tell you what I believe. A drifter has something to hide.” He smirked. “As soon as someone gets close to his secret, that’s when he leaves.” He turned to Callie. “Reckon I’ll stop at the sheriff’s office. See what he knows about ‘Smith’ here.”
He thrust the bundle at his daughter-in-law, then took his wife’s arm and stomped down the walk.
The threat tore through Jake, heating his veins. Even if the sheriff didn’t find out anything about him, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t come around asking questions. It wouldn’t be long until his past caught up with him and forced him out of town.
Jake didn’t know where to pin his gaze, but he couldn’t look at Callie Mitchell. He couldn’t risk the suspicion he’d see in her guileless eyes. He couldn’t risk her seeing the alarm surely hovering in his.
“I’m sorry about that. About him,” she whispered, then stepped inside.
Something frozen inside him knotted tighter. Callie Mitchell had lost her husband. She managed this run-down house and her daily chores while giving refuge to a young unwed mother—all that responsibility rested on her slender shoulders.
Yet without a moment’s hesitation, a member of her family had piled on more burdens. No doubt Commodore Mitchell would call himself a Christian. The man was a hypocrite. The world was full of them, further evidence that if God existed, he had little impact on anyone’s conduct.
Anyone that is, except Callie Mitchell. From what he’d seen, people in this town either harassed or leaned on her.
The woman needed someone to look after her. Someone who’d help carry her burdens. Someone like…
Not him.
Anyone but him.
Jake knelt on the porch, then grabbed a nail and swung the hammer. This time, he found his thumb, not the nail’s head. Through gritted teeth, he bit back the cry of pain and cradled his throbbing thumb in his palm.
No point in getting all riled up about Mrs. Mitchell’s load. He wouldn’t—couldn’t—get involved with her. He’d never known a woman he could trust.
He was in Peaceful for one reason and one reason only. He had a woman to find. Soon as he finished for the day, he’d visit the Corner Café.
If the waitress proved as informative as she’d been on his way into town, she might lead him to the woman who’d discarded him like a broken tool. Then he could finish what he came for—and get out of town. Before he got tied to things he couldn’t have.
Chapter Five
Callie found Elise in the parlor, her feet propped on a footstool, a ball of yellow yarn spinning with each knit-purl. “How’s your ankle?”
“Good as new.” Elise raised her needles, her face glowing. “I’m making a blanket for my baby.”
The joy Callie read in Elise’s face matched her own. Sometimes Callie thought she’d burst with the wonder of her impending motherhood. Still, considering Elise’s circumstances, she might have had a far different attitude.
She sat beside her and ran a palm over the softness. “It’s going to be beautiful and warm.”
Elise’s lips curved in a smile. “As soon as I’m finished, I’ll make one for your baby. What color would you like?”
Precious babies—each one pure as the first dusting of snow. “White. I’d like white.”
“That’s not as practical as I’d expect from you, but white it shall be.”
“I’ll use it for church and special occasions. I’ll get the yarn on my next trip to town.”
“I have enough money to pay for it. It’ll be my gift.” Her eyes flashed. “No arguing.”
“You win,” Callie said with a grin then sobered. “I’ve been asked to tell you something.”
Elise laid her needles down, met Callie’s gaze then looked away. “From your expression, I’m not sure I want to hear it.”
“Hearing what I have to say doesn’t mean you have to agree to anything, but I thought you should know.” She took Elise’s hands. “Sally and Albert Thompson are interested in adopting your baby.”
Elise sucked in a gulp of air. “They’ve wanted a baby forever.”
“They have. But what they want isn’t important. You need to make the decision that’s right for you and your baby.”
“Sally would be a wonderful mother, but— Oh, Callie, I know I’m young and don’t have a way to earn a living, but I want this baby.” She sighed. “Is that selfish?”
“If it is, then I’m selfish, too. We’re both facing some of the same issues. I’m not sure how I’ll handle all the expenses of raising a child, but with God’s help, I’ll find a way.”
“Mama said a child means fevers, defiance and turmoil. But hugs and jelly kisses compensate for every worry and sacrifice.” Her eyes glistened. “Taking the bad with the good—that’s love. I love my baby. I can’t let it go.”
“Then that’s settled.”
Tears brimmed in Elise’s eyes. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t taken me in, but I won’t live on your charity forever.”
“I’m sorry for the trouble between you and your father, but I enjoy your company.”
“I’ve been thinking. Do you think my knitted baby things, shawls, caps and mittens would sell? I want to help with expenses.”
“What a great idea! You’re a wonderful person, Elise.”
Elise’s face fell, as if she saw nothing good in herself. A husband would simplify her life. “We’ve never talked about this and I haven’t wanted to pry, but would you consider marrying the baby’s father? Or isn’t that an option?”
“He’s not from around here.” She withdrew her hands from Callie’s and knotted them in her lap. “Remember the trip I took to North Carolina to see my cousin Carol Ann?”
“Yes, you were excited about taking the train and getting away from the cold for a couple months.”
“I met Gaston at a square dance. I fell hard.” She sighed. “I sneaked out of the house to meet him several times. I got caught up in his kisses…one thing led to another.” Her cheeks flushed. “I was devastated when I had to leave him. We corresponded. I lived for those letters…” A sob tore from Elise’s lips and she hung her head. “I was such a fool.”
Callie laid a hand on Elise’s arm.
“Once I told Gaston about the baby, he…stopped writing. Aunt Audra said he must’ve left town the day he got the news.” Elise swiped at her tears. “My aunt blames herself. No one’s to blame but him. And me.” She met Callie’s eyes. “He said I was pretty and he loved me.”
“You
