The Unexpected Bride (The Unexpected Sinclares Book 1) Page 23

Granny rested her hands on top of her stick and stared imperiously at Caleb. “So can Billy count on you to be there?”

  Caleb nodded. “Tell him I’ll bring my own tools.”

  Foxberry’s matriarch turned to Elthia. “What about you?”

  “Me?” Elthia straightened. “I’d like to help of course, but I don’t really think I’d be much use building a barn.”

  Granny cackled. “Don’t be silly, child. We leave the hammering to the menfolk. Us ladies help in other ways. We prepare meals, carry around the water bucket, doctor cuts and scrapes, and anything else to make the workers’ jobs easier.”

  “Well, if you think I could be of some help…” Elthia glanced uncertainly toward Caleb.

  But Granny spoke up before he could. “That’s settled then.” She turned to Harm. “What about you? With those broad shoulders of yours, I’ll bet you’re right handy with a hammer yourself.”

  Harm shook his head. “Sorry, ma’am. I just came here to check on Elly. There’s pressing business I left waiting for me in New York. I’m afraid I’ll be starting back tomorrow.”

  Granny sighed. “Now that’s a sure ’nuff shame.” She turned to Caleb as she opened the strings to her handbag. “This letter came for you. Hiram asked me to deliver it when I came by.”

  “Thanks.” After a quick glance at the envelope, he nodded and stuck it in his pocket. “It’s from Annie, my sister.”

  Elthia wondered if Caleb and his sister were as close as she and Harm were. This was the second letter he’d gotten from Annie since she’d arrived in Texas, so they obviously kept in touch.

  It would be interesting to meet his siblings, her in-laws, someday. Then, remembering the unsettled issues between them, she wondered if she’d be here long enough to have that chance.

  Caleb waited until he was alone to open the letter. He imagined his sisters were eager to hear how the marriage was working out. Unfolding the single sheet, he propped his elbows on the scarred worktable and began to read.

  Dear Caleb,

  We’ve found the solution! Aunt Dorothy’s mother died last week. I know it sounds unfeeling to rejoice, but the dear woman had suffered for so long even Aunt Dorothy acknowledges it was a blessing for her to go on to her reward. Anyway, that leaves Aunt Dorothy alone. She’s looking forward to filling her house with the children. I know she’s getting on in years, but she’s healthy and spry, and cousin Jeremy lives close by with his family if she should need help occasionally.

  I know you’re likely already married, and Liz and I feel awful about the sacrifice you had to make. Surely there’s some way you can get out of it, have it annulled or something. I bet Judge Walters would help since he knows the circumstances. Then you can go back to your life the way it was before.

  Let us know what we can do to help you work everything out.

  Love,

  Annie

  Well, this was certainly an unexpected turn of events. Funny, he wasn’t the least bit tempted. It wasn’t just because of Elthia, he told himself. Even without her, he would fight to keep the kids. He was part of a real family again, by thunder, and he aimed to keep it that way. The thought of returning to his former footloose lifestyle held no appeal for him at all.

  He’d write Annie right this minute and tell her that, much as he appreciated her efforts and concern, it was time she accepted that he was going to see this through his way.

  Though he’d never admit it to Elthia, Caleb was quite ready to see Harm leave the next day. It had been a very long two days.

  Having Elthia’s big brother watch him with looks that alternated between keen perception, deep suspicion, and that’s-my-sister-you’re-touching glares made it hard for him to relax.

  Though Elthia’s hopeful prediction that the men would become friends hadn’t quite panned out, Caleb had formed a grudging respect for his brother-in-law. After all, they did share a common bond in their concern for Elthia’s well-being.

  After Harm had gathered his things together, he asked for Caleb’s help getting his horse saddled. Harm’s friendly tone didn’t lull Caleb into thinking he was only looking for the pleasure of his company. Having Elthia’s lip-chewing gaze follow them out the house only reinforced the feeling.

  Caleb watched Harm lead his horse from the paddock into the barn. Then he leaned against one of the stalls as Elthia’s brother threw the saddle on the animal’s back.

  After all, they both knew Harm didn’t really need any help.

  Tightening the cinch, Harm cut Caleb a sideways look. “Thanks for the hospitality of these past few days, Tanner. Especially after the rather… extreme way I introduced myself.”

  Caleb shrugged. “Can’t really fault you for looking out for your sister. And Elthia’s family is always welcome in our home.”

  Harm moved to the other side of his horse. “Elly’s changed in a lot of little ways since she left home. I’m not sure I approve of all of them.”

  Caleb refused to be intimidated. Besides, Harm’s veiled reference reminded him of the questions he had about the Sinclare family. He’d asked Elthia about it again last night, but again she’d managed to sidestep answering him. Maybe her brother would be more forthcoming.

  “Tell me,” he asked, “what sort of life did Elthia lead before she came here?”

  “Didn’t she tell you?”

  Caleb shrugged. “I know the Sinclares are well off. And I know she never had to do a lick of housework until she came here. What I don’t know is just how rich that family of yours is.”

  Harm turned his attention back to his saddle. “And would that knowledge change the situation any?”

  Hang it all, why couldn’t he get a straight answer for once. What were they hiding? “Well I reckon that all depends on what the answer turns out to be,” he drawled.

  Harm gave him a considering look, then patted his horse. “I’d better let Elly answer any questions you have about our family.” He smiled. “Maybe she knows what she’s doing after all.”

  It wasn’t an answer, but at least it had a friendly ring.

  Before Caleb could return the smile, though, Harm’s eyes narrowed with deadly intent. “But I give you fair warning. If you do anything to make her unhappy, if you so much as bring a lump to her throat, I’ll be back. And next time I won’t stop with one punch.”

  CHAPTER 20

  Elthia paced across the parlor, straightening bric-a-brac as she went. It was time she and Caleb had a talk about what occurred that night in the barn and, more to the point, his aloofness afterward.

  So why was she hiding in here?

  Because she was a coward, that’s why. Caleb had gone into Foxberry shortly after Harm had left, but he was back now. She should just seek him out, confront him with her concerns, and find out what he was thinking, what he was feeling.

  Had that night made a difference to him at all? Or was she still no more than someone to help with the children. Someone to satisfy a condition of the adoption. Someone he would take to his bed simply because random fate had saddled him with her?

  Elthia tossed her head back. It was past time they talked.

  She tracked him down in his workshop. He was working on a cradle, and the sight pierced her with longing. Her hand moved to her stomach. Was it possible that even now a new life grew there?

  Caleb finally spied her. “Come on in.” His smile was wary, as if he wasn’t quite sure what to expect from her.

  Elthia moved next to the cradle, across from him. “I thought maybe this would be a good time for us to talk.”

  “About what?”

  Rather than answer his question, she ran a finger along the headboard of the cradle. “This is beautiful work.”

  “Thanks.” His stiffness disappeared, if it had been there at all. “Sam Powell asked me to make it. From the looks of his wife last Sunday, they’ll be needing it soon.”

  Elthia felt a sharp stab of jealousy for the Powells. “What about you?” she asked before she could stop herself. “Do you p
lan to have children of your own someday?”

  He gave her a long, thoughtful look before turning back to his work. “I have a house full of young’uns now.” His tone was thoughtful. “Don’t you think I should be content with that?”

  Was he being deliberately evasive? “I didn’t ask you what I thought. I asked what you want.”

  Caleb’s hand caressed the wood as he polished the headboard. “I suppose every man wants to see part of himself live on in a new generation,” he mused, “wants to hold a new life in his hand, knowing he played a part in bringing that life into the world.”

  Then he gave her a sideways look. “What about you? Are you content looking after other people’s kids, or do you have a hankering to have some of your own one day?”

  She turned toward his worktable. Taking time to choose her words, she arranged his brushes, then fingered an awl, studying it intently. “I’ve always dreamed of having a house full.”

  “You have that here.”

  Elthia’s frustration rose. They might as well be talking of the weather for all the emotion he revealed. She turned, leaning back against the worktable. “And I love each one of them as if they were my own. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for more.”

  “True.” He looked up, and her gaze was trapped by the fire in his. “You do realize you could already be carrying my child?”

  She felt her cheeks warm again as she nodded. Her hand fluttered toward her stomach, but she caught herself mid-gesture this time and gripped the edge of the table.

  His gaze probed deeper. “Would you be sorry?”

  “No!” The word exploded from her, and she pushed away from the table, clasping her hands in front of her.

  “Even though it would erase any chance you might have of obtaining an annulment?” he pressed.

  Elthia crossed to a rocking horse in the far corner. She felt Caleb’s gaze bore into her as she set the wooden steed in motion. “I believe our case for an annulment has been erased, regardless. I’m staying.” There, she’d said it.

  As the silence drew out, her hands clenched on the rocking horse. Why didn’t he say anything? What was he thinking? Did he—

  She jumped at the touch of his hands on her shoulders. How had he moved so quietly? His breath stirred her hair, sending shivers coursing through her. She ached to have him hold her more intimately, to hear him speak of passion, of commitment.

  “I’m sorry if you have regrets,” he whispered huskily. “But I can’t find it in myself to apologize for what passed between us, especially if it means you’ll stay.”

  “I don’t have regrets, Caleb, and I never wanted an apology.” She turned, ready to confront him as she’d planned earlier. But the fire in his eyes burned her words away. His hands caressed her arms, and the yearning she’d bottled inside began to expand, seeping its way through her. Please, kiss me till my toes curl.

  He traced the line of her jaw with an index finger, keeping his gaze focused on his finger. “No regrets? Not even for that fine life in your daddy’s home you’d be leaving behind?”

  “Of course not.” Not if I believed you could truly love me.

  His touch made it difficult for her to concentrate on his words.

  He removed her glasses, and her surroundings receded into a soft blur. But she had no trouble seeing his face clearly.

  “Such beautiful eyes,” he said, reaching up to brush some hair from her brow. “Hidden treasures of rare beauty.”

  She placed her hands on his chest. The thought that there was something they needed to discuss, some unfinished business between them, niggled at her. But she couldn’t quite remember what at the moment—and right now it just didn’t seem to matter. If he didn’t kiss her soon, she’d likely die from the yearning. Her tongue darted out to lick her suddenly dry lips.

  The motion drew Caleb’s gaze. His eyes darkened to a rich coffee color. With a throaty, hungry sound, he lowered his head and captured her lips, giving her the kiss she’d yearned for. His hands massaged her back, drawing her close. Her fingers tangled in his hair.

  He tasted her neck, starting below her ear and blazing a trail of kisses to the pulse point at the base of her throat. Elthia squirmed against him, pressing closer, wanting more…

  “…Thia. Aunt Thia.”

  Why was Caleb calling her aunt?

  Caleb stilled, and his head lifted away from hers.

  “Aunt Thia, where are you?”

  Merciful heavens, it was Josie! What had they been thinking? It was the middle of the day, for goodness’ sake, and they were in the workshop. Elthia frantically tried to pull herself together. How could they have lost all sense of propriety this way?

  Caleb handed over her glasses with a crooked smile and tapped the end of her nose regretfully. “We’ll finish this later,” he whispered, giving her a look that curled her toes as effectively as one of his kisses. By the time Josie stuck her head in the doorway, he was back at his workbench.

  “Uncle Caleb,” Josie asked, “have you seen—” She halted as Elthia stepped forward. “Oh, there you are.”

  Elthia smiled at the girl, studiously avoiding Caleb’s gaze. “What’s the matter? Do you need my help with something?”

  Josie nodded vigorously. “It’s Poppy. He got his head stuck in a jar. Keith and Kevin want to bust the jar open, but I told them they better wait until we asked you what to do.”

  “Oh no.” Elthia’s heart lurched as she turned to Caleb.

  He stood at once. “Where’s the little beast?” he asked. At the same time, he placed a comforting hand on Elthia’s shoulder.

  “Alex has him right now.” She turned to Elthia. “Don’t you worry none. Alex won’t let them do anything to hurt your puppy.”

  Elthia smiled for the girl’s benefit as she hurried toward the house, Caleb right at her side.

  They found Alex sitting on the steps, gently soothing a feebly struggling Poppy. The other children stood around, making sympathetic noises or offering advice. Keith held a hammer.

  Elthia sat beside Alex, and he transferred the whimpering ball of fur from his lap to hers. She stroked her pitifully limp pet, frightened by his unnatural lethargy.

  Caleb took Alex’s seat, and she turned to him, trying to keep her voice steady. “We’ve got to help him before he suffocates.”

  “Let me have him.” Caleb took Poppy from her. “And he’s not going to suffocate.” He inserted his pinky between the dog’s neck and the jar rim. “See, there’s lots of room for air to get in. We just need to keep him calm until we get this thing off.”

  She pushed her glasses up. “So you can get it off?”

  He nodded confidently. “Sure. If his head can go in, it can come out.” Then he turned. “Zoe, fetch me a spoonful of lard. Keith, put the hammer away. You’re making Aunt Elthia nervous.”

  For once, Elthia was grateful for his take-charge attitude. His calm assurance that this was nothing more than a minor irritation comforted her as nothing else would have.

  While they waited for Zoe, Caleb turned his attention to the remaining children. “Who wants to explain how this happened?”

  “It was Keith and Kevin’s fault,” Josie volunteered.

  “It was not!” Kevin denied, rounding on his little sister. “And you’re just an old tattle baby.”

  “Am not!”

  “Are too!”

  “That’s enough!” Caleb intervened. “Now, Kevin, why don’t you explain what happened.”

  Kevin scuffed a toe in the dirt, avoiding both Caleb’s and Elthia’s gazes. “Well, there was a dab of jelly left in the jar, and Zoe told me and Keith we could finish it off. She run us out of the kitchen so she could sweep. So we came out here.”

  “And?” Caleb’s tone demanded a prompt reply.

  “We shared it with Poppy. And he liked it, a lot. We were gonna pick up the jar, honest, but Josie found a big old toad frog she wanted to show us. When we came back, Poppy had his head in, licking the bottom.” Kevin tur
ned to his sister. “So it was really Josie’s fault.”

  “Was not!”

  “Was—”

  “I said enough of that.”

  Elthia noted again how well Caleb balanced discipline and fairness with the children. He was a good father, so comfortable in that role. How comfortable was he in the role of husband?

  Caleb turned as Zoe rushed up. “Just right.” He quickly applied liberal amounts of the lard to the jar and Poppy’s neck and head.

  With a firm, gentle tug, the dog finally came free. “Here.” He plopped Poppy on Elthia’s lap. “Take your sticky mutt. I’m going to clean up, and I’d suggest you do the same with him if you don’t want a bigger, smellier mess on your hands later.”

  Elthia let Poppy lick her chin, enjoying his tail-wagging revival. She smiled up Caleb. “Thank you. It was wonderful of you to rescue Poppy, especially knowing how you feel about him.”

  Caleb flashed her that crooked smile and stood a bit taller. Then he shrugged and waved off her thanks. “Just see if you can keep that pooch out of mischief for a while.”

  Elthia nodded meekly as she stood, but there was a smile on her lips. Lately, Caleb seemed to have a harder time mustering up much conviction in his complaints against Poppy. Did she dare hope that was in part due to his feelings for her?

  A few minutes later they stood in the bathhouse, Caleb washing his lard-coated hands and Elthia bathing a now frisky Poppy.

  Caleb grimaced as he dried his hands. “Seems the biggest part of that pint-sized terror is his voice. Hope you get him clean before you go deaf.”

  Elthia grinned. “You’re not going to let this ‘pint-sized terror’ run you off, are you?”

  Caleb only rolled his eyes and continued out the door.

  She lathered and rinsed Poppy three times before she decided he was clean enough. As she dried her pet, she thought of all the different sides of Caleb she’d seen today.

  Wary but determined as he left the house with Harm, sensuously tender as he kissed her, caring as he dealt with Poppy and the children, sidestepping her thanks once the crisis was resolved, and playfully teasing a few minutes ago as he left the bathhouse.