“What are you doing to my sister?”
He only had time to register Isaiah’s voice before he slapped Addie’s back once more. An angry growl sounded behind him just as the baby gasped, inhaling precious air. Seconds later, she wailed.
Releasing a sigh of relief, Cody lifted her upright. His relief was short lived as little fists pummeled his legs.
“You hurt her! You hurt Addie!” Isaiah screamed and pounded harder.
Addie cried louder.
Worried that he might drop the baby, Cody gripped both of the boy’s hands in one of his. “Enough!” The single word, unintentionally snarled, made Isaiah glare back at him.
The little boy struggled for his freedom. He kicked with everything in him, his foot connecting hard with Cody’s shin. Sucking in a breath, Cody struggled for control of his own temper. Anger burned in his chest. He couldn’t give these children what they needed. The last three weeks proved that depressing fact.
A sound of dismay hit his ears. Amidst the kicks and screams, Jonah huddled in the bed, tears streaming down his cheeks. The three-year-old hadn’t spoken since his parents died, but his face revealed his emotions better than words could. Cody’s heart clenched. For a child that small to wear such a desperate look of pain…it smote him more than anything else.
Despair consumed him. He couldn’t do this. There was a reason two people shared the responsibilities of parenting. To try it alone felt insurmountable.
He sank into the rocking chair beside the crib. Addie’s cries mixed with Isaiah’s sobs. When did he start crying?The boy finally stopped kicking him, and he buried his little face into his hands. Cody rested one hand on Isaiah’s back. With the other, he bounced Addie up and down as gently as he could. She hiccoughed as her cries faded. Jonah remained in bed, silent tears making twin trails down his cheeks.
Cody’s stomach turned.I’m a failure.How could he give these grieving children the life they needed? He couldn’t even provide enough comfort to stop their tears.
Isaiah sniffled, lowering his hands. “You hurt her.”
“She couldn’t breathe. I had to do something.” He turned Addie toward her brother, voice rough. “She’s fine.”
The boy’s lower lip trembled.
Cody raked a hand through his hair. “Do you want to hold her?”
“Yeah.” Isaiah took Addie, holding her close. He eyed Cody as he rocked the baby in his arms, looking far too old for his five years.
The sun crept over the horizon, lighting the room. Cody pushed himself up. “You kids want pancakes?”
Jonah climbed out of bed. He rubbed his brown eyes before nodding.
Isaiah shrugged, face impassive. “Guess so.”
“Then let’s rustle up some pancakes.”
At least he could manage that.
Four days after she escaped Boston, the train pulled into Ella’s destination. She glanced out the window. A large sign hung by the platform, welcoming travelers to the town of Harmony Springs. People bustled about, wrapped in warm coats as they trekked through a layer of fresh snow. Wooden buildings lined the main street. Bold signs proclaimed the services of each business. She made out a mercantile, bank, and blacksmith near the station.
Ella picked up her bag, ignoring the ache in her ribs. Drawing in a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders. “I can do this.”
The words sounded flat. She stifled a sigh, then shuffled her way to the exit. Anxiety crawled through her gut. She’d come here on a whim. What if her plan backfired?
A humorless chuckle left her lips.Plan? What plan?Reaction motivated her flight from Boston. Nothing had been set except her destination. She didn’t even have a trunk with personal belongings. Her only possessions in the world were stuffed in the carpetbag she clutched close to her side.
Ella stepped from the train onto solid ground. Cold air nipped at her cheeks. She shivered, her nerves fraught.
Upon exiting the train station, she glanced around. As in other towns they had passed through, the building appeared to be located at the edge of town. The main street stretched before her, long and welcoming, but unknown. Her vision grew hazy and her head began to pound. Dark spots danced in her line of sight.
Her back stiffened. She might be in a strange place, but she would not faint. Never in her life had she resorted to the ridiculous tactic employed by many young ladies in society. She wasn’t about to start now. Head held high, she marched down the street. Her gaze swung from building to building, reading the signs and looking for the one she needed.
The morning sun provided a bit of relief against the winter chill. With a start, Ella realized she had forgotten to bring a hat. Her mother’s stringent voice echoed in her head.
A young lady never goes about in the sun with her head uncovered. Especially not with your coloring. You will gain horrid, unsightly freckles.
