The Holiday Courtship. Winnie Griggs

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СКАЧАТЬ swallowed a retort. She was undoubtedly right, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. “Chloe won’t let him out of her sight.”

      “I’m sure Smudge provides her with a measure of comfort. But she must learn that she’ll be okay without him for short periods of time.”

      The schoolteacher planted herself squarely in front of his niece and stood silently until Chloe met her gaze.

      Miss Whitman touched Smudge lightly on the head, then held out her arms, her meaning obvious.

      Chloe replied by hugging Smudge tighter against her chest and lifting her chin defiantly.

      But Miss Whitman didn’t drop her hands or her gaze, and Chloe finally handed over her pet. The girl’s shoulders slumped, and she looked as if she’d just lost her best friend, but Miss Whitman patted her arm and gave her an approving smile.

      Chloe turned away.

      He thought he heard Miss Whitman sigh as she turned and held the cat out to him. “Here you go. Make sure he doesn’t get away from you since he’s not familiar with the town yet.”

      Great—now he was responsible for the well-being of not just the children, but this creature as well.

      His hesitation was duly noted. Her eyes turned hard without her smile ever leaving her face as she continued to wait for him to take the animal from her.

      Hank reluctantly held out his hands and accepted the gray feline, who looked snootily down his nose at him and sneezed. Great—even the kids’ pet didn’t like him.

      After telling Miss Whitman to let Eve know he’d settle the bill when he returned, he headed out the door.

      Feeling ridiculous carrying a cat through town, Hank set a brisk pace. But his thoughts remained on the kids.

      He had to get through the next few days without his aunt’s help, and that meant he probably wouldn’t be able to spend much time at the sawmill. He trusted Simon Tucker to do a good job in his absence, but the business was his, not Simon’s. And he’d already been away too long.

      If only he’d been more successful convincing Willa Booth to return with him. Willa, a good friend of his sister, had cared for the children during the time it had taken him to get from Turnabout to Elgin Springs.

      As soon as he’d realized his best recourse was to find a woman to marry, someone to serve as a mother to the children, he’d thought of Miss Booth. The children already knew and liked her. She was not only single, but also seemed to have a fondness for children. The fact that she was a few years older than him hadn’t particularly bothered him—in fact, it had the advantage of assuring him she was going into this with her eyes wide-open and not holding out any romantic aspirations.

      He’d discussed the situation with her in a businesslike manner, explaining that he could offer a comfortable home that she could run as she pleased and a life where she would be respected and her needs cared for. And at first she’d agreed to his proposal. Having a wife to accompany them back to Turnabout would have made everything so much easier.

      But at the last minute she’d backed out, and he’d had to leave her behind.

      Hank spent most of the train ride back to Turnabout trying to compile a list of acceptable candidates. One by one, he’d considered every unmarried lady in Turnabout he could remember. And he’d mentally rejected most of them for one reason or another. They’d been too old or too young, too slow or too silly, too talkative or too timid. By the time the train had arrived in Turnabout, his list had grown pitiably short. He’d figured—hoped—there were other marriageable ladies out there, though.

      Take the schoolteacher, for instance. He hadn’t really considered Miss Whitman, mainly because she wasn’t someone he’d had much contact with.

      But he was definitely considering her now.

      In fact, over the past few minutes she’d jumped to the very top of his list.

      * * *

      Once Mr. Chandler left, Janell turned back to the children and found them wide-eyed. The place was tailor-made to be a child’s delight. The warmth inside was a welcome counterpoint to the windy outdoors, and the smells were mouthwateringly tantalizing.

      Not only did Eve Dawson make delectable sweets, but her husband, Chance, carved wooden toys and fanciful decorations that he displayed around the shop. His woodworking area was visible across the room, separated only by a low rail.

      He was there now and looked up when they entered and welcomed them with a smile. Then he bent over his work again.

      Eve, her rounded stomach betraying the fact that she was expecting a child, stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “Hello, Janell. Who are these two fine-looking young’uns you have with you?”

      “This is Chloe and Alex, Mr. Chandler’s niece and nephew. They just arrived in town and I thought I’d treat them to some of your candies.”

      She saw understanding and sympathy flash in Eve’s expression. Everyone in town knew why Mr. Chandler had headed for Colorado a few weeks ago.

      “Well, as first-time customers, you’re allowed to sample anything in the shop for free. Just let me know what you want.”

      Alex and Chloe were already eyeing the treats on display with hungry eagerness. Much better than the scared and woeful expressions they’d worn earlier.

      Janell turned back to Eve. “While they’re trying to decide, would you mind whipping us up some hot cocoa?”

      Eve smiled. “Not at all. Three hot cocoas, coming right up.”

      Her husband, who’d sauntered over from his workbench, gave them another smile, then dropped a quick kiss on Eve’s cheek. “Why don’t you let me handle the cocoa while you take care of your customers?” Without waiting for an answer, he headed for the kitchen.

      Eve turned back to her young customers. “Made up your minds yet?”

      Alex’s eyes were wide with appreciation for the treats spread before him. “It just all looks so good.”

      “And what about you, Chloe?”

      When the little girl didn’t answer, Eve’s smile turned uncertain.

      Janell caught her gaze and touched her ear with a shake of her head.

      With an understanding nod, Eve turned back to the children. “I tell you what—why don’t I make up a platter with a little bit of everything and bring it to your table?”

      Alex’s eyes lit up and he nodded enthusiastically.

      “That would be lovely, thank you.” Janell lightly touched Chloe’s arm to get her attention before sweeping a hand toward the tables. “Let’s have a seat, shall we?” She led them to one of the round tables that were set out for customers.

      As they took their seats, Janell turned to Alex. “How old are you?”

      “Eight.”

      Then she turned СКАЧАТЬ