The Baby Bequest. Lyn Cote
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INSPIRATIONAL HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Schoolteacher Ellen Thurston never expected to find love in Pepin, Wisconsin. But the moment she discovers a baby boy outside her door, it’s love at first sight. While the townsfolk don’t approve of Ellen as a single mother, what worries her most are her feelings for the handsome farmer who defends her decision to keep the child.
Ellen is far above the reach of a German immigrant like Kurt Lang. Especially one weighted with responsibility. Kurt knows how hard it is to raise a child alone, but he will do whatever it takes to help make Ellen’s dream of a family come true.
What had prompted Mr. Lang, who had been concerned about her desire to keep William since the very night they’d found him, to speak on her behalf?
People moved around her, offering their farewells, and Ellen replied politely. But as she waited for Mr. Lang to come and speak to her, she realized that he had left without a word. A lost feeling filled her that she couldn’t quite explain.
When she was finally alone again, she shut the school door and secured it. Suddenly, fatigue overwhelmed her. She closed her eyes and once again saw Mr. Lang rise to his feet in her defense. Warmth for him welled up within her, but she took herself firmly in hand. Her path had been set.
She had always resolved to pursue an education, not marriage, as most women did. But Holton had somehow made her forget that for a brief time. Now she was herself again. Therefore, she shouldn’t, and wouldn’t, interpret Mr. Lang’s defense of her as anything more than a change of mind expressed by a caring and sympathetic man. Because she would never be foolish over a man again.
Once had proven to be quite enough.
LYN COTE
and her husband, her real-life hero, acquired a new daughter recently when their son married his true love. Lyn already loves her daughter-in-law and enjoys this new adventure in family stretching. Lyn and her husband still live on the lake in the north woods, where they watch a bald eagle and its young soar and swoop overhead throughout the year. She wishes the best to all her readers. You may email Lyn at [email protected] or write her at P.O. Box 864, Woodruff, WI 54548. And drop by her blog, www.strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com, to read stories of strong women in real life and in true-to-life fiction. “Every woman has a story. Share yours.”
The Baby Bequest
Lyn Cote
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
—John 10:10
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
—Ephesians 4:32
To Carol, Nan and Chris, my knitting pals!
And in fond memory of Ellen Hornshuh, a special lady
Contents
Chapter One
Pepin, Wisconsin
August, 1870
Clutching the railing of the riverboat, Miss Ellen Thurston ached as if she’d been beaten. Now she truly understood the word heartbroken. Images of her sister in her pale blue wedding dress insistently flashed through her mind. As if she could wipe them away, she passed a hand over her eyes. The trip north had been both brief and endless.
She forced herself back to the present. She was here to start her new life.
The sunlight glittering on the Mississippi River nearly blinded her. The brim of her stylish hat fell short and she shaded her eyes, scanning the jumble of dusty, rustic buildings, seeking her cousin, Ophelia, and Ophelia’s husband. But only a few strangers had gathered to watch the boat dock. Loneliness nearly choked her. Ophelia, please be here. I need you.
The riverboat men called to each other as the captain guided the boat to the wharf. With a bump, the boat docked and the men began to wrestle thick ropes to harness the boat to the pier.
As she watched the rough ropes being rasped back and forth, she felt the same sensation as she relived her recent struggle. Leaving home had been more difficult than she could have anticipated. But staying had been impossible. Why had she gone against her better judgment and let her heart take a chance?
The black porter who had assisted her during her trip appeared beside her. “Miss, I will see to your trunk and boxes, never fear.”
She smiled at him and offered her hand. “You’ve been so kind. Thank you.”
Looking surprised, he shook