Page 539 of Conveniently Wed
“Okay, today’s Tuesday.” She counted on her fingers in her lap. “Tomorrow, you get them ready...so you’ll leave on Thursday?”
“Very early Thursday morning.”
She had gotten used to seeing him every day. And she didn’t go to sleep until he was settled in his bed. She wasn’t looking forward to him being gone that long. But what if he had to travel to Chicago with the cattle? It could be so much longer.
“What happens when you get to Frisco?” Her tone was flirting with whining, and she didn’t want to do that.
Since Michael had finished all his potatoes, he started fussing. Mrs. Oleson picked him up. “If you don’t mind, I’ll just go change his diaper and clean him up.”
Lorinda glanced at her. “Thank you.”
Franklin enjoyed more of his supper during this interlude.
“The cowboys who help drive them will load the herd in the cattle cars, while I conduct my business with the buyer. Since I’ve sold to them for several years, I won’t have to accompany thecattle to Chicago. A few of the cowhands will go to keep them fed and watered. The Swift buyer and I will conclude our business before the train leaves Frisco.”
He reached across the table and clasped her hand, the warmth enveloping her and shooting a tingle up her arm. “I’m sorry I’ll miss going to church with you, but I’ll get home as soon as I can, either very late Monday or early Tuesday.”
Relief rushed through Lorinda while a sigh slipped from between her lips. Franklin gave her hand a slight squeeze before he went back to eating. At least, he wouldn’t be gone as long as she had feared.
23
The baby awoke Lorinda before dawn. The bed in the dressing room where Franklin slept was empty, the covers haphazardly pulled up over the pillow. She knew he wanted an early start this morning, but not this early. Maybe he’d be home at the regular time tonight.
She carried her cleaned-up baby into the kitchen where Mrs. Oleson sat drinking a cup of coffee. The fragrance of bacon and biscuits permeated the room, adding to her hunger. Her stomach made a very unladylike growl. She hoped Mrs. Oleson wouldn’t notice.
Before her breakfast, Lorinda sat down to nurse her son. “You’re up early.”
“I always get up this early to fix Franklin’s breakfast when they’re preparing for a cattle drive.” She leaned forward and let Michael grasp her finger.
He let go of his mother and sat up straighter. He glanced around the room before his gaze returned to Lorinda’s face. He looked puzzled.
Lorinda knew who he was looking for. She was disappointed she wouldn’t see Franklin this morning, too.
“You are such a sweet boy,” Mrs. Oleson crooned. She eased her finger from his fist and went to the stove. “I’ll scramble some eggs really soft. Maybe our little guy would like some.”
Lorinda coaxed her son back to his nursing. He was getting to be a real handful, the way he twisted and turned and kicked. Just a little bundle of energy. By the time Mrs. Oleson set a plate with the eggs, crisp bacon, and two buttered biscuits in front of Lorinda, he was finished.
She slipped him into his high chair and held him while their housekeeper tied the tea towel around him.
“I took out some of the eggs to cool for him.” Mrs. Oleson brought a saucer to set on the table beside her chair. “I’ll feed him while you enjoy your breakfast.” She gave him a small bite. He wallowed it around in his mouth, and a bit of slobber leaked out the front. Mrs. Oleson wiped it away.
Lorinda’s thoughts returned to Franklin. “Have you ever been on a cattle drive?”
“No, but my dearly departed husband was the bunkhouse cook when he was with us. He often manned the chuck wagon.” A faraway smile played across her lips while she stared into the distance.
Michael pounded his fist on the tray table.
Mrs. Oleson fed him some more.
Lorinda poured honey on her biscuit and took a bite, the sweetness reminding her of Franklin’s kiss at the wedding. Longing to feel another of those caresses tugged at her senses. She shook her head to get the thought from her mind.
“Have they ever had accidents on any of the drives?” Awaiting the answer, she held her breath.
Mrs. Oleson glanced at her before giving Michael another bit of egg. “A cattle drive can be dangerous. There are always scrapes and bruises, even blisters, but I can’t remember anything major.”
“That’s good.” Lorinda turned her attention back to her food.
Michael finished every bit of the egg, then started laughing while Mrs. Oleson cleaned his hands and face. She made a game of it, sneaking the cloth in while he was giggling.
