The Baby Compromise

In comparison to hers, they were gigantic.

Heidi’s muffled giggle came from behind Rebecca.

Colton threw up his hands in mock defeat. “Okay, I have big feet. But that doesn’t mean we can’t cooperate.”

She nodded, amusement making her eyes flash a brighter blue. “I don’t mind cooperating, but I am not relinquishing my duties.”

It didn’t feel like cooperation to him. More like arguments about everything and nothing.

Baby Gabriel started to fuss.

Rebecca glanced at the bottle of milk from the store. “I’ll pay for the child’s needs. You’re already providing shelter for all of us, room and board for Heidi and me—so I can cover the rest of Gabriel’s expenses. That’s a fair division, don’t you think?” She didn’t wait for a reply. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll take him to Holly and Mason’s house.” She rose. “Heidi, can you carry the basket?” They headed away without so much as a by-your-leave, the basket bumping against Heidi’s legs.

He called after them, “I’ll get a buggy to take us home.”

She jolted to a stop and faced him. “Home?”

“The ranch.”

“Oh. Fine. You know where I’ll be.”

She continued on her way, Heidi at her side.

He stared after them. This was not turning out at all well, and he hadn’t even gotten her to the ranch yet. How would she react to living so far out of town? How would his parents respond to having her and the two children in their home? He lifted his hat and rubbed his head. If not for his concern for baby Gabriel, he’d be sorely tempted to change his mind about this arrangement. But no, he couldn’t shirk his responsibility. Particularly not his responsibility to family.

His gaze shifted to the orphanage.

And, he reluctantly admitted, one other thing stopped him from rescinding his offer—concern about Rebecca’s safety, since someone was clearly trying to destroy the place.

He slammed his hat back onto his head. His concern would always, first and foremost, be his family. That meant his parents and now Gabriel. Heidi and Rebecca would temporarily be part of his family, as well.

Sure, Rebecca was a rich girl with a father, but he was back East and Colton was right here. So he would give her the help and protection she needed. Even if she resisted.

Chapter Four

Rebecca resisted the temptation to glance back at the cowboy. She ignored the way the skin on the back of her neck twitched, as if aware of his stare. If she encouraged him in any way, he would run roughshod over anything she suggested. She couldn’t allow that to happen.

Heidi bounced along at her side. “Are we gonna keep the baby?”

“Until arrangements can be made.”

Gabriel’s fussing swelled into desperate wails.

“He’s hungry. We got to hurry.” Heidi broke into a jog, the basket dragging against one leg.

Rebecca lengthened her stride as her heart alternated between determination to prove she could take care of the baby and fear that she would fail.

Failure was not an option.

Her hurried steps bounced the baby and he stopped fussing.

When they reached the Wrights’ house, the teacherage that was spared in the fire that destroyed the school, they were greeted by Holly and Mason’s son, who was playing outside. Redheaded Liam was one of the boys Rebecca had brought from New York. As soon as he’d arrived, he’d quickly grown close with both the schoolteacher and the sheriff, who had officially adopted him just days after their recent wedding.

“Hello, Miss Sterling,” he called. “Hi, Heidi. Whatcha got?” He indicated the basket at Heidi’s side.

“A baby.” Heidi pointed to little Gabriel in Rebecca’s arms.

Liam ran to Rebecca’s side. “A baby? Where’d you get him?”

Holly came to the door. “Did I hear you have a baby?”

Rebecca nodded as Gabriel wailed. “His name is Gabriel and he’s hungry.”

“Bring him in.” Holly ushered them into her small living room. The whole tiny house was not even the size of the ballroom in Rebecca’s father’s home, and yet it comfortably housed three very happy people. Rebecca marveled again at how little it took to satisfy this sweet woman. There was no doubting her happiness. She seemed to glow from within.

Rebecca bounced to quiet the baby, but he wouldn’t be lulled.

“What do you need?” Holly asked.

“There’s milk and a bottle in the basket.”

“I’ll get it ready.”

Heidi handed Holly the items. “Can I go play with Liam?”

“Of course.” Rebecca knew the girl missed the other orphan children, who had all been placed.

She and Liam ran outside.

Rebecca watched Holly carefully as she washed the bottle and rinsed it with scalding water from the kettle simmering on the back of the stove. Then she filled the bottle with milk and set it in a bowl of hot water. “Why do you do that?”

“You’ve never cared for a baby?” Holly asked.

“No.”

“I’m warming the milk so he doesn’t get a tummyache.” She took the bottle from the water, wiped the outside dry and shook a few drops of milk onto her wrist. “I’m checking to make sure it’s the right temperature. Here, let me show you.”

Rebecca held out her arm and Holly dropped milk on her wrist.

“Does it feel comfortably warm?”

Rebecca nodded.

“Then here you go.” She handed Rebecca the bottle. “Make yourself at home.” They both sat on the couch.

Rebecca remembered everything that she’d seen Heidi do and rubbed Gabriel’s little cheek. He turned toward her finger and she offered him the bottle, grinning as the baby sucked eagerly.

“How do you know about caring for babies?” she asked her friend.