Read Online Wanted: A Family by Janet Dean - Free Book Online

might lead him to the woman who’d discarded him like a broken tool. Then he could finish what he came for—and get out of town. Before he got tied to things he couldn’t have.

Chapter Five
    C allie found Elise in the parlor, her feet propped on a footstool, a ball of yellow yarn spinning with each knit-purl. “How’s your ankle?”
    “Good as new.” Elise raised her needles, her face glowing. “I’m making a blanket for my baby.”
    The joy Callie read in Elise’s face matched her own. Sometimes Callie thought she’d burst with the wonder of her impending motherhood. Still, considering Elise’s circumstances, she might have had a far different attitude.
    She sat beside her and ran a palm over the softness. “It’s going to be beautiful and warm.”
    Elise’s lips curved in a smile. “As soon as I’m finished, I’ll make one for your baby. What color would you like?”
    Precious babies—each one pure as the first dusting of snow. “White. I’d like white.”
    “That’s not as practical as I’d expect from you, but white it shall be.”
    “I’ll use it for church and special occasions. I’ll get the yarn on my next trip to town.”
    “I have enough money to pay for it. It’ll be my gift.” Her eyes flashed. “No arguing.”
    “You win,” Callie said with a grin then sobered. “I’ve been asked to tell you something.”
    Elise laid her needles down, met Callie’s gaze then looked away. “From your expression, I’m not sure I want to hear it.”
    “Hearing what I have to say doesn’t mean you have to agree to anything, but I thought you should know.” She took Elise’s hands. “Sally and Albert Thompson are interested in adopting your baby.”
    Elise sucked in a gulp of air. “They’ve wanted a baby forever.”
    “They have. But what they want isn’t important. You need to make the decision that’s right for you and your baby.”
    “Sally would be a wonderful mother, but— Oh, Callie, I know I’m young and don’t have a way to earn a living, but I want this baby.” She sighed. “Is that selfish?”
    “If it is, then I’m selfish, too. We’re both facing some of the same issues. I’m not sure how I’ll handle all the expenses of raising a child, but with God’s help, I’ll find a way.”
    “Mama said a child means fevers, defiance and turmoil. But hugs and jelly kisses compensate for every worry and sacrifice.” Her eyes glistened. “Taking the bad with the good—that’s love. I love my baby. I can’t let it go.”
    “Then that’s settled.”
    Tears brimmed in Elise’s eyes. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t taken me in, but I won’t live on your charity forever.”
    “I’m sorry for the trouble between you and your father, but I enjoy your company.”
    “I’ve been thinking. Do you think my knitted baby things, shawls, caps and mittens would sell? I want to help with expenses.”
    “What a great idea! You’re a wonderful person, Elise.”
    Elise’s face fell, as if she saw nothing good in herself. A husband would simplify her life. “We’ve never talked about this and I haven’t wanted to pry, but would you consider marrying the baby’s father? Or isn’t that an option?”
    “He’s not from around here.” She withdrew her hands from Callie’s and knotted them in her lap. “Remember the trip I took to North Carolina to see my cousin Carol Ann?”
    “Yes, you were excited about taking the train and getting away from the cold for a couple months.”
    “I met Gaston at a square dance. I fell hard.” She sighed. “I sneaked out of the house to meet him several times. I got caught up in his kisses…one thing led to another.” Her cheeks flushed. “I was devastated when I had to leave him. We corresponded. I lived for those letters…” A sob tore from Elise’s lips and she hung her head. “I was such a fool.”
    Callie laid a hand on Elise’s arm.
    “Once I told Gaston about the baby, he…stopped writing. Aunt