Page 44 of Her Gentle Protector
“No. It would be good for her to see the house, and everyone can help make dinner.”
Baxter was skeptical. “Can any of you cook?” They all shook their heads. “Maybe Annamae can help.” Sighing, he looked at his brother. “I’m going to need to go to town. You up for a ride?”
“I can hitch the wagon as soon as I’m done eating.”
Petunia stood at the sink, water splashing against her hands as she scrubbed each dish clean. Berry stood beside her, drying and stacking the dishes in a neat pile. Once the food was put away and the dishes were done, Rex and Peter headed to the barn. They came out shortly after, with Daisy harnessed to a large wagon. Baxter trailed behind them, arms full of warm blankets from the house. The children giggled as they piled into the wagon, bundled up and cozy under the layers of blankets. Baxter carefully tucked them in before climbing onto the driver’s seat, determined to keep them warm on their bumpy ride into town.
“Be careful not to break anything,” Baxter warned as they neared the store. He parked the wagon in the alley, and everyone climbed out and raced for the mercantile door. A blast of hot air hit his face as he pushed open the door to let the children in. The stagecoach had just arrived from Grand Platte, so there was a crowd huddled around the potbelly stove in the corner. Rex saw the marshal near the stove and went to join the crowd. Baxter knew he only came along to drink coffee and catch up on the latest news from town.
“I’m gonna look at the hunting supplies,” Petunia said, disappearing to the far corner of the store.
“Baxter,” Dillon Arden greeted him. He had been the owner of the mercantile for longer than Baxter had even been alive. “Looks like you have your hands full today.”
“I came in for some supplies. The children need coats and boots for the winter. Oh, gloves too.”
Dillon peered over his glasses at the children and eventually nodded. “That is really Rose’s department.” He called for his wife, who appeared from behind a curtain with a bolt of fabric.
“Baxter, what a surprise. And look at all these children.”
“They need coats. Boots and gloves are over there,” Dillion pointed. “I’ll take care of this list.”
Baxter watched as the children eagerly tried on coats and boots, their faces lit up with excitement. He couldn’t help but notice that their previous winter clothes were worn and inadequate for the harsh climate.
“Why didn’t you have proper winter clothing before?” he asked.
Peter, sensing his confusion, explained, “We used to live in Texas. We never needed coats like these.”
Berry held up a pair of vibrant knitted mittens with colorful stripes. “Can I get these? They’re so pretty and warm!”
“Of course. Pick out a pair you think Midge would like.” Once the children were outfitted, they joined Baxter to wait for the rest of their order to be ready. He picked up several other items and added them to the growing pile in front of him. Fragrant soap and a pair of beaded combs rounded out his gifts for Midge.
As they waited, Baxter felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning, he spied his sister and her husband standing behind them.
“What are you doing here?” Annamae asked.
“We came to get a few things for the house,” Baxter started.
“Where’s Midge?”
“She’s at home. And,” he looked around the group, “Petunia... is around here somewhere.”
“You need to tell Midge to put tonic on that child’s thumb,” Rose Arden chastised as she scribbled on a piece of paper. “She’ll end up with a hole between her teeth if she keeps sucking it.”
“She does it when she’s nervous,” Baxter said, taking Jenny’s hand. Annamae raised her eyebrows as she looked at Baxter.
“What are you getting Midge for her birthday, Baxter?” Annamae asked sweetly.
Baxter glared at his sister. “A dustpan and broom,” he mumbled under his breath. Turning to the children, he gave them a smile. “How about several of those hair ribbons? Each one of you may pick out a color. And a large bag of penny candy.”
“A large bag costs five cents,” Rose said.
“Then make it two. There are a lot of children.”
“Come with me, children, and do not touch a thing,” Rose admonished, leading the brood over to the ribbon display.
“Fatherhood looks good on you, man,” Sawyer said, joining them.
“Whoop! Lookie here!” A cry went up near the large picture window. “They’s gots new guns. I could go hunting up in the hills with something like this.” Petunia walked over and put the rifle on the counter. “How much do you think something like this is?”
