Read Shelter in Seattle for Free Online Page B

sure she had bolted the door. It was sneaky and sweet at the same time. Her heart warmed towards her new husband.
    In a matter of minutes, she was sound asleep.
    Jonathan woke her up several hours later. Julianne quickly replaced his wet diaper and fed him. Then, she ate a pancake from the night before. Next, she prepared a pot of stew and placed it on the stove to cook.
    She straightened the little cabin and put Jonathan down for a nap. Her gaze moved to the room upstairs. Should she go up and clean it?
    Julianne made sure the front door was bolted, and then climbed the stairs. A bed took up most of the floor. She noted it hadn’t been made, and wondered if she should make it. But if she did, he would know she had been in his room, and she wasn’t sure she wanted him to know she’d been snooping.
    The sound of knocking made her decision for her. Julianne raced down the stairs as fast as her feet would let her without slipping. She raced to the door and demanded.
    “Who’s there?”
    “Maggie.”
    Julianne unbolted the door. “Come on in.” She pulled the door open to its fullest.
    Maggie dragged a big bag across the threshold. “It’s about time you opened that door. A woman could die of heat stroke while you dallied around in here.”
    “I’m sorry. I was cleaning and didn’t hear you. Besides, it’s not hot out there.”
     Maggie dropped into a chair. “No but it was a nice trip to make on a sunny day. I’m parched.”
    Julianne shut the door and turned to face her visitor. “What’s in the bag?” Julianne pushed her hair out of her eyes.
    “A couple of the men sent their laundry for you to do. You still want to take in laundry, don’t you?”
    Julianne dipped out a cup of cool well water and gave it to Maggie. “Of course I do, but I’d rather we not tell Caleb just yet.”
    She watched Maggie tip the dipper and drink its contents before handing it back to her. “Why in the world would you want keep it a secret from Caleb?”
    “Well, he’s a proud man, and I feel really bad that he had to pay Sloan the money for my passage. I want to earn the money back and that way we will have it as a nest egg.”
    Julianne accepted the dipper from Maggie. “Would you like more?”
    Maggie waved the offer away. “Naw, I still don’t understand what difference it would make if you told Caleb you’re doing laundry for the men.”
    Julianne studied the creases between Maggie’s eyes. The woman really didn’t understand. “Maggie, if you had a husband, how do you think he would feel if he knew you were cooking for over fifty men a day, three times a day for money.”
    She watched as understanding dawned on Maggie. “Are you saying it’s an issue of pride?”
    Julianne nodded. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. After I make enough money to replace what he paid, I’ll tell him what I’m doing. Then, if he doesn’t want me to continue working, I’ll quit.”
    Maggie slapped the table and laughed. “Okay gal, I’ll help you. As far as those mule heads in camp know, I’m doing their laundry and none will be the wiser.” She stood to go.
    “Thanks Maggie.” Julianne hugged her new friend close. “I promise I’ll let Caleb in on our little secret as soon as I can.”
    The older woman seemed uncomfortable with the hug, but didn’t push her away. “Just be sure that you do. I don’t like deceiving, Caleb. He’s a good man.”
    ****
    Hours later, Caleb wondered what he’d find when he returned home. Would his new wife cower from him? Lord, please let her learn not to fear me.
    He opened the door a crack. “Is that beef stew I smell?” A quick glance took in the spotless cabin and Julianne standing at the stove with a big ladle in one hand and Jonathan cradled in her other arm.
    “It’s about ready. Have you washed up?” Julianne stirred the contents of the big pot.
    “Sure did. Here let me take this little fellow off your hands.” Caleb walked across the room and took the baby. He sat