The Vicky Series: Book 1: Chasing a Dream

Chapter 46

After the deaths, Quinton disappeared for three weeks. The night Naomi Beth was born, Vicky saw him leave on horseback. He headed toward the hills and she hadn't heard a whisper from him since. She tried to understand that he was grieving terribly, for his recently passed father, and the double deaths of his mother and wife.

After he'd gone, she'd realized she had nothing to feed the infant. She's sent a hand riding lickety split to town to get condensed milk. The next evening, the hands brought her a pail of milk. They pitched in and got a milking cow so the new babe would have enough milk.

Each morning a different hand brought her a fresh pail of milk. It lifted her sad heart to see such caring for the little girl. She only wished some of the caring came from her father. That wasn't really fair, but it was hard some days to grant him grace...

...especially when she was weary to the bone from keeping up the ranch, the classes she taught three days a week at the church, and of course, the constant care of the baby. She was so inexperienced and knew she must be making all sorts of mistakes. She only hoped none of them would hurt Naomi Beth.

Jeremy was a dear though. He came every night to have supper and help with the baby so she could get some work done. On Saturday, he came in the morning and Vicky was able to get a nap. Two hours of uninterrupted sleep was a blessing divine. Sunday morning, Jeremy arrived on horseback and drove the buggy into town to take them to church.

Padre Chavez was a good man, and he loved his congregation. It was the highlight of her week, to be in the Lord's house and throw off her burdens. She was a strong independent woman and had learned to do so much on her own, but it was such a comfort to know she was never really alone. Spending so much more time with Jeremy was another blessing.

Folks no doubt would talk, but Vicky didn't care. She was doing her Christian duty by the child. There was nothing to be shamed for. No matter how it looked to some—what with her and Jeremy parenting the baby and not yet married. Vicky's thoughts sometimes answered back, though she remained silent under the whispers and stares.

Heavens! Naomi Beth isn't my child! But you're pettiness won't stop me from loving her!

***

March was gone. April came with the spring winds. Her class was down to two students so she let out for the summer. With her days free, she got caught up on chores and even felt more rested. Naomi Beth was one month old already! It was hard to believe so much time had gone by.

Quinton came home. He saw his daughter every night for a little after supper. Then he retired to the bunkhouse and she didn't see him again until supper the next night. It was a lonely way for a man to live, but she supposed it was best for now. It wouldn't be proper for him to sleep under the same roof as her, and she couldn't very well sleep in the bunkhouse with the hired hands!

Sunday came and Jeremy promised a surprise after church. She saw a blanket covering something in the back of the buckboard and figured it was a picnic. She found herself looking forward to a picnic with Jeremy.

After church he walked her through town. They stopped at the paper and he showed her the latest work. They walked on down and visited with Edward at the post office. He was delighted to see the baby and even held her for a spell. They walked down further and Jeremy stopped at a little shop that had been empty a long time. He handed her a key.

"Yours." He said simply.

She looked at the key, at Jeremy, and at the door.

Mine? MINE!

The realization struck like a bolt of lightning charging her to action. She handed Naomi Beth off to a laughing Jeremy and tried the key. Inside she looked around in wonder.