Free The Widower's Wife by Bice Prudence

tiny daughter, with no thought of soiling her lovely dress and took one of her small hands into her own, placing the other softly on little Lisa’s cheek, his heart confirmed to him again that this woman would be a source of healing and comfort in their home.
     
    The door to the house opened again for the third time. Aunt Betty stepped out, carrying a little blond-headed boy. He was the spitting image of his father, with the exception of his hair color. He was still rubbing the sleep from his eyes when he spotted Dalton. He stretched his arms out toward him and squealed with delight. Aunt Betty walked forward, and, after giving Dalton a knowing look, she nodded her head out toward the meadow questioningly. As Aunt Betty deposited little Brenn into his father’s arms, Jillian saw Dalton slightly nod his head affirmatively. A troubled look crossed Aunt Betty’s face, disappearing as she turned and came toward Jillian, arms outstretched.
    “Ah, here you are at last!” she exclaimed as she gathered Jillian up into her ample arms. “We’ve been expecting you for quite some time now, you know. I was beginning to wonder if you had missed your train.” She pulled Jillian back enough to see her face and to give her a teasing look before gathering her back into her arms for another hug.
    Jillian was glad her face was hidden for a moment so Aunt Betty didn’t see the blush that had come to her cheeks. She wondered what Aunt Betty thought of Dalton’s method of obtaining a wife and mother for his children. Sensing they were close, she assumed that they were in each other’s confidence and was sure that the subject had been discussed at length, probably more than once. Aunt Betty released her and smiled. Despite her teasing, this woman had already made her feel loved by her warm welcome. Jillian knew this woman would be easy to love in return. She felt she would have a friend—perhaps even an ally—in Aunt Betty. Her heart and her mind told her both would come in handy in the very near future.
    “Well, my boy.” Aunt Betty turned back to Dalton. “I suppose you’d best hand that boy back over and go find that stubborn child of yours.” She took Brenn from his arms. Brenn made a sound of protest, but she paid him no mind. “It is gettin’ late. I made up some supper to send home with you.” She glanced back at Jillian and smiled. “Figured you’d be plum tuckered out by the time ya got here, dear, and I reckon you still have your evening chores to do, Dalton.” She motioned Jillian to follow her. “Come on into the house with me, Jillian, and grab the children’s things while I gather up your supper.”
    Jillian obediently followed her into the house, adoring the woman already. Lisa was close at her heels, while Dalton headed in the direction Jenny had disappeared. Their things, along with dinner, were packed in the wagon long before Dalton and Jenny returned. Aunt Betty excused herself to go back inside the house to get their own dinner finished up. Her husband, Ned, had made an afternoon trip into town and would be returning home shortly.
    Rather than wait in the wagon, Jillian sat down on the porch. Little Brenn was sleepy again and rested his head against her right shoulder as she patted his back. Lisa had taken the opportunity to snuggle up under her left arm. She began humming a soft melody she remembered hearing somewhere. Her arms felt full and warmed by the tender souls tucked safely there. She smiled peacefully to herself.

     
    Dalton came around the corner of the house, dragging a reluctant Jenny behind him. All at once, he came to an abrupt halt.
    Jillian sat on the front porch steps with his two youngest children. Brenn was sleeping soundly on one shoulder, while Lisa was nodding off, snuggled under her other arm. The feeling of déjà vu came over him. How much more could his heart take? In a flood of emotions, he was taken back in time once again.

     
    “Dalton!” Laurellyn came running out