The Hand-Me-Down Family by Winnie Griggs Page A

one had to admire a man who was willing to take his perceived responsibilities so much to heart.
    Callie turned away from the door with a tired sigh.
    So much had happened today. It had begun with her looking forward to starting life as a wife and a mother, and ended with the discovery that she was a widow who wouldhave to fight to maintain her claim on her stepchild. What a welcome to Texas. Her father would—
    Oh, no! She raised a hand to her mouth and spun around to face her hostess.
    â€œMy goodness, dear, you look as if you just burned Sunday dinner and the preacher’s at the door. Whatever is it?”
    â€œI promised my family I’d send a telegraph when I arrived so they would know I was safe. It slipped my mind until just now.” She grimaced. “I hate to impose, but would you have a piece of paper and a pen I could use?” Silly of her to feel this sense of urgency since she wouldn’t be able to send the telegram until tomorrow. But doing this would provide a small bit of normalcy to a day that had spun out of control.
    A few minutes later, Callie sat at a small desk tucked in the parlor. She dipped the pen in the inkwell, then paused.
    What would she say? How much should she say?
    Her family worried about her so. No good would be served by adding to their concerns. After all, she had confidence that God would see her through this.
    But she couldn’t lie to them.
    Best to keep it short and non-committal for the moment. Nodding to herself, she quickly jotted down three sentences.
    Have arrived safely in Sweetgum. Already made new friends who have welcomed me warmly. Will send a letter with further news soon .
    As she set the pen down, Callie’s thoughts turned to resuming her battle of wits with Jackson Garret Tyler in the morning.
    Surprisingly, her feeling about this was not dread—but anticipation.

Chapter Seven
    J ack clicked his tongue, encouraging the horse to pick up the pace as the sun edged lower on the horizon. Not that he needed daylight to find his way. Even after eleven years, the road was as familiar to him as his own face.
    He’d already made a quick stop at Virgil’s place to let him know he wouldn’t need to worry about handling the chores at the Tyler farm any longer. Luckily he’d caught Virgil out in the barn so he hadn’t had to spend time on pleasantries with his friend’s family. There’d be time enough for neighborly visits in the days to come.
    Jack didn’t really consider himself a sentimental man, so the little kick of expectation that hit him when he turned the buggy onto the familiar drive surprised him.
    As soon as the house came into full view, he tugged on the reins, halting the horse and buggy. The sight that greeted him was at once soul-deep familiar and strangely foreign.
    The same two-story gabled structure sat on the lawn like a fat hen guarding her nest.
    The same large oak tree spread its made-for-climbing branches over the left side of the lawn.
    The same red barn pointed its cupola to the sky.
    But Lanny and Julia, not to mention Father Time, had made noticeable changes. There was now a roomy swing on one end of the wraparound front porch. The oak tree was several feet taller and its branches shaded a much larger patch of ground than Jack remembered. And the gray-and-black speckled dog that came bounding from behind the barn was nothing like ole Clem.
    With another flick of the reins, Jack directed the horse around the house and into the barn.
    There were several changes in here as well. The old buggy had been replaced with a roomier one and it seemed Lanny had invested in some interesting-looking tools and equipment. It might be worth his while to do a little exploring in here when he had some time.
    But for now he had to take care of bedding down the animals while there was still light enough to see by. He gave the energetic dog a bit of attention, then unhitched the horse and patted the animal as it