Birdie's Nest (29 page)

Arms on her shoulders, he held her from him. “You are right, my love.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “We’ll have all afternoon to ourselves.” Olivia and Bethany would be taking the baby and his nurse home after church to give Tad and Birdie some time alone.

Birdie, with Nathan in her arms, and Tad followed Olivia and Bethany down the aisle to their family pew. Gasps and titters of conversation followed them, but Birdie ignored them and smiled at the baby’s soft coos. Tad stepped aside to let Sarah and then Birdie file in before joining them on the maroon colored cushioned seats. Bethany remained standing, her arms crossed over her small bosom, her eyes shooting daggers. Birdie stifled a chuckle. No doubt about it, Nathan’s aunt would be a fierce protector.

Olivia tugged on her daughter’s skirt and hissed, “Sit down, child. You’ll make things worse.” Bethany flashed one last glare, twisted around, and flopped onto the pew.

Birdie noticed Tad’s shoulder’s shake and she pinched his underarm. “Don’t encourage her.”

He placed his arm around her shoulders and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “My little sister is becoming as feisty as her sister-in-law.”

Nathan chose that moment to fuss. Tad lifted him from Birdie’s arms and placed him on his shoulder. He softly patted his back. Soon they were rewarded with a healthy burp. Birdie grinned as the people behind them chuckled. Maybe this wouldn’t be as difficult as they believed.

The organ boomed to life, with
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
. The pastor stood and raised his hands for everyone to stand and sing. Voices, rising to reach the rafters, set goose bumps alive on Birdies arms. This hymn always touched her heart. Her Aunt Patty would be proud to see her standing in church today. Birdie hadn’t attended regularly during her adulthood—not intentionally, but because her work hours often made it impossible.

“What a beautiful day it is. Welcome all and especially to our newest family, Tad and Birdie Lockhart and their child Nathan. We’ll be christening Nathan here in a few moments and I hope you’ll be praying for this young fella whose natural mother is dying of lung cancer. What a blessing that he’s been welcomed by the Lockharts.”

Murmurings of sympathy, “poor little tyke”, and others of disapproval, “who is his father?” flashed around the room. Birdie had no doubt, by suppertime the disgruntled folks would ferret out every juicy detail. She hoped they’d leave Lucy alone. She didn’t need the negative attention.

Pastor Thomas waved them forward. Tad carried Nathan and with a hand at her back, directed Birdie to the rail. Olivia and Bethany took up position, one on each side of them. Thomas took Nathan from Tad. The baby studied the person now holding him and for a second, Birdie feared he would howl in discontent, but he blinked and tried to eat his fist. “Tad and Birdie, how is this child named?”

Tad’s arm tightened around her waist. “He is Nathan Thaddeus Lockhart.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Some racket in the hallway outside their room disturbed Tad’s sleep. He snuggled Birdie closer enjoying her warmth and scent. He’d almost dozed when pounding jolted him again. Someone was knocking on the sitting room door. Had something happened at home? Now on his feet, he grabbed his robe from the bedside chair and stumbled in the dark through the parlor to the door. “Who is it?”

“It’s Hank, Tad. Have a message for you.”

Tad threw the door open and Hank handed him an envelope.

“Your mother wanted me to wait until you’d read the note.”

A stone weight settled in his belly. Oh, Lord, what had happened? Please let Nathan be all right. “Sure, come on in.” Tad found the switch on the lamp and a soft glow infused the room. He sat in the stuffed chair by the dainty table and read the missive. It was from Dr. Franks at Waco City Hospital. Lucy had passed away earlier this morning. He inserted the paper back in the envelope and slapped it against his knee. “I assume you know what’s in the message.”

“Yes. Your mother filled me in before I left. She had me bring the surrey and my horse.”

Tad nodded. Yes, she’d want to make sure Hank came prepared. Sitting here wouldn’t get anything done. “Hank, will you go downstairs and ask the kitchen to send up breakfast and coffee for three?”

“Yes, sir, boss.”

Birdie appeared in the bedroom doorway, her sheer gown revealing her luscious assets. She shoved her hair up and away from her face. “What’s going on?”

He wanted nothing more than to take his wife back to bed and avoid the responsibilities he faced—laying Lucy to rest, but he’d made a promise and he didn’t break them. “Lucy passed away this morning.”

“Oh no!” She moved forward and sat in his lap. With her arms curled around his neck, she laid her head atop his. “I’m so sorry, Tad. You cared about her at one time, and losing a friend is never easy.” Her hands soothed his neck and shoulders and he lowered his head to give her better access.

He groaned. “If you keep that up I’ll fall asleep in this chair.” Yes, he’d cared about her. Though they’d entered the relationship with no strings, no promises, he couldn’t help feeling guilty. She’d been at a disadvantage. Though he didn’t believe she needed his money, he saw now that he’d salved his conscience by buying her gifts and paying many of her bills. After finding her in such dire conditions last month, it was evident she’d needed more than she’d let on.

He patted Birdie’s hip. “Better run put on a robe. Hank is ordering breakfast for us and he’ll be back any moment.”

An hour later, fed and dressed, Tad helped Birdie into the surrey. Hank mounted his horse. “Tell Mother we’ll be there around noon or shortly after.” Hank touched his hat and spurred his mount up Franklin toward home.

Dr. Franks waited for them when they arrived at the hospital. Birdie stood close to his side, her arm around his waist, as they viewed the body. Her presence was a comfort, one he’d not realized he needed until this moment. The doctor had called the funeral home and two men with a stretcher waited in the hall to take possession of Lucy’s remains.

Since death didn’t occur on a schedule, Tad supposed funeral homes kept odd hours. The director was expecting them when they arrived and they soon had Lucy’s graveside service planned and set for the following morning at First Street Cemetery. They visited the parsonage and Reverend Thomas agreed to conduct the ceremony. Their last stop was the florists. He selected red and white roses with carnations for a casket spray. Lucy would have enjoyed the vibrant colors.

Only a handful of people, other than family, attended. Most were curiosity seekers though Nathan and Birdie both were pleased to see Detective Ethan and the Hellmans. Nathan howled through the entire service. The weather was beautiful—sunny and warm, but he seemed to sense the somberness of the occasion and didn’t like it. He finally settled into contentedness when they were on the road home.

Poor little tyke. He’d been ripped from his mother’s arms, first by her declining health and then her impending death. Though they’d brought him home and tried to restore stability in his life, he felt the undercurrents of change. In time he would feel secure.

Sarah passed Nathan up to Birdie. She cuddled him on her lap. He watched the horse’s tail swish back and forth. Throat clogged with love, Tad smiled at his son and cupped his downy head with his palm. Nathan turned toward Tad, his big blue eyes filled with innocence and wonder.
I promise you, little man, I’ll keep you safe.

* * *

Birdie lay curled on her side in the feather bed, her head propped up on one hand as she gazed down at her son. Nathan kicked and cooed. He’d recently discovered his toes and spent time carefully examining them. Birdie reached over and tickled one of his feet. His chuckle was delightful. She smacked her lips and brought the appendage to her mouth. “Yum, yum, delicious! Nathan’s toes are yummy!” He squealed and reached for a handful of her hair.

“Hey, you two, what’s going on in here?” Tad strode through the door and sat down on the bed at Nathan’s feet. Nathan swung his arms and kicked his feet anxious for Tad to pick him up. He lifted the baby over his head. “Hey, pint-sized man, you trying to steal my woman? That requires a little torture from daddy.” Tad made blowing noises with his lips against Nathan’s bare belly. It was a game they played often and Nathan loved every minute.

Birdie giggled at their antics while she quickly dressed. Maybelle would have breakfast ready and Birdie needed to get to town as John Samuelson’s trial began today and she didn’t want to miss getting a seat in the courtroom. She didn’t expect the trial to last very long. The evidence against the man was cut and dried. Of course, the defense attorney could come up with some surprise and likely false, exculpatory information, but she couldn’t imagine what.

When she entered the dining room, Nathan sat in his high chair stuffing scrambled eggs in his mouth with his hands. Very little made it to his stomach. Though he was still breast-fed, Nathan, at only five months, loved table food, and the family enjoyed having him join them at breakfast. “Sorry I’m late.” She bent to kiss Nathan’s head and straightened him in the chair. He’d only been sitting up a couple of weeks and needed more strength in his back. “We spent too long playing this morning.”

“Never be sorry for playing with your child, dear,” said Olivia. “We could hear all the noise and I assure you I enjoyed it almost as much as you.”

Bethany sat up a little straighter. “Yes, and today is my turn to baby sit. We’re going to sit under the big oak beside the house and play on a quilt before he has to take his morning nap.”

Maybelle smiled at Bethany’s enthusiasm and Olivia nodded her approval. Birdie wondered how long Bethany would remain committed to entertaining her nephew. Hopefully until she married and had a family of her own. Not having brothers or sisters, Birdie had missed out on the joys of nieces and nephews. Now she’d have a second chance. “You’re a wonderful aunt, Bethany. He loves you dearly.”

The young woman beamed. “The feeling is mutual.”

“Yes, he’s one lucky child to be surrounded with so much love.” Too bad the community hadn’t accepted him as readily. It was their loss.

Today was August 1, 1891. She’d been here two months over a year and had a year and a half left in which to build Birdie’s Nest. Sometime today she needed to see the architect she’d hired to draw the plans from the crude drawings she’d made. Not that she had the money to start building, but hopefully soon she’d have enough to at least clear the land and start the foundation.

Birdie wore a light gray riding habit with a white blouse and green and maroon striped tie. While standing, she appeared to be wearing a nice suit, but the full divided skirt allowed her to ride astride. Her matching hat held a few green and maroon blooms for accent. Oh, what she’d give to be able to wear a pantsuit with plenty of Lycra.

She lifted the amethyst brooch from the box on the chest and held it up to the lapel of her jacket. The stone sparkled, catching the green and maroon of her hat. Should she wear it today? She’d never so much as pinned it on because every time she brought it out, the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Why, she didn’t know for sure but suspected she was afraid to wear it. Could it have had something to do with her time travel? She shivered and set it back in its box. As beautiful as it was, she couldn’t take a chance. Her life was here now. If Tad asked why she never wore it, she’d tell him the truth about her apprehension.

Tad met her in the barn with Strawberry saddled, Birdie’s Winchester in the scabbard and an extra pistol in the saddlebag. Her Colt was strapped to her thigh but Tad insisted she carry an extra revolver and ammo. “You be careful now.”

“I always am.” She twined her arms around his neck and kissed him. He walked her around behind Strawberry and allowed his hands to roam from her waist up to cup her breasts.

“Is it my imagination, or are you filling out up here?” He unbuttoned her jacket and continued his study.

“Stop that. You’re wrinkling my clothes.”

He grinned. “Come on, love, answer me.”

“Well, I have noticed my bodices are tighter.”

“Have you been sick in the mornings?”

“No, thank God.”

“Do you think we might be having a baby, love?” His expression of hope left a fluttery sensation in her stomach. She thought back trying to remember the date of her last menstrual cycle. It was the first week in May. She didn’t worry about it, as she’d never been regular. But, she’d never missed three months either.

“I’d not really thought about until now, but yeah, we might.”

He lifted her off her feet and twirled her around. The horses stomped and whinnied in distress.

“Stop it. You’re upsetting the horses. Anyway, we don’t know for sure.”

He set her on the ground and lifted her chin. “If you have time, check in with Doctor Floyd. He’s on Twelfth Street and Austin.” He pulled her close again. “Maybe you should let me take you to town in the surrey.”

She pushed him away. “Now, you listen here, mister. If I’m pregnant, I’ll take precautions, but having a baby doesn’t mean I’m sick or disabled in anyway. You can’t hold me in a gilded cage, Tad. I’m an energetic woman and I’ll not be treated like an invalid.”

He took Strawberry’s bridle and led her from the barn. “Hmm, well, we’ll see, madam.” He tweaked her nose. “If you’re not home by seven tonight, I’ll send out the posse.”

She snorted as she mounted her horse. “You do that.” As she reached the road leading to town, she looked back. He stood there grinning like a jackass and waved.

* * *

Birdie nodded to Detective Ethan as he testified on the witness stand. Jonathon Douglas, the district attorney, led him through every piece of evidence—the wool fibers, the hair, the torn edge of the receipt—which had been the smoking gun—they’d found in Samuelson’s suit pocket. Added to that was the Fougere Royal cologne. Mr. Douglas called several other officers to the stand and also the shop owner who carried the expensive cologne. Defense attorney Tyler Johnson attempted to trip up the witnesses on cross-examination, but was unsuccessful. It was one o’clock when he finished badgering the shop owner. The DA still hadn’t called the two victims in the case. Birdie glanced around the room and didn’t see them. She assumed they were being held in a private room.