Josie crouched beside the crib in front of the fireplace and picked up Nathan. His dark eyes were wide and alert, and hismouth opened, letting out a soft yawn. The sight of him never failed to brighten her day. She smiled softly, the warmth of his little body reminding her that she was finally a mother, with the son she had prayed for. Yet, deep inside, she dreaded the day when he would have to choose between being an heir to Aunt Tia’s fortune and the simple life of a farmer. No matter what path he chose, Josie knew she would support him. But for now, all she wanted was for him to stay her baby forever.
She shifted Nathan to her shoulder and set the table for the children’s paint day. She laid out the colors—blue, green, red, and yellow. There had been more colors a few months ago, but money was tight since the winter had come. The livestock feed was running low, so Travis promised to bring some back on his way home. Planting season would arrive soon enough, filling their days with even more work.
Josie still couldn’t believe Travis had returned to work so soon. He liked to admit he was better, but Josie noticed when he had to pause for small rests. She admired his determination but silently worried, wishing he would slow down for just a little longer. He’d do anything to put his hands at use. Throwing snowballs wasn’t enough.
“Children, paint time!”
Josie gently set Nathan back down in his crib just as the children came out of their bedroom. Their eyes immediately locked onto the table, now covered with painting tools. Gideon squealed in delight, breaking free from Ivy’s hand and running straight towards the colors. Ivy gasped, and Jonas and Lillian jumped up and down.
“Is this all for us?” Lillian asked, clutching her rag doll.
Josie nodded. “Yes, it is, and we will have a full paint day instead of school.”
“No school? Really?” Jonas shrieked, his hands on both his cheeks.
Josie scooped Gideon up when he pulled on her skirt. “I thought we could have a fun day instead.”
“I like school,” Ivy said, pulling a chair out from under the table. “I wish we could have it every day.”
Jonas rolled his eyes and huffed. “It’s ‘cause you’re learnin’ the fun stuff. I’m still learnin’ the borin’ alphabet.”
“The alphabet is important, too,” Josie told Jonas, bouncing Gideon on her hip. “Once you’re more familiar with the letters and sounds, then you can learn to read.”
The children immediately started dipping their brushes in paint while Josie daydreamed. She could hardly wait for the day the school opened when she would have a classroom of her own. The thought was almost too good to be true. Soon, Josie would be helping each child in town develop the same opportunities to learn, grow, and discover their potential.
Josie sat Gideon down in his wooden high chair while she assisted the children with their painting.
“I’m thinkin’ ‘bout paintin’ the meadow,” Jonas said. “I miss seein’ it ‘cause the stupid snow. I wish it’d melt already.”
“I like the snow,” Lillian butted in. “I like doin’ snowball fights like this mornin’. It’s fun.”
Jonas groaned, painting his paper blue. “I hate the cold.”
Josie sat beside Jonas and kissed the top of his head. “We all like different things, Jonas. Not everyone has to enjoy the same things.”
“What’s your favorite season, Josie?” Jonas asked.
Josie’s mind wandered toBelle Valléewhen the apple blossoms bloomed, filling the air with a sweet aroma. As the memories returned, she could almost feel the sun streaming through her window every morning, bathing the room in soft light. She smiled, recalling the clear lake in the distance with the swans gliding gracefully over the surface. Every morning andevery evening, she would stand on the balcony and watch as the sun reflected over the crystal waters.
Belle Valléewas never meant to be a hotel for guests of Asheville. During the war, when everything seemed to fall apart, she would wake each morning and witness God’s faithfulness in the beauty of His creation. The apple blossoms, the lake, the swans—everything was still in motion, reminding her that God’s presence remained steady and unwavering. The place had been a beacon of hope, and now it was nothing more than a hotel for wealthy strangers.
“Spring,” Josie answered. “Spring has always been my favorite, and I look forward to my first spring here in the Rockies.”
“I’ll paint it for you, Josie,” Lillian said with a cheeky smile.
A smile curved from Josie’s lips. “I’d love that, Lillian.”
While the children continued painting, Josie looked forward to Travis’s return. She couldn’t wait for him to come home to fresh sourdough bread and a roasted venison smothered with brown gravy and onions. She had been preparing the meal since the night before. Josie observed the children’s pictures, her heart swelling with every stroke of their brushes. Travis would be so proud of their creative projects when he came home. It’d be the perfect evening—just the thought made Josie’s pulse race with excitement.
A giggle slipped from Gideon’s mouth, and he squirmed in his chair. Josie looked back at him and tickled his belly. Gideon squealed.
“What’s so funny, Gideon? What’s so funny?”
Gideon turned his head and pointed at the window. “Silly clown! Silly clown!”
“Clown?” Jonas repeated, his nose bunching. “There ain’t no clown.”
“Thereisn’ta clown,” Josie corrected. She pulled loose strands of hair behind her ears. “He has a wild imagination.”
