Travis’s eyes sparkled. “I’m very proud of you, Jo. That’s a very humble thing to say. Most people wouldn’t dare work without pay.”
“I don’t mind.”
“Well, you have my blessing. These children are counting on you, Josie.”
Josie’s eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn’t believe Travis was willing to agree. Without pay? With the cost of abandoning her duties at home? He was too good to her, far too good.
“Are—Are you serious? You’ll let me?”
Travis chuckled. “Why wouldn’t I? My wife is going to be a teacher!”
Her heart nearly skipped a beat. She loved him saying those two words together. My wife.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Aftermakingporridge,thenext morning, Josie sat and nursed Nathan while it cooled. Managing two babies alongside three other children was a major adjustment, but she was determined to make it work. She had already served Travis his breakfast before he headed into town to unload cargo at the mercantile. He seemed happy to take a break from plowing and harvesting, yet she could sense his desire to feel useful in other ways. During the winter months, both he and Ronan worked at the mercantile. The ground was still frozen, the weather hardly bearable to go outside and play, so the children spent extra time doing schoolwork.
Following half an hour of nursing and changing Nathan’s diaper, Josie carried him into her bedroom and laid him on her bed, nestled safely between two pillows. She glanced over at Gideon, fast asleep in his crib, his tiny thumb tucked into his mouth. Josie preferred Nathan to be in bed with her, and until she was ready to move him, Gideon would remain in the crib.With Nathan hardly stirring, Josie returned to the kitchen to set the table.
The front door creaked open, and in walked Aunt Polly, bundled from head to toe in her thick winter layers. With a quick movement, she began shedding her heavy clothing.
Josie giggled. “How was it outside?”
“Too cold to bother being out,” Aunt Polly grumbled, rubbing her hands together. “I don’t know how Ronan and Travis do it. I’d rather stay cooped up all day rather than work out there.”
Josie placed four bowls on the table. “Take a seat. I have coffee brewing to warm you up.”
Aunt Polly settled into her chair as Josie retrieved a tin cup. She poured the steaming liquid and placed it in front of her aunt-in-law.
“How are the children getting along with the baby?” Aunt Polly asked.
“They love having another sibling. However, Gideon doesn’t know what to think about him.”
Aunt Polly chuckled, reaching for the coffee. “Two under two. That is one tricky experience.”
“Travis told me you used to have twins,” Josie said, but she bit her tongue. The surprise on Aunt Polly’s face made her immediately regret asking.
Aunt Polly’s eyes shifted downward. “I had two boys, Samuel and Solomon. They were bright lads and loved school like yours do.”
“What happened to them?” Josie asked. “If . . . you don’t mind me asking.”
Aunt Polly sighed, her hands gripping her cup. “There was an accident. My husband was taking the boys on a wagon ride and the horse got spooked somehow. The horse took off, and the wagon lost its balance, crushing my little boys. My husband didn’t live long after that. He suffered from internal bleeding.”
Josie’s breath hitched, and she covered her mouth in horror. “I’m sorry. I-I couldn’t imagine. That must have been extremely hard for you.”
“It was,” Aunt Polly answered. “But looking back, I can see the beauty of it all.”
“What do you mean?”
“Travis’s father died when he was ten, and his mother passed away when Ivy was just two. Travis has always been like a son to me. I have a use for myself with him, the children, and you. You are my family now, and I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Josie smiled softly. “Thank you, Aunt Polly. I don’t think I ever said it, but I don’t know what I’d do without you. You and Travis, Rose, Caroline, and this town have shown me more kindness than I’ll ever know.”
Aunt Polly reached out and took Josie’s hand. “We love you, Josie. Always remember that, sweetheart.”
“I will.”
Aunt Polly let go of Josie’s hand and turned to the empty bowls. “Isn’t it time for the children to wake up? It’s a little past their wake up time.”
