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  He walked to the table. “We also played games at that table. I don’t know how you folded over six feet of length into one of those chairs. Must have been uncomfortable. I’m amazed at your patience.”

  Grandpa rubbed his neck and acted embarrassed. “Figure I was a mite more agile then. I still plan to play with Wade, though, and any others that come along.”

  Tate laid an arm around his grandfather’s shoulders. “I’m counting on it, Grandpa.”

  Attie was touched by the closeness between Tate and Grandpa. “Do you suppose I’ll be able to hear Wade from the kitchen?”

  Grandpa poked a thumb at Tate. “We always heard this one and his father before him.”

  Tate actually smiled at her for the first time since they’d met. “The kid has had his dinner. Let’s go have our wedding supper, Mrs. Merritt.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Merritt. Our son’s name is Wade. He couldn’t have phrased his invitation any better as far as she was concerned—unless he remembered to call her son by his name. Never mind for now. As Grandpa said, she’d get him trained.

  She smiled at her handsome groom and they followed Grandpa again. Instead of the kitchen as she expected, they went to a dining room. The fine table setting caused her to stop and blink. My word, she hoped she wouldn’t make a mistake and disgrace herself—or spill on the snow white tablecloth. By paying attention to what the others did, maybe she’d know what to do.

  Dorcas brought in the meat platter. “The ranch hands ate in the kitchen and have gone to the bunkhouse for the evening. Attie, I hope the steak is done the way you like it.”

  She returned with bowls of vegetables. “I’m sure you know not to eat the Brussels sprouts, Attie, since you’re nursing. I won’t prepare any other foods too strong for you to eat until he’s weaned. Mrs. Corrigan gave us these.”

  Grandpa scowled. “She’s trying to get rid of them and I can’t blame her. Can we pretend I’m nursing so I don’t have to eat the blasted little bombs of bad taste?”

  Dorcas sent him a no-nonsense glare. “Clean your plate, mister. We don’t waste food here or so you told me when I came.”

  He grumbled and put some on his plate. “Never planting these, you hear? Next time would you tell Mrs. Corrigan to keep them?”

  “If you say so. Some people like them. Others don’t turn down free food when it’s offered.” She looked at the table. “I believe that’s everything until dessert.”

  Attie spoke before she thought, “But, Dorcas, don’t you eat with us?”

  The other woman stopped and appeared confused. “Normally, but… well, this is a special family dinner.”

  Attie gestured to the table. “Please join us. Seems to me you’re family.”

  Grandpa looked at the housekeeper. “Never knew you to be shy before, Dorcas. No call to start now.”

  “I-I guess I could.” Looking pleased, she quickly set another place then sat down.

  Attie looked at Grandpa with her hands folded in front of her.

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Reckon I’ll say the blessing.” He bowed his head so Attie did the same.

  “Thank you, Lord, for delivering our new daughter and her son Wade here safely. We thank You for our bounty and ask You to bless this food and the hands that prepared it. Amen.”

  Attie wanted to hug his neck. “Thank you for including Wade and me. I don’t think anyone has ever thanked the Lord for us. Well, maybe Ma and my brother thanked Him for me but I didn’t know about it if they did.”

  Grandpa picked up his fork. “I figured you said grace every meal from the way you waited.”

  “Oh, I do but just in my head unless someone speaks it out loud like you just did. I figure the Lord knows what I’m thinking.”

  She took a bite of thick steak and savored it in her mouth before she swallowed. She’d never eaten anything this good in her life. No wonder folks prized this kind of meat so much.

  When she’d seen the size of the steak she hadn’t thought she could eat the whole thing. Now that she’d tasted it, she was determined not to let a morsel remain on her plate. She ate slowly so she could enjoy the taste and remember it.

  Everyone else finished before her. She ate some of the green beans between bites of meat but decided to skip the potatoes. She’d had those all her life. She ate the last bite of steak and smiled. “That was delicious.”

  Dorcas rose. “I’ll get the dessert.”

  Attie held her stomach. “I should have saved room.”

  Tate pushed his plate away. “I saved plenty of room, Dorcas. If you made peach cobbler, please give me a big serving.”

  Grandpa raised his hand. “Me, too.”

  Attie determined to eat what she was given. Until the Atlanta boardinghouse she hadn’t had meat except bacon or fatback since Ma had taken sick. She sure hoped she wouldn’t lose her meal after stuffing herself. “If this is the way you eat every day, I’ll soon gain weight if I’m not careful.”

  Grandpa pushed his plate away. “This is usual as far as food is concerned. Dorcas is a fine cook. Difference is we usually eat in the kitchen and the hands eat with us.”

  Tate looked at her. “Wouldn’t hurt you to gain a few pounds.”

  “Good to hear you think so.” Truthfully, she would have preferred he word it differently.

  Now she wondered if he thought she was bony. She casually moved her hand and touched her ribs in front. Compared to most women, she supposed she needed a little more weight.

  Dorcas brought out the bowls of peach cobbler topped with whipped cream. The men’s portions were double what she and Dorcas had.

  Dorcas looked at her mouth. “Did you lose a tooth when you were carrying your baby?”

  “No, we didn’t have a lot of food but we had plenty of milk. I made sure I drank a lot of it with the cream stirred in to make up for nothing much but beans and potatoes to eat.” Now why had she mentioned that? Too late to call back her words.

  Dorcas didn’t appear to think what she said was odd. “My ma’s lost most of her teeth. She’s had ten children and lost at least one tooth with each. I don’t think that happens to women who have enough food and milk.”

  Attie spooned up more cobbler. “I sure hope not.” She polished off every bite.

  Now she knew Dorcas came from as poor a family as hers. She had a big family, though. She wondered about Dorcas’ parents and supposed in time she’d learn whether Dorcas’ Pa was as worthless at hers was.

  The next morning, Attie was up early to feed Wade before Tate woke. She’d had to feed him during the night, of course, but only once. That was a blessing. She’d sure been tired. After she’d fed and burped her boy, she laid him back in his fancy bed.

  “We landed in high cotton, Wade. You be a good boy while Mama goes down and helps with your new Papa’s breakfast.”

  When she turned, Tate stood in the doorway. She couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed in daylight after coming together with him last night. When they’d gone to bed she’d been so scared she shook but knew he had his rights and she’d abide by her vows.

  Wasn’t she lucky he was nothing like the man who’d forced himself on her? Tate had been gentle and loving. She thanked the good Lord she’d found a better life here in every way.

  He leaned against the door jamb. “You aren’t expected to help with cooking. Like we said yesterday Dorcas has been running things for over twenty years.”

  “With Wade and me here, there’s more to do. Since she has a big family, I reckon she knows more about raising babies than I do. I planned to get a book in Atlanta but there wasn’t time. I did get more diapers and a few baby clothes.”

  That reminded her she hadn’t unpacked her trunk. In fact, she hadn’t even opened it. She’d need the rest of Wade’s diapers soon if she didn’t do laundry this afternoon.

  “That’s nice. Now that you’ve fed the kid, let’s go eat.”

  “Tate, his name is Wade. Only four letters so it shouldn’t be hard for you to rememb
er.”

  “I know his name. Since it’s a sore point with you, I’ll call him Wade from now on. For now, I work hard and have to eat when I can. I’ll probably be gone most of the day.”

  “I expected as much. Does Grandpa go with you?”

  “Usually, unless the weather’s bad.” He leaned near. “If it’s bad I find something that needs doing in the barn or house.”

  “That’s thoughtful of you. I’ll help keep him busy in bad weather.”

  At breakfast, she met the three ranch hands. Jim Hamilton looked at least thirty in spite of being the newest hand. He had sandy hair with mutton chops and brown eyes. He was tall, at least six feet, and looked real strong. He smiled at Dorcas a lot but she didn’t appear to notice.

  Duffy Kelly had red hair, blue eyes, and a bushy beard. Under all that hair he appeared about Tate’s age. From the way they talked it was obvious he and Tate had been friends a long time. His hair was too long in back to be in style but it looked all right on him.

  Hector Gonzales might be thirty but she wasn’t certain. He had dark hair and large brown eyes and was about her height. The men laughed and joked with the easy camaraderie of men who are comfortable with one another and with their boss.

  After breakfast, she stacked the dishes and carried them to the sink.

  Dorcas put her hands on her hips. “I’ll do the clearing away. You have the lad to care for.”

  She titled her head. “Thank you, Dorcas. Normally I’d insist on helping you but I hear him.” Attie hurried up the stairs to the nursery. Wade needed his diaper changed. Once she had him dry and tucked in, he went back to sleep.

  She went to unpack her small trunk. Della had refused to take any money even though this trunk must have cost many times what Attie had given her. They were such kind and generous people.

  When she opened the trunk, she was aghast. Several colors of yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and fine crochet thread were immediately visible. A letter addressed to her was in the tray.

  Dear Attie,

  Della and I hope you won’t be offended that we supplemented your supplies. You see, both she and I have been in your situation. Each of us had a terrible experience that left us destitute and with a small child. Unfortunately, Della’s baby died. My daughter is grown now, happily married, and lives nearby.

  Della and I each married a good man with whom we found love as we hope you will. In the meantime, we had a joyous time shopping for you and Wade.

  Blessings for a wonderful future,

  Mercedes McCormick

  Attie sat on the bed and reread the letter. Mrs. McCormick had seen through the lies she’d concocted and wasn’t angry. What a wonderful woman. The Lord had truly been watching over her when He’d sent her to the matchmaker.

  Tears filled her eyes at the thought of the two women choosing these things for her. Other than her brother, no one had ever been so kind. She unpacked the trunk item by item and set aside the things she’d helped choose. Wade’s clothes would go into his nursery. Her lavender dress would be good for church. She’d save her new petticoat for then.

  After the yarns and needles, she found fabric for dresses. One length was dark green damask and the other pink sprigged muslin, complete with trims and buttons. Two new chemises, handkerchiefs, and a new nightgown would go into one of the drawers Tate had emptied for her. She sensed her face heat in a blush with the knowledge she was supposed to have found the nightgown before bedtime last night.

  A new hat with flowers circling the crown and navy grosgrain ribbons to tie under her chin was a bit squashed. She fluffed the flowers and smoothed the straw until the hat appeared new. A copy of Little Women and one of Moonstone were included and probably what smashed the hat.

  The tray also held a box with pieces of jewelry with stones to compliment the fabrics the women had chosen. A strand of pearls and earbobs would go with anything. Surely they were fakes but she didn’t know how to tell.

  At the bottom of the trunk was a navy wool cloak with a hood. Blue satin lined the cloak. Of course, she’d need something warmer this winter. She tried on the cloak and looked in the mirror.

  She hardly recognized herself. Gone was the poor, shabby girl from Mud Flat. Now she appeared as Mrs. Tate Merritt of the Texas’ Rocking M Ranch. She laughed and twirled around the room.

  She put the cloak and lavender dress in the wardrobe. The fabric and trims went into another drawer. Lucky for her she was a good seamstress. Hadn’t she mended clothes all her life and even been paid by a few folks?

  Before she could count the skeins of yarn, Wade’s cries pulled her from her from her survey. She hurried to her son. After she changed his clothes she lifted him and went to the rocking chair. Rocking gently, she sang to her son as he suckled.

  Steak for dinner. A housekeeper who cooked and did the dishes. A fancy nursery for her son. Could life get any better than this?

  But, what would happen if Tate learned her secret?

  Chapter Eight

  Attie went downstairs after she’d put away everything from her trunk and fed Wade. She carried one of the books, Little Women.

  “Dorcas, I have two books with me. Would you like to borrow one?”

  Dorcas turned red and brushed at something on her apron. “Can’t read.”

  “Oh, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. Lots of people can’t, especially girls and women. If you ever want to learn, then I’ll be happy to teach you where no one but us would know.”

  Dorcas looked up. “Reckon I’m too old to learn. That’s for children.”

  “No one is too old to learn to read. I can tell you’re a smart woman. Look at all you know how to do.”

  “You really think I could learn to read old as I am? I’m almost thirty-seven.” Her eyes held hope as well as question.

  “I’m sure you can. We could have lessons in the afternoon when the men are busy and before you make supper.”

  She appeared the mull that over. “Could we have lessons in my rooms?”

  “Wherever you choose. We’ll need some paper. I have letter-writing stationery but maybe you know where there’s some scrap paper we can use.”

  “I save all the paper the stores use to wrap our supplies. I have a stack we can use.”

  “Perfect. Do you have pencils? I have one and a pen and bottle of ink. It’s best to start with a pencil.”

  “I have a couple the men threw out because they were short.”

  “When would you like to start?”

  “Can we do some now? I sure would like to know how to write my name. I can do my sums but that’s about it. Pa taught me that so I’d know how to tell if I was paid the right amount. He didn’t know Jesse Merritt would never cheat me.”

  “Wade’s asleep so get your paper and pencils.”

  “Come this way. They’re in my rooms.” Dorcas led the way to a door at the end of the kitchen.

  Attie followed. The first room was a small sitting room. Through a doorway a bed was visible. “Dorcas, did you decorate your rooms?”

  “No, Mrs. Merritt did. They’re worn but the furniture is comfortable.”

  “Well, this Mrs. Merritt is going to replace the curtains and bed cover and reupholster that chair and footstool. We’ll go to town some day when you have time.”

  Dorcas had opened a drawer filled with folded brown paper. She took out one piece and unfolded it. “Should I cut it or fold it in a certain size?”

  “Let’s fold it the right size and then it will be easy to cut along the fold.” She demonstrated and then cut the one sheet into eight pages for writing practice.

  “I have the pencils here and sharpened them with a knife.”

  “Do you have a spare serving tray you can bring in here and use for a table on your lap?”

  “Wait right here.” She hurried out and returned with a wooden tray with a piecrust rim.

  “Sit in your chair and turn the tray upside down. You’re lucky your name doesn’t have many letters. I’ll write
them at the top of one sheet and then show you how to make them.”

  She wrote D-o-r-c-a-s D-a-v-i-s. “This is how Ma got me started. Under this, you copy what I wrote.” She explained the name of each letter.

  Attie had been right and Dorcas was smart. Soon she was making the letters well.

  Dorcas beamed at being able to print her name without hesitation. “There’s a book in the nursery I look at sometimes. It’s for children learning to read. Maybe you can teach me to read with it.”

  “After you learn to print the alphabet in capitals and lower case then you can learn to write.”

  “Don’t get me worried, Attie. I want to learn to print good before I start anything else. If I can read printing, I can read a book. Jim borrows books sometimes so I know he likes to read.”

  Ah, Attie discovered why Dorcas wouldn’t encourage Jim’s attention—she was ashamed because he valued reading and she didn’t know how.

  “You’ll like it, too. You’ll be reading in no time.”

  “I’m real grateful, Attie. I appreciate your offering more than you can imagine. I wanted to learn but I didn’t know who to ask. Mrs. Merritt, Tate’s grandmother, wasn’t someone I could ask.

  “You can always ask me anything, Dorcas. I appreciate all you’ve done to make me feel welcome. You’re a good friend.”

  “I want to be. I’ve been kind of lonely for a woman to talk to since Mrs. Merritt passed. She wasn’t friendly but she was in the company of another woman.”

  “Do you visit your family often?”

  “If the men were for sure not going to be here at noon then I might go see my ma once or twice a month if the weather was good. I couldn’t leave the men with no dinner.”

  “I’m not near as good a cook as you, but I can cook. You should plan to take off sometimes and visit your family.”

  “If you say so I will. Now, I’d better get supper going or we’ll have hungry men standing around complaining.”

  “Oh, and I hear my little one complaining now.” She hurried upstairs.

  Chapter Nine