The Baby Compromise. Linda Ford

again. “Oh, yes. It’s always been my dream to be chased down by a horse-riding, big-booted cowboy.”

      He stopped, lifted one foot and examined it. “My feet aren’t that big.”

      “If you say so.” She continued on her way. It took him only two steps to catch up.

      “You’re just sore that you didn’t get your way.”

      He made her sound like a spoiled child. “I am not.”

      Heidi giggled. “You’re quarreling.”

      Rebecca clamped her lips together and shot Colton a look that dared him to continue this.

      He grinned. Did that glint in his eyes suggest a challenge?

      They turned down Victory Street. A lone cowboy rode past, greeted Colton by name and tipped his hat at Rebecca.

      Something burned at her thoughts and wouldn’t be quenched, despite her best intentions. Was he like her father, doubting her abilities? “Do you think I can’t manage on my own?” If so, she would prove him wrong.

      He raised an eyebrow at her, but didn’t answer. His eyes were like hard bits of rock chiseled from a quarry. Only an accident of birth made them the unusual green color.

      “Just because I’m a city girl doesn’t mean I’m incapable of caring for a baby.”

      “Don’t recall saying you were.”

      They reached the mercantile, forcing her to keep her retort to herself. Besides, as Heidi had pointed out, this was childish quarreling.

      She shifted the baby to one arm and brought her thoughts to the task at hand—getting the building supplies delivered as promised. No workers would come unless there was material—though she suspected Miss Ward had been spreading her belief about God’s displeasure with the project among the townspeople. Perhaps some of them believed her.

      Oh, and getting a regular supply of milk for the baby. See, she wasn’t a bit incompetent.

      With Heidi clinging to her side, Rebecca stepped into the store. She breathed in the smell of coal oil and leather. From past experience, she knew that when she moved closer to the counter she’d catch the scent of licorice and cheese and hundreds of other things more pleasant to the senses.

      Colton paused to tie the horse to the hitching rail and set the basket on the bench outside the door, but he reached her side before she made it to the counter. She stuffed back annoyance. Did he think she couldn’t handle things without him?

      Without giving him a chance to take over, she spoke to Mr. Gavin. “Sir, I thought we had an agreement. You promised that the supplies would be delivered to the building site this morning.” He’d given his word several times, but something always prevented him from keeping it. “I was just there, and there are no supplies.”

      Mr. Gavin raised his craggy eyebrows and gave little Gabriel a look rife with curiosity. She saw the flash of inquisitiveness in his eyes before he thought better of asking about the baby and turned his attention back to her.

      “Miss Sterling, I’m doing my best. Unfortunately, I’m at the mercy of the suppliers in Newfield.”

      Rebecca understood that. Newfield was the largest town to the east. A distance of approximately twelve miles, if she wasn’t mistaken. She could have walked that far and carried the boards back one by one in the time since she’d placed the order. “Is there not a regular train?” The question was rhetorical. Everyone knew there was. And although Evans Grove wasn’t a regular stop, whistle stops could be scheduled whenever deliveries needed to be made. Furthermore, she knew supplies regularly came from Newfield by wagon. “The work cannot proceed without lumber.”

      Mr. Gavin made noncommittal noises. “I’m not responsible for the delay.”

      Colton leaned on the counter, all relaxed-looking, as if he had no concern about this stalemate.

      So much for working together.

      He shifted slightly, turned his attention to the storekeeper. “Guess there’s not much you can do about it, then?”

      Mr. Gavin shook his head. “Not a single thing.”

      “Suppose I could take a wagon to Newfield and bring back supplies. Likely I’d have to make more’n one trip.” He spoke in a leisurely, unconcerned way. “Come to think of it, I could buy up supplies for the ranch at the same time.”

      “I’m sure that won’t be necessary,” Mr. Gavin all but sputtered. “I’ll send a wire again today. Whatever the reason is, this delay is unacceptable.” He turned back to Rebecca. “Your supplies will be here tomorrow. I personally guarantee it.”

      Colton banged a fist on the counter. “Good doing business with you.” He considered Rebecca, dropped his gaze to the baby. “We’ll be needing a few other things.”

      Rebecca would not let him take over. “We need a regular supply of fresh milk for little Gabriel here.”

      “You got another child?” Mr. Gavin asked. “How’d that happen?”

      Rebecca silently sought Colton’s advice. They hadn’t discussed how to handle this situation.

      Colton grinned.

      She blinked. The man could charm the paper off the wall with a smile like that. Then her caution sprang to life. What was he trying to charm from her?

      But he’d turned back to the storekeeper. “Found this baby on the doorstep of the orphanage. He’s only a few days old. You haven’t seen any woman around town who might have given birth, have you?”

      Mr. Gavin’s mouth hung open. He managed to shake his head without bringing his lips together.

      “I suspect the mother is ill or injured, unable to care for the baby.”

      Rebecca hoped the explanation was that innocent. But she knew of many other possible reasons. A baby out of wedlock. A runaway young woman. But she understood Colton’s desire to protect Gabriel from gossip and speculation, especially if he truly believed the little one was related to him.

      The storekeeper continued to shake his head.

      Again, Colton dropped a fist to the counter. “Well, let us know if you see anyone like that. Now, about the things we need for the baby.”

      The man scurried to get the milk that Rebecca asked for. “There’s daily delivery so it’s always fresh.”

      “We won’t be needing more than this bottle,” Colton said. “I can provide milk at the ranch.”

      The storekeeper looked disappointed at the loss of a daily sale.

      Colton must have noticed. “The baby will need a few other things.” He glanced around, as if looking for baby supplies. He spotted a nursing bottle and grabbed it. “Put it all on my bill.”

      “Excuse me.” Rebecca kept her attention focused on Mr. Gavin, afraid that if she looked at Colton her annoyance would boil over in a most unladylike way that would shock her father if he could hear. “I am the agent for the Orphan Salvation Society and as such am authorized to pay for expenses on behalf of children in my care. Therefore, you may add it to my account.” She pulled the bottle closer.

      Colton straightened like someone had jammed a steel rod down his spine.

      She would not pay any attention to his indignation, nor would she let his size intimidate her. Just because she’d agreed to their compromise did not mean he would always get his way. She’d stay at his house, as they’d decided, but she’d pay her own way...and Gabriel’s, as well. She turned and headed out the door, clutching the bottle of milk in her hand.

      Heidi followed.

      “Rebecca Sterling.” Colton’s voice carried a large dose of command.

      Rebecca saw the uncertainty in Heidi’s face. She almost relented