“I’m just afraid Marybeth may think it dangerous for Carrie.”
“Why don’t we go grab some lunch—my treat—and I’ll let you know more about where to get the supplies you’ll need. My wife and I have some things you can use. A couple of old army cots and extra blankets and such.”
“I don’t figure Marybeth and Carrie have had anything to eat since last night. I should go see to them first.”
“Let’s go together, and you can introduce me to your wife. She and your daughter...” He paused and looked at Edward as if for correction. When none came, Fred continued, “can come with us to lunch. I’ll let her know how things are around here. From what you’ve told me about her, I’m sure she’ll be able to manage.”
“I know she will.” Edward gave a halfhearted smile. “She’s always been that kind of gal. She won’t complain.”
“Sounds like you got yourself a keeper.”
They closed the tent back up and made their way to the hotel. Fred filled Edward in on the various places he could get the things he’d need, including coal for the little stove. Edward tried to keep everything perfectly ordered in his head. He was still worried about what Marybeth would think of their situation.
At the hotel, Edward led the way to the tiny room. WhenMarybeth, holding a piece of bread, opened the door, Edward had to smile. “Figures you would have already found food.”
“Carrie was hungry.” Marybeth looked beyond Edward to the stranger.
“This is Major Fred Henderson, my commanding officer in the war.” Edward stepped inside, and Fred followed.
“Mrs. Vogel, I’m quite pleased to meet you.”
“Call me Marybeth, please.”
“And you call me Fred.” He smiled, and Edward saw Marybeth’s apprehension melt away. “Like I told Edward, the war is over, and there’s no more ‘Major.’”
“Where’d you get the bread?” Edward asked.
Marybeth crossed the room to deposit the bread with some other food at the foot of the bed. “I bundled Carrie up and went to the Armstrongs’ store. I asked the front desk clerk where a good place to buy food might be. He recommended them. It was probably a mistake, though. Two men came in fighting, and Mrs. Armstrong told me I shouldn’t go out shopping alone. Her husband dealt with the men and got them to leave, but it did make me aware that perhaps I should wait until you’re able to go with us.”
“The Armstrongs are good folks, although Joe wasn’t always,” Fred said. “He was a gambler who got saved at a revival last summer. Found Jesus and got a whole lot easier to deal with. Who were the men that were fighting?”
“Hank and Emory Garlow,” Marybeth replied.
Fred’s eyebrows drew together. “Two meaner, more ruthless men were never born. Those two brothers have caused more trouble in this town than anyone. I’m actually surprised they haven’t been hanged before now.”
“Mrs. Armstrong said they were bad.”
“Badis an understatement.” Fred shook his head. “They’rethe very reason you should never go out alone, especially with the baby.”
At this, Carrie made her way over to inspect the new man. She never knew a stranger, unfortunately, and held her arms up to Fred. “Up, pease. Up.”
Fred didn’t hesitate. He lifted Carrie into his arms and held her to his shoulder. “Hello there.”
“Hello.” Carrie smiled at him but offered nothing more. She touched the brim of his felt hat and then gave a pull on his beard.
Fred pretended it hurt and gave a howl. Carrie looked at him in surprise for a moment, then giggled and reached for the beard again.
“She loves everyone,” Marybeth said, shaking her head. “I don’t know how I’m going to teach her not to be going after strangers.”
“Children seem to have good horse sense. They can usually tell if a person means to cause them harm,” Fred replied. “But I understand your concern. I have children of my own.”
“You do?” Marybeth seemed excited by this. “Please, tell me about them.”
“I have Samuel, who is four, and David, who I suspect is about the same age as this little one. He’s two.”
“Carrie will be two the end of December. The thirtieth, to be exact.”
“David just turned two, so they ought to have a lot to talk about.” Fred put Carrie back down, and she ran to where she’d been eating cheese and bread.
