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“So, Mr. Hale, it’s nice to see you.” Mae bustled into the store, rosy cheeked from the cold. “I see you’ve been visiting with our little mama.”
“Yes, I was, Mrs. Berger, but I’m about to leave now. It was nice seeing you. Emma,” his eyes burrowed into hers, “please think about it.” He spun on his heel, then left the store.
“Mr. Hale seems a nice young man, but something about him bothers me.” Mae stared at the door Nate had just closed as she took off her coat and scarf. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”
She took Emma’s cold hands in her warm ones. “Your hands are cold like ice, missy. And you look upset. What did that man say to you?”
Emma wrapped her arms around her middle. “It was nothing. I’m not upset, just maybe a little tired. I think I’ll go over to Abigail’s now.” She stared at Mae’s concerned face, and her shoulders slumped. “Nate and I have been friends for a long time. He’s gotten it into his head that I should leave Davis and go back to Indiana with him.”
At Mae’s quick intake of breath, Emma hurried on. “Please don’t think badly of him. He’s been the nicest person for as long as I’ve known him-which has been my whole life. I have the feeling he’s simply lonely and has latched onto me for that reason.”
Mae shook he head and tsked. “All right, sweetie, you be sure to bundle up now, it’s getting cold out there. And before you leave, come into the kitchen, I have some chicken soup I made before I left this morning for you to bring to that lovely Abigail. And there’s enough for you and Elizabeth to have a nice bowl, too. You all have to keep up your strength. That poor Elizabeth looks like a strong wind would knock her over. Not good for the little one she’s carrying.” Her voice dimmed as she walked into the kitchen.
Deep in thought, Emma wandered over to fetch her cloak, scarf and wool bonnet. As she fas
tened her cloak, she dwelled on the problem with Nate. She really didn’t want to get Davis involved because of the animosity between them, but Nate’s obsession with getting her an annulment concerned her.
“Here’s the soup.” Mae handed her a large bowl. “I will come over in a couple of hours to sit with Abigail so you can rest.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Emma flipped the pages of the calendar. Mid-December. She sat on her bed, and thought about Christmas. Davis had promised he would have the house finished in time for the holiday. She hadn’t seen him in over two weeks, but knew he was working hard to have it ready.
As happy as she’d been working in the store and walking to the Preston’s to help Abigail and Elizabeth, she was more than ready to have her own house again. Although she’d never admit it to anyone, especially Davis, she was getting a little tired. The end of each day couldn’t come soon enough.
She had washed up, braided her hair and had just put her nightgown on when she heard Mae calling her from downstairs. Putting on a robe and pushing her feet into house slippers, she went downstairs.
She heard his voice before she saw him. She turned the corner into the kitchen and there he stood, hands on his hips, legs spread, and his head thrown back with laughter at something Mae was telling him. His unruly hair hung long over his collar, and fell on his forehead. Her heart warmed at the sight.
He turned as Emma padded into the room. He just stood there for a moment, his eyes drinking her in. “Hello, darlin’.” He sauntered toward her. “I’ve come to spend the night with you.”
Emma ducked her head to hide her tears, and blushed at the grin on Mae’s face as she watched the two of them. He put his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close. “And then in the morning, Mrs. Cooper, you and I are going to take a buggy ride to see our new house.”
She covered her mouth with a shaky hand and burst into tears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bright early sunlight greeted Emma the morning she would see her completed house. A scant snowfall had teased the dried up grass and bare trees. Rays bouncing off the snow-covered branches caused the area to sparkle like so many diamonds. She and Davis busied themselves readying the wagon for the trip.
Davis had removed the canvas covering on the wagon that now bulged with furniture, rugs, and trunks. Emma had purchased items from the Bergers that over time emigrants had traded for food and other supplies.
Mae kept bringing odds and ends to the wagon, insisting this and that was totally unneeded in her house, and they should take it with them. Quilts, blankets, sheets, and other household items added to the ever-growing pile. Finally Davis called a halt to the additions, and chased both women back into the store while he and Hans attempted to secure the mound with rope.
After tightening everything, Davis and Hans joined Emma and Mae in the kitchen behind the store for breakfast. Excitement filled the air as they all chattered about the house, the coming holidays, and soon-to-be filled nursery.
After they finished, Mae shooed them out, telling them she would clean up and they should be on their way. Tearful goodbyes began while both men shuffled their feet and tried to look everywhere except at the crying, hugging women.
“And you be sure to take time to rest, missy,” Mae admonished. She waved her finger in Davis’s face. “You watch her and make sure she doesn’t wear herself out. I never saw anyone work so hard, this wife of yours. And be sure to come visit as soon as you get settled. And Hans can watch the store if you need me to help at your house. Just send word and I’ll come right away.” Mae blinked rapidly at the well of tears that threatened to spill over.
Finally Hans put his arms around her shoulders, and pulling her from the wagon, urged her back into the store as the Emma and Davis began the final leg of the long journey that had begun in Independence.
So much had happened since she and Peter had said goodbye to her parents. Here she was with a different husband, and a baby on the way. She rested her hand on her slight bump. If only her mama was here to enjoy her grandchild. Of course, if she went back to Indiana her child would know its grandparents.
She slanted a look at Davis, his strong profile outlined by the sunlight. But if she did that, the baby wouldn’t know its father. She wasn’t foolish enough to pretend a child’s grandparents were more important than its father.
The excitement of seeing her new house pushed the uncomfortable thoughts to the back of her mind. She could barely stay seated on the wagon. Davis grinned as he regarded at her enthusiasm.
“I can’t believe we’ll be spending Christmas in our new home.” Emma shifted anxiously on the seat.
