His Frontier Christmas Family. Regina Scott

concerned about the silence from the loft. “Give them a day or two.”

      “I’d be happy to give them all the time in the world,” James assured him, “but I bow to my wife, who knows far more about educating young minds than I ever will.”

      “I’ll speak to her,” Levi promised, taking his arm and attempting to escort him to the door.

      “Do you have everything you need?” James asked, resisting and glancing about as if hoping to catch a glimpse of Callie and the boys. “What about a cradle for the baby? Dottie gave us ours back recently.”

      “Tomorrow,” Levi said, pulling a little harder.

      He thought he heard the squeak of James’s boots against the plank floor. “I could bring you something from the store—an extra set of dishes? More flour? A bear trap?”

      “We’re fine,” Levi assured him, straining to wrestle his brother over the threshold.

      James planted his hands on either side of the open door, eyes widening as he looked past Levi. “Yes, I can see that you are. Quite fine indeed.”

      What was he talking about? He was fairly sure his brother was just teasing him, but Levi couldn’t stop himself from glancing over his shoulder just in case.

      Callie had come out of the bedroom. Gone were the slouch hat and the rough buckskin coat. Her honey-colored hair was held up behind her by an abalone comb and flowing about her shoulders in waves. The blue printed calico dress was likely too cold for a winter’s day, but it outlined her form and brought color to her cheeks. Or perhaps it was Levi’s and James’s approving looks that made her blush.

      She raised her chin and marched toward the stove, Mica waving a greeting from her arms.

      “Isn’t it time to get supper started?” she asked with a look to James.

      Levi’s brother cleared his throat. “Not until I properly welcome you, dear lady.” He removed his hands from the doorjamb and sketched an elegant bow. “I’m Levi’s brother, James. And you must be the lovely Miss Murphy.”

      Though his brother was devoted to his schoolteacher wife, he still went out of his way to be gallant to the ladies, young and old. Another woman would have simpered and blushed.

      With one hand, Callie pulled a pan from the rack above the stove. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Wallin. If you’ll excuse me, I should earn my keep.” She brought the pan down on the stove with a clatter.

      “I thought you brought a ward, not a housekeeper,” James murmured to Levi, brow up.

      “We have a few things to work out,” Levi said, and he managed to push his brother out at last.

      He closed the door and turned to Callie. For all her bravado, she was shifting from foot to foot as if unsure what to do next. Mica peeped over her shoulder and wrinkled her nose at Levi.

      “I thought I’d cook for you,” he said, moving closer. As he passed the infant chair, he gave it a push that set it rolling toward Callie.

      She turned as if noticing the rumble of the wheels against the planks. “What’s that?”

      “A present from my brothers,” Levi told her. “For Mica.”

      The little girl was already reaching out a hand and wiggling her fingers as if wanting to draw the chair closer. Callie tilted her head to study the contraption. “Why? What’s it for?”

      “If I may?” Levi held out his arms.

      Callie hesitated a moment, then handed him the baby.

      He was more sure of how to hold the little girl this time. But it probably wouldn’t have mattered if he hadn’t been. Mica smiled up at him, cheeks pink and eyes sparkling. Levi gave in to the thought of rocking her a moment, her weight soft in his arms, before sliding her into the seat.

      Mica blinked, then shifted as if getting comfortable. Her smile spread, and she set up a delighted chatter.

      Callie looked less impressed, eyes narrowing.

      “It rolls,” Levi explained, demonstrating. Mica slapped her hands down on the tray in front of her and crowed her approval. “You can take her to wherever you’re working without having to carry her.” He gave the chair a little push, and Mica squealed, bright and pure.

      Callie’s hand came down over Levi’s on the back on the chair. “Do not show the twins.”

      He had a sudden image of Frisco and Sutter, batting the baby and chair between them. He cast a glance toward the stairs. “I won’t.”

      Mica scooted as if hoping to get the chair moving again. He held it steady, trying not to relish the feeling of Callie’s hand warm against his.

      “How were they doing when you checked on them?” she asked.

      He rubbed behind his ear with his free hand, then stopped when he noticed the nervous gesture. “I haven’t had a chance.”

      Callie’s eyes widened, and she released him to back away. “You watch Mica. If I haven’t returned in a quarter hour, send for that deputy. I may need rescue.”