Her Motherhood Wish

But what if it wasn’t enough?

Chapter Three

The dining hall was abuzz as scores of children sat at the long tables, carrying on animated conversations. Jasper was on Callie’s left, his eyes roving over the scene. Although the room was large, it had a friendly feel, with paintings of characters from Mother Goose tales on the brightly colored walls. Older children wearing ankle-length white aprons and smiles carried in platters and bowls heaped with an assortment of mouthwatering dishes and set them on the tables.

Jasper’s chin dropped. “I never seen so much food in one place before. And it smells real good.”

That it did. Callie hadn’t realized how hungry she was. Thankfully, no one could hear her rumbling stomach over the hubbub. “I’m sure it will taste good, too.”

Ruby, seated on Callie’s right, pointed. “Chicken.”

“That’s right, sweetheart. Fried chicken. Do you like it?”

The little girl nodded.

“She likes drumsticks,” Jasper volunteered. “So do I.”

Chip, seated on Jasper’s other side, grinned, a playful gleam in his eye. “I do, too. I hope there’s more than one left when it’s our turn to pick. I wouldn’t want to have to fight you for the last one.”

The young fellow scowled at Chip. “Fighting is wrong. Papa says so.” His face pinched with pain as reality rushed in. “He said so.”

Callie sent a disapproving glance Chip’s way and hastened to reassure Jasper. “Mr. Chip was teasing. He wouldn’t take the last drumstick. He’d let you have it. But you don’t have to worry. There’s plenty of food.”

“Miss Callie’s right, Jasper. I was just having some fun with you, but it wasn’t the right time. I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”

The boy studied Chip intently, his forehead creased in concentration. A slow smile spread across Jasper’s boyishly round face. “I’ll forgive you—if you give me your drumstick, too.”

Chip laughed. “Jasper, my boy, you drive a hard bargain, but if you think you can polish off two drumsticks, you can have mine.”

Luke stopped behind the vacant spot next to Ruby. “Do you mind if I sit here?”

Callie smiled. “Not at all. We’d love your company, wouldn’t we, Ruby?”

In answer, the little girl scooted closer to Callie.

“It’s all right, sweetheart. This is Luke. Don’t you remember? He’s the one who rode on the seesaw with us.”

Jasper chimed in. “I remember. He’s not an orphan. He’s Mama Tess and Papa Spencer’s son.”

“That’s me, all right.” Luke smiled, plunked himself down on the bench and leaned close to Ruby. “I know I’m big and scary, but I won’t hurt you. I like girls. I have three sisters. I think one of them is your age. How old are you?”

“Th-this many.” Ruby let go of the doll in her lap, raised a trembling hand and held up two fingers.

“Yep! That’s how old Lucy is. She’s the youngest. If you look over there, you can see her.” He pointed to the head table, where Spencer and Tess sat with five children. “She’s sitting next to Lila, the one who gave you the cookies. Do you remember her?”

Ruby glanced at the rest of the Abbott family and nodded.

“Who are them others?” Jasper asked.

“The older boy is Lewis. He just turned seven. The younger one, Lionel, is six. The other girl is Lorene. She’ll be turning five next week. I can’t wait. I’ll get to eat chocolate cake two different times.” He smacked his lips.

Jasper craned his neck to look at Luke. “How come?”

“Mama makes a cake just for us whenever there’s a birthday in our family, but we’ll have a party here in the dining hall, too, for all those who have birthdays in April. We do that on the first Saturday of every month.”

Jasper held up his fingers, ticked off the months and looked up, his eyes wide. “All the orphans here get chocolate cake twelve times in one year?”

Luke nodded. “You will, too, if you’re here that long.”

“’Course I’ll be here. I don’t have nowhere else to go.”

Callie’s heart pinched. “You could get adopted and go live with a nice family who loves you.”

A fierce scowl creased Jasper’s brow. He folded his arms over his chest. “I don’t want a new family. I just want my papa back.”

The dear boy’s reaction was understandable, given his circumstances, but his future could hold untold blessings, as hers had. “It’s hard. I know. I lost my parents when I was young, too, but there are wonderful people out there who have hearts full of love, and they want to give it to special children like you and Ruby.”

“I don’t want no one else. You and Mr. Chip can take care of us.” He gave a decisive nod.

Chip rested a hand on the grieving boy’s shoulder. “We will be looking out for you. You can count on that.”

Callie opened her mouth to speak, but Chip shook his head. He was right. Clarification could come later. The children needed reassurance now. “Yes. We’ll be here.”

Tess stood and clapped three times, bringing the chatter in the room to a close. “It’s a special day here at the Double T. We’ve had two children join our happy family—Jasper Tate and his sister, Ruby. Welcome!”

Heads turned in their direction, and applause broke out. A few children even cheered. Jasper and Ruby went from stunned to smiling in a matter of seconds.

Luke leaned over and whispered, “I need to join my family now, but I’ll see you all later.” He left.

Once the room quieted, Tess continued. “As you can see, Jasper and Ruby, we’re happy to have you here. Now, it’s time for Papa Spencer to ask the blessing, so bow your heads and close your eyes.”

Tess sat, and Spencer stood. “Lord, thank You for the food we’re about to eat, for the many hands who helped make it and for each of the boys and girls here. I ask You to be with Jasper and Ruby. Thank You for bringing them to us. Please help them to feel at home here. It’s in Your name I pray. Amen.”

Callie opened her eyes to find Jasper blinking his. She leaned over. “What is it?”

“Papa Spencer was talking to God, wasn’t he? About me and Ruby?”

She nodded.

“I never had anybody do that before, except for my papa.”

“Mr. Chip and I have been praying for you, too.”

“Really? Does God listen to you?”

Chip answered before she could. “Yes.”

Jasper wiggled his mouth from side to side, stopped abruptly and jerked his head toward Callie. “Then He knows what those bad people did to Papa, don’t He? And where we are now?”

“He does. Why?”

“Because He can still watch over me and Ruby, just like He did when we was with Papa.”

It appeared the dear boy was scared, which made sense after what he’d gone through. “Of course He can, and He will, but I don’t think you have anything to wor—”

“Here you go.” Chip plopped a spoonful of mashed potatoes on his plate and shoved the bowl at her.

If she wasn’t mistaken, he’d interrupted her on purpose. What did he have against letting the children know they were safe? She attempted to make eye contact with him, but he didn’t look her way. He asked Jasper what he’d seen when Tess had given him and his sister a tour of the Double T, which prompted the talkative fellow to launch into a detailed description.

Fine. Chip might be able to ignore her now, but once they’d tucked the children in bed, she’d let him know what she thought about him cutting her off. He might believe Mr. Tate’s murderers would come looking for Jasper and Ruby, but that didn’t mean she agreed.

The meal passed quickly. Despite her opposing view, she was still drawn to Chip. For a man as regimented as he was, he certainly had a playful side, which the children seemed to bring out. He kept Jasper distracted with his stories throughout the meal and even managed to get a smile out of Ruby.

Tess stood. She clapped thrice, as she’d done before the meal, and the room grew quiet. “Children, I’m sure you’ll want to see to the clean-up as quickly as you can tonight when you hear what special treat awaits you.”

Excited murmurs swept through the room. Callie tapped Chip on the shoulder to get his attention and whispered over Jasper’s head. “Do you know what’s going on?”

A lopsided grin and a wink were her answers. She suppressed a stab of jealousy. Evidently, he was privy to information she wasn’t. Just how much did he know about the workings at the Double T? And how had he come by his knowledge?

Once Tess had the youngsters’ full attention, she continued. “You probably noticed our newest helpers who joined us for dinner. For those who don’t know, Mr. Chip is a carpenter. He’s going to be working here the next few weeks while he builds furniture for Jack and Jill House, and Miss Callie will be helping him.”

The heads of several curious children turned toward them, and Callie smiled. She looked forward to getting to know everyone who called the Double T home.

Tess continued. “Some of you have been here longer than others and can remember when he built the seesaw, parallel bars and that wonderful tree house, his gift to all of you. And I’m sure you’ve seen the wooden toys he’s made. Tonight we’re going to discover another of his talents.”

So Chip was the one behind the play equipment, was he? It appeared his generosity knew no bounds, which wasn’t a surprise. Although he was focused on chasing after his goals, she’d heard numerous tales of good deeds he’d done up in Placerville. He’d added a room on a house for a young widow left with five children to raise on her own, fashioned a tiny coffin for a family who’d lost their infant son and repaired a roof for an injured miner’s family—all with no cost to the recipients. It was a wonder the hardworking man had time for sleep.

Callie leaned forward, as eager as the children to find out what Chip was going to do.

Tess swept her gaze over the room, her smile evidence of how much delight she took in building the suspense. At last she spoke. “How many of you have heard of whittling?”

Hands shot up, some of them waving wildly. Jasper’s was among them. As was Callie’s.

“That’s great. Many of you have seen the darling little figures Mr. Chip makes. Tonight he’s going to do wood carving. He’ll be creating something bigger and better than anything he’s done before. And you get to watch him begin the sculpture.”

A young boy raised his hand.

Tess called on him. “Yes, Freddie?”

“What’s he going to make?”

She held up an index finger, leaned forward and grinned. “That, my dear boys and girls, is for you to figure out. The first one to guess correctly gets to ring the dinner bell tomorrow. Now, I’ll excuse you. Once the clean-up is done, we’ll gather on the bottom floor of Jack and Jill House, where we’ll have benches set up.”

One group of children began clearing the tables. The rest filed out in a noisy but orderly fashion. Jasper and Ruby watched the exodus, their brows furrowed. They had to be overwhelmed by all the changes in their lives. Callie had to admit she was feeling a bit unsettled herself. A new job could do that to a person. Her uneasiness had nothing to do with the handsome carpenter she’d be assisting. Or did it?

Chip stood. Callie rose, too, and planted Ruby on one hip. “You’re a man of many talents. My brother told me you drop off toys here from time to time, but I didn’t realize you’d built the playground equipment. No wonder you know so much about how things work around here. I’ve visited several times, and yet I have a lot to learn.”

“I’m no expert, but I’d be happy to teach you what I know. All you have to do is ask.” He sent her one of his most winsome smiles.

She chuckled. “All right. I’m asking. What happens next?”

“Very well. Now that Tess has excused the children, they’ll complete their assigned chores under the supervision of their group leaders. Each of the groups has a name. Tess chose to use wildlife found in California for them. Whenever a new group forms, the children in it choose the name. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the first boys who lived here dubbed their groups the grizzlies, the cougars and the salamanders. The girls, on the other hand, went with quail, chipmunks and rabbits.”

Jasper tugged on Chip’s sleeve. “Mr. Chip.”

“What is it, Jasper?”

“Can I be in the grizzlies?”

Chip leaned over, his hands on his knees. “You and I are going to be in a special group, just the two of us. And you—” he gave Jasper a playful tap on the tip of his nose “—get to pick the name.”

“I do? Oh!” He scrunched his face in the cutest way as he contemplated. A smile burst forth. “I know. We can be the bullfrogs. I used to hear them outside my window at night.”

Chip grinned. “What do you think of that, Miss Callie? I’m sure you’re fond of frogs.”

“It’s a fine name. I’ve seen some big bullfrogs up in Hangtown Creek. I even grabbed one once.” Accidentally, when she’d mistaken it for a rock. She’d nearly shrieked her lungs out, but they didn’t need to know that.

Jasper gazed at her with boyish admiration. “Really? How big was it?”

Chip’s lips twitched, a telltale sign of his disbelief. “Yes, Miss Callie. Tell us. Just how big was this frog you befriended?”

Since she’d gotten Jasper’s attention focused on something pleasant, she might as well finish the tale with a flourish. She suppressed a shudder at the memory of that dreadful experience, shifted a yawning Ruby to a more comfortable position and forged ahead.

“It was a spring day much like today, clear and warm, with not a cloud in the sky. Recent storms had filled the creek, and it was burbling over the rocks. I tossed stones in the creek just so I could hear the satisfying plops. I reached for a nearby stone, but I saw something else.” She paused for dramatic effect.

“What was it?” Jasper asked.

A strangled sound from Chip stopped her. She recognized it for what it was—a cough covering a chortle. He was laughing. At her.

So be it. She wasn’t going to let his amusement ruin Jasper’s fun. “It was a big ol’ bullfrog with bulging eyes. That fellow was huge. Why, he must have been as big as my hand. Or bigger.” Definitely bigger. And very ugly.

Jasper trembled with excitement. “And you picked it up?”

“I sure did. He didn’t like being disturbed, though, so he took a flying leap out of my hand.” If she wasn’t embellishing the tale for the boy’s benefit, she might have mentioned that the slippery creature didn’t have much choice, not when she’d flung him as fast and as far as possible. She could happily live the rest of her life without seeing another frog.

“Miss Callie is a brave woman, isn’t she, Jasper? Now that she’s finished her exciting tale, we should be going. I have to make sure everything’s ready before the rest of the children arrive. How would you like a piggyback ride?” Upon receiving a nod, he hefted Jasper onto the bench and presented his back. The young fellow climbed up and wrapped his arms around Chip’s neck. Chip galloped across the dining room, bringing forth peals of laughter.

Chip stopped at the doorway and turned. “The honorable knight and his trusty steed can’t ride off and leave the pint-sized princess and her lovely lady’s maid behind. It’s our job to protect the ladies—and the realm.”

There it was again—that edge of concern to his voice. Why was he so convinced that the children were in danger? And if he was, why had he cut her off earlier when she attempted to reassure Jasper? Those were questions she’d ask him as soon as she could get him alone, but with their two young chaperones present much of the time, opportunities to have Chip to herself could be few. Which could be a good thing. He might exasperate her on occasion, but his charisma and magnetic personality drew her to him.

Since she didn’t know him as well as she’d thought, she would be wise to keep her distance, for the time being anyhow. But there was nothing to stop her from inviting the attractive carpenter to have a cup of hot cocoa with her after they got the children in bed later that evening, was there? They did need to make plans, after all, and admiring him over the streaming beverage would be a nice way to end the day. If their time together led to her having sweet dreams, so much the better.

* * *

Carving with an audience wasn’t something Chip had done very often. The few times he’d attempted it, he’d had a handful of adults looking on. Mindful of his need to concentrate, they’d remained silent. Carving with a group of curious children watching and calling out their guesses would test his ability to remain focused on his work, but he thrived on challenges.

He stood in the middle of the large space that would become the new playroom, with Tess by his side. She surveyed the setup. “Do you think this arrangement will work?”

“I do.” The older boys, assisted by their group leaders, had carried in benches from the dining hall and arranged them in a U shape, three rows deep, with a sturdy table in the middle.

“Very well. Then I’ll leave you to finalize your preparations.” She headed out the door just as Callie walked in, with Ruby by her side.

Apprehension clamped a vise around Chip’s chest. “Where’s Jasper?”

Callie responded with a casual shrug. “Outside.”

“Where?”

“I’m not sure exactly, but he’s fine.”

The vise squeezing Chip’s chest tightened. “How do you know that, if he’s not with you?”

“He’s with Spencer and Luke. I believe they’re capable of looking out for him, don’t you?”

She didn’t understand how important this was. He lowered his voice so Ruby, who was walking between the rows of benches, wouldn’t hear them and become alarmed. “I know you don’t think the children are in danger, but based on the facts, I believe they could be.”

Her words were hushed but forceful. “If they are—and I’m not convinced that’s the case—I see no need to alarm them.”

“Neither do I.”

“Really? Then why did you stop me at dinner when I tried to assure Jasper that they’re safe here?”

How had she come to that conclusion? “I didn’t—”

“Cut me off? Yes, you did. Jasper asked about the ‘bad people’ and was concerned that God wouldn’t know where he and Ruby are and be able to watch over them. All I was going to say was that he didn’t have anything to worry about, and you interrupted me.”

“But there is cause for concern. Surely you can see that.”

She huffed out a breath. “Of course I do. Life is fraught with dangers, but the children don’t have to worry because we’re here to see that they’re safe, just as their father did and God does. The last thing they need right now is to sense any anxiety on our part. They need to feel safe and secure so they can deal with their grief. Surely you can see that.”

“I’m not the enemy, Callie. I care about the children, too. I’m just trying to protect them, the same as you are. It would be easier if we could work together on this. Can’t we do that?”

He must have said what she wanted to hear because the tension in her lovely face eased. “That’s what I want, too.”

“Good. Then we’re a team.”

“Miss Callie?”

“What is it, sweetheart?” She sat on one of the benches and pulled Ruby into her lap.

“Where’s Jaspy?”

“He’s outside with Luke and his papa, but he’ll be here soon.”

“Where’s our papa?”

Callie lifted sorrow-filled eyes to Chip. Her compassion knew no bounds. She shifted her gaze to the darling girl and spoke with such tenderness that his chest tightened. “Oh, sweetheart, he’s gone, just like your mama. But Mr. Chip and I are here. Mama Tess and Papa Spencer, too. We’ll take good care of you.”

Ruby’s chin quivered, and tears ran down her cheeks. “But I want my papa wight now.”

“Of course you do. Losing a mama or a papa hurts in here.” Callie placed a hand over Ruby’s heart. “I know. Mine went away when I was a girl, too, but some nice people took me in. Someday, you’ll have a new family, too, and they’ll love you, but right now this is your home and we’re your family.”

Her sentiment was well-intentioned, but circumstances didn’t create a family. You were born into one, and they loved you from the start. No matter what you did or how many mistakes you made, they were there for you, just as his had been there for him. Hoping for that same level of love and acceptance from someone else was foolhardy. He’d learned that lesson the hard way.

But Callie was right about one thing. The children would be well cared for. And they’d be safe. He would see to that.

“Let’s dry your tears before the other children arrive.” Callie pulled a handkerchief out of her sleeve, dabbed each of Ruby’s cheeks and kissed them. “That’s better, isn’t it?”

The little girl nodded. “You’re a nice lady.”

Callie smiled. “And you’re a lovely girl. Now, shall we see if Mr. Chip needs anything?” She held out a hand, and Ruby took it.

They slipped between the benches and joined him.

Ruby gazed up at him. “Do you need help, Mr. Chip?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I could use someone to make sure I have all my tools lined up just right.” He swept a hand to where he’d laid out his knives, chisels, gouges and the mallet. “All the handles need to be facing the edge of the table so I can grab them quickly. Could you tell me if any of them are backward?”

The adorable girl bobbed her head and started down the row, lifting her doll so she could see, too. He leaned against the bench, blocking Ruby’s view of the final tools, reached behind his back and spun the wooden mallet around. She approached, and he stepped out of the way.

“Oh! This one’s upside down.”

“Why, look at that! You’re right. Would you turn it around for me? It’s not too heavy.” And it wasn’t sharp, as the other tools were.

Ruby righted the mallet and looked to him for approval.

He squatted, smoothed a strand of her blond hair behind her ear and cupped the side of her soft face in his work-roughened hand. “You did a great job, princess.”

Callie sighed. He looked her way, and his breath caught. Minutes before she’d been irritated with him, but now her entire countenance shone with admiration. And it was directed at him. He wasn’t sure what he’d done to bring about such a transformation. He hadn’t changed his position on the need for safeguarding the children, but he would enjoy being in her good graces while it lasted.

She caught him staring at her and smiled. “You’ll make a fine father one day, Chip.”

So that was it, was it? She was pleased with the way he’d handled Ruby’s offer of help. He hadn’t done anything special, but Callie’s approval meant a great deal to him.

Four rings of the dinner bell, the signal for a special event, brought the brief encounter to a close. She swept in to pick up Ruby and stood in one of the open corner areas between the benches. “We’ll have a good view from here, sweetheart. I’m looking forward to watching Mr. Chip work, aren’t you?”

Callie’s enthusiasm eased the tension in Chip’s shoulders.

A young boy about seven years old bounded in ahead of everyone else and plopped down in the middle of one the front row benches, facing Chip.

“You were fast.”

“I ran,” the boy said, breathless. “I wanted to get the best seat so I can see everything you do.”

“You should be able to. What’s your name, son?”

“Freddie. I got one of those animals you made. I wanna see how you do it.”

“Ah, yes. You’re the one who asked Mama Tess what I’ll be making.”

Callie walked down the row behind the lad and leaned close. “If you like working with wood, we can ask her to let you come help us one day. You’ll learn a lot from Mr. Chip. He’s very good.”

Admiration and compliments? Was Callie sincere, or was she teasing him?

He had no time to ponder the question because the other children entered the large room and took their seats on the benches. Jasper squeezed in next to Luke. A group leader had to settle a minor scuffle as two young fellows vied for the same spot, but as soon as Tess stepped into the center and clapped, everyone quieted.

The tall woman smiled. “Thank you all for seeing to the after-dinner chores so quickly. Now you’ll get to watch Mr. Chip make something special. He won’t be able to finish it tonight, but he’ll get as far as he can. I’m sure you’ll have lots of questions, but he’ll need to concentrate, so you’ll have to save them until the end.”

Freddie’s eagerness to learn had overcome Chip’s concerns about keeping the children quiet. “I remember having a hard time holding questions inside when I was a boy, so, if you’re agreeable, they can ask their questions while I’m working.”

“Very well.” Tess turned her attention back to the children. “You may raise your hand to ask a question just as you will when you make a guess about what Mr. Chip’s making, but wait for me to call on you before speaking.”

Freddie’s hand shot into the air.

Tess chuckled. “He hasn’t even begun yet, Freddie. What do you want to know?”

“That chunk of wood on your table is really big, Mr. Chip. How can you make a little animal out of it?”

“This—” he patted the large round of white pine “—is for the statue I’ll be carving. I use small pieces of wood and different tools when I whittle a toy.”

Callie spoke up. “Would you be willing to show us, if it wouldn’t take too long?”

“Sure. I could whip out a small figure in no time.” And he knew just the one he’d make. He grabbed a scrap of white pine and his knife and set to work, sending chips flying.

“I have another request.”

He paused and looked at Callie. “Yes?”

“If you could talk as you work, we’d all understand what you’re doing.”

Talk and carve at the same time? He’d never done that, but he could give it a try. “I’ll do my best.” He kept his hands moving as he explained the process. “I’m using a knife to remove all the wood that isn’t part of the figure. That sounds simple, but that’s really what it’s about. I keep the image in mind and shave off everything that doesn’t belong.”

He continued, describing and demonstrating the four basic cuts as he worked. The children sat quietly with not a single hand going into the air. He was finished in no time. “Since Miss Callie asked me to make this little fellow, I’ll give it to her, but I’m sure she’ll pass it around so you can all see it.” He handed her the creature.

She laughed. “Why, thank you, Mr. Chip. I’ll think of you every time I look at this bullfrog.”

One of the boys who’d been involved in the scuffle piped up. “Why’d ya make a frog for her? Ladies don’t like ’em.”

Jasper rushed to her defense. “Miss Callie does. She even picks them up.”

Chip hurried to take the focus off Callie. She was likely to bend his ear about his choice later. If he was correct, she’d had absolutely no intention of touching a frog that day and had mistaken it for a stone. He looked from Jasper to the other boy, who’d also spoken out of turn, and attempted a scowl, but he couldn’t stifle his smile. “Gentlemen, I didn’t see any hands go up, did I? I hope to soon, though, because I’m ready to start on the wood carving, and I look forward to hearing your guesses.”

He began by tracing faint lines that wouldn’t be visible to those on the benches and explained how they would be his guides. With his mallet in one hand, he tapped the handle of the chisel he held in the other. As before, he kept up a running dialogue.

A scant three minutes had passed when the first hand went up and Tess called for the guess. All he’d done so far was round off the top corners. “Is it a mountain?” a girl about Jasper’s age asked.

“I’m afraid not.”

He worked steadily but couldn’t help stealing glances at Callie. Her interest rivaled Freddie’s. She’d taken a seat on the end of a bench, with Ruby beside her, and was leaning forward, just as the curious boy was.

With Callie’s lips parted like that, Chip thoughts wandered into dangerous territory, which wouldn’t do. All it would take was one slip of the blade, and he could do irreparable damage. He dragged his gaze from her and returned his attention to the creation taking shape.

The guesses continued, none of them close. He’d been hard at work for a good thirty minutes when another hand shot up, this one belonging to Luke’s oldest sister. “It’s going to be a cowboy sitting on a fence, isn’t it?”

“You’ve come the closest so far, Lila. I’m impressed.” Both Tess and her daughter beamed at his praise.

Another five minutes passed with not a single guess. He stopped and scanned the benches. With the children, their group leaders and a curious ranch hand or two, some sixty-five pairs of eyes were trained on him. The room was so quiet he could almost hear the children thinking.

He reached for a smaller gouge on the table behind him and turned back to his creation, stealing another look at Callie as he did. She smiled her encouragement and mouthed the words keep going. Her eagerness spurred him on.

As he began the telltale cuts that would reveal a key part of the sculpture, he anticipated more guesses coming soon. Sure enough, Freddie’s wildly waving hand caught his eye. And was that Jasper with a hand raised, too?

Tess chuckled. “It appears we have a tie. I’d like you both to come up and tell me what you think it is.” They joined her, taking turns whispering in her ear. She straightened and smiled. “We have two winners. I’ll count to three, and you boys can say what it is together. One. Two. Three.”

“Humpty Dumpty,” they shouted in unison.

Callie began clapping, and the others joined in. Pride radiated from her, reminding him of Tess’s response when he’d complimented her daughter earlier. He and Callie had only been caring for the children for several hours, and yet it was clear they’d already come to mean a great deal to her. She’d make a fine mother one day.

The Plan didn’t call for him to find a wife to fill that role for three years yet, a fact he must keep in mind. But no harm could come from enjoying the company of his lovely assistant over the next few weeks, could it?