A Groom for Claire Read online

  An hour and a short nap later, there was a knock on his door. Ethan got up and opened it to see the sheriff and Alex.

  “You, Mr. Freemont?”

  “Yes, sir. What’s wrong? Alex?”

  Alex had a hangdog look on his face that meant he’d lost in cards and owed money.

  Ethan reached for Alex’s money belt. “Did you draw to an inside straight again?”

  Alex nodded. “I need fifty dollars.”

  The sheriff shook his head. “Lousiest poker player I’ve ever seen. He said he had money at the hotel, but Fast Eddie didn’t believe him. I watched the whole thing and offered to escort Mr. Gantry to the hotel to get it. So, does he have that kind of money?”

  Ethan pulled out the money from Alex’s pouch. “He’s good for it, and I’ll give it to you in exchange for my friend.”

  “Done.” The sheriff took the money and shoved Alex into the room. “I’d keep him away from card games from now on. He’s a danger to himself. Almost hate to give this to Eddie, he won it so easy.” With a chuckle, the sheriff left the room.

  Raising a hand, Alex shook his head. “Don’t even say it. You know how I am.”

  “I wasn’t going to say anything, but I don’t want you leaving the hotel until we go tomorrow. I figure we’ll get a good breakfast.”

  “I can’t believe I lost that much. I told myself that I’d leave after I lost the ten, but then I had this hand, I just needed an eight of clubs. You know what I got? The ace of clubs. Well, I lost fifty, make that sixty, of my hard-earned money. I think I’m cured of gambling.”

  “Um-hum, I think I heard that just three months ago when you were looking for a ten of spades.” Ethan grinned. “Maybe it’s for the best so that if you meet the woman of your dreams, you can tell her that you have given up gambling.”

  Alex nodded. “I guess so. It’s snowing pretty good out there. What did the telegraph office have to say about the weather?”

  Ethan chuckled. “Clear skies. Maybe it will be gone by tomorrow.”

  “I’m going to sleep. That early morning stuff always catches me off guard.” He threw off his coat and fell on the bed by the window. It didn’t take long, and Ethan heard snores loud enough to scare off a bear.

  The room was dark and cold, so Ethan settled in his bed and prayed for Claire and her children. He prayed that the trip to Last Chance would be uneventful and that he and Alex would make it to Claire’s farm by Christmas.

  ***

  Sunshine shone brightly in the window, waking Ethan from a deep sleep. He didn’t need to look over at Alex because he could still hear him snoring. Ethan could barely contain his excitement and jumped out of bed. He grabbed a towel and flicked it at Alex.

  “Wake up, our adventure starts today.”

  Alex sat up, looked at the window, and grinned. “Whoop! Let’s go. I don’t see any snow, and what we had will melt with that bright sunshine.” He danced around while trying to get his pants on, making Ethan laugh.

  Ethan packed his bag and waited at the door.

  Alex grabbed his satchel. “To Last Chance.”

  They raced down the stairs. Ethan stopped at the desk and paid the bill. Then he pointed to the door. “Let’s get a good breakfast, although I’m so excited I’m not even hungry.”

  Alex held the door for him. “Just remember, we won’t have a good cooked meal until we reach Second Chance. And that’s only if the ladies like us.” He grinned. “But then how could they refuse? We’ve come all that way to help them out.”

  Ethan nodded. “I’ll have the works with lots of bacon, and then we’ll pick out the horses.”

  Alex nodded. “Sounds good to me. Good thing for you, you have brought along with you the top horse expert around. I’ll make sure we pick the best for you, well, what are they? Children? Step-kids?”

  “Right now, they’ll just be Claire’s children. We’ll have to see after we get married. If we get married.”

  Alex shook his head. “I can’t believe that you of all people would travel all these miles for an outcome you aren’t even sure of. I mean, it sounds like something I would do, but not you, Ethan.”

  “You’re right there. I find it hard to believe myself. Yet, when I saw that ad in the newspaper, it was like I was compelled to answer. And then I received Claire’s letter, and I knew it would happen. Not because of anything she said. In fact, she wrote as if she were keeping me at a distance. But deep inside, I know she’ll marry me.”

  “I hope so. I won’t have any money to get back to St. Louis.”

  “Thought you wanted to go on to California?”

  “I did say that. I’m not sure I’d have the money to do most anything other than stay in Last Chance.” Alex opened the door to the café. “Smells great.”

  The food did smell wonderful, and after they got their meals, Ethan had to say he’d never had better. Secretly, he hoped Claire was a good cook. Oh, he’d not turn her down if she wasn’t, but he looked forward to having someone cook for him. Having to cook and clean up was one part of the bachelor's life that annoyed Ethan.

  Finished, they went to the livery to look over the horses. Ethan saw plenty that looked good to him. He pointed out a big bay that he thought the boy would like, but Alex shook his head.

  “He looks like an eater. See how filled out he is?” Alex walked down the stalls and pointed to a rangy buckskin. “Now, there is a horse. See his long lines, and he’s sleek and fit. I bet he can run all day and into the night.”

  “I’ll take him.”

  The horse trader nodded. “You know what you’re doing. People pass him over, but he’s the best on the lot. I guess he’s not pretty, but you’re right, he’ll run all day for you. And he’s well trained. Got an easy mouth and wants to please. I’ve called him Buck, but I don’t think he cares what he’s called.”

  Alex was already down to the other end. “Here it is. Perfect for a little girl.”

  The trader walked down and smiled. “If you hadn’t found her, I’d have pointed this little mare out to you. She’s a blue roan and sweet as they come. She’s named Misty Blue, but I just call her Blue.”

  Ethan nodded. “They look well cared for. I’ll take them both.”

  “You need saddles and bridles?”

  “Sure do. Pick me out a couple. One is for a boy of twelve and the other for a girl all of eight.”

  “Right on it. You leaving today?”

  Ethan paid the horse trader and nodded. “As soon as we get our wagons ready.”

  “I can help you with that too. You tying these two to the back of the wagons?”

  “Yes, and I’ll need a bail of hay and some feed for the animals. Enough for a couple of weeks.”

  “I’ll have it loaded in one of your wagons. What about a riding horse for you and the other fella?”

  Ethan looked at Alex. “What do you think? See any you like back there?”

  “I can find a couple. No telling if Last Chance has any decent horses. Want me to pick one for you, Ethan?”

  “Sure, surprise me. You know horses better than I do.”

  Alex grinned and walked to the stalls. “That’s what I admire about you, Ethan. You’re smart but humble enough to know when to take advice.”

  After a few minutes, Alex came walking out with two fine looking horses. “These two are the best I saw back there. Unless you have some more hidden away somewhere.”

  The horse trader shook his head. “Nope, you managed to scare up the two best horses on the place. You need saddles for them?”

  Ethan nodded. “Sure do. Put them in one of the wagons and tie these two to the other wagon.”

  The trader took the lead ropes from Alex. “I hope the weather holds out for you two. This has been one hard winter, and we haven’t even reached the worst months for snow yet.”

  Ethan looked at Alex. “I’ve prayed, and I believe we’ll be fine.”

  “Hmm, well, I hope those prayers cover me, too.” Alex grinned and helped the liver
yman tie one of the horses.

  Walking past his friend, Ethan patted his shoulder. “I’m sure you’re covered, but if I was you, I’d start praying.”

  Alex threw his bag in the first wagon. “I might. You just never know. On the other hand, I’ve lived these thirty some years without religion and been just fine.”

  Ethan climbed into the driver seat of the second wagon. “Yeah, I can see that Alex. You’ve got nothing, and besides me, no one. You might want to rethink your options and start reading your Bible.”

  “I don’t have one.”

  “I do, and you’re welcome to it whenever you want to read it.”

  Alex shook his head. “Don’t hold your breath, but thanks for the offer. You ready to get started?”

  “I am, let's go to Last Chance.”

  Chapter 5

  Claire came back in from gathering the eggs. Tommy was setting the table, and Leah was taking out the biscuits. “Oh, good. It is a cold morning, and I am ready for breakfast. I’ll start the eggs in just a moment.”

  Tommy took the basket of eggs from her. “You sit down. We’ll serve you today. I’m sorry I didn’t get up in time to get the eggs for you.”

  “Why, Tommy, that’s very thoughtful of you and you too, Leah.”

  “Ma, could you start calling me Tom? I’m going to turn thirteen in a couple of weeks, and I’m the man of the house.” He stared at her with the same expression she’d seen on Thomas for years. Her son was growing up. “All right, Tom. You’re growing up so quickly.”

  Leah ran to her and gave her a hug. “I’m still your little girl. I don’t want to grow up too fast.”

  Claire bent down and kissed her freckled nose. “And I don’t want you to grow up too fast. Yes, you stay my little Leah.”

  Tom stood in front of her looking nervous. “Ma, I was wondering about the man that’s coming. Do we really need him? I can do the chores and—”

  “Tom, we’ve had that discussion. I want you to continue to go to school. There is no way you can run the farm and learn. There are just not enough hours in the day. Mr. Freemont sounds like a very nice man.”

  Tom nodded, but his eyes said no. “I don’t like the idea of you marrying a stranger. Of replacing Pa.”

  “I’m not replacing your father. This man is coming to marry me so that we can keep the farm.” She stopped as her other idea begged to be told. She already knew Tom would balk at leaving the farm. Leah was too young to really understand what she wanted. But Tom, he was his father’s son and loved the earth and growing things.

  “You don’t even know what he’s like. What if he hurts you?”

  “He won’t. I know that. He’s a good man, and I think you’ll like him. Both of you.” She smiled to make her words carry more weight.

  Leah just stared at her. “What will we call him, Mama? Do we call him pa or Mr. Freemont?”

  “At first, you’ll call him Mr. Freemont. After a while, when we see how things are going, then you can call him whatever it is he would prefer. We will treat him as a guest. An honored guest, is that clear?” Claire sent her gaze to Tom.

  Finally, her son nodded. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  He was angry with her. All along, Tom had wanted to be the man of the house and run the farm himself. How could she tell him that even his father had stumbled at the immensity of the hardship and shed quiet tears in the dark of night when he thought she wasn’t looking.

  No, running a farm was no job for a boy. And a boy that she wanted to finish school and have other options for his life.

  Leah held Claire’s chair for her. “Sit, Mama, and we will serve you.” She smiled so sweetly that it almost took the tension out of the room. That is until Tom brought the pan with the scrambled eggs, and she saw his face.

  Her son was so like his father. She prayed that he’d be able to accept this man that was coming. She put a hand to her head and prayed that she could accept this man. After Thomas’s death, the last thing she wanted was another man to care for and worry about. Yet, he was coming. It could be any day by his last letter.

  “Where’s he going to sleep?”

  “In the guest room for the time being.” Again, she narrowed a gaze at Tom to warn him not to push her.

  He got the message and sat down to eat his breakfast.

  “Aren’t we saying prayers?” Leah stared at her with honest, innocent eyes.

  “Yes, baby, we are.” Claire cringed at her daughter’s question and how it revealed but another chasm in her life. Yes, she blamed God. He could have told her what was going to happen, and she could have prevented Thomas from going.

  Yet even as she had the thought, she knew she could have never stopped him. He was stubborn and strong headed. She sighed and folded her hands.

  Bowing her head, Claire looked at her children. “Let’s pray.”

  Leah was ready and her sweet faith and spirit were silently pouring out her heart to their Father in heaven. Tom, however, had the same expression on his face that she felt in her heart.

  Claire nodded at Tom, and then began. “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. We thank You for these abundant gifts and praise That You watch out for us. Let us always be grateful and mindful that You are always with us and will not leave or forsake us. Amen.”

  Claire looked up in time to see the look of anger on Tom’s face. Seeing he’d been caught, he quickly recovered, said amen, and smiled at Leah.

  “Mama, did God forsake Papa in the blizzard?”

  Shocked at her daughter’s question, Claire felt as if cold water had been thrown on her. She bit her lip and stared at Leah. Her childlike faith was so innocent and pure. Looking into her daughter’s eyes, Claire took in a deep breath and prayed for the right words. “God was with your father and walked him into heaven.”

  Leah smiled with tears in her eyes. “That’s what I thought. Jesus knows when a sparrow falls, so He knew Papa was in trouble. Sometimes when I dream, I can see Jesus and Papa walking in the garden.”

  Claire wanted to cry. The child’s faith was so pure and eased a burden in her own heart. Yes, she was sure Leah was right. Jesus was there to walk Thomas home. But where was He now for her?

  Tom didn’t say anything but clinked his fork on the plate as he scraped his eggs around the plate. “I’ll do the dishes. Then I’d like to see what kind of seeds we have in the barn. I know Pa had some for the spring planting.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea, Tom.” She smiled at Leah. “And you, little sunshine, what are you going to do today?”

  “It’s too cold to go out and play, so I’m going to make up some stories and tell my doll. Sally likes me to tell her stories.” Leah grinned, revealing a gap where she’d lost a tooth just last week.

  Leah stood and walked over to her. “What are you going to do, Mama?”

  “Oh, I have some Christmas presents to work on. That’s only a few days away.”

  Tom picked up the dishes. “What about a tree? We need to get one. It’s a nice day today, and I could hitch up Molly to the wagon.”

  “Oh, could we, Mama?”

  Claire hated to admit it, but since the blizzard, she was afraid to leave the farm. They’d only gone into town a few times, and to get a tree meant a long drive to find a pine or even a scrub cedar. “I don’t think we should go far from home. The weather is too unstable.”

  Leah’s smile faded.

  Tom nodded. “I guess you’re right. It was just a thought.” He looked at Leah and gave her a sweet grin. “We’ll have a good Christmas. You just wait and see.”

  Claire looked at her son and thought about how he was growing up before her eyes. Yet even though his words were right, she could hear the hollowness in them. He didn’t believe it would be a good Christmas any more than she did, but he wanted to please Leah.

  “Thank you for making me breakfast, children. That was a delightful surprise.”

  “Mama, can Rustler come in on the cold nights?”

  “He has the bar
n to go into. Besides, who would keep Molly and Gretta warm?”

  Leah nodded. “I forgot about Molly and Gretta. They would want to come into the house too if Rustler told them about sleeping with me in my bed.” She got up and kissed Claire. “You’re so smart, Mama.”

  “You go and clean up your room while you tell your doll a story.”

  Tom kissed her. “I’ll bring in some firewood. It’s a good thing that Pa and I cut all that wood.”

  “Yes, it sure is.”

  “I might need to collect some cow pies. It’s going to be a long winter.”

  “I fear it might.” Claire hoped that Mr. Freemont would bring them some supplies. But he’d said nothing. Looking at the clear sky, she hoped he would come soon so she could stop worrying about him.

  The trip from the train station to Last Chance wasn’t that bad, but this winter, she feared leaving the farm even to go into the city. When had she become so fearful? Even before the blizzard and losing Thomas, she’d begun to fear things. A sound at night, the wind. She didn’t want her children to be fearful.

  Claire went to her bedroom and shut the door. She was sewing a dress for Leah and a new shirt for Tom. Meager presents, but at least they would have something. Not that there would be a Christmas tree to put them under.

  As far as being both mother and father to the children, Claire was failing. There just wasn’t enough of her to go around. What little she had, she needed to keep going without Thomas. She stared at the bed. It was so lonely without him.

  A chill darted through her as she thought about the man coming to replace Thomas. Oh, she’d told the children that he wasn’t replacing Thomas for them, but for her, isn’t that what he was? Her groom, the ad had said. Even his letter had mentioned he would marry her.

  She sat on the bed and held her head in her hands. “I don’t want anyone else. God, what have You done? This man who is coming, what am I to do with him? Yes, he can sleep in the guest room. But for how long before he demands to be my husband in every sense.”