“The children are having a good time.” A tiny woman with brown hair streaked with gray smiled. “I’m sure your two will fit right in at school.”
“Mine?” Hester gasped. “Beverly and Jonas aren’t mine.”
“Maybe not in the traditional sense, but I know that look. I was a teacher before I came to Biders Clump and married Rock Bannon,” she pointed toward a boulder of a man chatting with a group of other men. “Once those children walk into your life they become yours for as long as they’re in your care. It doesn’t matter if they go home to their parents or grow up and move away, they’ll always be ‘your kids’. You know it in your heart.”
“I do,” Hester smiled. “I’m Hester by the way. She had been up and about for the past few hours and was feeling better by the minute as the fresh air and warmth of the dying sun filled her with strength.
“Mary Ellen Bannon,” the other woman offered her hand. “Welcome to Biders Clump.”
As the sun slipped behind the hills, families, friends, and town’s folks loaded up buckboards, buggies, and wagons, as they headed back to the town. The house had all but been turned over, the barn repaired, and every inch of the out buildings, cleaned and secured. It had been a remarkable and very memorable day.
“I’ve never been so exhausted in my life,” Mrs. August fanned herself as she put the last dish in the cupboard. “I’m still not sure what happened here.”
“We made new friends,” Hester smiled at the housekeeper. “We aren’t in the city anymore, and protocol here is a little different. Think on all the things that were accomplished today by our new friends.”
“I’m not even afraid to go down into that cellar now,” Mrs. August admitted. It’s as clean as this kitchen, and there is so much space for storing canned goods and supplies. Perhaps Mr. Payton would hire someone to put in a garden. We could put up winter fare.”
Hester stared at the older woman, surprised at being included in the collective we. “I think you’ll adjust to life here in Wyoming after all,” she grinned.
Mrs. August sagged visibly before the younger woman. “I think I might like this less formal life. Once I get a good rest.”
Hester reached out squeezing Mrs. August's hand. “Why don’t you go up to bed? Hyke and I will finish up here.” She could hear her uncle making his way up from the cellar where he had been splitting wood for the cook stove.
“Are you sure you feel well enough?”
“Positive. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Hester,” Jonas and Beverly raced into the kitchen, their faces shining with the excitement of the day. “Will you come tuck us in?”
“I’ll be along in a few minutes,” Hester agreed. “Go say good night to your uncle.”
The sound of racing feet was their reply, and soon Hester could hear them wishing their uncle good night.
“You’re good for them.” Mrs. August smiled, turning and walking toward the stairs and a good night’s sleep.
“You’re looking better,” Hyke said, wrapping an arm around his niece. “How’s the head,” he added placing a kiss on her forehead.
“It still aches a little, but I am feeling better. A bit overwhelmed with all the activity today.”
“What else is troubling you?” Hyke stepped back studying Hester with care.
“Nothing I’m ready to talk about yet.” Hester ducked her head. She had never been able to hide anything from the only guardian she had ever known. “I need to say prayers with the children.” She slipped away leaving her uncle to shake his head and get his own coffee.
***
The quietness of the house pressed in on Hester, who sleep still eluded, despite the lateness of the hour.
It had been an eventful day and her rampaging emotions did nothing to help settle her mind. She loved the sense of being a part of a community, was thrilled that the children were making friends and behaving like children, and was completely confused by her feelings for Cecil Payton.
His offer of friendship, his recognition of her had muddled her emotions, and now she lay staring at the freshly cleaned windows trying to understand what she truly felt for the man.
Mr. Payton was handsome; the girl in her couldn’t deny that fact. He was also kind, vulnerable and a little out of his depth. The fact that he was her employer, and that she had been hired to tend children, not fall for him, caused her heart to ache.
Rolling over and burying her face in her newly cleaned pillow, Hester groaned. The fact was, she liked Mr. Payton as more than a friend. Perhaps the man could accept her as a friend, but the truth was she was no more than the hired help, and when her usefulness was through, she would have to strike out to invent herself all over again.
None of it made any sense. Hester had always thought that love was a feeling that swooped in, sweeping you off of your feet on a wave of emotion and joy. Instead, being completely honest with herself, she realized it was a relationship built on mutual trust and a shared purpose. She was no match for Mr. Payton. Only a simple girl from the city, she knew that a man of his means should marry well, ensuring his wealth and legacy would live on.
No matter how she argued with her rebellious heart, Hester couldn’t deny that somewhere between New York and the wilds of Wyoming, she had fallen in love with Mr. Cecil Payton.
***
“What are you doing?” Jonas asked Hester as she dipped her paint brush into a bucket, spreading a fresh white coat over the faded wood on the front porch. The bright sun of a new day washed over the scrubbed area, and Hester smiled.
“I’m starting to paint,” Hester
