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gave Alice a look that suggested being a mother might well be yet another mistaken assumption. Alice refused to let Marty’s worries control the moment, however. “When we get back to the orphanage I will make you some hot tea.”
    Marty smiled. “Or I will make you a cup. We are equals now—sisters really. No longer employee and employer.”
    Alice smiled. “Sisters? I like that idea. I’ve always wanted a sister.”

    That evening, Marty sat watching flames dance in the bedroom hearth. She absentmindedly placed her hand over her stomach and pondered the possibilities. Would God allow her to carry this child to term? She was already further along than the previous times.
    She thought of Jake and wondered if he would be happy at the news. No doubt he would be delighted. He had once mentioned wanting children. It was strange how their marriage had come about from a simple newspaper advertisement, but now it was more precious to Marty than she could have ever imagined.
    We were only going to be good friends, she remembered. Companions who would ease the loneliness of having lost their spouses. Companions who would say and do all the proper things expected of them by society.
    Marty remembered the snubbing she’d received by the Kountzes earlier in the day. It wasn’t the first. There had been several occasions when she’d been downtown and her former so-called friends had turned away as if ashamed. Marty was not from a famous family or a well-moneyed background. Her Texas family was better off than many, but only because they had worked long and hard at ranching.
    Thoughts of Hannah and Will came to mind. She knew she owed her sister a letter. Hannah had written the week before to beg Marty to come back to Texas. Marty had told her of Jake’s decision to head to Texas for work while she remained behind in Denver with Alice. Hannah didn’t like the idea and thought it much too dangerous. She even said that Will had a position for Jake and that Marty should tell him right away.
    “But I can’t tell him if I don’t know how to reach him.”
    It was over a month since he’d gone and still she had no word. Perhaps he had been killed or wounded. Maybe he had given up on Marty and simply disappeared.
    “And if he has, what will I do then?” she whispered to no one.
    The thought of being alone—truly alone—frightened her. Here at the orphanage in the company of so many, Marty was too busy to feel lonely. But what would happen when she began showing? Would people assume a dalliance with Mr. Brentwood? Even Alice thought there were feelings on his part, though Marty was certain she was wrong. Still, two women living at the orphanage with a widower was hardly the best of circumstances.
    Time was slipping away, and Marty knew it wouldn’t be long before she would be forced to make a decision. Why did these things have to be so hard? Why did she always have to face the worst of it alone?
    But you aren’t alone . The whispered words fell across her heart like balm.
    She smiled and drew in a long deep breath. “No, I’m not alone. I have the Lord. I have Alice.” She gently rubbed her stomach. “And for now . . . I have you.”

Chapter 6
    Robert Barnett always enjoyed the ride over Fort Worth way. Today was no exception. The weather was beautiful and the humidity low. He preferred Fort Worth to Dallas, even though the ride was longer. Fort Worth was like wearing a pair of comfortable boots and old jeans, while Dallas felt more like donning your Sunday best. It was all a matter of preference, he supposed. As Robert recalled, his younger sisters preferred Dallas.
    “Looks to be a good turnout for the sale,” his father said, interrupting Robert’s thoughts.
    Robert had also noticed the swelling crowd. “You gonna buy some of those Aberdeen Angus this time around?”
    “I’d sure like to. I’ve heard great things about them. They’re a hardy bunch, and the calves are thicker, heavier at weaning time. Seems we