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  Joshua held Timmy until Ruby was settled on the seat, then handed the boy up to her. She lifted Timmy’s arm up and waved it. “Say bye-bye, Timmy.”

  Timmy made a small sound almost like a laugh. Ruby was happy to hear it. Just a few days away from his real mother and his true personality was beginning to flourish. She was excited, knowing that over the next few months he was going to really start talking.

  She felt the wagon seat lower as Seth got back on the wagon. There was one horse which moved slowly when Seth snapped the reins. Ruby sat very still, one hand around Timmy, the other hand clutching the skirt of her new pink dress.

  ***

  Seth didn’t speak as he drove the wagon. He could sense Ruby was anxious by the way she held her skirt in a vice-like grip. However, her curiosity in her surroundings caused her head to turn from side to side, taking in everything in town and the landscape on the way to his home.

  He’d forgotten how much his first wife had hated the house. She’d considered it too small, too far from town and the town too boring. Seth glanced at his new wife from the corner of his eye. She was lovely, with long wavy brown hair and in the pink calico, she looked sweet.

  Clothing doesn’t change a person’s heart. The thought flashed through his mind causing him to tense up and grasp the reins tightly. But… I assumed things about Ruby based on the clothes she came to town in. I need to get to know who she really is. Seth kept his eyes straight ahead and lifted a prayer to help him.

  As they drew near to his home, Seth slowed the horse. He wanted to give Ruby time to see everything and adjust to her surroundings. When the wagon was about twenty foot from the front porch, Seth pulled the reins and stopped the horse. He waited a few seconds then said, “This is my house. I know it isn’t much.” He paused. “Do you… do you want to turn around and go back to town? Or I can take you to stay with Joshua and Dan, or even Sam and Mark Carlin. They have the big house we passed on the way here.”

  ***

  Ruby had been enjoying the scenery as they traveled away from town. She was glad they didn’t have to live right in the town. It had seemed so dirty and dusty. But, out here, things were fresh and clean. Further ahead, there was what looked to her like a mountain, but in Texas was probably considered a hill. Most of it was covered in the lovely bluebonnets she’d seen in the paintings earlier.

  I wonder if they smell sweet?

  They passed a large, white home which Ruby felt was a bit too much home for the small western town. She’d ask Seth later, who owned it.

  She noted that Seth was very quiet, but when he finally stopped in front of what she assumed was his house, he was only silent for another minute, then gave his rather startling speech about taking her back to town.

  Ruby scanned the house. It was sturdy and clean. It had been white washed not long ago from the looks of it. The house was made up of two cabins, with a fifteen-foot passageway between them. The gabled roof covered both the cabin and passageway. Each cabin had a door opening onto the passageway. There were no windows in either cabin, the roof was made of overlapping oak clapboards. Ruby was pleased to see the chimneys on the sides of each cabin were made of real brick.

  The land around the house was a bit barren; obviously no woman or man had tried to grow any flowers or bushes near the house. However, as far as Ruby could tell, the house was plenty big enough for the three of them.

  She swiveled her head slightly to look at Seth, wondering at the tone of his question.

  “Is there something about the house that would make me want to turn back?”

  Seth shook his head. “It’s not very big, or quaint. Nothing like an Eastern house.”

  Ruby laughed. “I surely didn’t expect that. Remember, I grew up living over a saloon. This looks to be a good, well-made house. I think the porch between the two cabins will be a nice place to sit out at night. Is there much of a breeze?”

  Seth let his tense shoulders relax. “Yep, even gets a might cold on some nights.”

  “So, tell me about the cabins? Why two?” Ruby didn’t realize she had actually placed a hand on Seth’s knee when she asked.

  “The cabin on the right is used for cooking, eating, reading. The cabin on the left is used for sleeping.” Seth’s voice dropped.

  Ruby felt her cheeks warm. There hadn’t been any conversation between them yet, about sleeping arrangements. As his wife, she knew what was to be expected, however, she wasn’t sure he’d be expecting such intimacy immediately or if he’d want them get to know one another a bit first.

  Seth answered her unspoken questions.

  “You and Timmy can have the big room. Each cabin also has a small shed off the back. I’ll use the room behind the sleeping cabin. I have some things stored in there now, but I can make room for a cot. We store all our food in the small shed off the kitchen area.”

  Ruby nodded her head, not wanting Seth to see the crimson color on her face, yet oddly feeling a bit disappointed.

  “It’s a lovely home, Seth. Do you have any objections to me growing some flowers, having a garden? Even though I lived in the city, I always had plants in the apartment window sill. Everyone who knew me said I had a green thumb.”

  Seth hopped off the wagon seat again and came around the side to help Ruby down. She set Timmy on the seat and allowed Seth to place his hands on her waist and lift her off the wagon.

  “I’d be pleased for you to have a garden.” He said as he placed her on the ground.

  She lifted her chin and met his eyes. He leaned forward and pressed his lips on her forehead as she closed her eyes. It was tender, but she wasn’t sure he meant it in a lover’s way or a brother’s way.

  “Draw out what you want your garden to look like and next time we go to town we’ll get whatever you need.”

  Ruby realized her eyes were still shut. She opened them as she turned and put her arms out for Timmy. The child sat with his thumb in his mouth staring at her, but not moving.

  “Come on Timmy.” She waggled her arms to get his attention.

  Timmy looked over her shoulder at Seth and pointed.

  Ruby turned around. “He seems to want you to carry him. I understand if you don’t want to, but it might keep him from crying.”

  Ruby wasn’t sure what emotion crossed Seth’s face, but he moved closer to the wagon and lifted Timmy off the wagon into his arms, then led the way into the house.

  On the porch Ruby passed two cane coven rocking chairs. She could feel a soft breeze which promised to be even cooler in the evening.

  It will be lovely to sit out here in the evenings.

  “I have a crib put away. If you can entertain him for a few more minutes, I’ll bring it out.” Ruby thought his words were being pressed out as if he were in a great deal of pain.

  “Are you sure? He can sleep with me if you prefer it.” She hoped to ease his feelings.

  Seth shook his head. “He needs a crib; they’ll be times you’ll need a place to keep him up off the floor.” Seth handed Timmy to her and moved across the room. There was one door at the back side of the room which Seth opened and disappeared into.

  Ruby glanced around the room. There was a large bed with a cotton filled mattress covered by a lovely quilt, which surprised her. There was an oak washstand with a serpentine front top drawer. Placed on it was a porcelain pitcher and wash basin. On the wall were a few hooks and at the end of the bed an intricate handmade hope chest.

  Ruby sat gingerly on the edge of the bed, bouncing Timmy up and down on her lap. The boy’s eyes fluttered, he was obviously very tired. Just then, Seth opened the door he’d gone through and quietly pulled out an iron crib. It wasn’t covered in dust as Ruby had expected.

  Seth put the crib near the bed. “My son slept in this bed.”

  Ruby could hear the pain in his words.

  “I only put it away when I knew you were planning to come marry me.”

  Her shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry about Timmy. I didn’t know what else to do.�
� She wiped away a tear that trickled from her eye.

  “You did the best thing you knew how to do. I have to accept that.”

  Ruby sighed. How different she’d always dreamed her wedding day would be.

  “I’ll let you get settled in. Why don’t you rest while Timmy takes a nap?” Seth was standing by the door that led out onto the porch.

  Ruby nodded and watched as the handsome man stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

  Ruby carried Timmy to the crib and lay him down on the soft blanket Seth had placed inside. His eyes shut immediately as if he’d been waiting for this very moment of full relaxation. Ruby leaned over and pressed a kiss on his forehead. “Sleep, precious one,” she whispered and stayed watching him for a few minutes.

  He was an angelic boy and Ruby could only hope and pray his new father would cherish him as she did.

  After a few minutes, Ruby straightened then moved to the bed. She pulled the quilt back and lay down. She took a deep, calming breath and closed her eyes.

  Chapter Eight

  Seth stirred a bowl of stew, his mind drifting. He was married now and had no idea what to do. It wasn’t like when he got married the first time; not for love. What had that love gotten him? Heartbreak. He set some bowls on the wooden table. The house wasn’t much for any woman, but it was all he could afford. Obviously his first wife hadn’t thought it was good enough.

  Seth sat down and placed his fingers on his temple, allowing them to draw small circles on his head.

  What have I done? A woman I don’t know as a wife, a child who doesn’t even belong to her as a son? Seth shook his head back and forth.

  A few moments later, the door opened and Ruby stepped into the room.

  Seth gave her a questioning look. “The boy?”

  “Timmy’s asleep. He’ll probably stay asleep another hour. The journey here was exhausting for him and he didn’t get to sleep in a real bed for several days.”

  Seth stood up. “I’ve got some stew warming. I’m not a great cook, but it’s filling.”

  “Thank you, I am hungry.” Ruth glided into the room. Her calico dress allowed her to move easily. Thank you for bringing our things in. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the dresses…” Her voice faded at his frown.

  “Sit here.” Seth pulled out the chair and Ruby sat.

  Seth returned to the small black stove and scooped some stew into the two bowls. He placed one in front of her then sat down with his bowl in front of himself.

  He looked at her, slightly hesitant. “Shall we pray?”

  He thought he noticed a light in her eyes as she nodded.

  They both bowed their heads.

  “Lord, we thank You for this food. May our lives reflect Your love and may we serve You always. Amen.”

  Seth was afraid to look at her. He wondered what she thought of his prayer, having been raised around a mother who was a saloon dancer. Maybe he should have just blessed the food and forgotten the rest of the prayer, but this was his home and, in his home, he was going to serve the Lord.

  Seth began to eat, then lifted his eyes. She was smiling.

  “Thank you, for that prayer, Seth. I learned about Jesus in school, and of course have been taught to bless my food, but I’ve never had the opportunity to sit with someone I know and actually hear a blessing. That means so much to me to know you talk to God.”

  Ruby picked up her spoon and began to eat. She did it in a dainty fashion, which made Seth feel as if his big work hands were clumsy. He was pleased with her reaction to his prayer. Maybe, if they both had the same faith, this marriage could work.

  He’d wanted a wife of high morals to help clean up the town. Having Ruby arrive looking like a saloon girl wasn’t going to do any good for her reputation. But, if she were as sweet and kind at church as she seemed to be, the town folk would soon forget about today. Within a month or so, she’d be a cherished member of the community and he could run for mayor.

  Seth frowned into the soup bowl. Was that right? To have asked a woman to marry him just so he could clean up a town? Would God approve of his well-meaning plan?

  After a few more bites, Seth slammed down his spoon.

  Ruby flinched back; her eyes open wide.

  “This just isn’t right.” Seth bellowed.

  Ruby tilted her head. “The stew? I think it’s very good.”

  Seth ran a hand through his hair. “No, not the stew. This, us. I should never have sent for a wife.”

  Ruby lowered her spoon. “Do you want us to leave?” Her voice trembled.

  “No! Yes… no.” Seth sputtered. “It just that I didn’t want a real wife. At least not in the sense of love. I was so concerned with the town, wanting to clean it up and knowing the only way I could do that was to become mayor. And, the only way I can become mayor is to have a wife.”

  Ruby sat back. Her face was expressionless.

  “I didn’t expect you to love me. I needed a safe place to get away from my mother and the life she wanted for me. Your letter was clear that you wanted a wife to help you clean up your town, I assumed it was something like what you are telling me. I may not have been aware of the actual details, but I came here with every intention of standing beside you and doing the job. If you think, because of the way I arrived in town, and the fact that I brought Timmy, I no longer qualify for the job, I can leave. I have no money and no place to go though.” She lowered her eyes, staring at her lap. “Unless I sell the necklace.” The final words were barely a murmur.

  Seth rocked forward and back on his seat. “I don’t want you to leave. It’s just that, it wasn’t fair to bring you here under these circumstances. I may never be able to treat you like a real wife. I will take care of you and Timmy, but I can’t offer anything more.”

  Ruby and Seth’s eyes seemed to gravitate to one another’s.

  “I’m willing to stay. However, the damage may be unfixable. If that woman in town spreads rumors about me then the whole point of this marriage will be ruined.”

  Seth shook his head. “She wasn’t aware of her husband’s hand in the saloon business. When I mentioned it, she was upset. I don’t know if she’ll want to stir up anything that might make his involvement public. She probably only told Joshua about you in hopes that he’d make me send you back where you came from. She underestimated his kindness.”

  “Do you think I’ll be able to help you?” Ruby squeezed her hands together in her lap.

  Seth stared at her for a long time, his mind whirling with questions, worries, doubts. Finally, it settled with resolve.

  “Yes, Ruby. I do believe you can help me.”

  ***

  Relief flooded through Ruby. She didn’t know what she would do if Seth sent her away. She had no work experience and no way to care for Timmy without a husband. She would never tell him, but there was almost nothing she wouldn’t do to assure she and Timmy had a safe home. Even if she sold the ruby necklace, the money wouldn’t last forever.

  To assure she and Timmy have a home, appearing as a moral wife didn’t seem to be the hardest thing, even if the wife part wasn’t real.

  She swallowed a lump in her throat. It was actually sad to think about a future with Seth, with no love. She’d spent such a short time with him, but already she could feel the emotions stirring in her. He was just the type of man she’d always hoped to marry someday. But she wanted to be loved.

  Seth’s words interrupted her thoughts.

  “We will attend church this weekend. By then everyone in town and out of town will have heard something about you. I’m sure once they see you, meet you and talk to you, any false rumors will be squelched. I think there’s supposed to be a gathering afterward; a picnic of sorts. Can you cook anything special? The ladies in town are always looking for new recipes.”

  Ruby’s lips twisted into a grin. “That is one thing I can do very well.” Her eyes began to skim the kitchen. Would there be supplies to make a pie?

  Seth noticed her sea
rch. “Hmm, not much here to work with. We can make a trip to town again when Timmy wakes up.”

  Ruby wasn’t sure how she felt about that. “Can I make a list and have you pick up what I’ll need? I’d rather meet the town folk once I’m more settled in.”

  Seth glanced at her, as if he could see right through to her soul.

  “It’ll be an interesting picnic one way or the other.” He slapped his leg slightly at his own small joke. The town was probably already running with rumors about the girl who’d come to town on the stage coach. Even if Mrs. Crane hadn’t said anything about Ruby’s saloon ballgown, there was sure to have been others who saw her.

  Ruby didn’t laugh which sobered Seth immediately.

  “I’ll get what you need in town. I can tie my horse to the back of the wagon and after I return the wagon, I’ll go to the trading post. I can probably carry everything you need in my saddle bags.”

  Ruby smiled. She wanted a chance to get to know her new surroundings and it would be easier to poke around if Seth were gone for a while. Their own relationship needed to be discussed and many things decided on, but for now having him away for a few hours would allow her some breathing room.

  Seth handed her a small piece of paper and she jotted down the items she would need to cook a few things for the picnic. Ruby was a good cook, but she was used to working in a more equipped kitchen as Blake had allowed her to cook in the kitchen behind the saloon, as long as she made him meals. This house, although sweet and small, had only a small black stove and a hearth to cook over.

  “We’ve plenty of eggs and chickens for cooking.” Seth explained as he took the note from her and turned to leave. Something in Ruby’s stance stopped him. “Everything okay?”

  “I’m wondering. How safe am I, here?”

  Seth stiffened. In general, she would be completely safe, but with young men like the Carter brothers around, there was some question about it. He was glad they were behind bars for the moment.

  “You’re safe here. Can you shoot a gun?”

  Her head shot up. “No. Will I need to?” She bit her bottom lip slightly.