Page 3 of Mail-Order Bride Secret
She nodded and stepped forward. “Wally Edwards?”
They were within reach of each other and stopped. Her gaze searched his eyes, his face, and then she drew in a deep breath that lasted so long he wondered when she’d last filled her lungs. He realized he’d forgotten to breathe as well and sucked in air which did nothing to calm his emotions. Not that he could say what he was feeling. Only that it left him struggling to find words.
“Welcome,” he managed. “Do you have luggage?”
“Over there.” She indicated a trunk by the freight doors. “But first, I have something to tell you.” Her brown eyes were wide and wary.
A memory buried deep inside raced to the surface and froze his muscles. He wouldn’t call it fear thoughthat emotion tinged it. No, it was resignation. His world turning upside down. Dreams being shattered. He guessed they were about to be shattered again.
The baby whined. Not loud enough to be a distraction. More like a persistent mosquito.
Wally managed a nod, indicating he was prepared to hear her news.
She glanced to her right. “I’ve acquired two children.”
His gaze went to the pair. How does one acquire children?
Mrs. Danby rushed on. “They’re twins that helped me back in Kellom. Orphaned. An uncle is their guardian, but he cares little about them. They hid in the baggage car. The conductor brought them to me two days ago. I can’t send them back, but I understand if it means you withdraw your offer.”
The little girl’s bottom lip quivered. Tears clung to her lashes. The boy stuck out his chin and looked at Wally with what he probably thought was hard defiance. Except Wally saw the fear behind his eyes. He not only saw it but also felt it. In the depths of his memories. Stirring up dormant memories. Unwelcome excavation.
“The kids need a home. They’re welcome.” His voice had deepened but there was no way Mrs. Danby would know that.
“Thank you.” The words rushed out with a sigh. “I’ll take care of them.”
He wanted a family. A real home. One with husband and wife and children. A place of security and belonging. He’d expected the little one. The other two were a surprise. But he’d never turn his back on children. “We’ll take care of them.”
Mrs. Danby blinked furiously at his emphasis on the wordwe’ll,but she couldn’t keep back one tear that caught in the corner of her eye and slid down her nose.
And right into a secret location in his heart.
“Welcome to Crow Crossing. I suppose you’re anxious to see your new home.”
“We’re weary.” She jostled the baby. “Jonathan needs to be settled.” She crooked a finger toward the others. They pressed close to her. “These are twins, Otis and Ivy. Children, say hello to…” She ground to a halt. “Say hello.”
Ivy murmured her greeting. Otis stood tall and spoke clearly. Wally heard the challenge in his voice—an echo of his own earlier years. Wally held out his hand to the boy who hesitated and then gripped it with enough force for Wally to understand it was a warning. He could have told the boy he had nothing to fear, but words were meaningless to children who lived in constant uncertainty.
The train released a loud whistle, blasted out smoke and steam, and chugged down the tracks.
“Let’s be on our way.” He signaled for help to load the trunk in the wagon. The twins scrambled into the back before he could lift them in.
He helped Mrs. Danby to the seat and took his place beside her. “The preacher is waiting.” They turned down the side street and pulled to a halt in front of the church. The ceremony would take place next door at the manse.
No one moved except for the restless baby.
“Have you changed your mind?” the woman whispered.
Her question propelled him into action, and he got down, assisted her to the ground, and looked to the two in the back. “Should they come?”
Mrs. Danby smiled at them. “Do you want to?”
They looked at each other and Otis spoke. “We’ll stay here.”
Side by side, Wally and Mrs. Danby went to the door and knocked.
“Come in. Come in.” Mrs. Ingram ushered them into the parlor where the preacher waited.
Wally introduced them. “Madeline Danby and young Jonathan.”
