Maggie chuckled, the sound warming him deep inside. “I doubt that, Reverend.”
“No, it truly was a pleasure. I find mules to be rather accurate interpreters of the world around them. Though I admit, the specimen I rode from eastern Ohio to River’s Bend was considerably smaller than these two.”
Maggie stood beside him, looking fragile and tired. “You’re teasing me. You’re much too tall to ride a smaller mule.”
“I admit I wore off many a boot sole dragging my feet along the way. But it made dismounting quite simple.” He lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “I just stood up and the mule walked out from under me.”
Maggie’s laughter was as gentle and pleasing as the moonlight in which they strolled. “How is your father?”
Her expressive face creased with worry. “Not well. Doctor Bittner is staying with him through the night. He doesn’t want to be too far away should he be needed.”
“He is a fine doctor, Maggie.”
“I could tell,” she agreed. “And he is gentle with Papa, for which I am grateful. But I can’t…” Her breath dragged in through her tears. “I can’t pay him,” she whispered. “I don’t know what to do. I’ve nothing but the contents of that wagon,” Maggie glared at the offending contraption. “And we need that to get to Denver. Not that it matters, really. I could sell it all and still not have the money I need.” Maggie wrapped her arms across herself with a shiver.
Kris gently turned her until he could meet her gaze. “You are not to worry about the money. God will provide what you need according to his plan.” Now was the time to tell her about the wagon train. “I need to tell—”
“Maggie?” Martha’s soft call came from the back door.
“I’m here,” Maggie responded. “Does Papa need me?”
“He’s sleeping, little one, as you should be. I only wanted to tell you I’m going now. Matthew is here to walk me home. Rebekah left a lamp burning in the guest room at the top of the main stairs on the right. Please make yourself at home.”
“I will, Martha. Thank you for…” Maggie cleared her throat softly. “For everything.”
“You are welcome, liebschen. Good night, Reverend.”
As Martha disappeared inside, Maggie lifted her skirt hem to climb into the wagon. Kris’s heart thudded hard at the glimpse of stockings above her half boot. Scolding himself, he walked to the rear of the wagon to offer his assistance. She knelt on the rough, wooden floor, sliding things around, straightening up. Obviously, she had not been prepared for it to be moved. Finally, she handed out a small valise and a larger box. He hefted the box to his shoulder and picked up the valise.
“I need to carry that.” She reached for the heavy valise. “But I appreciate your help with the rest.”
“I don’t mind,” Kris objected, but Maggie refused to give up the case, so he motioned for her to lead the way.
“This is all I need for tonight. Papa will want fresh clothes, but I can get those in the morning. Will the rest be all right?”
“It’ll be safe here. I wouldn’t be surprised if Deputy Owens comes past the house a few times tonight, just to make sure all is well.”
As they stepped into the kitchen, Rebekah Bittner was pouring the tea into another pot. “Martha prescribed a cup of tea to settle my stomach. What was in here,” she lifted the pot slightly, “got a bit thick. I’m adding hot water.” Her soft laughter filled the room. “With a lot of honey, it should be drinkable.”
“I’m sorry, I completely forgot about the tea in my hurry to help Jericho with the mules. Maggie, this is Doctor Bittner’s wife. Rebekah, Margaret Flanaghan—Maggie, to her friends.” He set the box he carried on the floor. “I’m sorry we woke you.”
“You didn’t. I’m not sleeping much right now.”
Maggie gently set down her valise. “Is anything wrong?”
“No, I understand this is normal in my condition.”
“Condition?” Kris frowned. “What condition?”
“Oh, how marvelous, Mrs. Bittner.” Maggie clapped her hands. “Congratulations to you both. Or perhaps I should say all three of you.”
“Three?” Kris noticed the slash of pink riding Rebekah’s cheeks. Beneath it she was rather pale. “Oh, of course.” He took Rebekah’s hands in his. “I should have recognized you’re glowing even more than is usual for a new bride.”
Rebekah giggled. “When I feel good enough, I suppose I do glow.”
“All mothers-to-be glow with the knowledge they carry such a marvelous gift from God. Congratulations.”