Last Train Home by Laura Stapleton

Author:Laura Stapleton [Stapleton, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, Women's Fiction, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chances, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Family & Domestic Life, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, American West Romance, Small Town & Rural Area, Young Children, Adoption, Train Travel, American West
Publisher: Stapleton Enterprises
Published: 2018-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Jack didn’t answer her for a moment, staring out at the weather with a squint. Alice wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I suppose I’m being too forward, and I’m sorry.” She picked up their empty dishes, adding them to the pail. “Your thoughts are none of my business.”

“All I know is what she replied.” He turned to face her and stopped, his gaze settling beyond where she stood. “She’s done with everything out here, doesn’t want any of us…”

When he trailed off, she followed where he stared and saw the children in the doorway. Each child’s expression full of disappointment broke her heart. Charlotte stared down at the rag doll in her hands while Conner wound and unwound a yo-yo’s string. Carter crossed his arms and scowled. She couldn’t bear it if they started crying. Alice smiled. “That’s too bad, because you are all the best family. We’ll merely determine a solution that’s best for everyone without her.”

Alice regretted not turning on her heel and getting back on the train the instant she didn’t see Mr. Dryden waiting for them. She should have known they were all rolling toward an emotional tar pit in going home with him. Now, everyone was counting on the adoption, including her. “Now, then, no more negativity. If the storm lets up this afternoon, we might go into town and talk with Mr.…?” She looked to Jack for the agent’s name.

“Donovan.”

She nodded, now remembering. “Donovan, and get everything sorted out.”

“Won’t you let us stay,” Charlotte asked while coming over and leaning on Alice. “Mr. Dryden is alone, and we don’t need a mother.”

Carter stepped forward. “She’s right. You know we’ll do fine without one. We can all stay and help Pa on our farm.”

Jack strode over and scooped up the boy as if he were a five-pound sack of flour. “First of all, if I’m going to be your pa, you have to know there’s no sassing a lady like Miss Alice allowed. Drydens have manners.” He smiled at the other two children. “And since she does need convincing, all of us must be on our best behavior so she’ll let you three stay on as my family.”

He let Conner slide to the floor and took the dish bucket from Alice. “Grab your coats and we’ll do some chores, so she’ll see how well we work together. We won’t give her a chance to say no.”

Faster than she’d ever been able to motivate them, the children ran back into the bedroom. The toys thudded on the wood floor and the three rushed to the coat rack. Carter finished first, grabbed the bucket from Jack, and yelled, “I win!” as he ran out of the door.

“Be careful!” Alice hollered after them as they disappeared. She went to the door for herself and peered out. Carter must have handed off the dishes because Charlotte carried them while both boys ran and skidded along the frozen ground. The sleet had left a hard, grainy film on grass and dirt alike.

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