“Why would they do that? They left the children behind so they wouldn’t have to witness the...crime. That tells me they must have scruples.”
Her positive outlook was admirable, but he dealt in facts, and those he’d collected had decided his course of action. “Given their history, it seems more likely they would stop at nothing to get what they want and wouldn’t let the fact that Jasper and Ruby are children get in their way. We have to protect the youngsters, which is why Tess changed the plans. In most cases, she puts a new child in with the others right away to help them adjust as quickly as possible, but she wants us to keep a close watch over Jasper and Ruby. He and I will bed down on the third floor of Jack and Jill House, and Ruby will share your room on the second. I’ll bring beds over from the bunkhouse to use tonight until I can get those we need done.”
Callie sobered. “If Tess is concerned, she must believe the children are in danger.”
“We don’t know that for sure, but she agreed that taking precautionary measures would be wise.”
“I understand why you’re doing this, but I still think the murderers got the jewels. Even if they didn’t and they came looking for the children, I believe they’re safe here.”
He wanted to believe that, too, but unlike Callie, he’d seen what Mr. Tate’s attackers were capable of. The fatherless children were now in Chip’s care, and he would do everything in his power to protect them.
But what if it wasn’t enough?
The dining hall was abuzz as scores of children sat at the long tables, carrying on animated conversations. Jasper was on Callie’s left, his eyes roving over the scene. Although the room was large, it had a friendly feel, with paintings of characters from Mother Goose tales on the brightly colored walls. Older children wearing ankle-length white aprons and smiles carried in platters and bowls heaped with an assortment of mouthwatering dishes and set them on the tables.
Jasper’s chin dropped. “I never seen so much food in one place before. And it smells real good.”
That it did. Callie hadn’t realized how hungry she was. Thankfully, no one could hear her rumbling stomach over the hubbub. “I’m sure it will taste good, too.”
Ruby, seated on Callie’s right, pointed. “Chicken.”
“That’s right, sweetheart. Fried chicken. Do you like it?”
The little girl nodded.
“She likes drumsticks,” Jasper volunteered. “So do I.”
Chip, seated on Jasper’s other side, grinned, a playful gleam in his eye. “I do, too. I hope there’s more than one left when it’s our turn to pick. I wouldn’t want to have to fight you for the last one.”
The young fellow scowled at Chip. “Fighting is wrong. Papa says so.” His face pinched with pain as reality rushed in. “He said so.”
Callie sent a disapproving glance Chip’s way and hastened to reassure Jasper. “Mr. Chip was teasing. He wouldn’t take the last drumstick. He’d let you have it. But you don’t have to worry. There’s plenty of food.”
“Miss Callie’s right, Jasper. I was just having some fun with you, but it wasn’t the right time. I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”
The boy studied Chip intently, his forehead creased in concentration. A slow smile spread across Jasper’s boyishly round face. “I’ll forgive you—if you give me your drumstick, too.”
Chip laughed. “Jasper, my boy, you drive a hard bargain, but if you think you can polish off two drumsticks, you can have mine.”
Luke stopped behind the vacant spot next to Ruby. “Do you mind if I sit here?”
Callie smiled. “Not at all. We’d love your company, wouldn’t we, Ruby?”
In answer, the little girl scooted closer to Callie.
“It’s all right, sweetheart. This is Luke. Don’t you remember? He’s the one who rode on the seesaw with us.”
Jasper chimed in. “I remember. He’s not an orphan. He’s Mama Tess and Papa Spencer’s son.”
“That’s me, all right.” Luke smiled, plunked himself down on the bench and leaned close to Ruby. “I know I’m big and scary, but I won’t hurt you. I like girls. I have three sisters. I think one of them is your age. How old are you?”
“Th-this many.” Ruby let go of the doll in her lap, raised a trembling hand and held up two fingers.
“Yep! That’s how old Lucy is. She’s the youngest. If you look over there, you can see her.” He pointed to the head table, where Spencer and Tess sat with five children. “She’s sitting next to Lila, the one who gave you the cookies. Do you remember her?”
Ruby glanced at the rest of the Abbott family and nodded.
“Who are them others?” Jasper asked.
“The older boy is Lewis. He just turned seven. The younger one, Lionel, is six. The other girl is Lorene. She’ll be turning five next week. I can’t wait. I’ll get to eat chocolate cake two different times.” He smacked his lips.
Jasper craned his neck to look at Luke. “How come?”
“Mama makes a cake just for us whenever there’s a birthday in our family, but we’ll have a party here in the dining hall, too, for all those who have birthdays in April. We do that on the first Saturday of every month.”
Jasper held up his fingers, ticked off the months and looked up, his eyes wide. “All the orphans here get chocolate cake twelve times in one year?”
Luke nodded. “You will, too, if you’re here that long.”
“’Course I’ll be here. I don’t have nowhere else to go.”
Callie’s heart pinched. “You could get adopted and go live with a nice family who loves you.”
A fierce scowl creased Jasper’s brow. He folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t want a new family. I just want my papa back.”
The dear boy’s reaction was understandable, given his circumstances, but his future could hold untold blessings, as hers had. “It’s hard. I know. I lost my parents when I was young, too, but there are wonderful people out there who have hearts full of love, and they want to give it to special children like you and Ruby.”
“I don’t want no one else. You and Mr. Chip can take care of us.” He gave a decisive nod.
Chip rested a hand on the grieving boy’s shoulder. “We will be looking out for you. You can count on that.”
Callie opened her mouth to speak, but Chip shook his head. He was right. Clarification could come later. The children needed reassurance now. “Yes. We’ll be here.”
Tess stood and clapped three times, bringing the chatter in the room to a close. “It’s a special day here at the Double T. We’ve had two children join our happy family—Jasper Tate and his sister, Ruby. Welcome!”
Heads turned in their direction, and applause broke out. A few children even cheered. Jasper and Ruby went from stunned to smiling in a matter of seconds.
Luke leaned over and whispered, “I need to join my family now, but I’ll see you all later.” He left.
Once the room quieted, Tess continued. “As you can see, Jasper and Ruby, we’re happy to have you here. Now, it’s time for Papa Spencer to ask the blessing, so bow your heads and close your eyes.”
Tess sat, and Spencer stood. “Lord, thank You for