Montana Cowboy's Baby. Linda Ford

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       Chapter Four

      He wasn’t Ellie’s father.

      The words echoed in Kate’s head. It left him free of obligation to marry Thelma. Not that it changed anything for her. Her plans were the same as ever: see that Father was well enough to manage on his own and then go to medical school.

      Another thought interrupted her insistence. Conner had grown very fond of Ellie. Would he marry Thelma in order to keep the baby?

      She knew it was a possibility.

      Annie started washing the breakfast dishes.

      Kate grabbed a towel and began to dry them.

      “You don’t need to do that,” Annie said. “I fully expected to have a mess to clean up when I returned. Instead, I find the kitchen clean except for a few breakfast things. Not that I mind the work. It’s worth it to have a good visit with Carly.”

      “I’ve always found it soothing to do housework.” No drama, no fears, no obligations.

      “Pa said you didn’t know the baby wasn’t Conner’s. I’m guessing it surprised you to learn the truth.”

      Kate nodded, her resolve returning. “It restores my belief that he is an honorable man, but apart from that, it changes very little for me. This is something he and your family have to sort out.” Her job here was about done. And none too soon. Several times she’d found herself forgetting her goal, attracted to a man in a way she could not allow.

      They finished cleaning the kitchen. “Now that you’re home, I will show you how to feed Ellie.”

      Looking apprehensive and eager at the same time, Annie accompanied her to the sitting room. Kate explained her plan to Conner. “The baby is going to need lots of care. Until you find Ellie’s mother, you’re going to need help. I’ll show Annie and your grandfather how to feed her.” Though the baby would soon need nothing more than someone to prepare a bottle for her.

      Annie settled into a chair and Kate put the baby in her arms, noting that Annie seemed at ease with holding Ellie. No doubt she had held lots of babies, including her niece Mattie. “Okay, little Ellie, it’s time to eat. Show your auntie Annie what you can do.” Except Annie wasn’t her auntie. Kate needed to readjust her thinking.

      Ellie looked at Annie, then found Kate. Her expression brightened with recognition and she started to drink the milk. Pleasure at knowing the baby sought her was laced with resolve to walk away from the situation. She had come as a medical person to help. Success meant she would no longer be needed.

      Kate watched, satisfied the baby was doing well. “Excellent job. Now let’s give Grandfather a turn.” Kate placed the baby in the old man’s arms. “Sweetie, everyone calls this man Grandfather.”

      Grandfather sighed. “It’s been far too long since I’ve had the pleasure of holding a little one.”

      Kate bent over the baby. “Did you hear that? He likes you.”

      But it was Kate the baby looked at as she sucked her milk. And it was Kate’s arms that ached to hold her close. She glanced toward Conner. He was watching her and smiled...a gentle, sad sort of smile as if he regretted the way she’d learned the truth. Or perhaps he’d guessed at her confused feelings. She tried to look away, to convince herself she handled this situation very well, but she couldn’t. Not any more than she could stop the sting of tears that she blinked away.

      The smile in Conner’s eyes deepened as if he understood. How could he? He was surrounded by his family, all ready and willing to support him in caring for Ellie, while Kate would return home with empty arms.

      And an empty heart?

      No. Her thinking was clouded. She was returning to resume her own plans.

      She forced her mind back to her rightful role.

      “She’s stopped eating,” Grandfather said, and Kate turned back to Ellie. She checked the bottle.

      “A good feeding. Excellent.” She was no longer needed here. She took the baby. There was no reason she couldn’t put the baby in her basket or give her to Conner, who watched her closely. But she wanted to hold her as long as she could.

      The baby didn’t sleep but watched Kate with wide, deep brown eyes.

      Ellie rumbled her lips. Her eyes widened. She did it again.

      Kate laughed and shifted closer to Conner. “Look at this. Do it again, Ellie.”

      Ellie looked at Conner, rumbled her lips and gave Conner a look that seemed to say, “Your turn.”

      “I think she wants to play.” Conner rumbled his lips and waited. Ellie did it again. Back and forth they went until Kate started laughing.

      They played with the baby until it was time to feed her again and then she slept. Kate put her in her basket. She smiled down at the sleeping baby, then turned to Conner.

      Kate had promised herself she would leave the baby for the Marshalls to tend, but here she was, alone with Conner, sharing the care of Ellie and enjoying every minute of it.

      She hurried into the kitchen, where Annie was busy cooking. “Can I help?”

      “You could prepare the vegetables in the basin for dinner. I’m running late. It seems I always have more work than time.” She sighed. “But I suppose that’s what most women say.”

      Kate washed the potatoes and carrots in the sink and put them on the stove to cook, watching them until they boiled.

      Together, they prepared a meal.

      “It’s СКАЧАТЬ