“We’ll need to find a new farm hand.”
“What? Has Jack quit?”
“Yes, he got a job at the livery.”
“He did? I knew you’d sent him there. How wonderful. It’s a coincidence that Cramer hired him just after you suggested he go there when Grace mentioned how he never hires anyone on.”
Wyatt chuckled. “I gave Jack a bit of help, but don’t you dare tell him.”
Vera snuggled up to her husband and whispered, “What did you do?”
“Remember that pig that was born a few months before you arrived?”
“Yes. I named her Peggy.”
“She’s now Cramer’s little Peggy.”
“You gave him a pig for hiring Jack?”
“Sort of. You see, he wasn’t too eager to hire someone on, but he hates to admit he can’t do certain things anymore. I sang Jack’s praises, and I had him almost convinced, but Peggy did the trick.”
“I’m glad. There was no way I could roast her after having her for a pet.”
Wyatt kissed her forehead. “Well, don’t get too attached to Peggy’s mother and father because I want a pork roast for Easter.”
When Wyatt stopped in at the livery to see how Jack was doing, Hank Cramer waved him into his office. The room was in the back and private. After sitting down, Wyatt worried that Hank wasn’t pleased with Jack or Peggy the Pig.
“I’d give you that pig back if I hadn’t already started to roast her,” he said. “I have family coming in tomorrow from Kansas City, and the pig is perfect for our dinner.”
“I’m glad I could help. How’s Jack doing?”
“That’s the reason I wish I could give the pig back. Jack is the best livery person I’ve ever had. Did you notice how spotless the stables are?” When Wyatt shrugged, he continued, “He’s here at five in the morning, and he doesn’t stop working until nine at night. The customers like him, too. I can’t thank you enough. I’ve had my share of people asking me to hire friends and nine times out of ten they weren’t worth a grain of salt. Now, I have the time to prepare for my daughter’s visit. She’s bringing her six children with her.”
Wyatt smiled in relief. “Do you mind me asking you a personal question, Hank?”
Hank shook his head.
“How old are you?”
“Sixty-one.”
“I think it’s about time you went into semi-retirement. Let Jack do most of the work so you can relax and enjoy life.”
“I always wished I had a son. If I did, I’d imagine he’d be just like Jack.”
Wyatt stood. “Enjoy the pig—we have quite a few of them and my wife made the mistake of making a pet out of that one. Then, she couldn’t bring herself to eat her.”
Hank laughed. “My wife would have done the same.”
As Wyatt walked out of the office, Hank yelled, “Check out the stables.”
The cleanliness of the place impressed Wyatt. It even smelled good. He approached Jack, who was sweeping out a stall. “So, how do you like the job?”
“It’s all right. Convenient, too. I live right across the way, and I can walk to work. Thank you for suggesting I apply here. Hank’s paying me a fair wage, and he seems to like my work.”
“Good. Don’t forget Vera and I. Come to dinner on Sunday, if you can.”
“Oh, I’ll be there. I wouldn’t miss a dinner cooked by Vera.” He winked. “She and Thea sure can cook. Tell Vera I sent my first letter to Thea this morning.”
“I will.” Wyatt waved. “See you Sunday after church.”
EPILOGUE
Christmas Eve, One Year Later
“Wyatt Stone, don’t touch me!” Vera yelled.
Wyatt jumped back from the bed. “You don’t mean that.”
Vera let out a howl so loud Wyatt thought the windows rattled. “Please, let me help.”
“Go away!”
“Let me rub your back or something.”
Vera screamed and panted. “It’s just annoying to be touched right now.”
“But this is our baby. I want to share your pain ... or at least help you with it.”
Vera screamed and lifted her body into the air for several seconds. “From now on, I’m sleeping in the spare room.”
Despite her ranting, Wyatt knew she didn’t mean a word of what she was saying. She was just in pain.
“Can I get you anything?” he asked.
“Get that doctor back in here. Tell him to do something. It’s been hours. How long does birthing take?”
Vera had always been such a strong woman that seeing her like that was painful for Wyatt. He left the room to call in Doc Hall. The doctor was rocking Grace’s baby while talking to her.
“She looks like you,” Doc said. “What did you name her?”
“Victoria. After my husband’s mother.”
“Doc,” Wyatt cut in. “Vera wants you to come right away.”
The doctor handed the baby back to Grace. “I’ll check on her.”
“Is Victoria asleep?” Wyatt asked Grace.
“Yes. Can I put her in your nursery? I want to help Vera if I can.”
“I’ll take her.” Wyatt took Victoria from Grace. “Vera won’t let me touch her or do a thing to ease her discomfort, so the least I can do is care for my beautiful niece.”
After tucking Victoria into the cradle he’d made for their baby, he went back to see how Vera was faring.
Perspiration poured down Vera’s face. The doctor was telling her to breathe and push.
Grace held a cool cloth to her forehead and murmured words of encouragement her. “If you’re at the pushing stage, it won’t be long, Vera. Stay with it.”
Vera put her hand out to Wyatt. “Where were you? I need you.”
Totally confused, Wyatt took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m here, sweetheart.”
“It’s almost time. I can feel it.”
Just as
