A Marshal for Christmas by P. Creeden

Author:P. Creeden [Creeden, P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-09T05:00:00+00:00

Lottie

The sight of the children climbing all over the marshal made Lottie’s heart warm. He’d seemed like such a hard, strong man, but his face softened instantly in the presence of the children, and a wide smile replaced the constant frown that she’d seen him wear. His crinkling eyes made her heart flutter. Maybe the marshal was just as kind as the others she’d met on her journey. She hoped he was... for the sake of the children.

Mrs. Sweeney, the sheriff’s wife, wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “Let’s all get inside. I’ve got a pot of Texas-style chili on the stove and enough cornbread to feed everyone. Mr. Gaines?”

After removing his hat and nodding, Mr. Gaines said, “That’s kind of you ma’am, but the missus already has plans for my supper. I’ll join you next time.”

Lifting a brow, Mrs. Sweeney said, “I’ll hold you to that.”

With a laugh, the livery man turned the cart around and headed back down the road toward town. Before Lottie could grab a hold of one of the handles on the trunk, the sheriff and the marshal had each taken a side. Meanwhile, the baby girl still clung to the marshal’s other side. Mrs. Sweeney was busy ushering in the boy and dog and opening the door for the men. Lottie frowned, and looked up at the tall marshal. “I’ll take the trunk, since you have the girl.”

He shook his head and then bent down toward her. “How about you take the girl? And her name is Marianne.”

Lottie blinked, but already had the girl half-way in her arms. The child didn’t seem to mind the change of holder. Marianne. That’s right. That was the name that Sam Hodge had mentioned in his letters. This was his daughter. Soon to be her stepdaughter, once Sam was found and things settled down. The child switched which hand was in her mouth, allowing the other to take hold of Lottie’s neck. Cold, wet fingers slid along her nape.

A chill ran through Lottie, but she suppressed it as much as she could and followed everyone into the house. Mrs. Hamilton said that babies were often wet, dirty, and sticky—and Lottie needed to get used to the reality that children liked to share that state with everyone around them. It was difficult, but at least she’d been prepared by what her recent acquaintance had said.

Strange and unusual scents filled the air in the house, but they still caused Lottie’s mouth to water. Chili and cornbread, Mrs. Sweeney had said. Lottie had never eaten either, but her hunger gnawed at her stomach since all she’d eaten that day was a bit of pemmican and some tea. She hoped that the meal would be tolerable and filling.

“Sit down, everyone. I’ll have bowls dished up in no time. Miss Lottie, will you keep Marianne with you and help feed her? I’ll soak her cornbread in some milk,” Mrs. Sweeney asked, but didn’t wait for an answer before she bustled about the open kitchen.

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