“I didn’t figure to see you before tomorrow,” Marybeth said, opening the door for Laura. “Come in. I was just getting ready to give Carrie a bath.”
Carrie stood back away from the door, holding the kitten Laura had given them. Her attentiveness to the animal made Laura smile.
“I see you’ve become good friends with the kitty. And just look at how he’s grown,” Laura said, stepping to where Carrie stood. She knelt and gave Carrie a smile. “What do you call him?”
“Dis is Dandy,” Carrie told her.
“Ah, that’s a very nice name.”
Marybeth chuckled as Laura stood once again. “She would consider no other suggestion. Edward commented that he was a dandy, and that was the only name Carrie wanted after that.”
“I suppose when confident of a thing, one should move forward with it,” Laura said with a shrug.
“I should be more understanding of that,” Marybeth replied. “After all, Edward and I have been quite fixed on what to name our baby.”
“And what names did you choose?”
“We’re keeping it a secret for now,” Marybeth said, rubbingher hand over her abdomen. “But I never wanted any other names, especially for a boy.”
Laura glanced around the room. “I don’t want to be rude, but I’ve actually come to check on Will. Faith said he’d come here to work on something.”
“Yes, he’s in the woodshop out back. I’ll show you. Carrie, take Dandy to your room and get ready for your bath. I’ll be right there to help you.”
“Yes, Mama.” Carrie didn’t even wait for her mother’s reply but hurried down the hall. Dandy mewed with each bouncing step.
“She really is the most adorable child.”
“She can be a real handful, but I think she’s finally grown accustomed to this house and our new life here. The kitten helped a lot. I wish we’d thought of it sooner.”
“I’m so glad you could take him. My father has an aversion to animals, especially wild ones.”
“Well, Dandy is certainly not wild. He’s very alert and attentive. I do believe he’ll be a good mouser when he gets older. I’m hoping his instincts will take over when he’s big enough since he won’t have a mama to teach him.”
Marybeth led Laura to the back door. “You can see the shop just down the path there.”
“Oh yes, thank you. I won’t be long. I’ll just walk back around the house to the front when I’m finished. That way I won’t disturb you giving Carrie a bath.”
Marybeth gave her a quick hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’m so looking forward to it.”
They parted company, and Laura made her way to the shop. She didn’t know if Will was alone or not, so she kept the cookies tucked under her cloak in case she needed to give them to him in a more discreet fashion. She hadn’t evenconsidered that she didn’t have cookies for Marybeth and her family.
She knocked on the door and waited a moment. Will opened it and looked at her with such an expression of surprise Laura couldn’t help but laugh.
“I can tell you weren’t expecting me.”
“Not at all. Please come in.”
Laura stepped inside and was immediately aware of the scent of cedar and pine. “It smells wonderful in here.”
“I agree. I’ve always loved the scent of wood.” He smiled. “It’s good to see you. I meant to stop by before now, but I’ve been so busy.”
“It’s all right. I wanted to bring you something.” She pushed back the cloak and drew out the wrapped cookies. “Mrs. Murphy baked your favorite gingersnaps, and I took some to the boardinghouse. Faith said you were most likely here, so I brought you some in case the others were eaten up before you got home.”
“Most likely they will be. Those fellas have big appetites.”
Laura extended the cookies. “I hope you’re doing well.”
