Free Shelter in Seattle by Rhonda Gibson Page B

at Maggie, anxious to know what could possibly prevent Caleb from attending church tomorrow, if he did so every Sunday.
    The older woman shrugged her shoulders. “Well, with you two just being married and all...I thought maybe...” She looked pointedly to the bed.
    Julianne’s embarrassment quickly turned to annoyance. She moved to the cabinet and started putting clean dishes away. She managed to shrug and say offhandedly, “I’m sure we will be going.” Why couldn’t people mind their own business? What would her friend say if she knew they weren’t really man and wife?
    “Where will we be going?” Caleb asked.
    Julianne’s gaze shot to the door. How long had he been standing there? Had he heard Maggie’s comment?
    “I was just asking Julianne if you two were going to services in the morning.” Maggie sat down.
    Caleb’s gaze continued to hold Julianne’s. “We’ll be there.”
    Maggie smiled at them. “Tomorrow is the annual picnic. I love the annual picnic. It’s one of the few days of the year I don’t have to eat my own slop.”
    Julianne pulled her gaze away from Caleb. “What should I bring?” She faced Maggie fully but leaned back against the cabinet, needing the space between them in case Maggie got too personal again. “Lots of food. There will be plenty of loggers and only a few ladies there. Which reminds me, I need to get back to camp and start on my food for tomorrow.” Maggie stood to her feet.
    Caleb stepped to the side of the door to allow her room to pass.
    “I’ll see you two tomorrow.” Maggie waved as she left.
    Julianne followed her to the porch. “Thanks for coming by, Maggie. Please, come again soon.”
    Maggie climbed up on her horse and surprised Julianne by straddling the horse. The older woman gathered the reins in her hands and winked at Julianne. “Thanks, I will.” She turned the horse and galloped out of sight.
    Julianne’s thoughts raced. She had to wash clothes so that she would have a clean dress for tomorrow. There was food that needed to be prepared and she needed a bath.
    Jonathan began to fuss.
    “And, you need to be fed.” She lifted him from the crib and placed a kiss on his cheek. He quickly turned his head to her cheek, his little mouth searching for nourishment. She chuckled and kissed him again.
    Caleb came to stand beside her. “I’ll feed him for you, Julianne.”
    “Thanks but I can do it.” She returned to the kitchen and prepared the baby’s bottle. The rubber nipple smelled bad and no longer fit the bottle correctly.
    “Maybe this will fit better.” Caleb held out a little wooden nipple.
    Julianne jumped at the sound of his voice. He stood so close she could smell the earthy scent of him. Her gaze moved to the small nipple and the large, dark hand that held it out.
    “Thank you.” She took the nipple and fitted it onto the bottle. Julianne examined the tiny hole in the top of it. She turned the full bottle upside down. Small drops of milk landed on her wrist. Not enough to drown the baby but just enough to supply him with the nourishment he needed.
    Caleb touched the top of the crying baby’s head. “What do you think? Will it work?”
    Julianne gave Jonathan the bottle. He sucked it into his mouth and began feeding greedily. A small trickle of milk formed at his little lips.
    “Oh Caleb, this is better than the old nipple.” Her eyes met his, and she smiled.
    A soft grin touched Caleb’s firm lips. Julianne focused on his mouth. They were only inches apart, and she leaned toward him.
    Their lips met. His kiss was slow, thoughtful. It sang through her veins. He smelled of wood chips and lye soap, and she breathed in his essence. Her senses heightened, a wild fluttering started in her stomach. She opened her mouth to catch a much needed breath, and he traced her lips with his tongue. Her heart pounded an erratic rhythm and she felt a small piece of it warm towards her new husband.
    He lifted his head and Julianne withdrew from his