But as he grew older and left the orphanage he forgot the matron’s sound advice. Until it was too late. He learned the hard way that his background mattered more than who he was. After that experience he knew he would never belong in a forever family.
Small whimpers brought Roper’s attention back to the children. Billy’s eyes were wide as dishpans. Pansy stuck her fingers in her mouth and burrowed against Neil’s shoulder.
“What...how’d he die?” Neil squeaked out.
The Mountie closed the distance between himself and the children. Roper automatically stepped away, out of respect for the sorrow visibly carved on their faces.
“Son.” The man clasped Neil’s shoulder. “I regret to have to tell you that he froze to death. Near as I can figure he went out in a storm to check on his animals and got turned around trying to get back to his cabin.” He let the news sink in. “I have admiration for a man who is willing to face hard things rather than shirk his responsibilities. You kids can be proud of him.”
Although the kids seemed to welcome the praise, Roper couldn’t help wondering if staying safe for his family wouldn’t have been more responsible than worrying about a couple or three animals.
The Mountie straightened. “We’ll see you get back to your mother.”
“Mama’s dead.” Billy blurted out the announcement, then sobbed into Daisy’s dress.
“I see. What other family do you have?”
Daisy’s mouth worked silently for a moment. Life had dished out a lot of bad news for them. No doubt she reeled inside, making it difficult to recall things.
“Mama had a brother but we haven’t heard from him since I was Billy’s size.”
“Do you know where he was at the time?” The Mountie pulled out a little notepad, ready to jot down the information.
“We were living in Toronto then. It was before Papa decided we would do better to move West. He always wore a suit. I think I remember Mama saying he was a lawyer. Maybe. I can’t be certain.”
“Do you remember his name?”
“Jack. And Mama’s name before she married was Munro.”
“Can you spell it?”
Neil answered. “I can. I saw it in the Bible.” He spelled it.
The Mountie wrote it down, closed his notepad and stuffed it into his breast pocket. “Fine. We’ll locate him for you. In the meantime, we’ll have to find a place for you to live.” He turned to Roper. “I expect Mrs. Gardiner would take them in.”
“Normally, yes.” His boss’s wife shared her home with anyone who needed it. “But she’s been awfully sick. The boss has been plenty worried about her. I ’spect he’d say no to the idea.”
“Then I’ll have to take them back to the fort.”
“And then what?”
“No one will likely take four but we’ll split them up between willing families. Or...” He didn’t finish the thought.
But Roper knew.
Send them to an orphanage.
Daisy stepped back, Neil at her side. They pressed Billy behind them and Pansy between them both holding her tight.
“We aren’t going,” Daisy said.
“We’re sticking together,” Neil added.
And then Roper heard himself say, “I’ll look after them.”
The kids relaxed so quickly he was surprised Pansy didn’t drop to the floor.
Billy poked his head out between his older brother and sister. “You will?”
“Now wait a minute.” The Mountie held up his hands. “You live in a bunkhouse when you’re not out on the range. You expect to bunk these children with you or carry them on horseback across the mountains?”
“Well, no.” Put that way it sounded pretty dumb. But something about their predicament forced him to speak and act on their behalf. “But I’ll think of something.” Eddie wouldn’t object to giving him some time off. If he did, there were other ranches that could use another cowhand. His smile tightened. Eddie was a good boss. Roper liked working for him. But he wouldn’t let these kids be sent someplace they weren’t wanted. No siree.
The sound of a pounding hammer came from behind the store. The corners of his mouth lifted. “I know a young woman who will help me care for them.” If he could make her see what a good arrangement this was for all concerned. It was perfect. God sent. He could help Cassie get set up. In return, she could help care for the kids until the uncle came. Then he’d be at ease about moving on and letting her run her business.
The assurance in his voice caused the Mountie to study him carefully. Then he shook his head. “’Fraid I can’t simply take your word for it.” He turned to the kids. “I’ll find a wagon and be right back for you.” He headed for the door.
The kids pressed tight to each other, fear vibrating from them.
Roper leaped forward, catching the Mountie before he could open the door. “Constable, there’s no need for that. Give me a chance to make arrangements.” He bored his eyes into the Mountie’s but the man had more experience staring down people and Roper thought he’d blink before the Mountie finally relented.
“Tell you what. I’ve got to check on my horse and finish my business here. That’d give you enough time to arrange things?”
What he meant was that was how much time he’d allow Roper and his silly idea. “It’s all I need.”
“I’ll be back shortly.” The Mountie pushed past him, and strode down the street.
Roper wanted to holler at him to take his time but knew the Mountie would do as he chose. Instead, he turned to contemplate the kids and his predicament. All he needed was a convincing argument. But if Cassie got all independent and resisted the idea, what would he do? He needed help from the good Lord and he uttered a silent prayer. “Come on, kids. I think I know just the place for you.” As he shepherded them out the door, he prayed some more. If ever he needed God’s help—and he had many times in his life—it was now.
Chapter Two
Cassie had heard a wagon stop at the store but she paid it no mind. Her thoughts were on other things.
She pulled out a length of wood and dragged it to the site she’d chosen for the house and laid it alongside the other three she’d put there. She still had no idea how to proceed. Did she build the floor and put the walls on top? Did she make the walls and build the floor inside? How did she put in the windows?
She sat down on the stack of lumber and stared at the four pieces of wood. If she had the money she’d hire someone to do this. Someone who knew what they were doing. Someone who would expect nothing in return but his wages. But she was out of funds. Roper’s offer to help flashed across her mind but she dismissed the idea. She did not want to be owing a man for any reason. She bolted to her feet. She’d ask Macpherson what to do, and she’d do it. By herself.
Her mind set, her back stiff, she turned and staggered to a stop as a wagon drew up before her property.
Roper jumped down, leaving a boy on the seat. She thought she glimpsed two or three more kids in the wagon but she must be dreaming. Why would Roper have kids with him? She supposed the boy could be headed out to work at the ranch, though he looked too young to have to earn his way in life. But if Roper took him to the ranch Eddie and Linette would see he was properly treated. He could be a companion for Grady, the four-year-old boy Linette had rescued on her ocean voyage from England.
Roper