fact, she’d seemed ready to defend him against all comers.

  The conductor tugged on his vest. “You know how young ladies are, too tenderhearted for their own good most times, especially when it comes to young’uns.”

  Tenderhearted? Maybe. But there seemed to be more backbone to the woman than that.

  The conductor had apparently tired of the subject. He turned away, flipped open his pocket watch and informed the waiting passengers it was time to board.

  Chance’s thoughts were still on the stowaway’s protectoress. He liked to puzzle out what made people act the way they did—and she offered an intriguing challenge. Too bad the woman wasn’t sticking around.

  He’d kept an eye on her peripherally through the depot window and had felt a small stab of disappointment when he saw her say goodbye to the boy and head back toward the train. He wasn’t sure why, but a part of him had actually expected her to stay with the kid.

  He supposed he shouldn’t judge her, though—it would be foolhardy for her to strand herself overnight in a strange town, especially since she seemed to be traveling alone. And he had no idea if she was on a strict schedule of some sort—after all, Thanksgiving was just two days away.

  Besides, he found it was always good practice to give a pretty girl the benefit of the doubt.

  Chance glanced over as the conductor left the building, followed by the few last-minute passengers who hadn’t yet boarded.

  To his surprise the door had barely closed behind them when it was pushed open again and the woman and her young companion walked in.

  Well, well, perhaps he’d have the opportunity to get to know her better after all.

  Chapter Two

  Eve ushered Leo into the depot and out of the blustery wind, still feeling as out of place as a turtle up a tree. She had no idea how to go about making certain Leo was taken care of. She didn’t even know where the two of them would bed down tonight. But she knew she was doing the right thing and, for now, that was enough.

  Of course, before she could figure out her next move, she really needed to get more information from Leo about his situation.

  “Come on,” she said with a nod toward the benches. “Let’s sit down and talk.”

  Leo’s expression turned wary, but he nodded.

  Before crossing the room, Eve took quick stock of the other folks inside. The stationmaster, his scraggly mustache quivering as he scribbled in a ledger, stood behind the counter. A strapping adolescent was sorting through packages, stacking some against a wall and carrying others to another room.

  The other two people present were a man and woman. The woman appeared to be about her grandmother’s age, though she’d obviously not lived as harsh a life. Rather than hardness and a guarded demeanor, this woman had a kind face, graced with laugh lines and a soft smile.

  But she took all of that in almost subconsciously. It was the gentleman who caught and held her attention. As soon as she realized that he was the same man she’d noticed watching her outside, her senses seemed to heighten in awareness.

  There was something about him that both attracted her and put her on guard. With his light brown hair, boyish smile, and those blue eyes, he was handsome. And there seemed to be what she could only describe as a likeableness about him.

  But it was coupled with an impish, amused air that gave her pause. All her instincts told her this was the sort of man her grandmother was forever warning her about—a man who dabbled in flirtations and enjoyed partaking in the occasional bit of mischief. The sort of man who’d led to her mother’s downfall.

  What was most strange about this whole situation was that she was getting all of these strong impressions of the man without ever having exchanged a word with him. Further proof, she supposed, that her grandmother was correct about her getting lost in her own flights of fancy.

  “Can I help you with something, miss?”

  The stationmaster’s question brought Eve’s attention back to herself and she reddened slightly as she realized the stranger had seen her staring at him. She quickly turned to the official with a smile. “No, thank you. We just wanted to get away from the wind for a few moments.”

  He gave a friendly wave toward the benches. “Make yourselves at home.”

  She nodded and continued on her way, but remained very aware of the blue-eyed stranger behind her.

  The conductor’s “All aboard” call came in from outside. There was no turning back now—she was well and truly committed to staying here for the time being. And she didn’t regret that decision for a moment.

  Eve sent up a silent prayer for help in finding just the right words, then took a deep breath. “Now we talk.”

  Leo perched on the very edge of the bench with his hands tightly gripping the seat on either side of him, as if ready to run any moment. “What about?”

  Trying to put him more at ease, she
infused as much warmth and encouragement in her smile as she could summon. “Why don’t you start at the beginning and tell me how you came to be on that train?”

  “I snuck on board when the train stopped at Texarkana.” His tone indicated he wasn’t going to volunteer any more information than he had to.

  So, he really was a stowaway. She’d had some vague notion that he might have been abandoned by his guardian once he boarded. She didn’t know whether to be relieved or worried that this was not the case, that he’d taken this step all on his own. But at least now she had a general idea of where he’d come from. “Why did you do such a thing? Don’t you think your parents will be worried about you?”

  His shoulders slumped. “My parents are dead. They passed on near about two years ago I think.” His tone was flat, matter-of-fact. “No one else is gonna care one speck about what happens to me.”

  The idea that he could feel so very alone made her want to cry. She lightly touched his hand. “I’m so sorry.” But surely he hadn’t been on his own for two years. “Who’s been looking out for you since then?”

  He shifted evasively. “After my folks passed on, one of the neighbors took me in.”

  So he did have someone. That was a relief. Now, if she could just find out who that was and why he’d run away.

  “Pardon me.”

  Eve gave a little start and jerked around to find the gentleman and lady she’d noticed earlier had approached. Both wore friendly smiles.

  Her heartbeat slowed and she forced herself to return those smiles even though she was anxious to get back to her conversation with Leo. “Can I do something for you?”

  “Actually, that was my question.” The handsome stranger gave her a self-effacing smile. “I couldn’t help but notice your little altercation with the conductor earlier. I get the impression Turnabout wasn’t really your planned destination.” He motioned to indicate he was including the woman standing beside him. “We just wanted to make certain you two were okay before we left the building.”

  So he had been watching her earlier. “That’s very kind of you, Mr....”

  “Dawson.” He gave a short bow. “Chance Dawson, at your service. And this is Mrs. Epps.”

  “Well, Mr. Dawson, Mrs. Epps, I thank you kindly for your concern but we’re fine.” Truth to tell, she wasn’t sure exactly what kind of help to ask for at this point. And she wouldn’t know until she finished her conversation with Leo.

  “No need to be bashful,” Mrs. Epps said. “And please, call me Dotty. You’ll find Turnabout is a friendly place where folks look out for each other.”

  Eve relaxed slightly and returned the woman’s smile. “I’m sure this is a lovely town.”

  “Excuse me if this is a bit forward,” Mr. Dawson said, “but do you need assistance finding accommodations for your time here? I can show you where the hotel is if you like.”

  Just then, rumbling sounds came from the vicinity of Leo’s stomach. Eve mentally kicked herself for her thoughtlessness. If Leo was a runaway it had probably been quite some time since he’d had a decent meal. She should have thought of feeding him right away.

  Before she could say anything, Mr. Dawson chimed in with a grin. “Sounds like someone’s hungry. Why don’t you let us at least show you where you can get a bite to eat?”

  Deciding that, with Mrs. Epps present, there could be no impropriety in accepting his assistance, Eve nodded. “Thank you. That would be most welcome.”

  Mr. Dawson offered a hand to help her rise. “I don’t think I caught your names.”

  His hand was warm and supportive. And just a little too comfortable.

  She reluctantly released it as soon as she was on her feet. “I’m Eve Pickering, and my friend here is Leo.”

  He executed a slight bow. “Pleased to meet you and welcome to Turnabout.” He reached for her carpet bag. “Allow me.”

  She wasn’t certain how she felt about letting someone else take her bag, especially since it contained the sum total of all her earthly possessions.

  But before she could form a response, he extended an arm toward the exit. “Very well then. If you’re ready, I’ll show you to Daisy’s Restaurant. Best food in town.”

  Eve nodded and placed a hand on Leo’s back as she headed for the exit. They had just reached the door when the stationmaster hailed Mr. Dawson.

  “Looks like you have a letter,” he said, holding up an envelope.

  Mr. Dawson retrieved the letter and Eve thought she saw his expression change from mild curiosity to something stronger as he studied the envelope. But he tucked it into his pocket without bothering to open it and by the time he rejoined them at the door his expression had resumed its casual neighborliness. A curious look passed between him and Dotty, but then it was gone and he was holding the door open for them.

  She wondered at his restraint. She’d never received a letter herself, but she imagined if she had that she would tear it open immediately and read the contents.

  But perhaps this was an everyday occurrence for him.

  As they stepped out onto the platform, Mr. Dawson turned to her. “So where have you traveled from?”

  “A small town in Arkansas called Iron Bluff.” Would she ever see that place again?

  “And are you traveling in order to spend Thanksgiving with friends?” Mrs. Epps asked with a smile.

  That was so far from the truth as to be laughable.

  Mrs. Epps must have noticed something in her expression because she grimaced. “Please forgive me for prying. You don’t have to answer. It’s just the idle curiosity of an old woman.”

  “No need to apologize,” she reassured the woman. “It’s just that the truth is so mundane. I’m going to Tyler to secure employment. The fact that Thanksgiving is in two days is merely coincidence.”

  “Employment?” Mr. Dawson eyed her speculatively.

  This was beginning to feel like an interrogation, but she didn’t want to be rude to these strangers who were being kind. “Yes. I’m going to apprentice with a milliner there.” She tried to infuse some positive emotion in her tone. “I’ve never actually met Mrs. O’Connell, but I understand she is very well respected for her craft.”

  Mrs. Epps’s expression turned to dismay. “You can’t mean to say you don’t know anyone there. Oh, no, that won’t do. My dear, Thanksgiving is meant to be spent with family and friends.”

  Eve wasn’t quite certain how to respond. The thought that her new acquaintances might be feeling pity for her was mortifying.

  Then Mrs. Epps surprised her by patting her arm. “I’m sorry. I’m sure you have compelling reasons. But if you decide to stay here for another few days, which I hope you will, you can participate in our Thanksgiving Festival. The whole town gets together for it and I assure you, you and Leo will be made quite welcome.” She glanced over to Mr. Dawson. “Don’t you agree, Chance?”

  “I would never disagree with anything you said,” Mr. Dawson replied gallantly. Then he grinned at Eve. “The Thanksgiving Festival is quite an event. Why, an opportunity to sample Dotty’s orange spice carrots alone would make it worth extending your stay.”

  For a moment Eve was sorely tempted. After all, once she arrived in Tyler her chance to do as she pleased would be severely curtailed. But then reason reasserted itself. “I thank you both for the kind invitation, but my plans are a bit uncertain at the moment.”

  “Of course.” Mrs. Epps smiled in understanding. “If your plans change, though, just keep in mind that we would be happy to include you in our gathering.”

  As they reached a street leading away from the tracks, Mrs. Epps paused. “I’m afraid this is where I must leave you. It was very nice making your acquaintance, Eve, and you, too, Leo. I hope to see you again before you leave town.”

  That brought Eve up short. “Aren’t you goi
ng to join us for lunch?” Going to lunch with the two of them was one thing. Going to lunch alone with a strange man was something else altogether.

  “I’m afraid not.” She smiled. “Miss Daniels is away visiting her son and I promised to take her place in the weekly bridge game over at the boardinghouse.”

  Mr. Dawson’s expression drooped melodramatically. “I suppose their good fortune in having your company is our loss.”

  The woman flapped her hand at him with a chiding expression. “Chance Dawson, get on with you now. You need to turn that sweet talk of yours where it’ll do you more good—in other words on someone your own age instead of a matron like me.”

  “Dotty, how can you say such a thing? You know you’re the light of my life.”

  Rolling her eyes, she turned to Eve. “Don’t pay any mind to his foolishness, he’s quite harmless really.” Then she eyed Mr. Dawson. “And you, make sure you behave yourself.”

  Now, what did that mean?

  But Mr. Dawson was holding his hands up, palms forward, a wounded expression on his face. “Dotty, my dear, you said it yourself, I’m harmless.”

  Mrs. Epps shook her head but there was a smile in her eyes. Then she gave them a wave. “Enjoy your lunch. And tell Daisy hello for me.” With a friendly nod, she stepped off the sidewalk to cross the street.

  Eve watched her go, feeling as if she’d lost a much-needed buffer. But she certainly couldn’t back out now—that would be not only rude but extremely awkward. So she gave Mr. Dawson a smile and indicated she was ready to proceed.

  They turned at the next corner and Mr. Dawson pointed out businesses and landmarks along the way. Eve made appropriate responses, but her thoughts were on her current situation. She needed to continue her discussion with Leo as soon as possible so she could decide what to do next. Why had he run away? And what could someone as inept as she was do to help him?

  A number of other folks on the sidewalk were going about their own business and quite a few of them greeted Mr. Dawson as they passed. Was it her imagination or were the smiles he received from the ladies, young and old alike, especially warm?