And their clothes. He continued the self-incriminating examination. Who would change a baby’s diaper without getting the needed items first? He’d changed Ruby this morning and forgotten the clean diaper. He shifted nervously in his seat, assailed by a terrible sense of helplessness. He ate a slice of the bread and finished his coffee.
“I’m sorry. That took a little longer than I’d anticipated.” Emily Jane breezed back in as swiftly as she had left. Her gaze moved to the girls. “Are we ready to go?” she asked, smiling at the girls.
“We’re ready.” William stood. The soft scent of cinnamon teased his nose as Emily Jane bent over and lifted Rose from the chair. “I thought you had escaped out the back door so you wouldn’t have to be troubled by us today,” he teased.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice soft and clear. “I couldn’t leave till I cleaned up the mess I made. Violet works the crowd alone when I’m gone, and the added work would not have been fair.”
Her face was full of strength, shining with a steadfast and serene peace. He realized that he felt hope when he was around her. Things didn’t look so bleak. She laughed softly at Rose’s gaze of happiness when she kissed her on the neck, eliciting soft giggles from the child. Suddenly the morning seemed to be going splendidly.
William turned toward the door without waiting for her to follow. He felt totally bewildered by his behavior. First he was sad at the loss of his family, then happy at having Emily Jane enter his life, then uncertain how to deal with the girls and his slight attraction to Emily Jane. What on earth had caused this tumble of confused thoughts and feelings?
Not since he was a kid had a woman caused so many conflicting emotions. And he’d just met this one. Maybe he was turning into a ninny. A setting hen. It had to be because he’d been taking care of babies. That had to be it. Everyone turned to mush around them. He clenched his jaw and imposed an iron control over his thoughts. Enough. He needed a little time away from Emily Jane to remind himself that she had no power to change him. She did not hold the key to his happiness, nor his thought process. And contrary to what the little old ladies in this town thought, he was not going to marry her only to have his heart broken when she decided that taking care of Rose and Ruby was too much work.
Emily Jane enjoyed the walk to the store. Rose giggled as they strolled. The twin pointed at a little boy and his dog as they ran across the street. Ruby giggled along with her while William strode in silence. She couldn’t help but wonder if he regretted inviting her along. His brows were pulled into an affronted frown, and a muscle flicked in his jaw. She didn’t know him well enough, so she couldn’t decide if he was angry or contemplating some deep subject.
The bell jingled overhead as he held the door open for her. She stepped inside the store and waited for a few seconds to give her eyes a moment to adjust. The wonderful scents of spices and leather filled her senses.
Carolyn Moore stood behind the counter. “Emily Jane, how good to see you.” She walked over to where they stood. “Who is this cute little girl?” Carolyn asked, touching Rose’s arm.
Rose tucked her thumb in her mouth and laid her head on Emily Jane’s shoulder. She pressed her body as close to Emily Jane’s as she could. For a brief moment, protectiveness rose in Emily Jane. She realized how foolish that was, considering the store owner was a good friend and would never hurt the child.
“This is Miss Rose.” Emily Jane smiled at them both.
Carolyn laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Rose.” She turned her attention to William and the child he carried. “And who might this be?”
When William didn’t answer but stood with his mouth twisted in a wry smile at Carolyn’s teasing, Emily Jane answered. “That is Miss Ruby.” Carolyn knew who both girls were, of course, but knew the method of pretend surprise would make the girls feel more comfortable. She was an old hand at winning children over.
“Well, hello, Miss Ruby.” Carolyn laughed. “My, aren’t we all being so formal today?” She waved her hand in front of her face much like Emily Jane assumed a woman of wealth would wave a fan.
Carolyn’s laughter was contagious, and soon Emily Jane’s, Ruby’s and Rose’s giggles joined in. William stared at them all as if they’d lost their minds. Emily Jane couldn’t help but laugh harder, looking into his bemused face.
Mr. Carlson, Carolyn’s elderly father, called from the back of the store. “Women sure are a funny breed. William, come on back here and let the women get their cackling done.” He busily set up a checkerboard that was his constant companion.
“I’d love to, Phillip, but I need to get some shopping done before I return to work here in a bit,” William called back to him.
Emily Jane enjoyed the way his voice rose to answer the other man. It was loud enough to be heard but not booming like her father’s. So far there wasn’t much she’d found dislikable about the man. From his beautiful blue eyes to his full lips. He carried himself with a commanding air of self-confidence, and yet there were times when he appeared so vulnerable.
Reining in her wayward thoughts, Emily Jane pulled her gaze from his handsome face and looked to Carolyn. Being caught staring at William caused heat to travel into Emily Jane’s cheeks. She quickly blurted out, “Violet asked me to pick up some coffee for her, too.”
The other woman grinned and nodded. “I’ll have Amos run it over. He’s been pestering us for a job this morning. We use him as needed to run deliveries for us, so he’ll be happy for the work. I told him to come back in a bit, so he should return soon.”
Emily Jane dug into her purse and pulled out a coin. “Would you make sure he gets this for helping me out?” She handed the money over with a smile and prayer that Carolyn would forget whatever thoughts she had about her and Mr. Barns. Amos and his mother could use the extra coinage, and Emily Jane was always happy to find a way to assist them. “Also, tell him to stop by the house when he gets done.”
Carolyn looked at her with a quizzical expression. “We’re paying him, Emily Jane.”
Relief washed over Emily Jane that Carolyn seemed to be distracted now. “I know, but I want to make sure he knows he’s appreciated.” And that was the truth. Amos worked hard to help his ma out, and he was growing into a fine young man. For that Emily Jane was grateful.
An understanding glance passed between them before Carolyn tucked the money into her apron pocket and turned her attention to William. “Now, do you need any help with your shopping, Mr. Barns? I know you know where everything is, but with these two sweeties, I’m not sure you will be able to gather up what you came for. If you’d like, I could take your list and gather your supplies for you.”
William shook his head. “No, thank you. I’m sure there are more things I’ll need that I forgot to put on the list. Luckily, Miss Emily Jane has agreed to help me with the girls, so I should be able to manage for now.”
Emily Jane nodded. “I’m going to pick up a few spices, too.” She noticed a small wagon sitting beside the door. It had tall railings on each side and the back. Emily Jane pointed at it. “Carolyn, may we use that wagon?”
“Oh, yes. Of course.”
She carried Rose to the wagon and set her inside. “Look, Rose. Want to ride?”
The little girl giggled and kicked her small legs. Emily Jane picked up the long handle and pulled Rose to William and Ruby.
“What a great idea.” He put Ruby down