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  “Dropped my fat fanny, pardon my French. I saw her almost knock you down, the witch. Someday she’ll get what’s coming to her and it may be today.”

  Hannah rushed up. “Who was that awful woman who shoved that pie out of your hands?”

  “Pamela Durant. She wanted to marry Tate and he wouldn’t have her. He’s telling Reggie for you to come eat with us.”

  Mrs. Spencer was with Hannah and glanced where Tate and Reg stood. “Oh, good, it’s cooler by the river and the mosquitoes shouldn’t be bad this time of day. I brought bunches of mint to put around us to discourage the pests. You’ll especially want to put some in your son’s basket.”

  “Why, thank you, Mrs. Spencer. I appreciate you being so thoughtful. I do worry about protecting him, which is one reason I was so glad the hands hurried to get us a place in the shade. Of course, we’ll all enjoy sitting in the shade more than in the sun.”

  Hannah cast a fond look at her mother-in-law. “I am so lucky Reggie’s parents are both wonderful. I’ve never been happier.”

  Mrs. Spencer hugged Hannah. “I’m so glad to hear that, Hannah. We’re happy to have you join our family.”

  Mrs. Spencer set out her potato salad next to that Dorcas had made. “This is our first outdoor social of the year. I suppose Miss Davis told you that in cold weather we meet inside the church and scoot the pews to one side so we can set up tables in the center. Not quite the same but still gives us a chance to visit.”

  Attie leaned close to Dorcas ear. “You were going to tell me which dishes to avoid.”

  The housekeeper spoke low, “Follow me through the line. Don’t take anything unless I say it’s all right. One or two of these women are deadly cooks.”

  Laughing with one another, the four women filled their plates and went to sit on a quilt under the trees. Once they were seated, Tate and Grandpa went to fill their plates. The three ranch hands had already filled theirs and sat with the men from the Spencer farm.

  “The breeze is nice here by the river. Thank you for the mint for Wade.”

  Mrs. Spencer peered at the basket. “Hannah told me he’s a lovely baby. I agree with her. I know he’s a blessing.”

  Dorcas nodded. “He sure is better than any baby I ever saw. My brothers and sisters cried up a storm. So do my nieces and nephews.”

  “So did Reginald. I declare I threatened to hang him in a cradle from an apple tree. I read Indians did that sometimes on those hard cradleboards they used.”

  Attie had a strange thought. “I remember seeing a painting of a baby in one of those.”

  She looked at Tate as he sat beside her. “I was just telling them about the painting of the Indian baby in a cradle board that’s in the house.”

  “Right. Grandpa met this man named George Catlin wasn’t it, Grandpa?”

  Grandpa waved a hand dismissively. “That baby and mother are Iroquois, not from Texas. Been thinking about selling that one to someone up east who wants it enough to offer me a ridiculously high amount of money for it. I prefer Texas paintings. Got me several by local artists as I come on to one I like.”

  “My favorite is the one with blue and red flowers in it.”

  Tate looked down and leaned near to whisper, “Don’t dare let on you don’t know those are bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush.”

  Grandpa looked at her and leaned forward, almost dragging his string tie through his potato salad. “What kind of flowers did you call them?”

  She cleared her throat to keep from laughing. “Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush. You know, blue and red look real nice in the painting.”

  He nodded. “That’s right. Nothing prettier than a field of them in the spring.”

  They chatted and were enjoying themselves.

  “Dorcas, will you save me a slice of your peach pie that didn’t get ruined? I need to go feed Wade. I see several women heading to the church carrying babies.”

  Tate stood. “I’ll carry the basket for you.” He helped her rise then picked up the basket holding Wade.

  Reg waved a chicken leg. “I’ll load up on another plateful of food while you’re gone. Have to keep up my strength.”

  When they got to the church door, Attie took the basket from Tate. “Thank you for helping me. I’m having a wonderful time.”

  “I heard what Pamela did and I’m real sorry. You don’t have to be nice to her when she acts like that.”

  She grinned at him. “You’re upset because peach pie is your favorite.”

  He returned her grin. “Of course.” Then he leaned down and kissed her on the lips right in front of everyone.

  She knew she blushed but looked at him.

  He pushed a curl from her face. “It’s all right, Attie. We have a license that allows me to do that.”

  “I’m sure glad because I enjoy it.” Embarrassed at her admission, she carried Wade into the sanctuary.

  Four other women of various ages were nursing their babies. They introduced themselves and their babies.

  “I’m happy to know Wade will have playmates when he’s old enough.”

  She found a pew and let Wade eat his fill. After she’d changed his diaper and tucked the soiled one into the oiled cloth bag, she stood to leave.

  When Wade’s basket was on the blanket beside Tate, she decided to get her pie. “If you’ll excuse me, I want some of that pie.”

  Tate raised a hand. “Would you bring me another slice?”

  Reg stared at him. “Didn’t you already have two slices?”

  Tate nodded and patted his abdomen. “Dorcas is a fine cook. You said yourself we have to keep up our strength.”

  Reg jumped up. “I believe I’ll have me a slice of that pie if there’s any left after Tate went through the line.”

  Dorcas laughed. “I always bring six. Of course there were only five after that Durant girl shoved Attie so she’d drop one. I like to have lit into that girl right then. She needs to be taught some manners.”

  Mrs. Spencer shook her head. “Believe me, Miss Davis, her mother has tried. She is forever embarrassed by that girl. They sent her to finishing school in Galveston and she got to thinking she’s better than us country folks.”

  Attie got in line behind Reg. Only two slices of peach pie remained. Being a gentleman, he offered them to her.

  “You go ahead, Reg. I get her pies all the time. You’ll see how good a cook she is. I know her secret to the peach filling now. I believe I’ll try this cherry pie.”

  She cut a slice of that one and put it on her plate. As she turned to go, Pamela shoved into her so the plate pushed pie filling and crust on her dress.

  Pamela pretended to be upset. “Oh, my, I am so sorry. You have cherry filling all over your drab little dress.”

  “That was deliberate.” Attie scraped the filling off her dress onto the plate and shoved the plate back and forth onto Pamela’s face.

  “Oh, my,” She mimicked Pamela, “You have cherry filling all over your drab little face. Let’s fix that right now.” She grabbed the sputtering woman and dragged her to the river.

  “Stop, stop, I’ve got pie in my eyes and I can’t see where I’m walking.”

  “This will wash it out.” Attie gave Pamela a giant shove.

  Pamela screamed and came up drenched. “Help me, someone. Did you see what she did?” Water ran in rivulets from her dripping hat, hair, and face but the pie filling was thick. Some of it remained.

  Her parents rushed over.

  The minister rushed over.

  No one else moved a finger.

  Everyone else either laughed or sat and stared. A few even applauded. Attie heard several cheers and two whistles.

  Mr. Durant held out his hand to help Pamela from the river without him getting his shoes wet.

  Attie turned to the preacher. “I’m sorry, Reverend Patrick. I did turn the cheek twice and warned her I wouldn’t do so a third time. You didn’t say how many times we were supposed to turn the other cheek but I thought twice would be eno
ugh.”

  His blue eyes sparkled and he acted as if he fought back laughter. “My oversight, Mrs. Merritt. I’ll try to remember to be more specific in the future.”

  Attie went to Mrs. Durant. “Ma’am, I apologize that I lost my temper. I did warn Pamela but she pushed me once too often.”

  Mrs. Durant had tears in her eyes but patted Attie on the hand. “Yes, I saw what she did and I wanted to push her in the river myself. Maybe this will teach her a lesson, though I doubt it. At least maybe now she’ll leave you alone.”

  Tate put his hand at Attie’s waist. “You’d better sit down, Sweetheart. We can’t get Hannah to stop laughing.”

  She hung her head. “I’m sorry, Tate. You’ll probably never take me anywhere again. I don’t often lose my temper, but when I do I’m awful.”

  “Don’t apologize after you were provoked beyond reason. If a man had done that, I could have punched him but I can’t hit a woman. I’m glad you took care of the matter.”

  Surprised he approved but still mortified, she sat on the quilt. Hannah and Dorcas wiped tears from their eyes. Mrs. Spencer and the men were all grinning.

  Grandpa slapped his knee. “This is the best durn social I ever attended. I can’t wait until the next one.”

  He leaned over the basket. “You should have seen your mama, Wade. You’d have been real proud. We ought to dub her the Cherry Pie Queen.”

  Without ceasing to laugh, Dorcas handed her a napkin to clean off her dress.

  Attie scrubbed off all she could. She wondered if the red stain would come clean. She sighed and held her hands in her lap. She wished she could disappear. “What do we do now?”

  “We’ll sing some hymns that everyone knows. After four or five, the preacher will give us a benediction and we’ll all go home.”

  Hannah laughed harder. “Let’s request ‘Shall We Gather at the River’.”

  Dorcas said, “And ‘Like a River Glorious’. It’s a shame we can’t sing ‘Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy boy, Billy….” She laughed so hard she couldn’t finish the song.

  “You two stop it.” Attie threw a piece of mint at them but she had to smile. These were her family and friends.

  Chapter Thirteen

  She was the main subject of conversation on the way home.

  Attie helped Dorcas unpack the picnic supplies. “It’s a good thing you saved back food you didn’t pack for church. These plates couldn’t be much cleaner if someone had licked them.”

  Dorcas smiled. “Two little boys licked the pie plates. I’m glad folks like my cooking. I enjoy cooking for people who like to eat.”

  “You sure found the right job, Dorcas. Besides finding a place people feel you’re family.”

  “You’re a lot nicer to me than Tate’s grandmother was. She was nice, mind, but not real friendly like you are.”

  That surprised her but she wouldn’t say a word against Grandpa’s wife.

  After supper she insisted on helping Dorcas clean the kitchen. “You cooked so much yesterday and today. You must be exhausted.”

  “I’m a little tired but I sure enjoy those socials. I agree with Grandpa that today’s was the best one I’ve ever been to. Now don’t feel embarrassed. Sitting with the Spencers was real nice and having you and Wade along made it feel like a family. If I’d married as young as my ma, I could be your mother. Don’t reckon I’ll ever marry, so having you here is like having a daughter.”

  “Dorcas, that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever told me. You don’t know how much I wanted to be part of a real family that cared about each other. My brother is real sweet but no one else in my family was. Ma tried but she was so worn down from tolerating Pa she just sort of gave up.”

  “Mine, too. I don’t know why she kept having kids when she couldn’t feed us older ones. She was always either about to have a baby or just had one or feeling poorly. Now they’re all gone from home except my oldest brother.”

  “I’m glad Tate and Grandpa and the ranch hands are nothing like my Pa. That man is mean as a five-foot rattlesnake.” She laid the damp dishtowel hanging off the sink to dry.

  Later that evening she and Tate and Grandpa and Dorcas sat in the parlor. The last few evenings, Dorcas had joined them in the parlor instead of retreating to her room as soon as the kitchen was clean.

  Grandpa was reading the newspaper he’d picked up in Bandera yesterday. “Well, I’ll be dogged. Your wedding is printed up in this paper.” He passed it to her.

  Tate came to stand by her chair and read over her shoulder. “Sounds like quite an event. Is this the same wedding we attended?”

  “Unless you got hitched twice. I feel real honored to be included in this shindig.”

  She said, “I especially am happy I took part.”

  “Me, too, Attie.” He turned to Grandpa. “I have to admit you were right, Grandpa. Our Cherry Pie Queen Attie is exactly what I need and what this family needs.”

  Dorcas stood. “You know, it’s been a big day. I believe I’ll turn in even though it’s a little early.”

  Grandpa nodded. “I believe you have a good idea there, Dorcas. I’ll see you folks in the morning.”

  Attie got up and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, Grandpa. Goodnight, Dorcas.”

  When she turned to sit down, Tate had taken her chair and pulled her into his lap. “Guess me being mushy sent them to their rooms. I’m glad to have you all to myself, though.”

  “Wade’s here.”

  “He’s not offering a comment, though. Apparently it doesn’t bother him when I kiss you. You said you like it. Did you mean that?”

  “I did. You’re such a good man and so kind. I can’t believe how lucky I am to be married to you and live here with you and Grandpa and Dorcas and the ranch hands. I never dreamed my life would turn out this wonderful.”

  “I feel the same way. I only sent for you to humor Grandpa. Once again, he was right. Sure sticks in my craw most times when that happens, but not this time. I’m glad you’re here and glad Wade is here. I’ll be happy when we have a couple more.”

  “What do they say, and heir and a spare?”

  “No, Wade is my heir. I’d still like another boy and a girl.”

  She laid her head on his shoulder. “I’ll try to oblige.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Six months later

  Attie sat knitting when Tate came into their parlor.

  “You knitting more things for our baby-to-be? Honey, he or she will have all Wade’s hand-me-downs.”

  She held up the dark blue garment. “This is a sweater for Grandpa for his birthday next month.”

  He looked around the parlor. “You all alone here?”

  “Dorcas went to see her mother. She’s teaching her mother to read. Mrs. Davis can print her name now and read a few simple words. Dorcas is real proud of being able to share what she’s learned.”

  “You’re kind to not only have discovered she can’t read but that she wanted to learn. Then, you took the time to teach her. Guess that’s why I saw Jim giving her a book yesterday.”

  “I expect them to marry so you better decide what to do. Does Jim move into the house as it is, do you build on to Dorcas’ rooms, or do you build a small house for them?”

  “Ask Dorcas what she wants. Her rooms are really nice now that the two of you redecorated them. Jim will do whatever she tells him to do. Men like Jim and I are putty in our woman’s hands.”

  She grinned at him. “Glad to know that. I’ll spend most of tomorrow making a long list of things for you to do.”

  He laughed. “That’ll give me something to read this winter. Where’s my rascally grandfather?”

  “Grandpa said something about going to visit someone but didn’t say who. I think he’s courting Mrs. Ferguson.”

  “Naw, you’re out of your mind.”

  She smiled at him and raised her eyebrows.

  He appeared to think about her comment. “You know, he has been extra chipper lately and he slips away
several times a week. If that doesn’t beat all. I figured he was playing cards but maybe he’s calling on Widow Ferguson. She’s his age and a fine looking woman.”

  “I hope that’s the case. Your grandmother has been gone quite a while and he needs a woman in his life.”

  “You’re soft-hearted, for which I’m glad.”

  He held several envelopes. “Duffy picked up our mail. You have a letter from your brother.”

  He pretended to be surprised. “Look at this. Once again he forgot to add the Cherry Pie Queen to your name. Guess I’ll have to write and correct him since you’ve failed to do so.” He handed it to her.

  With a sigh, she took the letter. “I hope everyone will forget the cherry pie incident soon.”

  “No one will ever, ever, ever forget.”

  Shaking her head she was afraid he was right. Right now, she wanted to forget that unpleasant incident and concentrate on her sweet brother’s letter. She opened the envelope and unfolded the letter—two pages instead of the one. “This one looks longer than usual.”

  Dear Attie,

  If you’re not sitting down, you should. I don’t know if what I have is good or bad news. Mostly, I think it’s plain odd news.

  Pa and Kurt Gifford got in a fight. Pa is dead and Kurt is in jail. Pa shot Kurt and the man isn’t expected to live long enough to go to trial. Kurt knifed Pa and Pa lasted two days.

  It’s my fault because I finally told Pa that it was Kurt who hurt you. You said not to and I promise I never intended to say a word. But, Pa wouldn’t stop saying mean things about you and little Wade and you leaving—only he called it running out on him.

  I lost my temper and told him off and told him Wade was his fault for making you go into town alone at night. I figured he’d try to whip me as usual for speaking out but he didn’t. You know he’s always feuded with the Gifford clan. He grabbed his gun and went after Kurt at the saloon. I tried to stop him by he was moving too fast.

  Kurt laughed at Pa and said things about you putting up a fight and how that made it more fun. Kurt swore to find you and do the same again. That’s when Pa shot him. It’s been a sickening mess. Before he died, Pa said to tell you he’s sorry—as if that makes up for your twenty years of misery.